The best carry-on duffel bags for travel can make a traveler’s life much easier. It can be an arduous task to have all your necessary personal belongings on hand during a trip, and it’s also important to consider if your carry-on bag will comply with airline restrictions. Well, to help you choose the best carry-on duffel bag for you, here’s a list with our top picks!
Table of Contents
View the Best Carry-On Duffel Bags for Travel
1. Best Overall – Plambag Canvas Duffle Bag for Travel
This duffle bag is our #1 pick because of its practical yet aesthetically pleasing design. PU leather zippers and its structured shape give this bag an air of sophistication. Its roomy storage lets you rest easy, knowing that you won’t be short on space. At less than $30, it’s also an affordable purchase, which makes it perfect for budget-conscious travelers as well.
Why We Like It
- It’s a perfect mix of classy and casual.
- Multiple pockets make for easy organization.
- It has a 50 liter volume capacity.
- Zippers on each side further extend its capacity.
- Plastic cushions at the bottom offer extra protection.
Stats
- Dimensions: (L) 20.8 x (W) 9.8 x (H) 11.8 inches
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
- Material: Cotton canvas with a soft nylon lining
Final Verdict
This is the best carry-on duffel bag for travel because its multiple pockets allow for quick and easy storage and organization.
2. Premium Choice – S-ZONE Oversized Canvas Leather Trim Carry-On Duffel Bag
If you’re looking to splurge on an elegant, high-quality product, this duffle bag will get you the most bang for your buck. Genuine leather trim on soft canvas makes this bag sturdy, yet luxurious. The S-Zone carry-on duffel bag also has a large storage capacity, so you never have to worry about running out of space for your belongings.
Why We Like It
- Its vintage design is attractive and eye-catching.
- This bag boasts a 60 liter capacity.
- At under $50, it’s a steal.
- The leather trim becomes glossy with use.
- The improved design features a more durable zipper
Stats
- Dimensions: (L) 21.7 x (W) 10.2 x (H) 14.8 inches
- Weight: TBA
- Material: Light canvas with horse leather trim
Final Verdict
When it comes to the best carry-on duffel bags for travel, the S-Zone bag offers the most high quality leather for under $50.
3. Best Value – Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag (22 inch)
If you’re always in the airport due to layovers, you’ve probably considered getting a carry-on bag that includes wheels. The Rockland duffel bag is the best of both worlds because you have both a shoulder bag and roller luggage. This versatility makes for convenient travel across all terrains, whether you’re outdoors or at an airport.
Why We Like It
- Inline wheels are a lifesaver in airports.
- Organization is easy thanks to spacious front pockets.
- The handle is retractable.
- Need extra space? The bag is expandable.
- It comes in many colors and patterns.
Stats
- Dimensions: (L) 22 x (W) 13 x (H) 11 inches
- Weight: 0.65 lbs
- Material: Heavy duty polyester
Final Verdict
The Rockland duffel bag is an excellent carry-on bag for under $30 to bring with you when you travel as you can easily carry it on your shoulder or wheel it through the airport.
4. Fashionable Choice – MyMealivos Canvas Weekender Bag
Think you have to choose between fashion and function? Think again because this small carry on duffel bag has it all. This luxurious handcrafted duffel bag allows you to carry all your belongings in style. The separate shoe compartment underneath not only makes organizing your things easy, but also provides storage for items that you’d prefer separate from the rest of your clothes, such as your toiletries.
Why We Like It
- This weekender bag is made of high-quality materials.
- It is both durable and elegant.
- A handy shoe compartment provides extra convenience.
- 7 pockets and compartments ensure easy organization.
- A padlock can fit in the zippers.
Stats
- Dimensions: (L) 20 x (W) 10 x (H) 13 inches
Weight: 2.73 lbs
Material: Premium canvas and faux leather
Final Verdict
There’s no need to sacrifice style if you want a duffel bag because this compact weekender bag was designed to be fashionable, functional, and durable.
5. Samsonite Andante 2 Carry-On Duffel Bag
Samsonite is a renowned brand that manufacturers high quality and durable luggage. The Andante 2 duffel bag has a casual, streamlined design and is perfect for weekend getaways. Thoughtful details such as waterproof material and corner protectors give the user peace of mind. Samsonite also provides buyers with a warranty, ensuring the quality of their service.
Why We Like It
- Rolling wheels provide extra mobility.
- Corner protectors ensure durability during travel.
- The u-shaped opening makes unpacking easy.
- End pockets for shoes are extra convenient.
- The waterproof material provides protection against rain.
Stats
- Dimensions: (L) 24 x (W) 14 x (H) 14.5 inches
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Material: Water resistant dobby polyester
Final Verdict
The Samsonite brand is well respected due to its functional and sturdy designs, and the Andante 2 is perfect for travelers who want a small carry on duffel bag with wheels.
6. Modoker Convertible Garment Bag with Shoulder Strap
Are you going on a business trip or attending a formal event over the weekend? No need to worry about your clothes with this convertible garment bag. It’s both a duffel bag and a garment bag, and its compartments were designed to have ease of use for a traveler with formal clothes. Simply open the bag fully and stretch it out to pack your clothes.
Why We Like It
- Garments are packed by opening the bag up.
- It becomes a duffel bag when rolled up.
- A shoe compartment makes organization easy.
- Its streamlined design includes a pocket for passports.
- Its waterproof fabric provides garments with extra protection.
Stats
- Dimensions: (L) 22.8 x (W) 11 x (H) 11.8 inches
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Material: Water resistant polyester
Final Verdict
This is definitely one of the best carry-on duffel bags for travel for those who are attending a formal occasion, since it doubles both as a garment bag and as a duffel bag.
