The world of travel products is fickle. Brands and trends come and go. But occasionally there’s a product that earns legendary status because it works. The Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel Bag has been around for years and has gone through several generations. Yet the fundamentals that made it a traveler’s darling remain. Durable construction. Simple functionality. Ability to withstand pretty much anything your travels can dish out.
I spent some quality time with the Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel recently to find out if it still lives up to the hype as one of the best travel duffle bags on the market. Taking a closer look at the materials, design, organization, comfort of carry, and feedback from real travelers who have used the bag for years, there are plenty of reasons this bag is a favorite of adventure travelers, budget travelers, and anyone in between who wants a no nonsense bag that can take a beating.
If you’re in the market for the Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel Bag, read on to find out if it should be your next travel companion.
Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel Bag
Build Quality and Materials
The first thing you’ll notice about the Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel is that it’s lightweight. Some durable bags weigh a ton before you even pack them, but this sucker is light without sacrificing that sturdy feel.
The outside of this duffel is made with Eagle Creek’s Bi- Tech fabric. This material is well known for its tear, abrasion and “abuse” resistance. It has a little give to it but feels rugged enough to survive baggage carousels, bus seats and the occasional pool deck sprint.
Speaking of durability, I love how reinforced the bottom is. Oftentimes heavy-use points on duffel bags start to wear thin after a few trips. Eagle Creek obviously plans on this bag lasting.
Rainproof? Check. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think this bag is 100% waterproof but you can feel confident throwing it in a rainstorm to dodge those puddles on pavement and protect your stuff from spills.
It just feels solidly built without over-engineered.
Packing Capacity and Interior Space
When it comes to packing philosophy, the Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel is simple: pack more stuff.
With suitcases there are wheels housings and telescoping handles to minimize packing space. This entire bag is usable space.
The oversized U-shaped opening allows you to see everything in the bag without having to unload contents. Packing and unpacking was effortless, which is a big plus when you have multiple stops during your travels.
I packed for 5 days for a recent weekend trial:
- Clothes
- Light Jacket
- Toiletry Bag
- Running Shoes
- Laptop Sleeve
- Charger & Adapters
I still had space leftover!
Compression straps secure your gear and keep everything from bouncing around while you transport the bag. The straps come in handy if you don’t fill the bag all the way to capacity.
Packing cube fans will be happy with the rectangular shape inside. It makes organizing your items easy, despite having limited built-in organization.
Organization and Storage
The No Matter What Duffel focuses on simplicity rather than packing everything under the sun.
While many bags offer dedicated laptop sleeves, expandable pocket grids, and other complicated organizational features, Eagle Creek strips things down to one large open space.
Here’s what it offers:
- External Pocket
- Storage Pocket
- Compression Straps
- Lockable Zippers
While some see this as a downside, others love having fewer bells and whistles.
I’m someone who hates overly stuffed bags since the pockets take up precious packing space. With the Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel I have the freedom to design my packing system utilizing packing cubes and pouches.
If you travel with lots of electronics/papers/etc and prefer dedicated organization features, then this may not be ideal for you.
Carrying Comfort
One of the criticisms I see of duffel bags in general is that they tend to become cumbersome when they’re stuffed full of stuff.
Eagle Creek has thought of that with a number of nice details.
The padded shoulder strap spreads the weight fairly evenly and is comfortable enough to schlep around an airport, check in at a hotel, and walk through a train station.
The reinforced grab handles also feel substantial and well placed.
But what I really like is how small the bag is when it’s empty. Rolling luggage always takes up space no matter what. This bag can be folded up small and tucked away until your next adventure.
Which is nice if you’re the type of traveler that ends up bringing an extra bag back home with you full of souvenirs/purchases.
Weather Resistance
Adventure travelers love the Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel for a reason – when you’re exploring, you never know what mother nature is going to throw your way.
The rip-stop exterior fabric is water resistant, providing an extra layer of protection from rain and splashes. Bags are frequently placed on rainy sidewalks, dirty luggage carts, and dank airplane cargo bins.
