If you are looking for a compact piece of luggage for short trips, you can’t go wrong with one of the best rolling duffel bags to swap out your backpack. Rolling duffel bags are easy to carry and are lightweight. A rolling duffel bag provides comfort flexibility when traveling without losing the opportunity to carry all the travel equipment you need for your journey. Rolling duffel bags are able to hold a bunch of things so they won’t appear too flat or too formal.
However, there is such a vast range of duffel bags on the market that deciding which bags are the ones to purchase is incredibly difficult. They are also leather duffel bags and waterproof duffel bags. Often, it gets much more complicated when you buy online as what happens in pictures may not look as amazing until it’s actually shipped. To help you out on your purchase, here is our selection of the 10 best rolling duffel bags, all of which are constructed of high-quality fabrics, simple to use, and long-lasting enough for a one-time purchase.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 10 hrs of research
Olympia 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag – Best Value
Why is it better?
- Huge zip opening for packing
- Lots of great outer pockets
- It has some reinforcement at the side/bottom for standing up on its own
- It has big straight sides (as opposed to the trapezoidal shape of most duffels)
Timberland Wheeled Duffle Bag – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Zipper in front for easy access
- The interior of this luggage is divided down the middle at the zip
- The various smaller zippered areas both inside and out make it easy to tuck away smaller items
- The handle and wheels tolerated cobble stones, packed dirt and asphalt surfaces
Best Rolling Duffel Bags – Overview
Hard case luggage may be fantastic for some travelers but most of us prefer a rolling duffel bag due to its portability. Throw it over your shoulder, or wheel it behind you when it’s filled to capacity. Even if the overhead bin is small, you’ll have a simpler time with a soft-sided duffel bag. With that, here are some of our favorite rolling duffel bags, either for a short weekend getaway, a lengthy road trip, or as your travel carry-on luggage.
Rolling Duffel Bags Reviews
1. Osprey Rolling Transporter 90 Duffel Bag
Traveling can be tough on luggage, and that’s exactly what the Osprey Rolling Transporter 90 Duffel Bag is designed for. The Transporter 90L’s HighRoad Chassis features a sturdy, lightweight aluminum frame with an extendable handle and oversized wheels to keep you rolling smoothly. Overlapping rainflap zippers protect contents from weather, and multiple handles provide easy loading.
Six additional lash points ensure secure transport. Wide easy to pack side-opening main access and weather-resistant double-flapped #10 YKK zippers with lockable sliders. Tuckaway tow strap allows multiple bags to be strapped together in a train for easier rolling. There is also a mesh-obscured ID window on the end panel.
Key Features:
- Wide easy to pack side-opening main access
- YKK zippers with lockable sliders main access
- Two large internal zippered mesh pockets help organize contents
- Five padded tubular web grab handles
- Two internal compression straps
Specifications:
- Brand: Osprey
- Capacity: 90L
- Dimensions: 31.5″ H x 17.3″ W x 13.8″ D
- Weight: 7.8 lbs
- Very well made and can take abuse
- The rollers work well and the handle is pretty diesel
- The strap that allows you to connect a small carryon or laptop case
- The shell provided protection against the environment
- Does not have a lot of organization
2. Olympia 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag – Best Value
The Olympia 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag is constructed of supreme “Protecflon” polyester With 1200 D. polyester. Features 8 convenient pockets for maximum packing versatility and makes a perfect carry-on size weekend getaway bag or school duffle. It also has a U-shape top opening system for easy access to the spacious main compartment.
Locking Push-button retractable handle allows easy maneuver and its hide-away zipper pocket allows secured travel when needs to be checked in. Reinforced recessed metal ball bearing in-line skate wheels for maximum travel mileage. Make sure you also check our selection of the best travel backpacks with wheels.
Key Features:
- Made of 1200 D. Polyester
- Recessed in-line skate metal ball bearing wheel system and hideaway pull handle
- U-shape top opening system
- Self-repairing excel zippers and 8 convenient pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: Olympia
- Dimensions: 22″ H x 12″ W x 12″ D
- Weight: 5.1 lbs
- Huge zip opening for packing
- Lots of great outer pockets
- It has some reinforcement at the side/bottom for standing up on its own
- It has big straight sides (as opposed to the trapezoidal shape of most duffels)
- The trolley is not the highest quality
3. Eagle Creek No Matter What Flashpoint Travel Rolling Duffel Bag
Bi-Tech fabric makes this Eagle Creek No Matter What Flashpoint Travel Rolling Duffel Bag abrasion-resistant and weatherproof, with a protective storm flap to shield gear in tough conditions. Tough webbing and strategic seam reinforcement in high-stress areas with versatile carry options give this bag a high strength to weight ratio. For your security and peace of mind, exterior zippers are lockable.
