Very good travel duffel

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

I purchased this duffel with the intention of using it for airline travel and general travel needs. It certainly meet those needs. Pros: Rugged design, weather resistant, simple, comfortable straps for carrying as a backpack and are easily removable. Cons: Oversized side compartment can get in the way and is bulky. Would be improved by adding a way to cinch these down while maintaining the usefulness of having a large side pocket. I would also appreciate having an area for ID in case getting lost. Solid purchase!

Christopher Leesman

LOVE the dry sack compartment!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

I wanted a great weekender bag that could also be used as a solid carry-on bag for travels. What really drew me to this bag was the dry sack that is sewn right into the side pocket. I sweat A LOT, so I need to keep my used running clothes and shoes separate from the rest of my stuff. I've used this duffel a few times now, and I'm in love. The dry sack expands large enough to basically have all my dirty clothes packed into the dry sack when it's time to head back home. The only thing I would suggest is some way to be able to compress the dry sack. I only use the backpack straps on this duffel, because it frees up my hands to carry the cooler / climbing gear / cookware / etc. to the car (because carrying it all in one trip is always the challenge). The backpack straps are comfy and easy to adjust, and they don't come loose / unadjusted while in use (which I've had issues with on other duffels)! Plus, this pack fits my torso well (5'2" height)! But, if the backpack carry isn't your thing, the backpack straps can be removed. This is a solid duffel that will last for years of travels. P.S. The shark color is a really pretty grayish soft lavender color. If anything I want comes in some kind of purple, I get the purple. And this shark color has become my favorite shade of purple!

Cherie L

I love this thing

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

This thing goes everywhere with me. It's seen several climbing trips, flights, and everything in between. A great size for a packing a weekends worth of clothes or even more. I use it to carry all my climbing gear too, and it works great. Its a super function, and super durable bag that works for every adventure so far, and I'll definitely be buying another one.

Fischer Wells

Best Duffel

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Got it for my girlfriends snow gear this season and she loves it, has room for all of her gear and boots. She loves that it has a dry bag installed into the bag itself. Would absolutely purchase again!

Michael Tambo

Best Duffel I've Ever Used

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

I love this bag. I got the 60L bag a couple years ago and used it for quite a few trips. Last year I decided to get the 40L as the bigger bag was more than I needed for most trips. It really is a great size and fits quite a bit, but is compact and super easy for a carryon bag. I got my wife one at the beginning of this year, and she's loved it too. It's light weight, durable, and the backpack straps make it super easy to pack around. My favorite feature is the waterproof pouch. It expands into the main compartment as you can see in the picture. I primarily use it for my dirty clothes. During the trip clothes transfer from the main compartment to the pouch and I'm able to keep everything contained without having smell or anything get on other clothes. Then when I'm done with the trip it's easy to dump out the dirty clothes and put anything back that wasn't used. We used to bring a garbage back to put dirty clothes in, and this is so much easier. I've used this for car travel, camping, and flights, and it's great in any situation. Not as many pockets for those of you who like everything to have its own spot, but I don't end up using all of the pockets it does have most of the time. Love this bag.

Charlie H.

Good features, good price, not perfect

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

I've been looking forward to trying Backcountry's new line of gear. After a few uses, I feel confident saying that the the 40L duffel is well-made and looks sharp. Pros: I love the zip compartments on the duffel, esp. the waterproof compartment for wet gear. Cons: I wish the opening to the main compartment was wider and the backpack straps are unnecessary and get in the way. This duffel works great as a gym bag (esp. since it has a waterproof compartment), a go-bag, wet gear storage, or a place to store small gear in your car. I wouldn't recommend it as a travel bag. Most travelers need more space and should use a larger duffel. And if you are a minimalist traveler, you should get a 40L backpack that was designed and built as a backpack. Overall, this duffel is a welcome competitor to bags by Patagonia, and the North Face.

Benjamin H.

40L duffel--perfect

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Best all around duffel, given price/value. I keep mine in my truck at all times, ready for use. It's not as thick as the North Face Base Camp Duffel, but this means it's lighter...a plus. Also, the pockets are much better than the North Face Base Camp duffel.

Ryan S.

The Perfect Duffel

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

40L

I bought this bag to use on my trip to Alaska last week. It was nice that it had the backpack strap options in addition to the regular handles. It was plenty roomy and I ended up using the side packet for my wet clothes which was perfect for separating them from the dry clothes. It was easy to fit in an overhead bin on the airplane and I even got a couple compliments on it. One night it got rained on for a few hours but the zippers held and my clothes were still completely dry inside in the morning. I would definitely recommend this duffel since so far it feels pretty bomb proof.

Megan D.

Not the same color at all

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I'm disappointed because I really liked the "shark" color, but it doesn't look like the photo. It's dark, like a muted plum color. Seems high quality though!

Kourtney R.

Use it for Everything

Size, features, adaptability to back, shoulder or hand carry. Tough, durable fabric. Can use it for gym, gear-hauler, etc...

David C. A.