7. BLUBOON Weekender Overnight Duffel Bag
The BLUBOON overnight duffel is one of the best carry-on duffel bags for ladies. This sturdy and chic bag comes in a variety of colors and patterns and is trimmed with genuine leather, ensuring that its user can travel in style. It also has a lot of useful compartments, making packing and organizing a breeze.
Why We Like It
- The fashionable design makes it a perfect gift
- A slipper/towel compartment underneath makes organization easy
- A shoe compartment provides more storage
- This bag is hand washable
- It can be fitted over luggage handles
Stats
- Dimensions: (L) 21 x (W) 10 x (H) 12 inches
Weight: 1.3 lbs
Material: Canvas and genuine leather
Final Verdict
If you’re a fashion-conscious traveler that’s looking for a duffel bag that provides very convenient storage and organization options, this bag is the perfect choice for you.
8. S-ZONE Women Canvas Weekender Bag
Looking for a small carry on duffel bag to take on vacation? This cute and classy duffel bag has a storage capacity of 30 liters, allowing you to bring all your needs on a weekend getaway. Striped or chevron canvas and faux leather add a serious dose of fashion to this functional bag. A sleeve at the back also allows you to slip this bag over the handle of your luggage, further making it easier to move through the airport.
Why We Like It
- Its compact size is ideal for the weekend.
- The shoe compartment underneath can accommodate several pairs.
- The zipped back pocket can hold your passport.
- It can be attached onto your suitcase handle.
- Fashionistas can choose between chevron or striped canvas.
Stats
- Dimensions: (L) 17.7 x (W) 8.6 x (H) 11.8 inches
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Material: Canvas with polyester lining and faux leather
Final Verdict
If you’re a lady who’s always on the go and needs a compact and chic weekender duffel bag, this is definitely the ideal choice.
9. DALIX 17” Blank Duffle Bag
If you’re on a budget, then this duffel bag might catch your eye. At less than $15, this bag promises to deliver both function and value. This small carry on duffel bag is perfect for the gym or for overnight trips. It also comes in several colors, allowing you to pick the one that suits you best. It also has a u-shaped zipper, which makes packing and unpacking much easier.
Why We Like It
- Its compact size is great for overnight trips.
- It’s the perfect bag for the gym.
- Two side pockets make organizing easy.
- A front pocket can hold smaller items.
- It comes in several colors.
Stats
- Dimensions: (L) 17 x (W) 9 x (H) 10 inches
- Weight: TBA
- Material: Polyester with heavy vinyl backing
Final Verdict
The Dalix duffel bag is a very compact bag making it easy to carry while you’re in the airport and it’s very affordable.
10. Seyfocnia Leather Travel Bag
Looking for the best carry on duffel bag that simply oozes luxury? Then look no further because this faux leather bag delivers. The Seyfocnia duffel bag is made for travelers with an eye for sophistication. It’s also got the practical user in mind; a shoe compartment and inner pockets allow you to easily organize your most important items.
Why We Like It
- Faux leather gives it the ultimate elegance.
- The compact side pocket conveniently fits small items.
- The shoe compartment provides extra convenience.
- Its waterproof material further protects your belongings.
- It comes in black or brown faux leather.
Stats
- Dimensions: (L) 20.5 x (W) 11.32 x (H) 11.7 inches
- Weight: 3.08 lbs
- Material: PU leather and polyester lining
Final Verdict
If traveling in style is a must for you, the Seyfocnia duffel bag is an impeccable choice because its classy faux leather design ensures that you will look polished and sophisticated at all times.
Carry-On Duffel Bag Buyers Guide
Considering the myriad of options available on the market, first time or inexperienced travelers may have difficulty choosing the best carry-on duffel bags for travel. Here are a couple of options to consider when choosing the ideal bag for you.
The Carry-On Bag’s Dimensions, Weight, and Capacity
The first thing you might want to do is ask how big you need your bag to be. Having a bag that is too small defeats the purpose, and having one that’s too big is inconvenient and may mean you’re carrying extra weight. Make sure that the storage capacity of your bag suits your needs. You might want to ask yourself: How long is my trip? Am I staying overnight or staying the weekend?
Carry-On Duffel Bags with Wheels or No Wheels
A bag with wheels can be a lifesaver during trips where you have many layovers, especially if your new gate is at the opposite end of the airport! On the other hand, if carrying your bag allows you to move faster or if you already have a suitcase with wheels, you might just prefer a duffel bag that you can fit over the handle of your existing luggage.
Airline Carry-On Requirement Sizes
There’s nothing worse than realizing that your carry-on luggage can’t actually be carried onboard. You’d then have to pay extra fees to check it in instead. You might ask yourself, “What size duffel bag can I carry on a plane”? Well, here are the dimensions: TBA
Handles and Shoulder Straps
If you plan to carry your bag around, consider padded shoulder straps. Also ensure that the handles are easy on your hands and won’t chafe or cut into your palms. If you feel that a backpack might be better for you, check out our recommendations for carry-on backpacks.
Material Quality and Durability
Ask yourself: Am I going to be traveling outdoors? Will my bag be exposed to rain and strong sunshine? If your bag will be exposed to the elements, be sure to get a waterproof and sturdy duffel bag.
Expert Tips
- Always keep an eye on your bag at all times. Theft in airports does happen, and criminals may tamperwith your carry-on luggage if it’s unsupervised. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Lock your bag when you can.
- When traveling, especially internationally, you’ll always need to have your travel documents on hand. If you don’t have a separate bag for that, make sure that you have a secure pocket or pouch where you can store your pen, passport, ticket, boarding pass, embarkation cards, and all your other important documents.
