Regular duffel bags are great to take the gym or tote around town but when you're traveling, it's nice to have something on wheels. To help you find the most ideal choice, I did some research and made a list of the best wheeled duffel bags out there. Here are the criteria I used:
- Durability: When you're traveling, your bag can take a serious beating. To find one capable of withstanding the wear and tear, I looked for options made from durable polyester, ripstop nylon, or thermoplastic polyurethane (also known as TPU).
- Structure: Duffel bags that lack structure can be harder to wheel. All of the bags on this list offer some sort of support to make them easier to pack and smoother to wheel around.
- Easy-glide wheels: No one likes that "shopping cart" effect where you try to turn a corner or move to the side and the wheels get stuck. During my research, I read the reviews carefully to find bags that roll smoothly and effortlessly, according to customers.
- Sturdy handles: Almost as bad as wobbly wheels are handles that get stuck, steer poorly, or break easily. I made sure all of my picks feature strong handles that have been vouched for by consumers.
A final factor to keep in mind is size — especially if you're flying. Size restrictions vary by airline, but for domestic flights, the most common allowance for carry-ons is 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Wheeled duffel bags seem to be a rare find at this size, but I did uncover one solid option that fits the bill. The rest of the bags on my list will need to be checked for airline travel.
Below, I've organized the best wheeled duffels from smallest to largest. Take a look to find the one that's best for your travels.