Product review: Duffel bags

These wheeled duffel bags are cabin-friendly – no more waiting for your luggage after your flight. We packed for a three-day beach getaway with them.

$100, from American Tourister in Singapore

SPECIFICATIONS 65cm x 35cm x 33cm, weighs 2.5kg when empty

FABRIC Made of polyester; water-resistant.

SPACE Even after filling the bag with three days’ worth of clothes and essentials, there was ample room left for at least two extra days. The bag has two compartments – one inside and another at the front – deep enough to store books, T-shirts or slippers. The extra toiletries bag is a plus. The bag is the lightest of the lot.

USING IT There is no detachable shoulder strap but the carry handles are long enough to hoist the bag  onto my shoulder comfortably – my arm didn’t feel squashed even when the bag was full. The pull handle and zippers work without a hitch. The wheels take sharp corners very well – the bag kept steady, even when I walked quickly.

VERDICT 8.5 Easy to handle and move around. Also the lightest, largest and cheapest.

$125, from The Travel Store in Singapore

 SPECIFICATIONS 55cm x 32cm x 30cm, weighs 3kg when empty

FABRIC Made of nylon; not water-resistant.

SPACE This is the roomiest bag, with the most compartments – six (two in front, one at the back and three inside). I loved that it has pockets for everything, from my passport to my phone and underwear, so I didn’t have to rummage around for things. It also comes with a toiletries bag. 

USING IT The detachable and adjustable shoulder strap is too thin; it cut into my flesh. Using the carry handles on my shoulder was better. The pull handle and zipper work effortlessly. The wheels take sharp corners easily and the bag didn’t wobble, even when I was hurrying along.

VERDICT 7.5 Great for neat freaks, with its multiple compartments, but not water-resistant. 

$203, from The Planet Traveller in Singapore

SPECIFICATIONS 50cm x 31cm x 31cm, weighs 3.2kg when empty

FABRIC Made of tarpaulin; waterproof.

SPACE There was extra room for a pair of shoes and a hairdryer. It has one internal compartment, a flat pocket lining to store small items like a music player. It is the heaviest bag of the lot.

USING IT The detachable and adjustable shoulder strap is well-padded and comfy. But as it is attached diagonally, I found it hard to keep my balance as the weight was uneven. It was more comfortable using the carry handles, which are long enough to hoist onto my shoulder; my arm didn’t feel squashed. The pull handle and zipper work perfectly. The wheels navigate sharp corners well, keeping the bag steady, even at a brisk pace.

VERDICT 7 A sturdy, waterproof bag let down by its weight; it is also the most uncomfortable to lug around.

$303, from The Planet Traveller in Singapore

SPECIFICATIONS 50cm x 30cm x 30cm, weighs 3kg when empty

FABRIC Made of nylon; water-resistant.

SPACE This is the least spacious bag, with barely enough room for an extra pair of shoes. Its sole interior pocket is large enough only for small toiletries bottles, medication and a book. The plus side: it’s fairly light. 

USING IT The padded detachable and adjustable shoulder strap felt comfy on my shoulder – I didn’t feel any discomfort lugging the full bag around. The carry handles, though, were uncomfortable on my shoulder. The pull handle is the longest of the lot, more suited to a taller person. The zippers work well. The wheels turn sharp corners at faster speeds particularly well, the best of the lot. 

VERDICT 7 Good for minimalist packers or for very basic and short trips, as it’s the least roomy bag.

All shops are in Singapore. This article was originally published in Simply Her Jul 2012.

All product and pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine’s publication. We advise readers to check with the store for the latest availability and pricing information.