This wheeled duffel has oversized, heavy-duty, treaded wheels in a protective wheel housing and a durable kick plate for smooth mobility and maximum durability. When storing this duffel, just roll and stash, wheels and all, in stuff pouch. When you’re not using it, this extra-large bag compresses so you don’t have to worry about it. Adjustable and removable shoulder straps, a non-slip center haul handle, and side grab handle ensure you can tackle any adventure.
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty, treaded wheels
- Stuff pouch collapsible
- Bi-tech abrasion-resistant fabric
- Storm flap protected
Specifications:
- Brand: Eagle Creek
- Capacity: 133L
- Dimensions: 30″ H x 15″ W x 14″ D
- Weight: 3 lbs
- The duffel not having a rigid bottom makes this bag great when you get to where you are going because it folds up nice and small
- It’s capacity for carrying is tremendous
- Zippers have great pulls that are easy to grab and use
- It has a strong webbing type handle
- It’s not the most agile and easy thing to roll – because it’s soft, things flop and float around and it often twists upside down and gets stuck
4. AmazonBasics Ripstop Rolling Wheeled Duffel Bag
Both reliable and affordable, the AmazonBasics Ripstop Rolling Wheeled Duffel Bag makes a great choice for anything from business trips and weekend getaways to international travel. A great alternative to rolling backpacks and hand-carried luggage, the wheeled duffel offers a compact size yet accommodates a fairly large load—perfect for all those must-have essentials and more.
The ripstop wheeled duffel features multiple zippered front and main compartments, which make it easy to keep stored items neatly organized, securely packed, and simple to find. The duffel’s exterior pockets come in handy for slipping in last-minute items with ease or for quickly accessing frequently used items. For smooth mobility, the duffel features in-line wheels and an upright, telescopic handle
Key Features:
- 100% polyester top
- Multiple zippered front and main compartments
- Upright, telescopic handle
- In-line wheels
Specifications:
- Brand: AmazonBasics
- Capacity: 137L
- Dimensions: 37.5″ H x 18.25″ W x 16″ D
- Weight: 12.1 lbs
- For packing and unloading the bag opens in a clamshell fashion
- For quick access to only the top section it opens from the top
- There are well placed handles and installed straps to augment the zippers for security
- There are several pockets for storage
- The zipper dividing the large compartment has a pull on only one side
5. High Sierra Ultimate Access 2.0 36-Inch Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel
The High Sierra Ultimate Access 2.0 36-Inch Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel is an ideal wheeled duffel bag. It’s two bags in one. Use it as a wheeled duffel or wear it like a backpack. It is designed to travel on both smooth and rough terrain. This wheeled duffel bag hides a pair of padded shoulder straps behind its zippered padded bottom panel. You can easily convert the bag into a backpack when the situation calls for it. Then, put the shoulder straps back in place when not in use.
The main compartment has a U-shaped opening for easy access. It has a zippered, front accessory pocket to store valuable items. Two zippered, top-loading pockets on both ends provide additional storage space. These helpful features make the backpack an excellent men’s wheeled duffel bag. It also has a recessed, telescoping handle system providing easy maneuverability to the bag. The retractable handle stores neatly inside when not in use. Adjustable exterior compression straps help compress and secure gear.
Key Features:
- Padded shoulder straps
- Zippered divider panel between the top and bottom compartments
- U-shaped opening for easy access
- Smooth-rolling skate-style wheels
Specifications:
- Brand: High Sierra
- Capacity: 108L
- Dimensions: 36″ H x 17.5″ W x 14.5″ D
- Weight: 9.45 lbs
- The bag is pretty light but made of heavy, sturdy material
- The bag stores almost flat, which is great
- Zippers feel strong
- The wheel end is reinforced and has a plastic handle/stand
- Bottom end pouch is not easily accessible when wheeling the bag
6. Timberland Wheeled Duffle Bag – Premium Pick
The interior of the Timberland Wheeled Duffle Bag is fully lined with two valet straps that keep your items secure and in place. The top pocket feature a large mesh pocket with a double zipper. A secret zipper pocket has been added to keep your sensitive travel documents safe. This rolling duffle bag features two in-line skating wheels making the glide smooth and easy. The wheels are protected from breaking thanks to the bottom rubber shock-absorbers.
This twin mountain travel bag features two front zipper pockets and two adjustable straps to secure your items. The interior of the bag is fully lined with valet straps. The top compartment features a mesh zipper pocket to store your toiletries or shoes. A secret zipper pocket has been added.
