Fun fact: Duffle bags and duffel bags are indeed one and the same. The two spellings are used interchangeably, but they refer to the exact same thing. It’s primarily a regional difference; the heavy-duty woolen cloth was originally made in the town of Duffel, Belgium, so duffel tends to be used more commonly throughout Europe. On the other hand, duffle is more common in America.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get into why duffles are such a great option for weekend trips. Duffle bags are convenient for weekend travel size-wise, plus they’re generally pliable so it’s easy to stuff them and they fit well into even cramped spaces.

They’re also usually made of lightweight yet durable materials, making them suitable for everything from business trips to camping weekends. In fact, duffles are so weekend-appropriate that they’re often referred to as weekenders! 

When it comes to actually shopping for a high-quality duffle bag, things quickly become tricky. There are tons of options, including packable duffles, rolling duffles, rugged waterproof duffle bags, and much more. To help you narrow it down, here are our favorite picks for every preference, budget, and type of travel. 

Best Buy

1. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag

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When you need rugged, durable, high-quality gear, it’s difficult to do much better than Patagonia. The Black Hole duffel stands out from other bags on this list with its multiple carrying options – instead of a shoulder strap, Patagonia includes two removable padded straps so you can wear this bag as a backpack and keep your hands free. 

Clever integrated storage solutions include a large mesh pocket directly under the zippered top. This area is ideal for smaller items like hats or glasses that you don’t necessarily want to toss into the “black hole” of the bag.