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As we understand the important to own a high quality bag, we compiled this guide for you and found some of the best duffel bags for men to own that fit all budgets.
Upon hours of research, we concluded to 17 great bags and we narrowed it down to our top 3 favorites. These are the Suvom Leather Canvas Overnight Duffel Bag for an affordable canvas option that could work great as your first duffel bag, especially if you’ve got a tight budget. Next, we really like the Polare Mens Genuine Leather Duffel Bag for a slightly nicer leather option, and lastly, you can go for the Cenzo Duffle Vecchio Brown Italian Leather Weekender Bag if you’re looking for a beautiful leather duffel bag and you’re willing to invest a bit more for a more premium option.
Before we dig into the details and reviews of duffel (or duffle, however you prefer it) bags, let’s take a look at its history and origin of the name as well as what to look for when you want to buy one.
History Of The Duffle Bag
The duffel bag originated in the mid 17th century in a Belgian small town called Duffel. In this small town, they manufactured a thick, durable fabric that served as the material most duffle bags were made from.
The first prototype is if the duffel bag, were usually an “army green” color, they looked tube like with rounded, circular ends. These version did not have the standard zippers of most modern versions but closed with a drawstring at the top of the bag. Early on, these bags were primarily used by the military..
Following WWII, the duffel gained more mass appeal. As the duffel bag was extremely practical in transporting clothing, all branches of the military followed the lead of the Army and began to use duffle bags. Soon, Australian and California surfers launched the duffel bag into the public eye as it became a staple for surfers and those who wanted to be identified as such.
What exactly is a duffel bag?
The bag identified as a duffel bag is identifiable by having soft sides and made to flex and compress for the ability to stow away in areas most bag won’t. Most duffles are, now, closed with zippers (as opposed to the drawstring closure of past) due to added convenience and security. These, typical run from one side of the bag to the other. Some of them are straight zippers while others have more of a U-shape.
Many have added interior and exterior pockets so that bags are easier to organize and separate certain items.
As stated earlier, the first duffel bags had a cylinder style but most more recent adaptations have transitioned into a squared sided bag with square sides that holds more structure and looks more rectangular. This change has happened, largely because of it is easier to stack and packs up more nicely.
Duffel bags come is more colors that one could imagine and in a large variety of materials. Each of the materials used when making the duffel bag have certain benefits and styles. Some of the most frequently used materials include:
Canvas: As stated above, this was the first material of the duffel bag. It is a made to be sturdy, thick, and durable. It is usually very affordable and lightweight. It is water resistant and folds easily.
Leather: These tend to be the more higher end, pricey options. They are harder to stitch and construct and take a good bit longer to to make. Due to the firmness of the material, making these bags with a drawstring is virtually unheard of. Leather ages well and holds up through most situations.
Nylon and Polyester: These bags are the cheapest to make and hold up for less time than most of the others. Still, they resist scratches and scuffs pretty well. Also, these tend to be waterproof and serve great as good gym bags.
Vinyl: This often called synthetic leather. It is much cheaper than leather and gives a similar style but it will not last near as long and scratches really easily. It does look nice but should not be given to anyone who intends on using it in situations that will put strain on the bag.
Here are our reviews of the best duffel bags for all budgets
Toupons Men’s Travel Duffle Bag 20.8″
A bag that comes with a really good price tag and it could serve well as you first duffel bag if you’re short on cash.
It is made from a stylish, fashionable 16 oz thick canvas which PU leather accents that is perfectly made for daily use. Still, it is large enough to carry multiple days worth of clothing. It comes with a matching toiletry organizer that is made from the same materials material.
The bag has a adjustable removable shoulder strap, handles and comes in at a 16.1 x 12.7 x 2.5 size. It weighs 2.9 lbs. It has two side pockets, two front zipper pockets, and one back zippered pocket. The inside of the bag has an additional internal zipper pocket. The inside of the bag is large enough to fit a 14″ laptop and several clothes and shoes. The toiletry bag is a single zipper bag that fits all the necessary space for a small trip.
This is a nice bag for a really nice price. The blue color looks stylish as well as the other options and it looks well made. It isn’t the most durable bag you can buy but it will hold up for a good amount of time. It has a 30 day return for no reason and a one year warranty. This bag is worth seriously considering for an affordable, stylish duffel bag.
Suvom Leather Canvas Overnight Duffle Bag
Another good quality bag at a price that is more than affordable. It is made from sturdy canvas and top crazy horse cow leather. It has nice color options of dark grey, coffee, and army green.
The size of the particular duffel bag is 22 x 9 x 12 and weighs 2.9 lbs. It can be carried on most flights and is comfortable to wear and carry. It has a set of top handles with quality leather grabs and a shoulder strap to easily carry. The shoulder strap is hooked with metal hoops and a metal buckle for added durability. These buckles are a classy bronze tone.
