Duffel Bag Sizes: A Comparison Guide

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but duffels come in a close second. Your duffle bag is always there for you, whether you’re packing for a last-minute weekend trip, going to the gym, or getting ready at your friends' house for a night out. 

There’s no better feeling than having your things nicely packed into a good quality duffle bag — don’t even get us started on the ones that have extra compartments. It seriously scratches an organizational itch in the brain. 

“What size duffel bag do I need?” We hear you ask. Well, that depends on what you’re using it for and for how long. Below, we’ll break down duffel bag sizes by volume and purpose to help you pick the perfect duffel bag. 

Understanding Duffel Bag Sizes and Volume

Duffel bag sizes are typically measured in volume by liters (L) or by their dimensions (length, width, and height), which determine how much you can fit inside, as well as their functionality. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of common duffel bag volumes:

• Small (under 30L): Compact and lightweight for everyday essentials.
• Medium (30L–60L): Great for shorter trips or multifunctional use.
• Large (60L–90L): Offers substantial storage for longer trips.
• Extra-Large (90L+): Designed for maximum packing needs like camping or extended vacations.

If you’re unsure about which duffel bag volume to get, we’ve got you. Just keep scrolling!

Choosing the Right Size: Duffel Bag Size Comparison Guide

Not having enough room to fit everything you need into your duffel can be stressful, but so is carrying around a bag that’s way too big for what you need. 

For example, a 20L duffel bag is perfect for gym essentials or a quick overnight stay, but it won’t cut it for a two-week-long vacation. Similarly, a massive 90L duffel is ideal for camping trips but way too large for a daily commute. Or, if you show up to a flight with a bag that’s too big for the airline’s carry-on restrictions, you could receive a fine. 

So, let’s make your life much easier with a duffel bag size comparison guide, helping you find the right size for your various needs.

Small Duffel Bags (Under 30L)

Small duffels are compact yet spacious enough for the basics. They’re a great choice for quick trips or days when you don’t need to pack much. Most small duffel bags also meet airline carry-on size requirements, making them ideal for light travelers.

Small duffel bags are perfect for:

• Gym bags
• Short weekend trips
• Day trips
• Work trips
• Work bags
• Overnight stays

Medium Duffel Bags (30L - 60L)

Medium-sized duffel bags give you a little more space to breathe (or pack.) For those who like to pack light but still want options, a medium duffel may be the bag for you. 

They’re spacious enough for a couple of outfits, shoes, and accessories, but still compact enough to be manageable.

Many airlines allow medium duffel bags as carry-ons, but it’s always a good idea to check your airline’s website to see their specific size restrictions. 

Medium duffel bags are perfect for:

• Short travels for light packers
• Short business trips 
• Weekend trips for people who like options

Large Duffel Bags (60L - 90L)

Large duffels offer serious storage capacity. They’re often too big to be carry-on luggage, but they’re good for checked luggage, or for road trips. These bags can handle everything from bulky winter clothes to multiple pairs of shoes plus all your beauty products!

Large duffel bags are perfect for:

• Longer trips away
• Road trips
• The perpetual overpacker

Extra-Large Duffel Bags (90L and above)

Extra-large duffels are the kings of packing capacity. While they’re not ideal for everyday use — you might get a few looks if you take these to work everyday — they’re the best choice when you need to transport a lot of gear. From group trips to relocating, these bags are designed for maximum storage.

Extra-large duffel bags are perfect for:

• Extended international travel
• Moving large quantities of items
• Camping trips
• Checked luggage for long-term travel adventures

Choosing the Right Duffel Bag for Travel

Travelers know how important it is to get the right luggage. Duffel bags, with their flexible designs, make both excellent carry-on and checked luggage. 

Unsure whether to get a carry-on duffel or one big enough to check in? Let’s explore your options below.

Carry-On Duffel Bags

Carry-on bags are usually limited to a capacity of around 40L. Before you travel, make sure to check the airline’s website to ensure that your duffel bag doesn’t exceed their size restrictions. Otherwise, you could face a fine at the check-in desk. 

To make the most of your carry-on space, here’s how to pack efficiently:

• Use packing cubes: Packing cubes not only help keep your clothes tidy and organized but also help you save space. 
• Roll, don’t fold: There’s a magic to packing. When you roll your clothes, it takes up much less room than when you fold. 
• Plan ahead: If you’ve got limited packing room, you can’t take your whole wardrobe. Trip itineraries are extra helpful because you’ll know what you need to pack for. If not, you’ll need to prepare for various scenarios. 