Key Features:
- In-line two smooth-rolling wheels
- One push-button telescopic handle
- Interior main compartment is fully lined
- One large mesh zipper for a quick access
Specifications:
- Brand: Timberland
- Dimensions: 22″ H x 9″ W x 12.5″ D
- Weight: 7.7 lbs
- Zipper in front for easy access
- The interior of this luggage is divided down the middle at the zip
- The various smaller zippered areas both inside and out make it easy to tuck away smaller items
- The handle and wheels tolerated cobble stones, packed dirt and asphalt surfaces
- Being tall and skinny, a little bump or skip will cause this bag to wobble or even fall will rolling
7. Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Convertible Wheeled Duffel Bag
This Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Convertible Wheeled Duffel Bag is going to take you absolutely wherever you need to go! Let it last you a lifetime! Constructed from sturdy, water-resistant Bi-Tech® nylon material. Versatile carry options allow you to carry the duffel by hand using the haul handles, over your shoulder using the adjustable and padded shoulder strap or using the removable backpack straps.
Other features include an additional top handle for pulling this duffel anywhere you go. Lockable zipper compartments with storm flaps. Top external compression straps secure and stabilizes the interior load during transport. Heavy-duty lash points to attach onto roof racks. The main compartment opens wide to give you hassle-free packing and unpacking of larger items. Packable into its front-end zippered compartment. Ultra-tough dual wheels can take you anywhere.
Key Features:
- 4-way carrying options
- Padded top haul handles
- U-shaped zipper opening
- Padded foam bottom
Specifications:
- Brand: Eagle Creek
- Capacity: 130L
- Dimensions: 34″ H x 13.75″ W x 15″ D
- Weight: 4.43 lbs
- Very lightweight
- Great zipper and pocket design
- Plenty of grab handles
- It’s equipped with durable, oversized, treaded wheels
- Because it has no rigid back – just a small rigid piece at the bottom where the wheels are mounted – it probably wouldn’t roll well if you don’t pack it fairly full
8. Dakine – Unisex Split Roller Duffel Bag
If you’re searching for the ultimate stylish rolling luggage travel bag, you’ll find it with the Split Roller. The Dakine – Unisex Split Roller Duffel Bag uniquely infuses durability, functionality, and style. Available in two sizes and multiple design and color patterns, the Split Roller travel bag allows you to pack everything you need for an extended trip and keep it organized. It is easy to use, incredibly stylish, made from high-grade materials, professionally assembled, and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
The Split-WingCollapsible Brace (patent pending) provides great stability and folds flat for storage. The split design of the individual top and bottom compartments allows for easy access and detailed organization. In fact, the interior compartment allows you to separate dirty clothes or ski/snowboard boots from clean clothing. The ease of rolling is enhanced thanks to strong yet replaceable urethane wheels. Additionally, this travel bag is simple to pull because of its reinforced and retractable handle.
Key Features:
- Split level design allows for easy access and organization
- Split-wing collapsible brace
- Interior compartment
- Lockable YKK main zippers
Specifications:
- Brand: Dakine
- Capacity: 110L
- Dimensions: 32″ H x 17″ W x 13″ D
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Wheels roll smoothly (even whilst stuffed full of bunch of heavy crap)
- The handle is sturdy and the perfect height
- There’s extra straps to ensure it stays closed
- Nice pockets inside & out to keep all your junk organized
- When it’s packed it doesn’t stand upright without tipping forward
9. Samsonite Luggage 22 Inch Andante Wheeled Duffel
This bag boasts added features for convenience, while continuing to provide maximum durability for the toughest travel. Pack your clothes and shoes inside this rolling Samsonite duffel bag for a multi-day journey. Crafted from water-resistant dobby poly, the Samsonite Luggage 22 Inch Andante Wheeled Duffel features a well-constructed build featuring a telescopic pull handle, smooth-rolling wheels, and long-lasting corner shields.
Multiple exterior grab handles enable easy handling of multiple carrying options from a variety of points. The large opening in the U-shaped form makes it a breeze to pack and find belongings. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best Samsonite luggage.
Key Features:
- Lightweight design
- Large u-shaped opening for easy access to contents
- Smooth-rolling wheels with locking upright handle for easy mobility
- Multiple organization pockets
- Comfortable carry handles
Specifications:
- Brand: Samsonite
- Dimensions: 22″ H x 12″ W x 12.5″ D
- Weight: 6.39 lbs
- It fits into the overhead bin on an airplane
- The handle is great and easy to close and zipped so its not visible
- Perfect choice for for car travel, hotel, camping etc.
