You’ve seen it at the airport. That bright, slightly crinkly bag being hauled by someone who looks like they just stepped off a mountain or out of a Subaru. It’s the REI Big Haul Duffel. Usually, when people talk about "indestructible" duffels, they immediately point to the Patagonia Black Hole or the North Face Base Camp. But honestly? The Big Haul has quietly become the smarter pick for a lot of us who don't want to spend $200 on a sack for our dirty laundry.
But here is the thing: most people use it wrong. Or they buy the wrong size and wonder why their back is screaming after a ten-minute walk through Terminal B.
The Real Deal on Durability
Is it a tank? Sorta.
REI built this thing with a split personality. The top is 400-denier recycled ripstop nylon with a TPU coating. It feels a bit like a heavy-duty raincoat. The bottom—where you’re actually going to drag it across gravel or wet pavement—is a beastly 1,680-denier ballistic nylon. That’s the "don't worry about it" part of the bag.
I’ve seen people complain that it doesn't hold its shape when it's empty. That's true. It's floppy. If you aren't packing it to at least 70% capacity, it looks like a deflated balloon. But that floppiness is exactly why it’s great. You can shove it into a crowded trunk or a tiny overhead bin where a rigid suitcase would just get stuck.
The "Backpack" Trap
Let's be real for a second. This is a duffel bag that has backpack straps, not a backpack.
If you plan on trekking through the Swiss Alps with 40 pounds in a 60-liter Big Haul, you are going to be miserable. The straps are air-mesh and "stowable," which is code for "thin enough to hide." They don't have load lifters. There is no hip belt to take the weight off your shoulders.
It's perfect for a dash from the train station to the hostel. It’s fine for carrying your gear from the parking lot to the campsite. But for long-distance hiking? Stick to a dedicated internal frame pack. Your chiropractor will thank you.
Which Size Actually Makes Sense?
Choosing a size is where most people mess up. They think "bigger is better" until they have to lift a 120L bag into a roof box.
- The 28L/40L: These are the sweet spots. The 40L is basically the gold standard for carry-on travel. It fits most overhead bins without a fight.
- The 60L: This is the "week-long trip" bag. It's too big to carry on most flights if it's stuffed full, but it’s the perfect size for a road trip or a checked bag.
- The 90L/120L: These are for expeditions. Moving across the country? Going to Antarctica? Great. Otherwise, you're just going to overpack and regret your life choices at the luggage carousel.
Why the Design is "Almost" Perfect
REI did something clever with the handles. There are four of them. One on every single side. This sounds minor until you’re trying to snag a heavy bag off a moving luggage belt and you don't have to wait for the "right" side to face you.
The internal compression straps are also a lifesaver. Most cheap duffels are just a cavernous void. The Big Haul lets you cinch down your clothes so they aren't rattling around. Plus, the two mesh pockets under the lid are perfect for the things you always lose—chargers, headlamps, or that one pair of clean socks you saved for the flight home.
One major gripe people have: the hardware. A few years ago, REI switched from metal hooks to plastic ones on the straps. Some folks are worried they won't last ten years. Personally? I haven't seen them snap yet, but if you’re planning on hauling literal lead bricks, it’s something to keep in mind.
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Comparing the Giants
If you’re cross-shopping this with the Patagonia Black Hole, you’re looking at a $40 to $60 price difference. Is the Patagonia "better"? It’s more water-resistant because of the full TPU laminate, and it definitely has more "cool factor."
But the REI Big Haul Duffel gives you more handles, better internal organization, and it's made from the same recycled, bluesign-approved materials. If you’re a member, that 10% back in rewards basically pays for a set of packing cubes.
How to Get the Most Out of It
If you just bought one, or you're about to, here’s how to not hate it:
- Use Packing Cubes: Because the bag is a giant tube, everything will settle at the bottom in a messy heap unless you organize it.
- Stow the Straps Before Checking: If you’re checking the bag, tuck the backpack straps away. Airport conveyor belts eat dangling straps for breakfast.
- Watch the Corners: The 1,680D base is tough, but the corners where the fabric folds are the high-wear points. Don't drag it on concrete if you can help it.
- Buy a Shoulder Strap: Weirdly, the Big Haul doesn't come with a traditional single shoulder strap. It has the loops for one, though. If you hate the backpack carry, grab an old strap from another bag and clip it on.
The Big Haul isn't trying to be the fanciest bag in the world. It’s just a really solid, recycled gear hauler that doesn't cost as much as a monthly car payment. It’s built for people who actually go outside, get their gear dirty, and need a bag that can keep up without being babied.
If you're heading out this weekend, pack the 40L, use the backpack straps for the walk to the gate, and enjoy the fact that you didn't spend $200 on a name brand. Just make sure you actually tuck those straps in before you hand it over to the gate agent.
Next Step: Check your airline's specific linear inch requirements if you're eyeing the 60L; while it can fit in some overheads, a strict gate agent will make you check it if it looks too bulky.