Regardless of whether you are going out for an expedition around the world or driving up the cabin over the weekend, the best convertible duffel bag backpacks are versatile gear that you cannot miss to own. These bags are favored by travelers of all sorts – they are effortless to load and carry and the best ones are built to last.
But with an endless choice at your disposal, how would you select the one that’s going to serve your purpose while fitting your budget? The 10 convertible duffel bags we recommend are handpicked and thoroughly tested to ensure that they are competent to carry out the roles they are made for.
Best Convertible Duffel Backpacks
Few bags in the world are as simple and satisfying as a good convertible duffel bag. Though the basic working of these bags is the same, it’s not possible to settle on one piece that would appeal to every user. That’s the reason we have compiled a list of the 10 best convertible duffel bag backpacks so that it becomes easy to choose the piece that suits your needs and preferences:
- Best Convertible Duffel Backpacks
- Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55
- The North Face Voyager Roller Duffel
- REI Roadtripper 100L
- Thule Aion Duffel bag
- Osprey Shuttle Convertible Wheeled Duffel
- Osprey Transporter 40 convertible duffel
- The North Face Base Camp Convertible Duffel
- G-Favor Vintage Canvas Convertible bag
- Mier Heavy Duty Duffel Bag
- Cico Rider Sports Duffel Bag
- How to choose the best convertible duffel backpacks
- Wrapping up
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55
A cool duffel piece to start with, the Patagonia Black Hole is a 55-liter version of an all-around bag available in the market. These bags are completely made from 100 percent recycled elements coupled with premium-class construction from one end to another. Further, you also get multiple color options from bright red to a formal black.
The Black Hole duffel is tough and the fabric is made of 900-denier ripstop nylon shielded with a DWR finish to wick away moisture. While this model is not entirely waterproof, you can rest assured that your stuff will remain dry.
From the viewpoint of comfort and features, the user gets various ways to carry the bag. The most functional part is the removable strap which is more comfortable compared to other models. It’s worth noting that the Black Hole duffel doesn’t come with a rigid structure which means your fragile belongings won’t be entirely protected.
PROS
- Suitable for outdoor travel
- Durable and stylish looks
- Comes with tons of color emotions
CONS
- Pricier than other convertible duffels
The North Face Voyager Roller Duffel
Travelers are aware of the convenience of having a wheeled duffel on board, particularly a piece that can also function as a carry-on. This convertible duffel is built to meet size restrictions of the airlines and is the most suitable option for those who don’t pack everything with them. Even when the wheels are smooth, they are highly functional over the most surface.
The internal frame of this convertible bag is quite rigid and durable enough to handle most situations. The strong plastic handles will allow you to roll the bag effortlessly over cobblestones or even toss it to the back of a vehicle. Further, it’s equipped with a PFC-free DWR finish that helps keep your belongings dry. Coming to the downside of this bag, it is devoid of the organizational compartments that go into a typical roller bag.
PROS
- Tough structure with carry-on wheels
- Durable construction
- Offers great functionality and durability
CONS
- Lacks internal compartments for easy organization
REI Roadtripper 100L
For travelers looking for budget options and basic duffels, the REI Roadtripper can be the most suitable option. It is made from burly recycled polyester and comes with expansive detachable handles and shoulder straps. If you are planning to carry your bag for a long distance, this bag will serve your purpose since there are no backpack-style straps included.
Now the point is who this basic duffel is suited for? This bag is an amazing hauler for people who are looking for ample space as well as protection. This duffel is well-constructed, highly functional, and can endure rough handling with ease.
PROS
- Competitive pricing
- Simple design
- Ample storage space
CONS
- No straps for the backpack
Thule Aion Duffel bag
The best convertible duffel bag backpacks are built for toting and expedition usage to carry the gear that you will need for a week or so. But sometimes, your tour is likely to extend over a week which means you will be requiring a huge amount of personal supplies and clothing. The Thule Alon Duffel sports a wide array of internal and external compartments so that you can remain organized even when you are carrying loads of stuff.
The convertible bag is quite strong and durable and has an awesome build quality. It also sports two distinct compartments so that you can easily separate your dirty and fresh clothes. There is also a laptop sleeve, external stretch, zippered stashes, and internal zip pockets – all these are included so that you can organize your belongings pretty well.
PROS
- Good portability
- Padded and removable shoulder straps
- Hordes of additional features and streamlined looks
CONS
- Expensive in terms of features and capacity
Osprey Shuttle Convertible Wheeled Duffel
If you cannot choose between a basic duffel and conventional wheeled luggage, then the Osprey shuttle is going to offer you all that you need. It’s a premium duffel that’s extremely spacious and highly durable with a good level of organization. In sharp contrast to wheeled duffels that tend to trip over when they become full and upright, the Osprey Shuttle is going to keep up its weight the right way.
This convertible duffel has tons of features that range from external compression straps to a distinct compartment at the base to keep your wet gear. But there are certain negative aspects of this duffel as well. In the first place, it’s quite heavy and weighs more than 8 pounds when empty. If you fill the bag to the brim, you will see that it is almost crossing the 50-pound limitation of the airlines.
