10 Best Wheeled Duffel Bags In 2020

How To Choose A Wheeled Duffel Bag – Buying Guide

Weight

When choosing the best wheeled duffel bag, weight is an important feature to consider. Amongst duffel bag designs, wheeled duffels are perhaps the highest weighing option However, within the spectrum, you can find an ideal weight to meet your needs.

Keep in mind however that you must balance it out. You don’t want a duffel bag that is too heavy that it makes your travel life miserable. At the same time, you don’t want an option that is too light that it loses its quality. Also, examine the duffel bag’s weight capacity to make sure it matches its weight.

Size

Always choose the size according to your needs before choosing the best wheeled duffel bag for use. Size denotes the length of your duffel bag and it’s quite an important feature because it determines how functional your bag will be. Additionally, to meet FAA and most airline regulations, size is the number one feature to look at.

The majority of airlines will limit a duffel bag size of 22-inches to be accepted as cabin luggage.  And according to the activity you intend to engage in, you must know the ideal size. For example, you probably want a duffel bag with a larger length value if you intend to use it as a sports bag such as a hockey bag.

Durability

The durability of the best rolling duffel bag depends on the construction and material used. Before investing in a duffel, examine these features. Material such as polyester and ripstop nylon are extremely durable. Add coatings such as water resistance and you have a value-added product. Some of the best rolling duffel bags even boast thermoplastic over mold or back panels for enhanced strength.

Keep in mind, however, that these details will add weight to your bag. Additionally, to preserve the longevity of your bag, your usage habits, care and maintenance will also highly affect the bag’s durability. Thus, always avoid rough usage and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on care and maintenance.

Capacity

The best rolling duffel bag will boast different weight capacities ranging from 20 to 100L. The lower capacities range between 20 and 50L and this category is most likely to be accepted as cabin luggage with the most airlines. Moving from medium to the higher capacity types, duffels from 50L an above will most likely require checking in. a duffel of at least 40 – 50L is an ideal choice.

The option offers versatility whether you are traveling or headed to the gym and offers just the right amount of storage space. Also, look for options with storage compartments, dividers and special storage features such as helmet chambers or gear bungee cords for maximum use of your bag’s capacity

Carry Option

The best rolling duffel bags come fitted with multiple carry options. There are several carry options available depending on the duffel bag design. The most common include backpack straps, tote straps, shoulder straps, and telescoping handles and carry handles.

Backpack straps, for example, are sometimes complemented with padding on the bags allowing the bag to act as a travel duffel or a hiking or backpacking bag. Also, depending on what you are carrying, having multiple carry options to choose from makes it a lot easier for you.

Shoulder and tote straps on the other end help with longer distances especially on rough or uneven surfaces. Duffel bags with padded shoulder straps make it easier for you. You can even go for removable shoulder straps so you can set your bag according to the trip.

Telescoping handles come with most rolling bags. You want to go for a handle that is strong enough to withstand pulling heavy loads with collapsing. .additionally, you also want a lockable handle with a smooth mechanism – so you are not stuck on the aisle trying to snap close the lock to load into the cabin. Wheeled duffel bags will have this type of carrying option as the primary one complemented with other options.

Carry handles are handy for shorter distances or when you are moving your bag from one place to the other such as strong it in the airline cabin. Go for bags with thicker ad padded double carry handles to prevent any strain on your hands as well as to effectively bear the weight of the bag and its contents.

Handle

There are two common types of handles amongst the best rolling duffel bag – carry and grab handles. Carry handles work best if they are padded to make them smoother on your hands. Grab handles on the other end are found on either side of the bag or work best when positioning or moving your bag from one place to the other.

Additionally, wheeled duffels also come with pull handles to help move the bag when using the wheel system. Go for bags with a smooth pull handle with a locking system (helps for proper and safe storage).

Water Resistance

Water-resistance is an important feature to have on your duffel. Of course, a water-resistant bag will not be as protective as a waterproof one but it offers a reasonable shield. Water-resistant duffel bags will protect your belongings from water splashes or even light rain. They normally feature DWR coating or treatment.

