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✔️ Wheels: If you struggle carrying heavy loads, opt for a duffel with wheels. The higher the denier, the stronger the fabric tends to be. ✔️ Denier: Oftentimes, the denier of the fabric may be listed, which is a unit of measurement used to determine the fiber thickness of individual threads or filaments used in the fabric. Polyester is a more affordable synthetic option that's lighter in weight than nylon but is generally slightly less durable. Nylon is a very popular synthetic fiber for softside luggage as it's durable and can withstand abrasion. ✔️ Material: Most duffels are made with either nylon or polyester. These duffel bag picks include top-tested styles as well as picks from brands that have previously impressed us in Lab testing.
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Whether you prefer a small weekender style or a rolling duffel, GH experts tested a variety of styles in the Lab and reviewed hundreds more online to make these selections. We also consider the weight and strap padding to find the most comfortable bags. Lab analysts also pack each bag to see how much it can hold and rate the ease of packing.
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We test their durability by assessing abrasion resistance, drop testing, water resistance and more. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tests all types of travel bags, including travel backpacks, underseat luggage and suitcases.
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They're easy to load and carry and are commonly made of durable materials that can withstand heavy use, making a duffel bag (a.k.a. Ideal for bringing on a road trip, airline vacation or just a trip to the gym, duffel bags come in a range of sizes with different pockets and organizational compartments for all types of trips. While rolling carry-on bags have been all the rage for quite some time, nothing is quite as versatile as a duffel bag.
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