Checked Luggage Duffel Bags

For checked luggage, larger duffels are the way to go. You get far more room to work with, so you may as well take a bigger bag to make the most of your extra space. 

Larger duffel bag sizes can fit multiple outfits, making planning ahead less of a hassle. If you’re going on an activities-based holiday like skiing, a larger duffel is perfect for carrying thick coats, helmets, gloves, and all those bulkier items. 

Here are some tips for packing your larger duffel:

• Choose quality: Checked bags need to be durable to withstand being handled. The last thing you want is for your bag to tear or burst open at the airport. Investing in a sturdy bag upfront will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. 
• Secure your bag: In the airport, your bag goes on its own adventure! Getting a TSA-approved lock, or luggage bands, can help keep your things safe, even when they’re not in sight. 
• Maximize space: Even when you have more room for packing, you’d be surprised at how quickly your luggage can fill up. Use the packing tips above — using packing cubes, rolling clothing, and planning outfits ahead — to ensure that you make the most of your available space.

Everyday Use Duffel Bags: Gym and Commute

Duffel bags aren’t just for vacations. They’re also perfect for your everyday uses, from going to the gym to sleeping at a friend’s. Here’s how to pick the right duffel bag sizes for everyday use. 

Best Duffel Bag Sizes for the Gym

For most gym goers, a small to medium-sized duffel bag is best. They’ll carry the essentials like your headphones, gym clothes, water bottles, and gym pass — with plenty of space left over. 

However, depending on what you’ll be doing at the gym, or what you prefer to bring with you, you might need a bigger bag. Here’s what to consider when picking a gym bag:

• Choose a waterproof bag: Don’t let rain put you off going to the gym. Get a waterproof bag to eliminate the excuse. It’s also better for protecting your things against spills, wet floors, or damp towels. 
• Consider compartments: Compartments are a life-saver for gym bags. If you want to keep your sweaty gym shoes separate from your clean clothes or your swim towel away from your undies, compartments will come in handy. 
• Think about size: If you do just bring the bare essentials to the gym, then a smaller duffel is best. But a medium duffel may be better if you like to bring lots of gear, like special sneakers, a change of clothes, a weight belt, gloves, etc. 

Duffel Bags for Daily Commutes

For going to work or school, a small duffel bag is perfect for carrying a laptop, books, and lunch. Go for a bag that will last and is comfortable to carry on your shoulder or in your hand. 

Here’s what to look for in your day-to-day duffel:

• Go compact: Smaller bags will be less of a pain on public transport and can be easily carried around your school or office. 
• Choose lightweight materials: You don’t want to be carrying a heavy bag around all day, especially if you’re also carrying books and a laptop. Your bag should make it easier to carry, not harder. 
• Seek durability: You’ll be using this bag all day every day. Go for one that will last you the year and beyond. You don’t want to keep replacing your bag because that can be more expensive than investing in good quality in the first place.
• Go for style: Your duffel is part of your outfit. There are plenty of stylish duffels out there for various occasions. You could go for a pretty pattern representing your personality or a more polished, professional duffel ideal for the office. 

Find Your Perfect Duffel Bag

Whether you’re going to work, headed to the gym, off on a weekend trip, or setting off on six-month travels, having the right duffel can make a world of difference. 

Ready to find your perfect duffel? Shop CALPAK’s Duffel Collection today.

Duffel Bag Sizes Frequently Asked Questions

Have more burning duffel bag questions? Don’t worry, we’ve got answers!

What is the standard size for a duffel bag?

Duffel bag sizes vary wildly from small duffels under 30L to huge ones over 90L. The size that probably comes to mind when you hear the term “duffel bag” is somewhere in the middle, probably around 30 to 50L. Bags in this middle-size range are great for traveling or hauling extra stuff around day-to-day. 

What size duffel bag do I need for a week?

What size duffel bag you need for a week-long trip really depends on how you like to pack. If you have packing light down to a science, you’re probably safe with a medium-sized duffel around 30L to 50L. 

If you want a little more space for clothes, toiletries, and souvenirs, check out larger options in the 60L to 90L range. 

What size duffel bag is allowed on a plane?

Most US airlines have standard carry-on bag dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches. So, if your duffel bag fits within those dimensions, you should be able to take it on the plane. Carry-on duffel bags usually hold around 40L of stuff, giving you decent packing space. 

International airlines usually have tighter restrictions, and some have weight limits, so it’s best to check their website if you’re heading overseas