Looking for a duffel

[Kilgore13]

I've got some trips planned in the next few months and am in sore need of suitable luggage. I'll be couch-and-hostel-hopping around Israel in December, doing some weekend roadtrips throughout, then come late spring hoping to jaunt to NYC. I think a duffel is what I need, but don't know where to start looking. $200-300 is probably my price range, but that's not set in stone. I just need something easy to carry, roomy (I am a big man with big clothes) and durable. Thanks.

[Legion]

I'd hit the surplus stores.

I have one like this. The closure system is foolproof, they are tough, don't cost much, can be carried by the handle or slung over a shoulder. The only problem is your clothes get a bit crushed, but if you can live with that they are very practical.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x146/dh10au/3339.jpg

[Mako72]

I would recommend looking at some of the Eagle Creek Luggage. I, and most of my family, have some peices of these that I have had for over 13 years. Very rugged stuff and convertible, meaning they can be easily reconfigured with shoulder straps, backpack straps, etc. Alot of the larger bags also include a zip on/off daypack as well for tripping around without taking all your stuff. Much more functional and better looking than a duffle bag or backpack. If you get on their site I am sure they probably have a retailer fairly close.

http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/

Jay

Edit-I forgot to mention one very important thing about Eagle Creek... Lifetime repair or replacement warranty! And they have never failed to honor it for anyone I know.

[Darkahl]

I will second Eagle Creek, I have had good luck with their duffel bags in the past.

A few years ago I purchased REI Cargo Weekender Bag (http://www.rei.com/product/747934/rei-cargo-weekender-bag) and it has been great. So far it has survived 10 flights, about half of those were checked, and numerous other weekend get aways. The only part I have never used is the shoulder straps which converts it into a makeshift backpack. They also make a larger version if you liked it and needed more space.

[Shaving_CHENG]

Orvis Battenkill - three different sizes, and always classy, whether you're at the Ritz or in a hostel. I've had mine for ten years; my father has had his for about fifty, and they look great. Orivs will also service them for life.

Enjoy your travels.

[TheVez2]

Some duffels now come with backpack straps to make them easier to carry. I'd go with an internal frame backpacker's backpack though. More pockets to make sorting things easier.

[RCR]

BAD (Best American Duffel) Bags. They're the best I've ever used.

[BruiserWeight]

Filson. They might be a little of of the price range you mentioned, but you will save money in the long run because this will be the last duffel you wil ever need to buy.
http://www.filson.com/luggage/duffles/-1019/

[miamimoe]

Seeing as I live in Israel, I'll give you some advice. Get something that converts to a backpack. Go to: http://www.ebags.com as they have hundreds of offerings. Second, if you are taking buses, the inter-city bus lines, such as Egged, Veolia, or Metropolitan have space below for your bags. Before you get off the bus, make sure you tell the driver: "Yaish li teek lemata", which means: "I have a bag below", so he doesn't drive away with your bag as sometimes happens. The inner city buses in the Tel Aviv Metro region (Dan) do not have below deck storage, so you need to consider that. Finally, bring some rain gear, as winter is the rainy season (we hope), and plan for temperatures between 40 degrees and 55 degrees. It can get colder in Jerusalem and in the Golan and upper Galilee, so plan accordingly.

[gorgehiker]

I would go with one of these (http://www.rei.com/product/804285/the-north-face-base-camp-duffel-large). I have seen ones that are over 10 years old and still look new, and to boot there water proof.....its on my to get list. Backpacker mags top gear pick every year for duffles....just a thought.

[JeffM]

Filson is the benchmark for duffels and they are indeed nice and durable. My 2 sons have them and love them. I went with an orvis brand bag, a little more stylish and old-guyish.

[TYdeFan05]

Filson or Osprey Waypoint (2 sizes, get the big for sure). Filson is excellent and Osprey has the added advantage of being a duffel AND it converts to a backpack in about 10 seconds time. When I travel internationally I always check this along with a regular rolling case. Two rolling suitcases can be a pain but one rolling case and a framed backpack/duffel is quite right. I can fit enough for 3+ month assignments in that setup and 1+ month with just the Osprey.

[JCinPA]

If you don't need fancy (leather end caps, that sort of thing) the Cabela's line of canvas duffels is virtually indestructable, and zipping along the length makes them much more practical than a military duffel. You will be able to get several sizes on your budget. You will give them to your grandkids.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Heavy-Canvas-Duffel-Bags/713848.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3D searchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProduc ts%26Ntt%3Dduffel%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader %253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=duffel&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products


If you want a little more than a plain duffel (I like them actually) these are also a good bet. Again, pretty much bombproof but less expensive than the Orvis or LL Bean stuff. D-shaped openings make it easy to load/unload.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home/Outback-Luggage-Series|/pc/105625080/c/107791380/Cabelas-Outback-Series-Gear-Bag-Luggage/1170212.uts?destination=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId %3D107791380&WTz_l=Unknown%3Bcat107791380

They are having a sale for about the next week, too.

[Blue Raccoon]

indestructible and looking..
http://www.fishpondusa.com/productpics/bumpy-roadmain1.jpg