The inside of the bag has a large compartment that can hold up to a 17″ laptop. It has one zipper pocket and two smaller pockets to keep items like cell phones safe inside. On the outside there are 2 side zipper pockets and a back zipper pocket.
This bag is a nice product at a surprisingly low price for the quality. It look good and lasts for a long time for most users. It is stylish and the accent of the leather makes it look much more expensive than it actually is. This is another bag that is worth looking at.
S-Zone Oversized Canvas Genuine Leather Trim Duffel Bag
A company established in 2012 that continues to make fashionable, classic looking bags. They look for the best materials, pride themselves on their craftsmanship, and push to be innovative with their designs. The put their bags through a gauntlet of test for quality control. This bag comes in 6 different masculine canvas offerings.
This bag is right at $50 and is made from high density cotton canvas with crazy horse leather trims. It is 21.7 x 14.8 x 10.2 and weighs 4.5 lbs. It has a big central pocket that works well for any weekend trip, yet it can still be carried on most planes. It has solid copper hardware so it will not easily rust. It has a small pocket on the front for quick cellphone storage with easy access.
It can be carried with either the leather handles or an adjustable canvas strap.
Each bag comes with a canvas luggage tag. This is a nice bag, stylistically, but it is one dimensional. It is basically just one large pocket. It isn’t recommended for those who want more organizational options but is nice for those who just want a large, open bag.
Blueboon Canvas Duffel Bag
A beautiful canvas bag with six classic color options. It is made from a soft feeling canvas with high quality crazy horse genuine leather accents. Since it is on the softer size it is great for clothes but not recommended for laptop or electronic transportation. They put a lot of care into this bag and you can tell from the built quality as well as from the zippers, handles and straps that are built to last while they withstand tougher treatment.
The bag has several interior pockets that keep small items like cellphones and keys easy to find and secure. There is a bigger exterior pocket apart from the main pocket that would work well to carry travel documents and identification. This bag a size of 20.5 x 10 x 12.2 and can hold 40L. This means it can work as a carry on bag. It is compact yet serves the purpose it is needed for.
It is believed that this bag could carry all the things need for a weekend trip. It has 9 pockets and can work for the most organized individuals. It isn’t a bag that has really thick canvas but is built to not have structural breakdowns with its stitching and design. Most men will be more than satisfied with the look and feel of this bag and if you want a good value for money products, this is one of the best duffel bags for men you could consider on this guide.
Bearded Blue Monkey The Voyager Custom Leather Duffel Bag
Simply put, this is a very attractive bag. It is a longer bag than similar duffels at 24 x 9 x 9. This makes it be enough to carry anything that could be needed throughout the day with extra shape for longer weekends. It can be carried on most airlines and will turn heads.
It is made from quality leather from the pockets to the strong 9 oz. belt leather handles that feel soft and comfortable to the touch. The only things that aren’t leather are the solid antique brass hardware. It is hand dyed, waxed for protection, and buffed on the edges for a seamless look.
Next, you’ll see a convenient back pocket for small items that need to be gotten to easily. It spares no expense as it even beautifully pleats the side pocket. It can be carried with an adjustable, padded shoulder strap or the previously mentioned handles. The bottom of this bag is given extra protection and reinforced so that this bag does not tear up.
This is a beautiful bag that is for the man who wants to give off the impression of class and sophistication. It comes with a price tag that is towards the high end but will last for years. Like all leather, the bag will just get more refined and stylish as time goes on. If looking for a well made, leather bag, look no further.
Huntvp Mens Leather Travel Duffel Bag
Another leather bag but this one is built more for the businessman with its profile. It has the options of black or brown because it focuses on professions. It is made from 100% genuine full grain crazy horse leather and is bigger than one would thing at 23.4 x 14.8 x 10.10. This makes it work for trips up to 5 nights and weighs 4.8 lbs.
As the professional duffel, it has an interior laptop compartment as well as a small zippered pocket, and three more slots for cellphones, pens, and business cards. It can be easily carried with a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap for comfortably carrying anywhere needed. It has beautiful brass hardware and protects the contents of the bag with small feet for protection.
When buying this bag, don’t worry about a lack of performance because every aspect was built to function for the life of the bag. The zippers, handles and all other features are high quality. It has an added bonus of a luggage tag so that the bag is never lost or incorrectly identified. It will keep clothes comfy with a soft cotton lining and will make any business trip a success with a bag that says class.
Leathario Men’s Genuine Leather Overnight Travel Duffel Bag
A bag that comes in two color choices and two size options (23.6 x 15 x 10.2 or 19.6 x 12 x 9.5). The smaller version would work for a weekend trip while the larger could work for a business week trip. It is made from 100% genuine leather that is environmentally friendly and vegetable tanned. It has a nice canvas lining.
