Best Rolling Duffel Bags of 2023

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If you need a bag that fits everything and rolls, you can’t go wrong with a rolling duffel bag. They’re an optimal upgrade for anyone who needs a little extra help. It wasn’t until I had to go on cross-country flights with a toddler that I realized how handy luggage with wheels really is. Take your travel to the next level with one of the best travel duffel bags with wheels. They are perfect whether you’re wrangling little human beings, have over-packed your bag, or are allergic to carrying things.

To that end, we’ve put together a guide to the best rolling duffel bags on the market. Take a peek and find one that’s best for you.

Best Overall: Eberlestock B3 Hercules
Best Value: Samsonite Andante 2
Honorable Mention: TPRC Sierra Madre II
Best Lightweight: Wrangler Wesley
Best All-Terrain: 5.11 Soms 3.0
Best Portable: Rockland 22-inch Rolling Duffel
Best Oversize: Gothamite 42-inch Duffel
Best Waterproof: Patagonia Black Hole 100L

Methodology

Aside from a small duration of my adolescent years, I have never owned a suitcase and have only used duffel bags. I’ve used cheap duffel bags as well as shelled out for a fancy name-brand duffel. That personal experience is what I drew on to review the best duffel bags recently. I also incorporated research skills developed while writing articles on paracord bracelets and gun oils where there are more options than stars in the sky.

With the knowledge of duffel bags still fresh in my memory, the first step in researching the best rolling duffel bags was to tap the pool of knowledge with my fellow writers here at Task & Purpose. Once I had a few recommendations I added them to my list of options and began searching websites like Amazon, Cabelas, and Walmart to find other choices. Each bag was evaluated by the type of material, brand reputation, pricing, and categorical efficiency. Any questions that remained unanswered by this time were sent to the manufacturer so I could give you the right information. The end result is this buying guide, for you to be able to select from the best rolling duffel bags on the market.
Task & Purpose has also covered range bags, go-bags, climbing packs, fishing backpacks, and even backpack coolers. We’d love to hear your preferences and experiences, so drop us a comment below. You can also learn more about Task and Purpose reviews here.

Best Overall

Eberlestock B3 Hercules

Pros

Internal dividers
Drop-bottom compartment
External pouches
Lockable zippers

Cons

Heavy base weight
High price point

Product Specs

Size: 11,682 cubic inches
Material: 500D ripstop
Weight: 14 pounds

Best Value

Samsonite Andante 2

Pros

Shoe pocket
Collapsible drag handle
Water-resistant
Drop-bottom compartment

Cons

No external pockets
Limited grab handles

Product Specs

Size: 5,488 cubic inches
Material: Polyester
Weight: 7 pounds (28-inch)

Honorable Mention

TPRC Sierra Madre II

Pros

Lightweight
Shoe pocket
Drop-bottom compartment
Bungees for storing sweatshirts or blankets

Cons

Too big for overhead bins
Wheels are difficult to service

Product Specs

Size: 142 liters
Material: Unlisted
Weight: 6.3 pounds

Best Lightweight

Wrangler Wesley

Pros

Low base weight
Telescoping handle hides away
Carrying handle on the front
Four external pockets for organization

Cons

Blade wheels are not great in all-terrain
Designed for upright use

Product Specs

Size: 4,680 cubic inches
Material: 600D polyester
Weight: 6.2 pounds

Best All-Terrain

5.11 Soms 3.0

Pros

Lage U-shaped opening
Clear ID pocket plus Velcro patch panel
Large external pockets
Reinforced frame

Cons

Heavy base weight
Overtly anti-discreet

Product Specs

Size: 126 liters
Material: Nylon
Weight: 16 pounds

Best Portable

Rockland 22-inch Rolling Duffel

Pros

Many color options
Fits overhead bins
Shoulder strap included
Telescopic drag handle

