Best Cabin Luggage (Duffle) in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

Duffles are tossed around thousands of times. Airline workers are bound by time limit so you can be sure that they are thrown around, and being very honest —you’re probably also not gentle enough either. Which is why you need to buy something that will hold! Likewise, you will need a more durable duffle if you’re an outdoorsy or an adventurous person. Durability won’t be a concern if you take it on a few hours trip over a weekend. 

Here is a list of materials that we feel you should consider:

About The Fabric: Ever wondered what's the number and the letter D on every fabric such as 40D, 100D, etc. mean? In layman's terms, the letter D stands for Denier, and the number indicates the weight and thickness of the fabric. Technically, it is a bit more complex to understand; however, this is what you need to know as of now. When you see a more significant Denier number in a similar fabric family, it means that the particular fabric is more massive and durable. Now, this rule applies to the same fabric family. If you use Denier to compare different materials like nylon and polyester, this rule does not apply. Why? Because nylon is more robust. However, you can use this rule when there's a benchmark.

Nylon: Nylon is one of the most reputable and highly used synthetic fabrics across the world. With some fantastic features like durability and softness, nylon offers various sewing patterns, weaves and deniers. When it boils down to the firmness of the fabric, nylon is weather and abrasion-resistant.

Ballistic Nylon: This is one of two major types of nylon fabrics, apart from ripstop nylon. Ballistic Nylon is the strongest of all, primarily used for military purposes. Its high-class durability and weather resistance nature make it ideal for military body armours. However, due to its heavyweight, such types of fabrics are not suitable for duffle bags unless you want your bag to last ages.

Rip-Stop Nylon: This one is great for a duffle bag for a reason. First of all, it prevents punctures from spreading all over the fabric. Considering a duffle bag, we know that they are often dragged or tossed and thus, prone to punctures. When your duffle is made of such a fabric that deals significantly with punctures, you know that fabric has to be ideal enough. Plus, rip-stop is lesser in weight as compared to ballistic nylon. With that being said, you do not always have to rely on higher denier fabrics like ballistic nylons. In case the rip-stop comes with a lesser denier, there might be a chance of holes getting developed; however, ripstop is known to prevent such cavities from spreading and ruining your bag. The best part, it's very swishy!

Polyester: You can call this one a cousin of nylon fabrics. Polyesters are also one of the most popular synthetic materials that are cheaper as compared to nylon. While nylon comes with top-notch durability, polyesters are less durable and weigh a bit more than nylons. It is common to see economic duffle bags made up of polyesters. Even though it is not a bad one, we do not recommend this for a duffle bag, especially when you travel frequently.

Canvas: While these were created from cotton, linen or help historically, in recent years, canvas fabrics are made up of nylons and polyesters. Due to some cons, you do not see a canvas fabric commonly. They weigh more and are quite susceptible to wear and tear. Even though canvas fabrics come with certain pitfalls, they are classy and worth sacrificing your comfort.

Leather: Leather is another texture that takes us back to the good old days. While it is true that they do need regular maintenance and a lot of care, leather duffles look classy and rich. However, due to weight and sensitivity to elements, not many consumers choose this fabric. No matter what, you can still rely on this if your duffle bag comes with leather logo tags, zipper pulls, or straps. Leather and canvas go hand in hand when it comes to appearance. If you are a big fan of vintage or heritage look, leather is ideal. However, we suggest avoiding animal leather for obvious reasons. Instead, you can go for vegan leather that looks the same as its counterpart.

Duffle Fabric: It does not make any sense to look for duffle bag fabric in the market. However, we needed to specify it since this coarse woollen texture is the OG duffle sack texture. Duffle texture started in Duffle, Belgium, giving the duffle (which we presently regularly spell duffle) its name. Awe-inspiring, correct?

Coated Nylon: The world of fabrics is incomplete without tarpaulin or TPE fabrics. They are swishy, highly durable and weather-resistant. With the coatings of polyurethane, both of these fabrics deliver a crinkly and plastic feel. Talking about the duffle bags, we tend to keep them down on grounds very often. In many cases, the environment is wet, which can harm your duffle bag unless it is made up of a water-resistant fabric-like tarpaulin or TPE.

Pro Tip: While you may come across numerous types of fabrics in the market, the materials mentioned above are the most popular in the duffle bag industries. These fabrics are either used separately or in combination with others to create a perfect duffle bag that deals with wear and tear in the best way possible.