The smaller version could hold a easily carry a 14 inch laptop still be pretty lightweight since the bag is only 2.8lbs. It has slots, internally, for cell phones and cards and a large center console. It has durable with its heavy duty nylon thread sewing. It has a durable, reliable brass zipper and metal feet at bottom to protect the bag. It can be carried by handle or shoulder bag.
This is a nice bag that comes at a decent price, all things considered. It looks nice and performs well but it has nothing no pockets or compartments and the leather looks shiny and a bit artificial. If one didn’t know that it was genuine leather they might assume it was vinyl. Still, it is a nice bag that works well for the professional that needs a classy, professional looking bag.
Cenzo Duffle Vecchio Brown Italian Leather Weekender Bag
A made in Italy leather duffel bag made of local calfskin leather. As often with European bags, they have a certain level of class. They use a high quality YKK zipper and high quality stitching so it will last and last. The inside has a durable 8 oz duck canvas lining from South Carolina. It is beautifully tanned with a vegetable tanning process that looks better year after year.
It is a good size at 21 x 11 x 10 and weighs 3.8 lbs. It has a beautiful leather strap that is adjustable or the bag can be carried by the handles. All of the bag is built to last with the exception of the strap. Most users find that it can not carry much weight and is uncomfortable. The strap is way too thin and the eventually breaks. The padding on the strap isn’t really padding and doesn’t sit correctly on the shoulder. The bottom has feet that keep the bag protected. In addition to the strap, many have complained that the zipper breaks when the bag is pretty full.
While this is an absolutely beautiful bag, it lacks quite a bit on the functional side. For many this wouldn’t be an issue and since we’re talking about an absolutely gorgeous duffel bag, functionality might seem to be a small detail that could be overlooked.
Steve Madden Men’s Aztec Nylon Duffle
A trendy nylon bag from the company most known for quality shoes, Steve Madden. The company was founded in 1990 as its founder and namesake started selling shoes out of his car. In 25 years, they are over a billion dollar a year plus in annual sales.
This bag is 21.8 x 13.9 x 2.2 and weighs 2.4 lbs. It has an interior zipper pocket and a really handy external shoe compartment. The bag can be carried with a padded, adjustable shoulder strap or with reinforced carrying handles. It has a nice design and color called Tobacco Aztec.
While the shoe holder is nice, it isn’t built to last. It doesn’t have many features and feels smaller than the average duffel. It will work for an overnight trip or the gym but not much more. For the price, we believe their are better options.
Altosy Mens Vintage Crazy Horse Duffel Bag
A beautiful bag made from high quality crazy horse genuine leather. It has multiple compartments for more organizational qualities than the average leather bag. It has a front zipper pocket and a back zipper pocket. On top of that there are two side pockets and a big main compartment.
This bag is big enough to hold most laptops at 19 x 11 x 7. It will work for a gym bag or weekend trips. It is lightweight at under 4 lbs. It can be carried with heavy duty handles or a detachable shoulder strap. It is one of those bags that looks great out of the box but continues to look better as the leather settles and ages.
The quality and look of this bag feels like a good deal for the price. It has that nice hybrid of looking hip and professional. It is a little on the small side but will perform for a long time.
Polare Mens Genuine Leather Duffel Bag
A beautifully made leather bag with two nice sizes, medium and large. The medium and large have a small price difference which allows you to make a choice based on your needs rather than on your budget.
Polare is a bag that has been making quality leather products for over 15 years. This product is made from the highest quality, thick Italian cowhide genuine leather. It is made by hand by artisans for a beautiful, yet well crafted appearance. It can be carried with shoulder straps or handles.
The large bag is 23.2 x 12 x 10 that is a good size for any business trip. One can tell the quality because the bag is 5.8 lbs. It has a one year warranty and is built really well. This bag has a front zipper pocket so that smaller items can be stored and easily obtained.
The bag is really nice but the strap is a little thin for the weight of the bag. It can’t be carried long or with a lot of contents. One should probably go for the bigger bag as the medium looks a little purse like and it smaller than one would think. It is a sharp looking bag with a good price point for a bag of such quality.
Zekar Large Waxed Canvas Leather Travel Duffel Bag
A really big bag that is made from the highest quality waxed canvas while being very reasonably priced. Waxed canvas has been around since the 1920s and has been used in a lot of different methods because it is waterproof and durable. It has nice genuine crazy horse leather accents.
The bag has a nice shoulder strap and leather handles. There are three color options for a bag of 25.6 x 12.6 x 11.2. It has a PVC board inside the top and bottom so that it holds its shape. The bag has several pockets from two inner pockets that are open and an additional inner zippered pocket. There is a nice compartment for a 13” laptop and two more outside pockets.