Great Multi-Purpose bag

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This is one of the higher quality, multi-use duffel bags I've purchased. I was able to travel abroad for 2 weeks with this bag (minimalist style packing) as well as carry pheasant hunting gear out to South Dakota. The high quality zipper and fabric overlay on top of the zipper prevent dust and grim from reaching your gear. The zippered side pouch is a great feature and allows you to quarantine your stanky clothes from your clean clothes. Highly recommend.

Bennett K.

Always by my desk

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I use this duffel every week. It's excellent for packing a change of clothes for the office after a dawn patrol ski run before work. I really like the separate compartment for keeping wet items or shoes away from your nice clothes. The backpack straps are really handy for keeping your hands free for other items. It's very well made - I feel like it will last me for decades of travel. If you are doing a bigger trip, go for the larger sizes. I find the 40L to be perfect for day to day life (gym, office, etc.) and up to 3 or 4 day weekend trips.

Matt Schroer

Awesome bag for any purpose

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This is a really awesome duffel bag. I use it to keep all of my fishing gear in. It easily fits my waders, wading boots, hip pack and some other essentials in it. The gear loops and compression straps come in handy when clipping things to the bag or clipping in my rod tube. This bag is also great for traveling. The straps allowing it to be carried like a backpack make is a nice carry on with all of your clothes for your trip so you can avoid paying for a checked bag. They fit easily into overhead compartments. The fabric of this bag is also really durable and water repellent so you won't need to worry about your gear inside getting wet. I recommend this bag for sure!

Jacob Baker

Great All Around Bag

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I love how durable this bag is. Shoulder straps are super convenient and comfortable. Cinch straps allow you to compress the bag in case you don't use it's max capacity. The separate shoe compartment is super useful to keep your dirty kicks away from the rest of the stuff you're packing. The outside pocket is a little difficult to zip and unzip but that's only a minor inconvenience. I wish the inside pocket was large enough to stick a tablet or laptop in but it's not. I've used this bag for the gym, traveling, and weekend warrior sports. When traveling I've used this bag for a 3 day trip.

ish

Solid Gear Bag

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I got this bag as a gear bag for bike rides and for that it works pretty well. The space is well configured to hold just about everything for a ride or a weekend trip and construction quality seems good. Out of the box the bag smelled real plasticky which made it seem cheap but that smell has faded. The backpack style straps are an easy on/off which is nice and worked pretty well but the excess strap is a little too long and they take up to much space when packed into the bag. I could have used another medium size pocket but that's just personal preference. Beyond that, I really like the extendable side pocket for shoes or dirty laundry, the zip top opens and closes smoothly with one hand, and the material seems tough.

Daniel

My New Travel Bag

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

My Blue 40L bag gets looks at the airport. If you want to stand out from the name-brand crowd, no better way to do it than showing your Backcountry Goat-Worthiness. Aside from the look, it's a sturdy bag, excellent water repellency, super comfortable shoulder straps. I used it more as a backpack than hand-carried as a duffel. May get the 60L also.

R J

Awesome climbing bag

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I’ve taken it on planes, into the mountains, and fell in water with it on. I fully endorse this bad boy. Tough canvasy material that is decently waterproof. Shoulder straps are surprisingly comfortable and adjustable. Doesn’t hold smells. Just enough pockets. Separate shoe compartment. Will use as my climbing day/overnight pack for a loooooonnnnngggg time

Jonathan G.

Perfect for Airline Travel

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Great duffel for use as a carry-on when flying, or as your single bag on weekend adventures. The wet/dry compartments make a lot of sense, and the quality of construction is solid. Time will tell how this piece wears compared to the black hole duffel from Patagonia and TNF's similar product, but so far so good!

Kevin R

Better than the

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I live outta my duffel bags, I have for years. I've tried all the big brands out there, they're all good, but have small issues that totally miss the mark. This bag covers it all. The velcro handle is a must. It also has the seperator tab, clutch. The backpack straps are just comfy enough and super easy to add/remove with the sweet metal buckle. Burly fabric and zippers, check. Mesh pockets with a logical layout to the dividers, done. Small external pocket, got that. To top is all off, the feature that really sets this bag apart is seperate waterproof bottom compartment. I love THIS, it's my dirty/wet clothes storage. This bags ability to keep clean gear away from the funky is HUGE. For the 5-7 day trip, this duffel is my go-to.

Andy O.

I dig it

great bag. Got this over the patagonia one. Although the end pocket is kind of awkward.

Clark B.

is this carry-on size?

elizabeth

Does the black color have a logo on the end? If so, what color are the logos?

David

Does this have a traditional sling type shoulder strap? If not, how comfortable are the backpack straps when carrying like a traditional sling type?

Christopher Blanchet

I may end up having to hike for 5-6 hours with this bag on as a backpack (with just enough stuff in it for an overnight trip), does anyone have any feedback on how comfortable it is to wear as a backpack for long periods of time or if I should try to find an alternative? Otherwise it suits my needs perfectly.

Amanda

How much does this bag weigh?

Megan Altman

Is this bag the same as the Backcountry Trekker 40L duffel bag?

Chet H.