For any duffle bag, zippers are one of the essential things. Never underestimate their importance as a broken zipper in the middle of the journey can be a great inconvenience. A faulty or broken zipper is the last thing you would like to experience when you are at the airport. To avoid this unpleasant situation, keep reading to understand how the zipper should be.

To begin with, let us talk about some of the most reputed and reliable zipper brands. Here's a list:

● YKK

● SBS

● Zoom

● Riri

If you ask us to choose one out of these four, we will go for YKK as they have never let us down in our history of working with them. Be wise while selecting the zippers for your duffle bags. Non branded zippers are useless most of the time and can lead to inconvenience and frustration. Thus, we say a big NO to unbranded ones.

Plus, size is a critical element to look for while choosing the zippers. They are measured on a scale of 1 to 10 – 1 being the smallest and ten being the biggest. For exterior pockets, the ideal zipper size would be at least 5. For big size duffle bags, slightly bigger and stronger zippers are recommended while 1-5 size is suitable for internal, smaller and less-frequently used pockets.

Some brands offer zippers that resist water. This makes them more robust to harsh weathers. Products like YKK AquaGuard are some of the best in this category. With the coatings of polyurethane, these zippers resist water effectively preventing your duffle and essentials from getting damaged. You do not have to worry about insisting on water-resistant zippers unless you are travelling to the places where water is the key elements such as boats and beaches. Note that water-repellent zippers are a bit difficult to zip as compared to regular zippers. Therefore, try to avoid them if your travelling does not include a significant amount of water.

The hardware of your duffle is as vital as the zippers. A broken hardware while on a journey can be a reason for frustration. This is why it is essential to get a branded hardware for your duffle. Non-branded hardware materials are unreliable and not recommended. If you ask us for our recommendations on popular and trustworthy hardware brands, take a look at the following list:

● Duraflex

● YKK

● Woojin

● Nifco

● ITW

You get the options of metal and plastic hardware. While both types have their features and advantages, we suggest going for plastic hardware as they are lightweight and more durable.

Duffle bags come with various kinds of internal organization. Some are abundant with inner pockets, while some have limited ones. Choosing the top one for you depends upon how you are going to use the bag. If you tend to use your different types of travelling gears, then the one with more pockets would be ideal. On the other side, if you are just planning to fill up your bag with clothes, the one with fewer pockets is suggested.

If you go traditionally, there are two methods through which duffle bags are carried or ported. One looks like a simple briefcase with a handle on top while the other one looks like a bag with a strap that can be mounted on your shoulder to carry. Nowadays, it is common to see duffle bags with handles. Choosing the best ones depends on your journey type. How? Let us discuss that.

If your travel involves a lot of walking, or even standing at one place for a long time, a bag with a shoulder strap would be great. However, note that not all crossbody shoulder strap bags are equal. Choose padded straps over normal ones as they are more reliable and robust. If your duffle bag is smaller in size, then a standard strap is preferable. We love the straps with thick pads that span around their entire length as they effectively spread the weight and last long. Let us again remind you, the amount of walk plays a crucial role in choosing the duffle bag. Thus, evaluate first and then go for the purchase.

Some duffle bags come with backpack straps. Such kind of duffle bags can be a great option if you are looking for different porting styles for a duffle bag. However, this mechanism has its pitfalls. We will cover the cons of backpack-style straps in the latter part of this article.

Last but not least, the duffle bags with the rolling feature. This is the ideal option if you want to avoid carrying the weight of your luggage along the way.

You get to choose your duffle from a vast range of weight and size. From 6L to 150L, you can buy the one that suits you the most. Now, choosing the most suitable one depends on one your journey. You will not go for a 10L duffle bag if you are planning a four week trip to Europe. Also, you will not choose a 150L bag unless you have a massive set of gears to carry.

Generally, we all use 30L to 45L bags while we travel as they fulfil all of the needs. In rare cases, the size may go up to 55L when we carry a bag to hold a lot of gear. Also, be sure to have a heads-up of the airport compliance rules about the weight and sizes of the duffle bags. While domestic airports in the United States allows a 45L carry-on compliance range for bags, international airports tend to imply stricter rules about the size and weight of the duffle bags.

