Ways to Travel
Best duffel bags for travel: All the best duffel bags for your next travel adventure from Patagonia, The North Face, Rains and more
I have a long-standing love for duffel bags. This isn’t just a preference; it’s a testament to their enduring quality.
We still actively use five or six duffel bags that are at least 15 years old, a clear indication of their exceptional performance.
Duffel bags are incredibly versatile and practical for various travel scenarios. They’re ideal when you need a soft-sided bag, perfect for fitting into tight spaces on small planes or boats. Their adaptability also shines through in the multiple ways they can be carried, offering flexibility for any travel journey.
Here are our top picks for travel duffel bags.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Patagonia 70L Black Hole Duffle Bag
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag is an exceptional choice for travellers who want a duffel that is sustainable and built to last. It’s made from 100 per cent recycled fabric with a matte recycled TPU-film laminate that is both weather and abrasion-resistant. It features versatile carrying with removable, ergonomic shoulder straps, smart internal organisation, and a padded base to protect your belongings.
Osprey Transporter Travel Duffel Bag 95
The Osprey Transporter Travel Duffel Bag is a stellar pick, particularly if you’re on the hunt for a backpack-style duffel that can handle rough weather or outdoor trips. It’s made from durable, highly water-resistant NanoTough fabrics, making it both rugged and light. It comes with robust hardware, several grab handles, and a comfortable, padded harness that can be tucked away. It also features a large, lockable U-zip opening with a rain flap, quick-access zip pockets, internal mesh pockets for organisation, and eight external points to secure extra gear.
RAINS Hilo Weekend Bag Large
The RAINS Hilo Weekend Bag is made from their signature waterproof PU fabric, features a clean design with a full-length coated zipper opening. It includes side compression straps to secure belongings, webbing carry handles with a comfort sleeve, and a detachable shoulder strap.
The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag Large
The North Face is another legendary brand, offering a brilliant option for a duffel bag. Their Base Camp Duffel Bag Large made from 100 per cent recycled materials, and features detachable, adjustable, alpine-cut shoulder straps and padded side handles for versatile carrying. The D-zip opening has a weather-resistant flap, while the main compartment includes mesh pockets for organisation. Built with water-resistant Base Camp material, it’s incredibly durable with extra bar tacks and double stitching. It also has four compression straps and a water-resistant ID window.
If you are wanting a smaller size, opt for The North Face Medium Base Camp Duffle Bag on sale for $196.
Db Roamer Pro Split Duffel 70L
Db is a Norwegian brand co-founded by Swedish freeskiier Jon Olsson and a Norwegian engineering student Truls Brataas, aimed at redefining travel gear. And the Db Roamer Pro Split Duffel is a prime example of that. This duffel features a split design for dual-sided organisation, and an elevated carry system with a chest strap and load lifters. It features two aluminium rods for a structured carry, made from recycled materials, and is Hook-Up System compatible.
YETI Panga 50 Airtight Waterproof Submersible Duffel Bag
The Yeti Panga 50 Duffel Bag is another solid choice. This bag is built for extended backcountry adventures, designed to be completely airtight and waterproof thanks to its Hydro Lok zipper. It’s made from high-density nylon with thick TPU lamination, which is built to be puncture and abrasion-resistant. With Dry Haul Straps and Metal Lock Hardware, this duffel is engineered to withstand serious impacts and rough handling.
Unplug Ultimate Adventure Bag
Last but not least, we have the Unplug Ultimate Adventure Bag. This waterproof dry bag features ballistic Oxford welded construction and a roll-down zip top with eight compression straps. Built to endure heavy rain, snow, sand, mud, dust, and brief submersion, it’s designed in Australia for rugged use. It boasts heavy-duty, tie-down points and end grab handles, high-frequency welds, and robust buckles. Its ergonomic design includes removable shoulder straps with sternum support, making it perfect for travel or any outdoor adventure.
