You’ve seen them. Those impossibly bright, rounded duffel bags that look like they were designed for a Mars mission but ended up in a trendy Brooklyn coffee shop instead. They’re hard to miss. Baboon to the Moon has basically cornered the market on "adventure gear that doesn't look like you're about to hike the Appalachian Trail in zip-off cargo pants."
It’s a vibe.
Honestly, the brand feels like a fever dream of 90s nostalgia mixed with high-end technical specs. When the company launched, they didn't just want to sell another black suitcase. We have enough of those. They wanted to create "technical tools for the psychedelic soul." That's a direct quote from their ethos, and it explains a lot. If you're tired of the sea of navy blue and charcoal at the luggage carousel, this brand is probably why you're reading this.
What is Baboon to the Moon anyway?
At its core, Baboon to the Moon is a travel brand that prioritizes durability without taking itself too seriously. It was founded around 2017 by Andy Krantz and Trey Abshier. They saw a gap. On one side, you had cheap bags that fall apart after three flights. On the other, you had ultra-expensive, "serious" luggage that feels like it belongs in a boardroom.
They went a different way.
The standout product—the one that started the whole cult following—is the Go-Bag. It’s a waterproof, scuff-resistant, adventure-ready duffel that comes in colors like "Lollipop," "Blue Moon," and "Highlighter." They use a heavy-duty OM Stardust Fabric. It’s a 1050 denier ballistic nylon. That sounds like jargon, but it basically means the bag is tougher than your last relationship. It’s Phthalate-free and coated with a waterproof PVC, making it feel more like a rugged river raft than a backpack.
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The Go-Bag: Is it actually any good?
I’ve spent a lot of time looking at gear. Most "lifestyle" brands prioritize aesthetics over function. They look great on Instagram but the zipper breaks the moment you overstuff it with three pairs of jeans and a bulky sweater.
Baboon to the Moon is different because they use YKK zippers. If you know gear, you know YKK is the gold standard. They don't snag. They don't burst. The bags also feature reinforced grab handles on all four sides. It’s a small detail, but when you’re trying to yank a 40-pound bag out of an overhead bin while people behind you are huffing, those handles are lifesavers.
The Go-Bag comes in three main sizes:
- Small (40L): This is the sweet spot. It’s TSA-approved as a carry-on. You can fit about 3 to 5 days worth of clothes in here if you're a smart packer.
- Mini (32L): Think of this as your "personal item" or a gym bag. It fits under the seat in front of you on most planes. It’s great for a quick overnight trip or a day hike where you’re carrying everyone’s snacks.
- Big (60L): This is the beast. You’re checking this bag. It’s meant for a week-long trek or a move across the country.
One thing people often get wrong: these aren't traditional backpacks. While they have hideaway backpack straps, they don't have a structured back panel or a hip belt. If you’re planning to walk 15 miles through the Alps, your back is going to hurt. These are "transit" bags. They’re for getting from the airport to the Uber to the hostel.
Why the "Limited Edition" model works
Baboon to the Moon operates on a "drop" culture.
They have their core colors—the basics that are always in stock. But the real magic happens with their limited runs. They partner with artists or release specific patterns that once they’re gone, they are gone. This creates a secondary market on sites like Poshmark and Depop where rare prints can sell for way more than their original retail price.
It’s clever marketing. It makes the community feel like they own a piece of art rather than just a polyester bag.
They also offer a Lifetime Warranty. This is huge. In a world of fast fashion and planned obsolescence, a company saying "we will fix or replace this forever" is a bold move. It justifies the price point, which usually sits between $160 and $230 depending on the size and sale. It’s an investment. You aren't buying a bag for this summer; you’re buying a bag for the next decade.
The sustainability conversation
We need to talk about the PVC coating. Some environmentalists aren't fans because PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) can be tough on the planet. Baboon to the Moon is transparent about this. They use a Phthalate-free version, which is a step in the right direction, but it’s still a synthetic material.
However, there is an argument for "durability as sustainability."
If you buy one Baboon to the Moon bag and use it for 15 years, that is objectively better for the environment than buying five cheap "eco-friendly" bags that end up in a landfill after eighteen months because the straps ripped. Their goal is to create products that never need to be thrown away.
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Beyond the Duffel: Expanding the universe
The brand isn't just duffels anymore. They’ve branched out into:
- Organization: Their "Packing Cubes" are actually some of the best on the market. They match the bag colors and help maximize that 40L space.
- Day Bags: The "Crescent Bag" and "Fanny Packs" are aimed at the music festival and city-explorer crowd.
- Tech: They’ve experimented with laptop sleeves and pouches.
One of the coolest things they do is their "Dog Crater." Yes, they made a pet carrier. It’s built with the same ballistic nylon and mesh, making it probably the most over-engineered dog bag in existence. If you're the person who brings your Frenchie everywhere, it’s a flex.
What to consider before buying
Don't just buy it because the "Lollipop" orange looks cool. Think about how you travel.
If you are a "business professional" who needs to keep a suit crisp, this is not your bag. It’s a duffel. Your clothes will get wrinkled. There is no dedicated suit compartment.
Also, the waterproofness is a double-edged sword. It keeps rain out perfectly. But it also keeps moisture in. If you throw a damp swimsuit into a Go-Bag and zip it up for six hours, that bag is going to smell like a swamp when you open it. You have to air these things out.
The price is also a factor. $200 for a duffel bag is a lot of money for most people. You are paying for the brand, the warranty, and the specific aesthetic. If you just need a bag to carry gym clothes and don't care about the "psychedelic soul" aspect, a $40 Amazon bag will technically do the same job—it just won't look as cool or last as long.
How to spot a fake (and where to buy)
Because of the hype, knockoffs exist. Always look at the hardware. Real Baboon to the Moon bags use heavy-duty, branded pulls. The "Baboon" logo should be crisp, not blurry. The material should feel thick and slightly rubberized, not like thin plastic.
The best place to buy is directly from their website or authorized retailers like REVOLVE or certain high-end boutiques. They occasionally run sales, especially around Black Friday or at the end of a season when they’re clearing out a specific limited-edition colorway.
Actionable Steps for New Travelers
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on your first Baboon to the Moon piece, here is the most logical way to start without wasting money.
1. Start with the 40L Go-Bag (Small). It is the most versatile piece they make. It fits the most airline requirements and serves as a perfect weekender. Unless you are literally moving house, the 60L is often too much bag for a casual traveler to carry on their back comfortably.
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2. Watch the "Last Call" section. Before paying full price, check their clearance area. You can often find a "retired" color for 30% off. The bag is functionally identical to the new arrivals; it’s just a different shade of purple or green.
3. Test the "Backpack" mode at home. When your bag arrives, pack it full and wear it around your house for 20 minutes. Because there’s no frame, the way you pack it changes how it feels on your spine. Put soft items (like hoodies) against the back panel and hard items (like shoes or tech kits) toward the outside.
4. Register your warranty immediately. Don't wait until the bag breaks three years from now and you've forgotten where you bought it. Take a photo of your receipt and keep it in a "Travel Gear" folder in your email.
Baboon to the Moon represents a shift in how we think about travel gear. It's no longer just a utility; it's an expression of personality. Whether you're heading to a desert festival or just trying to survive a layover in O'Hare, having a bag that’s easy to find and impossible to break makes the journey a little less chaotic.