I Love to Pack Light—but This 1 Bag Always Comes With Me Just in Case I Need Extra Space on the Way Back

I love to pack light, but I’m also the kind of travel writer who’s always coming home with more than I left with. Whether that’s ceramics from Portugal, antiques from Italy, or a vintage haul from shopping all summer in Paris. Browsing, curating, and collecting are my favorite things to do when traveling, but that also means I need luggage that can adapt and expand. Over the years, I’ve learned a simple way to make my luggage accommodate my shopping habit—a collapsible duffel bag.

My favorite? The REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Duffel. This durable duffel rolls up to about the size of a toiletry bag, so I slip it inside my carry-on on the way to my destination, then fill it up and check it on my way back.

REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Duffel Bag

Unlike flimsier fold-up duffels, the REI Big Haul is built tough with high-quality 400D ripstop and water-repellent fabric, reinforced buckles to back up the zipper, and padded straps so you can wear it like a backpack. I even once squeaked by security using it as my “personal item” (though don’t yell at me if you’re asked to check it at the gate).

I pack the bag with soft goods on the outside, so that breakable items are cushioned and compressed in the bag’s interior. The thick handles on each end are hefty enough that I don’t worry about them ripping off when getting tossed around by baggage handlers. I’ve packed it full of souvenirs like bottles of olive oil, jams, books, pottery, and clothes—and it’s held up since 2018 with no broken souvenirs to date.

REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Duffel Bag

The Big Haul is my go-to in large part because the outdoor brand works to reduce its carbon emissions and supports climate projects around the world. If I’m buying a new item, I try to ensure it’s from a brand that prioritizes sustainability. If you think the 60-liter size is too big or too small for your needs, REI has the same collapsible design in 28, 40, 90, and 120-liter versions. 

There are so many other foldable, compact duffels on the market. Here are five highly rated picks from Amazon if you’re a traveling shopper, too.

Urtala 120L Collapsible Duffel Bag

This huge collapsible duffel bag has an average 4.4-star rating. It’s made with 600D polyester, has metal zippers, and has a suitcase sleeve. One Amazon reviewer said, “We are heavy-duty travelers, from city to rural travel, and needed an extra duffel. We took a chance and were pleasantly surprised to find this held up great to rough travel.”

Eddie Bauer Stowaway 45L Packable Duffel Bag

The Eddie Bauer Stowaway Duffel Bag is made of 200D ripstop polyester with a water-repellent finish and a handy luggage trolley sleeve. One Amazon shopper was comfortable checking the bag, which survived “without a tear or a scratch.” They said it was the perfect setup for lightweight travel: “Thanks to this bag, I was able to trek two weeks in Japan with just a roller carry-on, a backpack, and also bring back plenty of souvenirs without feeling limited by huge luggage the whole time I was there.”

Stover 80L Rolling Duffel Bag

Duffel bags aren’t easy on your back. When packed to the brim, they can be quite heavy and tough to carry on your shoulder. This Stover duffel bag, however, has three wheels so you can pull it behind you. Alternatively, it can be converted into a backpack for hands-free toting. Plus, it comes with a small toiletry bag. One Amazon shopper took two of these duffels on a five-week trip around Europe and rated it five stars.

Eagle Creek No Matter What 60L Duffel Bag

Available in three sizes, this Eagle Creek duffel folds into itself with a reverse pocket design, so you don’t have to worry about losing its carrying pouch. The 60-liter capacity would be the ideal size for travelers, as this version comes with a luggage sleeve for easier airport maneuvering. One traveler said the bag held up on bumpy Jeep rides through Tanzania.

Lekesky 80L Foldable Duffel Bag

This 80-liter duffel bag comes in fun colorways like leopard, polka dot, and nautical stripes, and can fold up and fit into a 12.1-inch square pouch when not in use. Shoppers love the dedicated shoe compartment that separates the contents of the bag. I suggest using this duffel bag as your carry-on and trying to pack soft, lighter goods to make it easier to carry.

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