Cons

No side pockets
Not ideal for lengthy trips

Product Specs

Size: 2,904 cubic inches
Material: Polyester
Weight: 4.36 pounds

Best Oversize

Gothamite 42-inch Duffel

Pros

Three inline wheels
Two side pockets
Hideaway telescopic drag handle
Massive main compartment opening

Cons

High price point
You’ll need to buy more stuff to put in it

Product Specs

Size: 13,608 cubic inches
Material: 1,200D polyester
Weight: 9.2 pounds

Best Waterproof

Patagonia Black Hole 100L

Pros

Environmentally conscious
Oversized wheels
Internal mesh pockets
Weather-resistant

Cons

Premium pricing
No shoulder strap options

Product Specs

Size: 100 liters
Material: Polyester ripstop and PU coating
Weight: 9.25 pounds

What to consider when buying a rolling duffel bag

Rolling duffel bags are a subcategory in their own right, but we’re gonna break these large-wheeled bags into a few types based on design.

Types of rolling duffel bags

Sporty

We’re talking about the duffel with a main compartment and/or side pockets that were perfect for football, soccer, or whatever sport you needed gear for after school. These bags are simple and effective because there aren’t a million places to put everything. They can be made of any material, but most often you’ll find polyester. The biggest feature is the rolling system to make transporting your gear easier.

Drop-bottom

The next evolution in duffel bags is the drop-bottom system. This is just like a sporty-style duffel bag, except it has an extra compartment under the main pocket — thus the name “drop-bottom” because if you drop something, the raised walls of the compartment down under will keep it all in. These can be great for keeping clean and dirty clothes separate, or just staying organized.

Upright

Probably the least common style is an upright rolling duffel like the Wrangle Wesley. These bags work a little more like a suitcase in that the openings are more vertically oriented.

Key features of rolling duffel bags

Wheels

Easily, the most important part of any rolling duffel bag would be the wheels and axle system. Most of the bargain-priced luggage will have blade- or caster-style wheels that will work but aren’t ideal for uneven surfaces or rough terrain. Wider wheels and wheels with tread would be better-suited for off-pavement usage. Either way you go, you’ll want to make sure that the wheels are “serviceable.” This is just a fancy way of saying you can replace them if something gets funky.

Drag handle

The next most important feature on any luggage with wheels would be a handle to drag said wheeled luggage around. This could be a hard-formed or soft-shaped handle, but those tend to keep your bag close to your feet and could be a tripping hazard. The best option would be any handle that extends or telescopes out to keep your bag safely behind you.

Frame

Some duffel bags on wheels will have a hard form or frame to keep the back rigid during transport. Most likely this will be made out of aluminum to keep the bag lightweight. You’ll want to make sure it won’t create hazards or snags when packing, but most of these will be tucked away for aesthetic reasons.

Pricing for rolling duffel bags

Pricing will vary depending on the brand, design, or materials used. If you’re looking for a bargain price, I’d recommend staying below $50, as this is easily affordable and will get you a basic bag. That being said, I would encourage saving for a month or two to purchase a more moderately priced rolling duffel bag in the $50 to $150 range. You’ll get better quality bags with more features in this range. Bags priced above $150 are going to be your premium choices that will have the best materials and quality.

Tips and tricks

As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and rolling duffel bags. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.

Don’t throw rolling duffels, as you could damage the frames or wheels.
Utilize dry bags or trash bags if you’re worried about weather damage.
Dry bags and trash bags make great organizers, too.
Always pack the least frequently needed items first, as this will help keep your bag organized.
Buy one or two spare wheels if you can to reduce repair time.

FAQs about rolling duffel bags

You’ve got questions, Task & Purpose has answers.

Q: Are rolling duffle bags better than suitcases?

A: This is rather subjective. Suitcases tend to be hard-bodied or have a rigid form, whereas duffel bags tend to have a soft form that is a little roomier, allowing for packing hefty gear.

Q: What is a drop-bottom duffel bag?

A: A drop-bottom duffel is a newer design that’s a suitcase-duffel hybrid. These bags have a separate bottom compartment like the Eberlestock Hercules instead of a singular large open compartment.