In short
A duffle bag is a soft travel bag with a large main compartment. The Jack Wolfskin All-In Duffle comes in 35, 45 and 65 litres: 35 litres for a weekend, 45 litres for short trips, 65 litres for a week away or sports gear. If you want to carry the bag on your back, choose a model with backpack straps, such as those from The North Face, Fjällräven, Osprey, Deuter or Travelite.
Duffle bags are light, robust and hold more than a suitcase of the same size, because there's no frame or wheels taking up space. That's why they're popular for weekend trips, sport, camping and travel by bus, train or hire car. Here you'll find the Jack Wolfskin All-In Duffle in detail, the right capacity for your trip and alternatives you can wear as a backpack.
What is a duffle bag?
The name comes from a coarse wool fabric from the Belgian town of Duffel. Today it refers to a cylindrical or box-shaped travel bag made of soft, hard-wearing material with one large main compartment. Typical features include:
- a wide opening, often U- or D-shaped, so you can easily reach everything,
- low own weight, often under one and a half kilos, since there's no frame or wheels,
- several ways to carry it: handles, a shoulder strap and, on many models, backpack straps,
- space-saving storage, as the bag can be folded flat when empty.
You'll find an overview of all models under travel bags, and especially roomy bags under large travel bags.
Jack Wolfskin All-In Duffle: the sizes compared
The All-In Duffle is Jack Wolfskin's travel bag range with three sizes, all without wheels. Dimensions and weights are taken from our product data:
| Model | Volume | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Weight | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-In Duffle 35 | 35 l | 62 × 30 × 29 cm | 0.72 kg | weekend, sports bag |
| All-In Duffle 45 | 45 l | 62 × 30 × 31 cm | 0.75 kg | short trip, 3 to 5 days |
| All-In Duffle 65 | 65 l | 70 × 37 × 33 cm | 0.92 kg | a week away, plenty of gear |
All three are longer than 55 cm. They only pass as carry-on luggage with airlines that allow larger dimensions – more on that in our guide Carry-on luggage: dimensions and weight.
According to the manufacturer, all three sizes share the most important features:
- Water-resistant zips that protect the contents from rain,
- a spacious main compartment with four interior pockets for smaller items,
- adjustable, removable shoulder straps and carry handles,
- edge protection against abrasion,
- a storage pouch that holds the empty bag in a space-saving way.
Jack WolfskinJack Wolfskin All-In Duffle 3535 l, 0.72 kg
Jack WolfskinJack Wolfskin All-In Duffle 4545 l, 0.75 kg
Jack WolfskinJack Wolfskin All-In Duffle 6565 l, 0.92 kg, attachment loop
Jack WolfskinJack Wolfskin Expdn Duffle 7070 l, 1.15 kg, padded handles
A larger version with wheels is available as the All-In Duffle Wheeler 90 with 90 litres. You'll find all bags and backpacks from the brand under Jack Wolfskin.
Which size for which trip?
| Trip | Volume | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sport, swimming pool, overnight stay | 30 to 40 l | a separate compartment or pouch for shoes and wet items |
| Weekend, 2 to 3 days | 35 to 45 l | slim enough for the luggage rack on trains and buses |
| Short trip, 4 to 6 days | 45 to 60 l | compression straps keep a half-full bag in shape |
| A week or more | 60 to 70 l | backpack straps if you'll be carrying the bag for longer |
| Expedition, ski holiday, family | from 80 l | a model with wheels or a very robust base |
These are guide values. If you roll your clothes and use packing cubes, you can get by with less volume – see 10 packing tips.
Duffle bags with backpack straps
If you need to carry the bag for longer, say from the train station to your accommodation or across a campsite, two backpack straps take the strain off your arms and shoulders. According to the manufacturers, these models can be worn as a backpack:
Rugged for outdoors
71 l
Water-repellent material, double stitching, removable shoulder straps and four compression straps. A separate compartment keeps dirty clothing apart.
The North FaceThe North Face Base Camp Duffel M 7171 l, removable backpack straps
With shoe compartment
50 l
Waterproof material, ergonomic shoulder straps that also serve as handles, and a shoe compartment with its own zip.
FjällrävenFjällräven Färden Duffel 5050 l, 0.96 kg
Especially lightweight
60 l
Three ways to carry it: as a backpack, over the shoulder or by hand. Plus a U-shaped opening and a padded base.
OspreyOsprey Daylite Duffel 6060 l, 0.7 kg
Lockable
40 l
Water-repellent tarpaulin material, stowable shoulder straps and a main compartment you can secure with a lock.
DeuterDeuter Duffel Pro 4040 l, lockable main compartment
You'll find more models under travel bags with backpack straps, including from The North Face, Fjällräven, Osprey and Deuter.
Duffle, wheeled travel bag or suitcase?
| Duffle bag | Wheeled travel bag | Suitcase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Own weight | very low | medium | medium to high |
| Uneven ground, stairs | good, especially with backpack straps | limited | limited |
| Protection for fragile items | low | medium | high, especially hard shell |
| Storing when empty | foldable | only to a limited extent | needs space |
For flights with lots of clothing, a suitcase is often the better choice; for active trips and sport, the duffle bag. The differences are explained in detail in our guide travel bag or suitcase. Prefer to roll rather than carry? Then take a look at our travel bags with wheels. For short trips with more structure, weekenders are a good choice, and for training, sports bags.
Packing tips for the duffle bag
- Base first: put heavy items like shoes and toiletry bags at the bottom in the centre so the bag doesn't tip over.
- Roll your clothes: rolled clothing fills the round shape better than folded items.
- Organise with pouches: packing cubes or fabric pouches make up for the lack of built-in dividers.
- Tighten the straps: compression straps keep a half-full bag compact.
- Keep valuables out: in checked luggage, documents, electronics and medication belong in your carry-on instead. What's allowed in carry-on luggage is covered in Do's and don'ts for carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions about the duffle bag
What's the difference between a duffle bag and a travel bag?
A duffle bag is a cylindrical travel bag with one large main compartment and little fixed structure. It opens wide, is easy to stuff full and folds down small when empty. Classic travel bags and weekenders are often more structured and more clearly divided.
Can I take the Jack Wolfskin All-In Duffle 35 as carry-on luggage?
Only with airlines that allow generous dimensions. According to the product data, the All-In Duffle 35 is 62 cm long, while many airlines only allow 55 cm for carry-on luggage. Because the bag is soft, it ultimately depends on the check at the gate. Check your airline's dimensions before you fly.
What duffle size do I need for a week away?
For a week with summer clothing, 45 to 60 litres is enough; with bulkier clothing or sports gear, go for 60 to 70 litres. For a weekend, 30 to 45 litres is plenty.
Can any duffle bag be worn as a backpack?
No. Only models with two shoulder straps, usually removable or stowable in a pouch, offer genuine backpack straps. Other duffle bags only have carry handles and a shoulder strap. Check the product description for the phrase "can be worn as a backpack".
How do I pack a duffle bag correctly?
Put heavy items at the bottom and in the centre, with clothing rolled around them. Shoes and wet items belong in a separate compartment or pouch. Packing cubes help, since the bag itself has barely any dividers.
How should a duffle bag be stored?
A soft duffle bag can be folded flat when empty. The Jack Wolfskin All-In Duffle comes with a storage pouch for this purpose. Let it dry thoroughly before storing.