This bag is ok but it is huge. It is bulky and hard to carry for most people. It will hold a lot of clothes but be prepared to carry something larger than any other duffel bag around. It is lightweight at around 2.6 lbs. It looks nice and will hold up, so look at this bag if looking for something really big.
S-Zone Vintage Crazy Horse Leather Men’s Travel Duffel Bag
A leather duffel bag that does something rare; it’s priced like a canvas one. Still, don’t let the price fool. It is made from 100% genuine leather with quality bronze tone hardware. It is 19 x 11 x 10.5 so that it can be easily carried on an airplane. It has a single front zipper pocket and two side zipper pockets. It has a big main compartment with a side zippered pocket inside of it for small items.
It weighs 3.7 lbs and can be carried by strap or handles. While the bag is really nice looking, it is on the small side. It would be hard to get all the stuff needed for a long weekend inside of it. It is better suited for an overnight bag or carry on the plane bag.
It is a nice bag for someone who takes small trips and wants a high quality leather bag. It looks nice and has a lot of good features. If one understands the size, they will be really happy with this bag if purchased.
Tumi Alpha 2 Double Expansion Travel Duffel Bag
This is a nice but a bit pricy duffel bag. It is made from a signature FXT ballistic nylon with a nice fabric lining. It has sturdy handles that are webbed and have a leather wrap. It can be expanded with a double zipper three-quarter expansion. There is a front u zip pocket so that things can be easily stored and grabbed.
The bag can be easily carried with a detachable webbing articulating shoulder strap with a shoulder pad. It is 18.5 x 11.5 x 9 and has a decent sized large main compartment. In the main compartment there is an open cell phone pocket and a key leash so that essentials are readily accessible.
It is a lightweight bag at 1.5 lbs. It would work for a weekend but not much longer. It is a really nice bag that is way overpriced for what is gotten. It performs well and if you don’t mind the price tag, you can’t get many better duffel bags than this.
Alberto Bellucci Milano Italian Leather Carry-on Duffel Bag
This bag comes with three color choices of black, brown, and dark brown. It is handmade in Italy using top grain calfskin leather with PU leather lining. Even the hardware is quality as it is stainless steel so that it will never rust.
It can be carried with two leather straps with a buckle closure so that it is not easily opened when not wanted. It has bottom metal pegs so that the leather won’t be scratched or damaged when dropped. It has a large compartment with a narrow zippered pocket inside for smaller items. The handles are wide enough to double as shoulder straps. If preference is to carry with a standard shoulder strap it has one of those too. The bag is 20.8 x 14.5 x 9.8 and it weighs 4.4 lbs. It comes with a cotton dust bag to protect the bag when not in use.
They made this product with care and so believe in its quality that they offer a100% customer satisfaction guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty. A beautiful leather duffel bag indeed.
Although it’s really nice, it feels somewhat one dimensional. If one is looking for an excellent quality bag but not anything special designwise, this is a perfect fit.
Hugo Boss Orange Mens Lightime Weekender Bag
Don’t let the Orange name fool, this bag only comes in a beige and a navy variety. It is made from 100% cotton and can only be dry cleaned. It has a nice two tone that looks nice and classic. It can be carried with top handles or a removable shoulder strap.
The inside of the bag has a zip pocket and an inside organizer. It is 18 x 11 x 10 and 2 lbs. This is a nice bag from a brand that is trusted, Hugo Boss. Hugo Boss is a German company founded in 1924. It was originally a company that supplied uniforms to the Nazi party. After the war Hugo Boss shifted away from uniforms to men’s suits. Now they have an estimated revenue around 3 billion annually.
If you’re into designer’s products, this is a beautiful and styling duffel bag which you should expect to pay more because of the name. You could get similar quality for less but nevertheless, this a high quality bag that will last you for years.
Ted Baker Men’s Cronos Luxury Leather Holdall
This bag has luxury in the title and it is just that. This is the most expensive duffel bag on this list but definitely one of the most (if not the most) stylish bags you can get. The shell is 95% leather and 5% polyurethane. The lining is 100% cotton. Because it is so quality, it should only be hand washed.
It can be carried with a removable adjustable strap or handles. It is 18.7 x 14.5 x 8.1 and is 2.5 lbs. It is navy and meant to be a high end fashion accessory.
Ted Baker is a London fashion designer that makes men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. This bag is really nice but it is just a simplistic design. It looks a little purse like as it is one color and small. Still, it is a nice bag for those that want a name brand.
Closing thoughts
A duffel is the most versatile bag one can own. It can be taken to the gym or on weekend trips. It is a purchase to be made with care because, odds are, it will be kept for a long time. Let this article help you make an informed decision and buy a product that fits your exact needs.