PROS
- High-end built quality
- Sturdy and convenient design
- Ready to handle wear and tear
CONS
- Heavy and bulky design
Osprey Transporter 40 convertible duffel
The reason we have included two entries from Osprey is that they are a leader in the luggage industry. With good padding in the straps along with an adjustable sternum is designed to bring comfort and versatility on board. The Osprey Transporter is a suitable option for those travelers who are looking to cover a distance with a single bag.
There is a zippered pocket at the end for storing critical items like charging cables or travel documents. The straps are used for keeping the items in place even when you are carrying the bag and walking. From the perspective of durability, it is made from 900-denier recycled polyester which makes the bag highly robust.
PROS
- Comes with a functional carry handle
- Offers good comfort
- Packing convenience is admirable
CONS
- The lack of an over-the-shoulder strap may not suit everyone
The North Face Base Camp Convertible Duffel
This classic bag was released in 1986 and it is a voracious competitor even in 2022. It is tough and water-resistant and offers good access to all that you have packed within the bag. It comes with decent organization pockets and the exterior compartment helps the user to separately pack the used shoes and clothes.
You will find many color choices and design options in the North Face Base Camp. You may choose from a basic 31L capacity to a massive 150L if you are packing stuff for more than one. For all your vacation needs ranging from an expedition to an office trip, the North Face Base Camp can be a perfect choice.
PROS
- Sustainable design with good features
- Reliable all-round design and color options
- Tough and water-resistant
CONS
- The features are nothing outstanding
G-Favor Vintage Canvas Convertible bag
This one can be your top-class choice if you are looking for a convertible bag that’s a cut above the rest. You can get in a host of elegant design options and it smoothly blends functionality and durability. While it is constructed from canvas and lined with a fabric that is made to ward off water. You will also like the resistance of the duffel bag.
What’s more, you will get distinct compartments for storing all the necessary items and also a nifty buckle for holding the keys. The bag is very lightweight and comes with breathable shoulder straps. If you want to carry the bag as a duffel, you will have to tuck the shoulder straps into the designated pockets so that they won’t keep flapping in the air.
PROS
- Highly durable built quality and structure
- Amazing strength and comfort level
- Lifetime guarantee on the detachable strap
CONS
- Wash care instructions have to be followed
Mier Heavy Duty Duffel Bag
If you want to make sure that all that you have packed in your convertible bag will remain protected despite the natural elements. The Mier Heavy Duty bag is constructed from absolutely waterproof tarpaulin. But the most important reason why you should invest in this bag is that it needs zero maintenance and can be washed with ease.
Even though there is no compartment on the outside of the convertible bag, you will have ample space and four mesh pockets on the interior where you can literally pack anything. But the shortcoming of the bag is that it doesn’t come with an adjustable shoulder strap.
PROS
- Constructed for durability
- Workmanship defects are covered in the first 2 years
CONS
- Backpack straps can cause discomfort according to some users
Cico Rider Sports Duffel Bag
The last one on our list of the best convertible duffel bag backpacks is the Cico Rider Sports duffel bag. The most important feature of this bag is that it weighs only 1.98 Lbs while offering 40L packaging capacity. This suggests that you will have enough room to pack in everything that you will be needing everything required for the next trip.
Another important fact about this bag is that it allows good decentralization. Two side pockets are waterproof. One of these pockets is crafted with an airhole for preventing any stuffiness that can be caused by storing the backpack handles when you will be using it with shoulder straps.
PROS
- Cheapest yet convenient duffel bag
- Excellent durability and amazing resistance to wear and tear
- The reflective logo which gives additional safety measures
CONS
- No cons at all
How to choose the best convertible duffel backpacks
As the name goes, convertible duffel backpacks can be converted from a backpack to carry-all duffel bags. When looking for the best convertible duffel bag backpacks, there are certain things that you should be watchful for.
Material
This is the first consideration that you need to factor in when choosing a bag. Also, the material is something where manufacturers go beyond the norm to test it endlessly and select something that’s going to last longer. It is not just limited to the elements but to a general beating that your bag can take.
Weather
Opting for water-resistant materials alone is not enough, particularly when you have to take them outdoors. Since the convertible duffel backpack is supposed to work outdoors, it needs to be equipped to take what nature throws at it.
Quality of the straps
When you get various options of different straps, it’s not just for convenient or cool design. They are instrumental in saving your shoulders on long treks. You may go for handles that allow carrying the bag horizontally can ease the shoulders.
Weight
The best convertible duffel bag backpacks are built to hold a lot of things that can add weight too fast. The piece you choose shouldn’t weigh over a few pounds. You will not only have to go for smart and minimal packing but also keep in mind that a weighty convertible bag will mar your treks.
Wrapping up
The reason behind the all-around popularity of convertible duffel bags is that they are truly a jack-of-all-trades. The best bags have their exterior crafted from polyester ripstop and laminated with TPU to shield them from weather elements and abrasion.
For all sorts of practical purposes, these bags can be your one-stop solution and no matter which one you choose, it will serve you for a long time. Now that you have the best knowledge to search for a top-notch convertible duffel bag, it’s time to invest in a piece that is going to make your journey worthwhile.