- Surrounding where is the wheels are hard material so its ok
- Does not stand on its own
10. Travelpro Bold-Drop Bottom Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag
The Travelpro Bold-Drop Bottom Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag is part of the Travelpro BOLD™ Collection. Perfect for the jet-set adventurer, the BOLD by Travelpro 30″ Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel. Made with rugged high-density polyester fabric with water repellent coating. Drop-bottom provides a separate compartment or opens to one large packing space.
Two side pockets to separate clothing, shoes, or accessories. Two interior wallet credit card slots. Front zip pocket for quick-access items such as phones, cords, and snacks. Compression straps adjust to the size of your load. Retractable, telescoping handle. Ball-bearing wheels create a smooth ride on any surface.
Key Features:
- Drop bottom is made of rugged, high-density polyester fabric
- Reinforced wheel housings
- Strong, telescoping Aircraft-grade aluminum handle
- Interior mesh pocket is built into the lid
Specifications:
- Brand: Travelpro
- Dimensions: 30″ H x 15″ W x 16″ D
- Weight: 10.9 lbs
- The top/bottom compartments are easy to access
- The expansion option is key
- Easy to roll, and folds up fairly small for storage
- Handles on almost every side makes it easy to lift
- Way too big to carry on a plane, but solid construction makes it likely to survive unscathed as checked baggage
Buying Guide
Wheels
Looking for wheeled duffle bags may almost sound like you’re searching for a car! When it comes to wheels, there’s a lot of information out there, but that’s for good reason – they’re the main reason you’re buying this particular bag! You will certainly be doing some work on which sort of wheel is better for your particular needs. The finer and sturdier the handle, the higher the quality the bag commands. Generally speaking, bags with ball-bearing wheels are the most costly because they are the most robust and long-lasting.
Materials
The material used for making matters for the bag’s exterior. Often, it’s made of a simple canvas, often it’s made of other different cloth types like nylon or polyester. You should pick one that is sturdy enough to endure any abuse from treating luggage or the environment. Some bags are even water-resistant, this is a real extra feature that helps you use it for outdoor and sports activities.
Size
Rolling duffel bags will vary from small carry-ons to large carry-ons. Remember, the purpose of getting rolling duffel bags is to make you just roll the bag when you should, and hold it when you can. Choose the best size that suits all of your needs but is also compact enough to enable you to carry it when needed.
Organization & Packing
What sort of travel do you most frequently embark on? These various types of trips require very different types of organization and packing, which is why it’s a good idea to think about how you’re going to use the bag and what you’re going to need to pack. If you think you’re going to need a ton of things for a longer journey, you’re going to want to buy a rolling duffle bag with a wide capacity and even dedicated pockets and compartments that allow you to conveniently separate your various things.
Price
The price of those bags varies. The cheapest models are usually smaller in size, so without many features, most of them will have the basic functionality only. The more expensive will have qualities such as a water-resistant surface, and a large volume of storage, and a lot of organization. When it comes to a rolling duffel bag, it’s not advisable to be really particular with prices so you can get a pretty good deal even though your budget is small. Put your attention on issues like the functionality, size, average review score, and what other users have to tell about it instead of getting too concentrated on the quality.
Frequently Ask Questions
Can wheeled duffle bags transport laptops safely?
A few people may feel that wheeled duffle bags are not ideal for electronic items but this is not the case. If you choose a bag which has the necessary compartments, it will carry your goods safely. Many bags also provide tightening straps that hold your belongings in place. Having said that, these types of bags normally go into the hold, meaning that people typically tend to have their mobile devices in their handheld luggage with them.
Are wheeled duffel bags better than regular duffel bags?
Duffle bags are good as they can carry a large variety of items securely while making them easy to reach and pack. Wheeled duffle bags may be more fitting when you’re traveling long distances and don’t want to bring a bag. Similarly, a regular duffle bag is more fitting if you’re only going to fly short distances and you can hold it easily.
Are there wheeled duffle bags that fit in overhead compartments?
While certain alternatives may be present on the market, they are usually uncommon provided that the handle system and wheels can take up space. That means the space inside the hand luggage will be limited further and that will be very useless! Usually, it is advised to go with wheeled alternatives when you have a large number of things to carry for you. Otherwise, the bag should be small and should not need wheels to assist with transportation.
Can I bring a backpack and a duffel bag on a plane?
Yes, a backpack is considered a personal item provided it’s smaller than your duffel bag and it should fit below your sit on the plain. Another option is to get an underseat luggage instead of a backpack.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best rolling duffel bags as well as our guide on features to look for in a rolling duffel bag. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.