READ MORE: The walking shoes frequent flyers will always wear on holidays
Despite the puny pound, a bargain-basement waterside holiday in Europe is still a possibility. Just move beyond the obvious tourist destinations and head east – to the likes of Poland, Latvia and Albania – where you will find a warm welcome, intriguing history, and a touch of the exotic.
Here Simon Calder shares his top five destinations to enjoy the beach away from the usual holiday crowds.
Sopot, Poland
The Baltic coast of Poland is sea-bathing heaven, though the water could be a touch warmer. The shore comprises a couple of hundred miles of sandy beach. And my favourite spot is the handsome 19th-century resort of Sopot – just a 20-minute train ride from the city of Gdansk, beyond the former Lenin shipyards. You can enjoy a vast swathe of soft white sand and benign sea on a beach that is ideal for young families, and 20th-century prices. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, take a trip from the end of the pier across the bay to Hel – a pretty fishing village at the end of a spit, and the eastern extreme of Puck County.
Swinoujscie, Poland
At the far west of the Polish Riviera, Swinoujscie is hard to pronounce (try “schvin-oo-oyshter”) but easy to enjoy. The approach is fun: the train from handsome and fascinating Szczecin (“shchetsin”) takes you to a town that suffered gravely in the Second World War but retains some classic 19th-century airs. The beach of soft white sand is blissful, and the hinterland has much of interest on both the Polish and German sides of the border.
Jurmala, Latvia
Latvia is not the go-to nation for seekers of long, sandy beaches. But perhaps it should be. This Baltic republic is blessed with a 20-mile silvery strand presided over by the spa town of Jurmala – just 37 minutes by train from the capital, Riga. Much of the beach is fringed by pine forest. In town, the architectural repertoire ranges from Soviet order (Brezhnev and Khrushchev were regular visitors) to Art Nouveau joy.
Durres, Albania
Most people who land at Mother Teresa International airport, the gateway to Albania, head 20 minutes southeast to the capital, Tirana. But I aim half an hour southwest, to Durres on the Adriatic coast: a beach resort with Roman remains, a bustling port, and the Peeping Tourist museum – a testament to the decades under hardline communism when every overseas visitor was spied upon.
Ohrid, North Macedonia
Amid the mountains in the deep south of the former Yugoslavia lies the lakeside town of Ohrid. The town is a mere 10-minute drive from the airport. It combines Unesco world heritage-listed ancient monasteries with its status as a fun resort beside the deepest body of water in the Balkans: Lake Ohrid. It has a plausible stretch of beach, flower-strewn lanes through which to wander, and decent restaurants serving tasty Balkan cuisine at prices from a distant era. You can also take a trip into soaring mountains, or make a circuit of the lake, including a stretch through Albania: don’t forget your passport.
A little-known peninsula, Río de Oro is flanked by Atlantic swells and a tranquil lagoon
It’s interesting what you notice when arriving at a destination by road – particularly the sand dune-flanked single carriageway that welcomes you onto the Río de Oro peninsula. For me it was the raw beauty. The sense of space and remoteness. The simplicity of the colours: cobalt blue sky, grey-tarred road, soothing beige sand.
This 25 mile-long peninsula is home to the Saharan city of Dakhla, long stretches of wild coast, empty beaches and an ocean lagoon.
It’s situated in Western Sahara, which the UN refers to as a “non-self governing territory”. Its status is disputed between Morocco and a local independence movement – but despite its ambiguous political status, the peninsula is not considered unsafe (check Foreign Office advice and coverage with your insurance provider).
It’s also easier to get to from Europe, with Ryanair recently launching direct flights from Madrid and Lanzarote.
On my first trip to the city – a four-day visit in 2023 – I flew from Agadir in Morocco, where I live. This time, though, I drove a 750-mile coastal route for a three-week stay.