As long as the weight is considered, always select a lighter duffle that does not compromise on the durability factor. As duffles do not effectively distribute weight between your hips and shoulder like backpacks, they can be uncomfortable to carry at times with lower weight. This significantly happens when you have a duffle backpack hybrid (we will discuss what that is in the later part).

Plus, avoid buying duffles that are flimsy for the reason that they get thrown a lot while we travel. We understand that choosing the right duffle can be a tedious task considering so many factors. However, do not worry because we have narrowed down our recommendations so that you can choose the most suitable one.

Make sure you ask the following question first before picking up that duffle:

● Do you want your duffle to use as a carry-on only? If yes, then it must be appropriately sized.

● Which duffle bag would go perfectly with your body type?

● What is your weight-carrying capacity?

● Would you prefer one big size duffle bag or a small one with a backpack?

● How much is physical activity involved in your journey?

Needless to say, you must be pre-planned about how much of the cash you are willing to spend for your perfect duffle bag. Remember, low-quality bags may be cheap; however, they are not reliable and trustworthy. Buying affordable products and compromising quality is not-so-great in the long run. We follow the "buy nice or buy twice" policy. We always recommend investing in a high-quality duffle bag that lasts longer and avoids frequent repairing and maintenance. With that being said, high-priced bags does not necessarily mean high-quality bags. In most cases, the charges are high due to the brand name and style of the bags.

Excluding these factors, usage of the bags also has a role in deciding the budget of the bag. If you do not travel more than once or twice around the year, you do not have to pay more for a bag. On the other side, if you are a frequent traveller, go for a branded one for obvious reasons.

• Classic Duffle

What image comes to your mind when you think of a simple duffle bag? Imagine it now, and that is what the classic duffle is. In simple words, it is a soft, sided duffle bag with a zippered opening. Such duffle bags come in square or cylindrical shapes. You can also choose these in big and small sizes ranging from 6L to 150L.

What Are The Pros Of A Classic Duffle?

● Can hold a lot of stuff.

● Comes in various sizes.

● Convenient to pack and carry.

● Goes well with a backpack.

What Are The Cons Of A Classic Duffle?

● Can be uncomfortable to carry for an extended time.

● If you want to carry electronic gadgets like laptop, cameras, or more, you have to take a separate bag for them as classic duffle is not ideal for devices.

● It does not protect your luggage well.

• Hybrid Duffle

A duffle backpack—or hybrid duffle, is a combo of both backpack and a duffle. Some often term it as a buffle. Mostly, they skew one way or the other—in short, you may see them as either a backpack first or the duffle. When you look at the design and internal organization of these bags, it is easy to get an idea. Let us take a peek at some pros and cons of such types of bags.

What Are The Pros Of A Classic Duffle?

● They are versatile.

● Affordable.

● Spacious interior.

What Are The Cons Of A Classic Duffle?

● Difficult to pull-off.

● Uncomfortable straps and back panel.

• DigiDuffle

Stands for digital duffles; these are especially created to carry electronic gadgets like laptops, tablets, and more. With tons of internal organizations, Digi duffles are perfect for carrying your tech gear with comfort. They are available different sizes and shapes, and you can pick the one that suits you the most.

What Are The Pros Of A Classic Duffle?

● Amazing organization.

● Aesthetic looks.

● Easy to carry.

What Are The Cons Of A Classic Duffle?

● Less convenient as a backpack.

● Complicated to navigate.

● Unavailable in big size.

• Rolling Duffle

When you cannot carry luggage on your shoulders or simply want to avoid it, the rolling duffle is your thing. While rolling duffle prevents you from having a heavy weight on your shoulders, they offer fantastic interior, flexibility, and squishability. Plus, they do not take up ample space in your house when you are not travelling.

What Are The Pros Of A Classic Duffle?

● Easy to port.

● Saves you from carrying the weight.

● Better storage.

What Are The Cons Of A Classic Duffle?

● The wheels add more weight to the bag.

● Some models are complicated to the wheel.

● Difficult to use on uneven terrains.

Yes, if your duffle bag is more than 56 x 36 x 23 cm, then it will be taken in as checked-in luggage and not a carry-on one.

Yes, they are very much allowed as carry-ons if they fit in the standard size of 56 x 36 x 23 cm or less.