Always find out the strength of your bag’s waterproofness or resistance before purchasing so you are aware of its limitations. You can choose to waterproof them at home before use. Some duffel bags also feature weatherproof qualities such as UV protection and antiwear properties.

Versatility

The best rolling duffel bags offer versatility through their design and construction. A bag with multiple carry options, storage compartments, and even adjustable sizing are highly versatile. It allows you to use it in different ways, conditions, and circumstances.

Wheels

Examine the wheel system of your duffel before investing in one you want the wheels to be heavy and wide enough for easy travel but not too wide that your bag becomes heavy. Additionally, the wheel system also affects the stability of the bag thus, always pay attention to this. Depending on the capacity of the bag, some will feature a 2, 3 or 4 wheel system.

Although they raise the price tag on your duffel bag, wheel systems with ball bearings enhance that smooth movement and durability.  Especially if you intend to use your bag in a different environment, this option is ideal.

Tough inline wheels also work great in rough conditions. Rugged inline wheels that are spaced out, built with outwards or recessed design also complement the thickness and toughness of the wheels by creating balance to help hold the bag in a stable position thus, preventing the bag from toppling over.

Construction

For the best rolling duffel bag, go for a narrower construction. This makes travel and storage easier. A polyester or nylon ripstop construction also adds durability and sturdiness to the bag. This allows the bag to withstand harsh conditions without easily wearing off.

Additionally, some rolling duffel bags will incorporate exterior guard rails or hardened side and back panels. Apart from supporting the balance of the bag, they also help to prevent damage as well as to protect the contents of your bag. And to ensure your duffel bag is safe at all times, go for options made with TSA lock friendly zippers to allow you to securely lock them at any time.

Furthermore, for optimum protection of your belongings, go for bags with additional details such as weatherproof and water-resistant treatment. It is also a good idea to go for wheeled duffel bags made with fabrics that wick away moisture and enhance breathability.

The Timberland Twin Mountain Wheeled Duffel Bag, for example, features an interior air mesh padding and a moisture-wicking fabrication – these features are quite handy especially during long travel or in ever-changing conditions to allow the contents of your bag to be well ventilated and prevent mold or other types of damages.

Design

Wheeled duffel bags offer a range of different designs, unlike traditional suitcases. Depending on your preferences, some will feature U-shaped openings, side opening, center openings or even wide-mouthed openings similar to suitcases. This allows you to choose an ideal bag to suit our activities.

Multiple carry option design on duffel bags also allow them to be used in a range of activities without risk of inconveniences. Additionally, different duffel bags will feature special details that add value and functionality to them. Interior tie-down straps, for example, are useful for larger capacity duffel bags during travel.

These straps help to hold down the contents of your bag and prevent them from being thrown around inside the bag during movement. During travel, they will hold down items to prevent delicate ones from breaking or clothes from wrinkling. Compression straps on the other end work as tie-down straps from the outside.

As their name suggests, they compress your duffel bag and by doing so, they help to keep your contents in place. A 2-in1 duffel bag and backpack ideal for hiking or backpacking, for example, benefits from this design because it helps keep everything in place as you walk through rough terrain.

The best wheeled duffel bags also feature separate compartments and exterior zippered pockets. This helps to enhance storage space as well as proper organization for your belongings. Some even feature special chambers and designs that are ideal for specific items.

The Special drop-bottom compartment with hold-down straps on the High Sierra Ultimate 2.0, for example, is ideally designed to store shoes and boots. Other bags include dividers or helmet chambers. Other compartments are designed to separate dirty or wet gear from clean and dry ones.

FAQs

Globo Surf Overview

The wheeled duffel bag reviews outline useful they are. The most prized benefit of owning a wheeled duffel bag is its versatility. It’s like you have that one go-to solution to all your travel and outdoor needs. And with the right design, you can comfortably rock it in any environment.

The buying guide above also provides a clear guideline on what to look for when you are choosing the best wheeled duffel bag to go for based on your preferences. The list of the 10 best also offers an excellent avenue for a powerful choice of options.