Bag That Can Be Used to Roll Around Records

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

John Dowland/ Getty Images

It's not easy picking out the perfect travel bag—it seems there are about as many options as there are destinations in the world. For some, a hard-sided suitcase tick all of the boxes, especially if checking a bag is non-negotiable. For others, the flexibility of having a piece of luggage with wheels and the ability to check or carry on is key. Duffel bags have come a long way since the soft-sided, cylindrical swaths of canvas that used to dominate the market. Today, you can find duffel bags with laptop pockets, hard-sided backs, compression systems, extendable handles, and wheels. We're going to focus on the last thing on that list. A good set of wheels can make navigating TSA lines, sprinting toward closing gates, and finding your way to the taxi line so much easier.

Ahead, you'll find our best rolling duffel picks for a variety of budgets and styles. They've all been researched extensively for durability, usability, packing space, and more.

The Rundown

It's one of the brand's most beloved pieces of luggage, and for good reason.

With a top-loading design and compression straps, this bag has a few bells and whistles you won't find on similarly priced options.

It has a 120-liter capacity, yet it weighs only 4 pounds.

One of the best features is the built-in rail guards that help protect against all of the bumps and bruises of travel.

This Briggs & Riley rolling duffel is great for many reasons, but one of our favorites is the outsider handle design.

This bag features a sporty silhouette and color options including camo, electric blue, gold, and more.

With the material as supple as it is, this is a bag that's going to age beautifully.

Great organization in a bag that will fit within most domestic and international carry-on restrictions.

It's great for sporty or adventurous types who want a bag that can hold gear.

What We Like

• Waterproof

• Durable

• Tons of packing space

What We Don't Like

• Can be tough to lock

Patagonia's Black Hole Wheeled Duffel is one of the brand's most well-loved pieces of luggage, and for good reason: Made of ripstop polyester, it's built to last without being too rugged, it has wheels that can even glide over cobblestones, and it's coated with a water-repellent finish to keep your valuables dry. Thanks to its durability, the bag is especially great for longer trips if you're not the type to carry a backpack. Plus, it has interior zip pockets and an internal compression system to keep your clothes and gear in place when traveling. If the bag gets a little dusty, it's also super-easy to spot clean with a damp cloth. The duffel bag is also backed by the company's Ironclad Guarantee, which even includes repairs due to wear and tear for a reasonable charge—meaning you'll have this bag for years, if not decades, to come. Now that's an investment piece.

Dimensions: 31.5 x 19.5 x 14.5 inches | Capacity: 100 liters | Weight: 4 pounds, 4 ounces

What We Like

• Ample packing space

What We Don't Like

• Material isn't super durable

Compared to other rolling duffels, this design from Rockland comes in at a fraction of the price. With a top-loading design and compression straps, this bag has a few bells and whistles you won't find on similarly priced options. Two front zipper pockets make it easy to access mid-flight essentials if you decide to carry it on (yes, if not packed to the brim, this will fit some airlines' carry-on sizing requirements). The inline wheels don't provide 360-degree movement, but they are sturdy. The bag is made of a ​​hefty 600 denier polyester, but you'll still want to keep it clear of sharp corners.

Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 12 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 5.69 pounds

What We Like

• Easy to store

• Lifetime guarantee

What We Don't Like

• Not the most durable design

With a 120-liter capacity yet weighing only 4 pounds, this bag is nothing short of a wonder. There are four different ways to carry the pack, including using its spinner wheels or comfortable backpack straps, though you can also affix the bag to the top of your car with the built-in lash points. When it's not in use, the bag doesn't take up too much space, either: You can just roll it up and store it in the zipper compartment built into the bag (including the wheels). Plus, it's backed by Eagle Creek's legendary guarantee, so if something goes wrong, the company has you covered with bag replacements or repairs.

Dimensions: 34 x 13.75 x 15 inches | Capacity: 120 liters | Weight: 4 pounds, 7 ounces

What We Like

• Weatherproof

• Durable

• Beautiful design

What We Don't Like

• Confusing strap system

The Rolling Hauler from Marmot comes in three sizes, but the large 110-liter design will pack enough to get you through a full week. One of the best features is the built-in rail guards that help protect your bag (and belongings) from all of the bumps and bruises of travel. A set of internal and external compression straps will help you pack as many things as possible in the interior, as well. Another feature to applaud: a rain flap placed over the exterior pocket, which will help keep moisture far from your valuables.

Dimensions: 30 x 14.4 x 17.7 inches | Capacity: 110 liters | Weight: 9 pounds, 5 ounces

What We Like

• Lifetime guarantee

• Outsider handle

• CX expansion technology

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

This Briggs & Riley rolling duffel is great for many reasons, but one of our favorites is the outsider handle design. By creating a bag where the extendable handle doesn't sink into the interior space of the bag, you're rewarded with completely flat packing space. The exterior of this duffel looks sleek—truly, you can't get much further from the classic duffel bag image with this option—and the technology built into it makes it well worth the investment. Briggs & Riley is known for their expansion technology: a mechanism that allows the traveler to expand the packing space by 33 percent in seconds. This softside rolling duffel also pays attention to the small details, like a plastic stopper on the front end of the bag to help keep it from tipping over.