Both of these have different types of purposes to serve. A suitcase is more sturdy and able to carry tons of loads. While a duffle is an ideal choice of carriage for a short trip. Depending on your travel needs, you will have to select the one that is ideal for you. If going on a long journey, it will be great to carry a suitcase since it will keep the contents more organised. On a short tour, a duffle will do fine because it is more portable than a suitcase.

Yes, you can either select to hand wash it or machine wash. For specific wash instructions, best look at the label!

Yes, it can be used as an individual item onboard a plane.

The standard size for a carry-on duffle would be 56 x 36 x 23 cm.

To store a duffle, use these pro tips that we have got for you after extensive research!

• Store your duffle in a dry place. Moisture can cause fungus or mould to develop on the bag.

• If you stay in a place that has a lot of moisture, then you might want to invest in a dehumidifier.

• Press down your duffle and if possible wrap it up in plastic sheets to keep them from any harm.

• While not in use, folding your duffle is the best option. Tuck in all the straps with zippers unlocked and compress it well.

• Storing the bag under the bed or in a closet is a good idea. But you need to wrap it up in something when storing it in an open space. This helps keep dust and dirt off the bag.

Here is our take on how to clean the bag in the best way.

• Do not use strong, chemical-based cleaners for the bags. They can leave a stain on the fabrics.

• If there is a lot of dust accumulation, then clean the dust first with a dry cloth.

• Once the dust is off, you can wipe the bag clean with a wet cloth. You can use ordinary soaps or detergent powders but in smaller quantities.

• Once it is cleaned, put it out in the sun to dry! If not the sun, hang it where there is a nice breeze.

Why?

• Anyone can use it, irrespective of age or sex because, duh! Unisex!

• The peppy, rugged look will make it difficult for you to lose this one at a busy airport (unless there are the same models around).

• It has sturdy zippers and padded handles for easy carriage.

• It is a convertible as it can be used just as a duffle or a trolley.

• An additional adjustable shoulder strap is provided, giving you more options on how you want to carry the bag.

• It has 3 compartments including a front pouch, 1 big storage compartment and a side pocket.

• It can carry up to 45 litres of weight and is a perfect match for all your travelling needs.

Why?

• If you don’t want to overdo your funky look, you may want to take a bag that takes some chill! This sheer blue bag will give you an edge of sophistication.

• With a storage capacity of 39 litres, you can just stash your stuff for a quick and few days trip!

• It is a convertible as it can be used just as a duffle or a trolley.

• An additional adjustable shoulder strap is provided, giving you more options on how you want to carry the bag.

• You have a choice of either red, black of blue! So take your pick!

Why?

• With a navy blue shade, a white line and a logo that stands out, this bag demands a brisk salute!

• With 40 litres storage capacity divided into 2 compartments, packing this is super easy!

• It is a convertible as it can be used just as a duffle or a trolley.

• It has a butterfly locking system making sure that your valuables are well guarded.

• The padded handles let you be comfortable while lifting it!

Why?

• We called this a quick pick because this bag is something you can pick on the way for a fast pack!

• The fresh grey and orange colour will make it easier for you to spot it at busy luggage places.

• Even though it looks like an everyday gym bag, it has a storing capacity of 22 litres. If you are going on a weekender journey or outing, this is the best choice.

• It is also very rugged, so don’t bother much if it gets tossed around. Of course, without mala fied intentions!

• The padded handles let you be comfortable while lifting it!

• This is the best in price!

Why?

• This bag looks like something out of a Bollywood film; where you can picturise any person carrying a very typical looking duffle. But wait, it's not bad. Skybags has drastically improved its look!

• It is available in red and blue that gives its a modern edge.

• It has 5 storage compartments and butterfly locks! So store away!!

• This bag will be ideal for a week-long trip and can fit in a lot of carriages.

Why?

• This selection is something that James Bond would carry. Or even Sherlock Holmes! A classic leather look makes this one a favourite choice of people!

• It has 2 storage compartment with a capacity of 34 litres.

• However, a few offsides according to us are that it doesn't have padded handles or any locking system.

Why?

• With its fabric and brown leather straps, this bag as a classic English look.

• With one big storage compartment, it can store up to 42 litres.

• You can choose from varied styles of blue, black and grey.

• This bag is your perfect office companion for a business trip. Checkout reviews and comparison of best ladies wallets, best mens wallets, best messenger bags, best cabin luggage in India.