Weight: 6.2 lb.
Capacity: 85L
Dimensions: 31.5″ x 14″ x 12″
Expandable: No
Warranty: Five year product warranty
This collapsible duffel comes highly recommended by global digital director, Arati Menon, who says “it delivers for a safari-goer just as much as it does for a city-slicker.” One of her two trips with the bag so far was to Africa in May 2025, where she traveled to South Africa and Rwanda, involving multiple connections and excursions. She brought it along to comply with luggage rules—you’re not allowed hard cases on most safaris (last-mile connectivity involved puddle jumpers and helicopters). “Because it was a two-week trip, I was in search of a bag that would fit a lot, as well as something practical to travel with—and this bridged those worlds,” says Menon. The other trip was to Fogo Island, Canada, where again, Menon was subject to lots of connecting transportation.
It weighs just over six pounds unpacked, which makes it one of the lightest checked bags on this list. Acting as a large cavity, the bag offers two stability straps that add some structure on the base, two compression straps to hold everything in, and one zippered pocket.
“It fits around 10 days’ worth of clothes; and I think that if it were a summer trip (and I didn’t have to pack trekking boots and jackets and such), I could’ve kept it going for 14 days,” says Menon. “Given that it’s a soft case, made of ballistic nylon, it’s rare to find any scratches in sight and is tough to boot.”
It looks impeccable even after Menon’s Africa safari sojourn: “I cleaned it with a wet cloth and soap—easy peasy,” she says. The one qualm? Rolling it along could be harder than most, because it has just two wheels, rather than the now-common four. (According to Menon, it’s harder to drag it along at an angle if and when overstuffed.) However, the wheels are good quality, and it boasts a design that’s easy to pick up with a handle on the top and two side carry handles with leather wraps. And because this bag folds up so easily into its own zipped pouch, rolling it up is enjoyable and allows for neat storage after unpacking—both in a hotel and at home. “The compactness of it makes this neatness fanatic very happy,” says Menon. “It’s certainly a leader in its pack.”
Pros: Collapsible (packs into included zip pouch for easy storage), two side zip pockets, compression straps
Cons: Difficult to wheel when overstuffed, expensive
