PLANNING your next short adventure? Duffle bags are the holy grail of travel luggage—and we've searched high and low for the best designs out there right now, so you don't have to.
So what makes a duffle bag? Well it's typically a cylindrical bag made from canvas with a drawstring top and shoulder strap—although nowadays the term can be used to encompass all types of holdalls made with varying fabrics and closures.
The word 'duffle' is thought to originate from a cloth produced in the Belgian town of Duffel in 1677, which Spanish and Portuguese sailors began to use to create their own makeshift bags. Today it's a popular choice for travel—particularly for shorter breaks where you don't want to lug a suitcase around—as well as of course, the gym.
The best duffle bags are lightweight yet sturdy, and should last for many trips over many years. Made from soft fabric, they're easy to roll and store away—although when it comes to more expensive bags, you may prefer to fill yours with tissue paper when not in use to maintain the best shape.
Canvas duffle bags are a classic choice that will always look stylish, or if you want something that will become more rugged with age, you can't beat a leather (or faux leather) style. One thing we love about the duffle bag is its versatility: it works well as a unisex bag, but we've picked a mix of designs to suit all tastes.
Take a look below at the best duffle bags available online now, with something stylish for every budget.
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1. Best leather duffle bag: Newhey's Leather Travel Duffle Bag
- (AD) Newhey Travel Duffle Leather Bag Brown, £34.86 from Amazon – buy here
A classic leather duffle bag with all the trimmings. Made from high-density water-resistant waxed canvas and genuine leather, this bag by Newhey has a really roomy design with inner compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organised.
There's a detachable and adjustable strap so you can wear it across the shoulder, as well as rounded handles if you prefer to carry it that way. Reviewers have rated it for its quality, saying: 'The quality of this bag is something else, it feels extremely expensive'. Not bad for under £40!
2. Best duffle bag for the gym: Newhey's Sports Gym Duffel Bag with Shoe Compartment
- (AD) NEWHEY Sports Gym Duffel Bag with Shoe Compartment, £22.99 from Amazon – buy here
After a duffle bag you can take to the gym? This bag is the one for you. Available in black or grey, it features a built-in shoe compartment for your trainers—and the best part is, there are two air vents so you can pop them right in after your workout.
There's all manner of handy pockets too; 13 in fact! According to the description, the main compartment can hold a basketball, so if you're wondering about size—that should give you an idea.
3. Best colourful duffle bag: The North Face's Base Camp Duffel
- Base Camp Duffel in small, £100 from The North Face – buy here
Who said duffle bags had to be dull? The North Face's iconic Base Camp design is a bright and colourful bag available in a rainbow of shades. Size-wise, it's cabin friendly on most airlines and in terms of features, it's packed with them.
It's a duffle or backpack depending on how you want to wear it, compresses flat for storage and includes an internal mesh pocket for dirty clothes and a side zip pocket for storing your phone or keys. It's no wonder it's described as 'an explorer's best friend.'
4. Best designer duffle bag: Gucci's Off The Grid GG Supreme Duffle Bag
- Gucci Off The Grid GG Supreme duffle bag, £1490 from Farfetch – buy here
Fancy splashing out? Gucci's GG Supreme duffle bag is a total splurge but with its subtle design, it's guaranteed to last the distance. Taken from the new season collection, it's crafted from recycled nylon, as part of the brand's commitment to sustainably sourced materials, and trimmed with metal-free leather.
Meanwhile there's also buckle-fastened side compartments, two top handles and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap.
5. Best patterned duffle bag: Adidas' Linear Leopard Duffel Bag
- Adidas Linear Leopard Duffel Bag, £21.95 from John Lewis – buy here
Another great duffle bag for the gym, this one by Adidas is perfect if you want to make a style statement. Emblazoned in a grey leopard print, it includes an inner bag to isolate shoes and used gym gear, as well as a side mesh pocket and front zip compartment for your small essentials.
We think it's great for weekends away too, plus the strap is adjustable and padded for extra comfort.
Enjoyed our guide for the best duffle bags? Why not check out the best handbags for women?
We've also rounded up this season's best jumpers for men.
And check out our dedicated Sun Selects fashion section for more style tips, trends and products.
This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.
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