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The Best Mens Duffel Bags

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The best mens duffel bag is the one that gets the job done and looks good doing it. But in addition to that I have a few more requirements. I look for good design, materials, and reputation.

Design

Duffel bag design is pretty simple but that is why you have to get it really right. Mistakes are magnified by the bags simple utilitarian nature. The main compartment should be spacious and easy to get into. There is no need to go crazy with the organization features but a couple pockets can make a huge difference. In my experience small items get lost with no pockets but many pockets and divisions rob you of main compartment space. If you want more organization, consider using packing cubes.

Materials

I am partial to canvas duffel bags with leather accents but there are a number of very compelling synthetic canvas bags. Cordura and G1000 are particularly nice. Regardless of which fabric you choose the seams and zippers are most likely to go first so I like to keep an eye out for strong thread, rivets, and double layered fabrics for high stress panels like the bottom.

Reputation

I am happy to experiment with a bag from an unknown company. I routinely have to restrain myself from jumping in on the latest bag Kickstarters. I won’t recommend a bag that hasn’t been tested by time and I won’t recommend a manufacturer (or retailer) that I don’t feel believes in their product.

So, without further adieu:

The Best Mens Duffel Bags Under $100

Herschel Supply mens duffel bag
Herschel Supply Co. Novel
On a limited budget the Novel provides a lot of functionality. It comes in a multitude of colors and has a special shoe compartment.
Available on Amazon

One of Herschel Supply Co.’s big advantages is the array of patterns, colors, and fabrics that they offer. True, some of these options drive the price above the $100 mark (like my favorite Wild Dove Hemp) but those are more of a premium upgrade. The Novel is a great budget mens duffel bag option.

TOPO Designs mens duffel bag
TOPO Designs Duffel 18
TOPO’s duffel is tough as nails and made in the USA from great materials. It’s made from 1000d Cordura, YKK made in the USA zippers, and natural leather accents. For organization it has two interior zippered pockets.
Available on TOPO

TOPO Designs makes their bags in Colorado and they work with their friends and neighbors to produce a simple but functional product. If you like the idea of supporting your local farms you should consider supporting your local bag manufacturer.

Runner Up: Bespoke Post x Blue Claw Co. Sweat duffel

The Bespoke Post Sweat duffel is a phenomenal deal. It’s made by Blue Claw Co. and for $45 for a 15oz canvas duffel it’s hard to beat. Unfortunately it is not always available. I wrote a more in-depth review on this Blue Claw Co. Duffel.

When it is available check here: https://www.bespokepost.com/box/sweat

The Best Mens Duffel Bags Under $200

Stowaway Waxed Weekender mens duffel bag
Stowaway Waxed Weekender Bag
The Stowaway has a heritage style that stands out and Navali’s sale pricing periodically bumps this bag into bargain territory. It’s waxed canvas fabric gives it some water resistance but more than anything ensures that it will age well and develop a patina with use.
Available on Amazon

Navali’s lifetime warranty helps ensure that even if something does go wrong with your bag, they stand behind their product and will make it right.

Fjallraven No.4 mens duffel bag
Fjallraven Duffel No.4
This Swedish made bag has strong roots in Scandinavian design. Fjallraven makes a beautiful minimalistic highly functional duffel bag. The No.4 is based on their first duffel the Sailor Bag 214 and is made of G1000 fabric which was originally considered for tents but was too heavy.
Available on Amazon

Fjallraven started in 1960 in northern Sweden and quickly became known for producing functional, long lasting, and handsome products.

Runner Up: Frost River Flight Bag

The Frost River Flight bag is a great bag. I like the Carry-On size for travel but the medium is very useful too. Its tough too. With 18oz waxed canvas (double layer on the bottom), leather handles, and brass hardware this bag will last a very long time.

The Best Mens Duffel Bags Over $200

Filson Small mens duffel bag
Filson Small Duffel
The perennial favorite: Filson makes amazing bags. Their duffel is rugged, dependable, and made in the USA. It will last a lifetime and will only improve with age. This bag is a bit expensive but being made of Made from 22oz twill and bridle leather straps, it’s material quality is second to none. eBay can be very helpful if this is out of your budget.
Available on Amazon

One of Filson’s slogans is: Might as well have the best. I wholeheartedly agree with their focus on the best design and the best materials. And if something does go wrong Filson backs all their products with their lifetime guarantee.

Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30 mens duffel bag
Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30
The A30 is an amazing travel duffel that fits most carry on requirements and converts to a backpack. This gives you the flexibility to quickly move through all terrain be it a busy airport or a short bushwhacking jaunt to a campsite. It’s backed by a lifetime guarantee and made in the USA.
Available on Tom Bihn

One of the things that I love most about Tom Bihn is how transparent they are with their product components and design. Most bag manufacturers list at best a bullet point mentioning what fabric they used. Not Tom Bihn, they have detailed paragraph after detailed paragraph about the best uses for their bags, what their bags are made of, and how their design came about. The Aeronaut 30’s product description + design notes is 1673 words long!

Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30 mens duffel bag

Runner Up: Saddleback Leather Medium Duffel

Saddleback Leather makes a very rugged beautiful leather duffel bag. It costs a lot and is kind of heavy but if you are looking for a leather bag that will last then the Saddleback Medium Duffel is your bag.

About

Many years ago I decided that I needed to dress better so I dove into the world of men's fashion. I learned what works for me.

In my personal style journey, one of the last things that I addressed was accessories. People discuss raw denim till they are blue in the face but accessories are often forgotten. Men's bags don't get the attention that they deserve.

Your outfit is incomplete without giving consideration to the bag you carry. Retire the high-vis nylon beater that served you well in your youth and find something more grown up. Read More…

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