Our Favorite Soft Duffel Bags for an Unforgettable Safari (60-110L)

A Comprehensive Guide to the Perfect Duffel for Your Next Safari

Over the years of traveling back and forth across Africa (and testing plenty of bags ourselves), we’ve found that 60L to 110L is the magic range for safari luggage. Big enough to comfortably hold your essentials — layers for chilly mornings, a pair of boots, binoculars, and maybe even a camera or two — but not so big that you’re wrestling it in and out of small planes.

The real secret isn’t just volume, though. It’s the flexibility of the bag itself. Soft-sided duffels are always the way to go, because they can be tucked and shaped to fit into the compact luggage pods of bush aircraft or safari vehicles. If you prefer wheels (and we get it — sometimes they’re a lifesaver), look for a bag where only the base is rigid and the sides still give a little. That way, you’ll have the best of both worlds: easy rolling when you need it, and the ability to squeeze it into tight spaces when you don’t.

And here’s the other piece that makes a good duffel worth it: longevity. A well-made safari bag will last you for years of adventure, and most of the trusted brands back that up with excellent warranties — in some cases, even for the life of the bag. So while it might feel like a bigger investment up front, it’s one that pays off trip after trip.

Wheel-less Duffels

Sorted from lightest to heaviest:

• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

  Weight: 2 lb 9 oz (1.16 kg)

  Dimensions: 22.8 × 13.8 × 9.4 in

  Why we like it: Lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant — a versatile mid-sized bag that still carries plenty.

• The North Face Base Camp Duffel – Medium (71L)

  Weight: 3 lb 8 oz (1.6 kg)

  Dimensions: 13.98 × 25.4 × 13.98 in

  Why we like it: Practically indestructible, with alpine-style haul handles and shoulder straps — this one’s a true safari workhorse.

• Filson Medium Rugged Twill Duffel (66L)

  Weight: 3 lb 12 oz (1.7 kg)

  Dimensions: 25 × 14 × 13 in

  Why we like it: A classic that looks sharp but can still take a beating. Built from water-resistant rugged twill with bridle leather straps.

• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L

  Weight: 3 lb 13 oz (1.74 kg)

  Dimensions: 26.7 × 15 × 11.8 in

  Why we like it: Slightly larger than the 55L but still manageable; great if you want a little extra space without going oversized.

• The North Face Base Camp Duffel – Large (95L)

  Weight: 4 lb 0 oz (1.81 kg)

  Dimensions: 15.75 × 27.56 × 15.75 in

  Why we like it: Big capacity for longer safaris or extra camera gear. Still tough enough to handle dust, rain, and airstrip toss-abouts.

Wheeled Duffel Bags

Sorted from lightest to heaviest:

• Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel 110L

  Weight: 3 lb 10 oz (1.64 kg)

  Dimensions: 34 × 15 × 14 in (86 × 38 × 36 cm)

  Why we like it: Extremely lightweight for its size, packs down small when not in use, and still tough enough for safari travel.

• Eagle Creek Migrate Wheeled Duffel 110L

  Weight: 5 lb (2.27 kg)

  Dimensions: 30 × 14.5 × 13 in

  Why we like it: A big hauler with expandable volume, water-resistant materials, and backpack straps for versatility.

• Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 85L

  Weight: 6 lb 15 oz (3.15 kg)

  Dimensions: 28 × 16 × 14.6 in

  Why we like it: Balances size, durability, and comfort — with both wheels and tuck-away backpack straps.

• Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel 70L

  Weight: ~9 lb (4.1 kg)

  Dimensions: 27.5 × 14 × 11.8 in (70 × 35 × 30 cm)

  Why we like it: The toughest of the bunch. Made from burly recycled ripstop with a TPU laminate, built for years of adventure.