How to Pack Your Duffel Bag Like A Pro

Can You “Carry On” a Duffel Bag?

The short answer is a resounding “yes!” Duffel bags make great carry-ons for flights. In fact, because they're much more pliable than regular, rigid suitcases, they’re usually easier to work with—especially the Weekender Large Duffel, which has nothing but space for all you might need. It also has a luggage trolley pass-through, a removable adjustable shoulder strap with padding and a padded top handle for easy movement.

But there are a few things to be aware of before you jet off:

●      Size limit: Each airline has their own rules for the dimensions of a carry-on bag, but most commonly the size is 22 in. x 14 in. x 9 in. Always check the rules before bringing your bag to the airport.

●      Weight limit: Another watch-out-for rule for any carry on is if the airline has a weight limit. Some cheaper carriers or international flights have strict rules, so make sure you know what they are, and weigh your duffel beforehand. If you bring an overweight carry-on to the airport, they may ask you to check it—and pay a fee.

Efficient Packing Starts With Planning

Before you start to pack at all, it’s a good idea to plan out what you’ll take. This will ensure you only pack what you need and that you don’t forget your essentials. First, think about where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and, most importantly, what temperature it will be. Camping in the summer will require very different clothes than in the winter. 

Or, if it’s a city trip, you’ll need to pack a variety of different outfits for day and night. And if you are vacationing on a beach with a wheelchair, you’ll need to pack for beach time and evenings out, plus any necessary equipment. 

Keep in mind the length of time you’ll be away, too, like if you’re going on a day trip to the mountains versus a weekend on a farm. Once you know your itinerary, then plan your looks. The most organized packers plan a day look and a night look for each day of the trip—capsule wardrobes allow you to mix and match pieces to create different outfits, all the while saving space. Once all the clothing decision-making has been done, you can focus on having fun. 

What Should You Pack?

This is an age-old question, and the answer really comes down to the specific trip you’re taking and your individual preferences. But to get started, write yourself a little checklist, whether on your phone or in a notebook. Outfits and gear might depend on the destination, but some essentials always remain the same, like toiletries and electronics. In any case, all these things should go on your list, so you don’t leave anything behind!

Luckily, when it comes to creating this packing list, you don’t have to wrack your brain alone. There are a ton of packing list generators online that can be great thought starters if you find yourself scratching your head. The more specific about your trip you can be, the better!

Roll Your Clothes to Save Space

This is really how to pack a duffel 101. To get the most space from a bag like the Weekender Medium Duffel, roll your clothes instead of folding them. This ensures you fit everything in, and it also helps reduce creases. That way, there’s no awkward moment when you realize your outfit is super wrinkled, and there isn’t an iron or steamer for miles. It’s also easier to find your clothes when they’re rolled neatly. No rummaging—just grab, unroll, and go enjoy your day. 

Once you’ve gathered all of the clothes you want to pack in one place, start with the longer items. Lay them out flat and smooth. Start rolling from one end, and roll as tightly as possible to save space. Place them in your duffel bag and then stack more rolls of clothes on top. Once all your clothes are packed, you can place your shoes right on top or on the side. If on top, make sure the soles face upward to keep your clothes clean! If on the side, make sure they face outward. 

Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to put your shoes in separate bags to avoid messing up your clothes. And dry your shoes before you pack them, too.

Layer Your Bag Correctly

We’ve got rolling covered. Now, how do you keep all your valuables safe and ensure everything fits well? 

1. Packing Cubes

Utilize packing cubes or smaller bags to stay organized, says Bonnema. Packing cubes allow you to quickly locate items you are looking for without creating a mess of the rest of your stuff, as well as unpack and repack for trips with many stops. They’re also helpful for separating clean and dirty clothes.

2. Surround Fragile Items

Bonnema notes that it’s a good idea to pack fragile items in the center, using the rest of your clothes to protect them. “Remember the egg drop project in middle school science? It’s the same concept here. I've packed large and incredibly fragile items in the center of my duffels and checked them for round-the-world flights with zero breakage.”

Start by creating a nest with your clothes and shoes, Bonnema advises. Shoes go on the outside with the soles facing out, since they are likely the strongest thing you’ve got. Then, your packing cubes or rolled-up jeans and sweaters can form a cocoon around the interior edges—and don’t forget to save some soft items for the top. 

“Place your fragile items in the center of the nest you just created. It should be tight so things can't move around. Top it off with a jacket or heavy sweater and when you zip it up, then make sure it’s super tight again to keep your fragile item from shifting toward the outside,” Bonnema adds.

Pro Tip: Pack small fragile things inside your shoes for unbeatable protection.

Be Smart About the Outer Pockets

The great thing about the Weekender Duffel collection is its easy-access outer zippered pockets. Plan out exactly what you want to use these for. Maybe it’s important documents like passports or tickets (though the Weekender Mini Duffelwould be great for that, too!) or for travel essentials, like lip balm, sunnies, or phone chargers.

And don’t forget about the packable side pockets in the Weekender Large and Medium Duffel, too. Ask yourself what quick things you want on hand in a pinch, like fluffy socks if it’s a long flight or a spare sweater. Another great option is to use these side pockets to store your toiletries.

For further organization, try the Dopp Kit. It's the ultimate must-have organizer for travel, with six liters of capacity and handy technical features. There are lined pockets to help with organization and a zippered top to make it easy to access. Store your toothpaste and toothbrush in its mesh pockets. It makes for a great makeup bag, too.

How to Pack Liquids and Toiletries

When dealing with liquids, Bonnema suggests that you wrap any liquids in a few layers of plastic bags. “Grocery bags work great. Double bag for extra protection and even toss a few paper towels in between for triple protection.”

This provides a layer of protection for potential breakage of glass items like wine or perfume, or pressure leakage at high altitudes. And if your destination is a higher elevation than your departure point, Bonnema adds, any liquids in bottles will also arrive under pressure and could pop the lids off stuff inside your bag. So wrapping them in plastic is a great way to ensure any leaks or spills are easy to clean. 

Final Thoughts From Our Expert

“Pack as if your bag is going to be dropped off a two-story building and drop-kicked across a football field,” says Bonnema. Bags are often put through the wringer on travels—particularly if they’re being checked in the cargo hold of an airplane—so it’s best to be over-prepared for a bumpy ride. If there is any doubt, figure out a way to repack, and if need be. For instance, you can wrap small items in multiple socks, or wrap larger items in layers of clothes or newspaper. For electronics like laptops and electronics, tuck them in between the layers of your clothes. (But don’t check any electronics—lithium-ion batteries are prohibited in checked bags, and items can be stolen.)

Now you know how to pack your duffel bag like a pro, you’re ready to have a great trip. Just throw it in the car, or it's great when you just want to do carry-on for a flight. Don’t forget to ensure your toiletries meet the TSA liquid size requirements. 

And, of course, you can always check your duffel. Remember to add a padlock luggage tag to it to keep your items secure.

Additional reporting by Kelly Meehan Brown