A single road leads in and out of the peninsula and follows its eastern edge – the “inside”, from which Dakhla takes its name (dakhl meaning inside in Arabic). This “inside” is home to a shallow, tidal lagoon sheltered from the Atlantic swells that roll in on the west of the peninsula. It’s an otherworldly scene, often filled with colourful kites overhead, and sometimes flamingos. Traffic is minimal, unless you count the wild camels. On the southern tip is Dakhla, a city whose name is often used to refer to the whole peninsula.
Due to its natural shelter and consistent winds, the peninsula is popular for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and other wind-powered watersports. The climate is characterised by dryness, sunshine and wind, especially from May to September. Year-round, the Atlantic wind keeps it cooler than inland areas, with summer highs of around 27°C.
I’m not a kitesurfer, but I found other ways to experience the natural beauty, including a 4×4 tour to the White Dune. Arriving at low tide, we scrambled up, stopping to take in the lagoon views before sandboarding back down. I admired Dragon Island, a rocky isle that’s surrounded by the lagoon at high tide, from a distance – others kayak, sail and even swim to it.
Until recently, most tourists would stay at the camps dotting the lagoon shore, but there is a growing number of options in the city. The centre is a maze of construction, and is changing fast.
In the evenings, the dusty streets fill with an eclectic mix of Sahrawian women in lightweight melfha fabrics and men in blue Touareg robes, foreign businessmen and kitesurfers in sunglasses.
The sun, wind and activity left me with quite an appetite, which was fortunate, given Dakhla’s a paradise for fresh fish and seafood. One highlight was Tahla Mar, an oyster farm and seafood restaurant on the edge of the lagoon. In town, Le Marin Pêcheur, serves juicy king prawns, while Gladys, run by women who remembered me on each visit, offers great-value dishes (tagine was £4).
Days were spent walking my dog along the beaches and writing in cafes like Le Passage and Marh Coffee Roasters. At the small souk, which mostly caters to residents, I picked up Saharan tea and fabrics.
Back on the highway, I was grateful for having visited a place in its rawness, before the crowds arrive.
How to do it
Royal Air Maroc flies Gatwick to Dakhla via Casablanca; Air Arabia flies from Agadir or Casablanca; Ryanair flies from Madrid and Lanzarote. Hotel Fyndy has doubles from £25, B&B. Kite House has B&B doubles from £70. Lagon Energy has full-board rooms from £110pp. visitmorocco.com/en/travel/dakhla
Ways to Travel
Eddie Bauer Adventure Club, Launches A New Vacation Ownership Experience Combining Outdoor Adventure And Luxury Stay In Moab
Sunday, August 3, 2025
In a bold move set to reshape the vacation ownership landscape, Travel + Leisure Co. has partnered with Authentic Brands Group to launch the Eddie Bauer Adventure Club. This unique club blends vacation ownership with the growing demand for outdoor exploration. Set to debut in Moab, Utah, in early 2026, the resort will feature 39 luxurious one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites within a reimagined wing of the WorldMark Moab resort. The new adventure-focused club represents Travel + Leisure Co.’s strategic expansion into the adventure travel sector, creating a distinct opportunity for nature-loving travelers to immerse themselves in outdoor experiences while enjoying the comfort and benefits of vacation ownership.
The Launch of Eddie Bauer Adventure Club: A New Era in Vacation Ownership
Eddie Bauer, a brand synonymous with outdoor adventure and exploration, enters the vacation ownership industry for the first time through this exciting collaboration. Founded more than 100 years ago, Eddie Bauer has long been a pioneer in the outdoor space, inspiring countless adventurers to embrace the great outdoors with high-quality gear designed for performance and durability. This new chapter in the brand’s legacy builds on its commitment to outdoor experiences by introducing a vacation ownership opportunity that aligns with its ethos of adventure and connection to nature.
The Eddie Bauer Adventure Club offers a compelling alternative for today’s traveler, blending luxury accommodations with the thrill of outdoor exploration. As a member, owners will have exclusive access to curated outdoor experiences, from annual adventure excursions to curated recreation and nature-driven programs. In addition, owners will enjoy priority booking privileges at Eddie Bauer and WorldMark resorts, 50% discounts on Eddie Bauer retail purchases, and a subscription to authentic.com for two years.