Dimensions: 27.01 x 14.02 x 16.5 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 9.7 pounds

What We Like

• Can be used as a carry-on

• Lots of pockets

• Durable

What We Don't Like

• Not a ton of packing space

If you're not into the look of typical rolling duffel bags, The North Face's Rolling Thunder bag is a stylish yet reliable option. The carry-on bag, which will fit within most domestic and international sizing restrictions, features a sporty silhouette and color options including camo, electric blue, gold, and more. There are also two external zippered compartments so you can easily keep your passport and devices at hand. It's made from the company's Base Camp material and reinforced with nylon for a strong, durable finish.

Dimensions: 14 x 22 x 8.5 inches | Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 7 pounds, 5.5 ounces

What We Like

• Luxe material

• Lots of storage

What We Don't Like

• Not the sturdiest handle

Rugged leather duffels get a modern upgrade with this luxe David King & Co. bag. Made of full-grain vacquetta cowhide leather, the value of this bag is exceptional: It's embellished with sleek metal hardware, and with the material as supple as it is, this is a bag that's going to age beautifully. Design is kept pretty minimal for this model with no interior pockets, but there are plenty of exterior pockets for holding cosmetics cases and devices. At 22 x 11.5 x 11 inches, the bag is ideal for domestic trips. And you can rest assured that this investment piece is built to withstand years of use.

Dimensions: 11 x 11.5 x 22 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 6 pounds, 6.5 ounces

What We Like

• Lots of packing space

• In-bag organization

• Great color options

What We Don't Like

• Not super flexible in shape

Those who want a timeless rolling duffel should look no further than Bric's model, which delivers a durable bag at an extremely reasonable price. At 21 x 12.5 x 9.8 inches, the bag will fit within most domestic and international carry-on restrictions, and the strong, polyamide material and waterproofing will keep your clothes protected. Inside, there's a zip pocket that separates clothes and tie-down straps to keep things from shifting in transit, and there's a handy zipper on the exterior of the bag for easy access to wallets, passports, and other essentials. While they're not spinner wheels, inline skate wheels do mean that the duffel glides seamlessly over surfaces. There's also an elegant range of shades to choose from, including violet, navy, black, and olive green, and accents like cognac leather handles and zipper pulls give the duffel an understated polish.

Dimensions: 21.65 x 10.24 x 12.8 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 6 pounds, 6 ounces

What We Like

• Durable wheels

• Lots of fabric handles

What We Don't Like

• Flimsy handle design

Larger, checked rolling duffels can be especially useful: You get all the convenience of your usual checked luggage, the durability of a bag that's meant to withstand wear and tear, and the flexibility of soft sides. This Eagle Creek rolling duffel is great for sporty or adventurous types who also want a bag that can hold outdoor gear. There's a bungee on the top for a helmet, jacket, or other equipment, and there's a second huge compartment in the duffel for gear. The colors are bright and vibrant, with options like arctic blue. And, Eagle Creek's products come backed by the company's comprehensive, lifetime No Matter What guarantee.

Dimensions: 14 x 22 x 9 inches | Capacity: 42 liters | Weight: 5 pounds, 3 ounces

Final Verdict

For a rolling duffel bag that can withstand the uncertain environments of travel, go with the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag (view at Backcountry). The bag is sturdy and won't go down with a few drops or bumps. If you don't mind checking a bag, the Marmot Rolling Hauler Large 110L Bag (view at Backcountry) is a sleek option with nice weatherproof design elements.

What to Look For When Buying a Rolling Duffel

Size

There are all kinds of sizes when it comes to rolling duffel bags, but there's one question you'll want to ask yourself: Do you want to use this bag as a carry-on? If so, you're narrowing down the pool of duffels a bit. Check with your airline's size limits for carry-on luggage before making a purchase. If you're not opposed to checking a bag, there are some sizable duffels out there—some even measure in with more than 140 liters of interior packing space. Many duffels come in small, medium, and large options.

Portability

Most rolling duffel bags, if not all, feature extendable handles. In fact, you'll want to make sure your suitcase has this feature; otherwise, navigating a busy airport will be nearly impossible. Aside from the handle, make sure the wheels have solid reviews for durability and usability. Even better: find a duffel with multi-directional wheels. This makes it easier to bob and weave among crowds.

Material

You can find rolling duffels made of leather, canvas, polyester; you can find ones with waterproofing, ones without. Like with any suitcase, the materials will vary. Think about what you will be using this bag for. Plan on spending a lot of time outdoors? Find something water- or weatherproof. Leather ages well, but doesn't hold up to lots of beating. Polyester is a common material as it holds up well to the elements and is pretty durable, meaning fewer rips and holes in your duffel.

Why Trust TripSavvy?

Erika Owen is an avid traveler on the never-ending search for the best travel bag. She researched these rolling duffel options for hours and found the best pick for each category. She may be more of a carry-on traveler, but she understands the power of a solid duffel (with wheels).

Thanks for letting us know!

Continue to 5 of 9 below.

Continue to 9 of 9 below.

Bag That Can Be Used to Roll Around Records

Source: https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-rolling-duffel-bags-1863019

Share this post