Anything helps when it comes to protecting your belongings. The water coated fabric offers great defense in these circumstances. While I’d still reach for waterproof dry bags if I were out hiking in a torrential downpour with a laptop, I’d have no problem packing in this for typical travel situations.
Real-World Feedback
I’ve scoured the internet for some long-term reviews from seasoned travelers and found several common themes.
Travelers claim to have had their No Matter What Duffel for years with little to no wear and tear.
Some of the most common comments I found were:
- SUPERB QUALITY
- LIGHT WEIGHT
- PACKS LARGE
- PACKS SMALL
- HIGH QUALITY ZIPPERS
- WORTH THE COST
“This bag has been with me on every continent but Antarctica, and will be 10 years old this year.”
“I’ve had mine flying countless times through luggage handlers and it still looks new compared to some cheaper bags that have tears after a few trips.”
Common Complaints:
- Few Interior pockets
- No Wheels
- Can strain your shoulders if it gets too heavy
All of these are valid complaints. However, they are mostly sacrifices you make when buying a simple duffel bag.
Who Should Buy the Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel?
Who this bag’s for
Adventure Travelers
Made from rugged materials that won’t weigh you down, this bag is perfect for outdoorsy adventuring, overland trips, and expedition-style travel.
Road Trip Travelers
Made from soft-sided materials, this bag will easily fit into your trunk or cargo hold.
Budget-Conscious Travelers
Get top-notch durability without buying high-dollar luggage.
Occasional Travelers
Folds up when not in use, so it won’t take up valuable storage space at home.
Who Should Skip It?
The Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel might not be for you if:
- You desire spinner wheels
- You regularly lug around lots of heavy electronics
- You like structured storage
- You’re a frequent business traveler
Consider investing in a rolling carry-on or travel backpack in those cases.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel | Patagonia Black Hole Duffel | The North Face Base Camp Duffel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Moderate |
| Durability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Weather Resistance | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Organization | Basic | Moderate | Basic |
| Packability | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Price Category | Mid-Range | Premium | Premium |
| Best For | General Travel | Adventure Travel | Expedition Travel |
Warranty and Long-Term Value
Area where Eagle Creek still shines: Warranty
Eagle Creek’s lifetime warranty definitely increases value. Lots of wear and tear goes through luggage/travel gear, so knowing you have the manufacturer behind you helps.
Think long term value instead of “how much does it cost?” and the No Matter What Duffel becomes even more appealing.
If a bag lasts you ten years it will end up costing you significantly less than buying several cheap ones.
Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5
The Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel excels in durability, packing volume, and versatility. It does sacrifice some organization compared to high-end travel bags. But for how tough and lightweight it is, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck travel duffels you can get.
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Final Verdict
The Eagle Creek No Matter What bag works because it doesn’t try to do too much. Eagle Creek has stuck with a formula that works and produced a durable, lightweight, roomy, and flexible travel bag.
Like most tried and true designs, Eagle Creek resisted adding bells and whistles to chase passing trends.
You want a travel bag that can handle road trips, adventure travel, checking, or casual vacation fun? Then this should be near the top of your list.
Because it’s rugged, well-designed, and proven to hold up for years, it’s easy to recommend the Eagle Creek No Matter What bag.
While it may not have all the latest bells and whistles, for travelers who prioritize durability when packing Eagle Creek’s made one of the best travel duffles out there.
FAQ
Is the Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel Waterproof?
No. Eagle Creek designed it to be water-resistant, not waterproof. If kept away from prolonged exposure to liquids and/or submersion, this versatile travel bag can stand up to moisture and water droplets (think light rain).
Can I use my Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel as carry on luggage?
Sizes may vary, but yes! Many of the No Matter What Bag’s sizing options are permissible for travel as carry on luggage. Check with your airline to confirm bag dimensions before your next flight.
Will my Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel fold up for storage?
Yes! This rollable duffel is perfect for easy storage when not in use. One of this product’s best features is how nicely it packs down.
Is the Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel Good for International Travel?
Yes! Many find that lightweight and rugged construction with the pack’s voluminous sizing are great for overseas travel.
Do you own an Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel? Comment below on how yours has held up over your travels. I love real life stories so I can help others make the best decision.