This new offering complements Travel + Leisure Co.’s existing WorldMark by Wyndham product, providing a wider range of vacation options for travelers seeking to embrace nature-forward destinations. The company plans to expand this initiative to more locations in the future, creating additional resorts that focus on providing immersive outdoor experiences.
Exclusive Perks for Adventure Club Members
Eddie Bauer Adventure Club members will enjoy several exclusive benefits designed to enhance their experience. These include:
- Annual adventure excursions for two, giving members the opportunity to explore scenic landscapes and take part in guided outdoor activities.
- Curated on-site recreation and nature-driven programming, which will provide engaging activities for all ages and interests.
- Priority booking privileges across Eddie Bauer and WorldMark resorts, ensuring that members have the first pick for stays at some of the most popular vacation destinations.
- 50% off all Eddie Bauer retail purchases, allowing members to enjoy high-quality outdoor gear at a discounted price.
- A two-year subscription to authentic.com, offering access to exclusive content and promotions.
The club aims to foster a sense of community and connection among outdoor enthusiasts, creating a space where like-minded individuals can share experiences and build lasting memories.
A Growing Trend in Adventure Travel
The demand for outdoor experiences has skyrocketed in recent years, driven by a growing interest in nature-based travel and sustainable tourism. Adventure tourism has proven to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the global travel industry, with travelers increasingly seeking destinations that allow them to connect with nature while enjoying comfortable and unique accommodations.
The Eddie Bauer Adventure Club taps into this trend, offering a vacation ownership model that aligns with the values and desires of today’s adventure-seeking traveler. With its focus on nature-forward experiences and luxury accommodations, the club provides an innovative way for travelers to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the benefits of a premium vacation ownership product.
Travel + Leisure Co.’s Strategic Expansion
This launch represents a significant step in Travel + Leisure Co.’s ongoing efforts to diversify its brand portfolio. The company continues to expand its reach across multiple travel segments, tapping into high-growth areas such as adventure travel and sports-themed resorts. Following the success of its WorldMark by Wyndham product, the introduction of the Eddie Bauer Adventure Club demonstrates Travel + Leisure Co.’s commitment to evolving vacation ownership to meet the needs of a modern, active, and adventurous audience.
In addition to Eddie Bauer, the company is also preparing to launch its Sports Illustrated Resorts concept and has recently acquired the Accor Vacation Club, further enhancing its portfolio of vacation offerings. Travel + Leisure Co.’s strategic expansion includes plans for new resort locations in key markets that will cater to the increasing demand for immersive outdoor experiences.
Looking Ahead to Moab and Beyond
The debut resort in Moab, Utah, is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey for Eddie Bauer Adventure Club members. The location was chosen for its breathtaking natural beauty and unparalleled outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. As one of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, Moab offers the perfect setting for the club’s first resort.
Looking ahead, Travel + Leisure Co. plans to expand the Eddie Bauer Adventure Club to other prime adventure destinations across the United States, offering members even more opportunities to connect with nature while enjoying the exclusive benefits that come with membership.
Conclusion
The Eddie Bauer Adventure Club is an innovative new addition to the vacation ownership landscape, providing a fresh and exciting way for travelers to experience the outdoors while enjoying luxurious accommodations and exclusive perks. With its focus on adventure and nature-driven experiences, the club is poised to appeal to a new generation of travelers who seek both adventure and comfort in their vacation experiences. As the first resort in Moab prepares for its 2026 debut, it’s clear that this new initiative will mark a transformative step in how vacation ownership integrates with the growing demand for outdoor exploration.
Travel + Leisure Co.’s partnership with Eddie Bauer to create this adventure-focused resort concept signals the company’s dedication to expanding its offerings in the adventure travel space. As this initiative continues to evolve, it will no doubt play a key role in shaping the future of vacation ownership and outdoor tourism.
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