A duffel bag can accommodate a range of supplies. When compared with other carry-on luggage or checked luggage suitcases, a duffel is generally one of the most versatile designs. It’s especially good for soft items, like clothing, and for times when you want soft-side baggage that can squeeze into confined areas and be portable—in hand or over a shoulder. A small duffel can make the perfect weekend bag, and a rolling duffel bag can accommodate supplies for a longer trip.

Choosing the best duffel bag for you comes down to choosing capacity, padding, compartment options and features like water resistance. There are many water-resistant duffel bags, perfect for snowy or rainy environments. If you need a high-capacity duffel, you may want to choose a wheeled duffel bag so that you won’t have to bear the weight on your back.

If you are picking a duffel bag for short trips or as a bag for hybrid work commuting, think about including an RFID pocket. A duffel with an RFID pocket allows you to keep items like credit cards and passports more secure while you’re on the go.

One of the best ways to make travel easy is through organization. Knowing where to find things and being able to access them quickly will make your journey much more enjoyable. Consider using packing organization to separate your items by category. You can even color code the packing cubes for easy identification when you look in your bag.

You may want a bag with a few outside pockets or separate compartments for storing travel necessities like toiletry bags as well as personal entertainment devices, like noise-canceling headphones or an e-reader. Having important items in accessible places makes it much easier to travel efficiently and enjoyably.

If you are using a travel duffel bag with a laptop computer, ensure that you have a padded laptop sleeve or padded pocket for your device to cushion it during transport. You can also use a laptop backpack for all of your computer-related equipment. For remote work, you may want to travel with a mobile hotspot that can bring your Wi-Fi wherever you get cell service.