Many carry-on only folks prefer a wheeled suitcase when it comes to airport travel; however, it’s important to have a quality duffel in the mix. I’ve been on several trips where I couldn’t — or simply shouldn’t — bring a bag on wheels.
The most recent bag I’ve tested is Cotopaxi’s Viaje 45L Travel Duffel. It’s an attractive duffel that provides a generous amount of packing space. The Viaje measures 25″L x 12″W x 13″ H (63.5 x 30 x 33cm). The body is made from 100% recycled ripstop polyester, and the lining from 100% recycled polyester.
Pockets, Pockets, and More Pockets
I appreciate how easy the Viaje makes it to stay organized when on the move. There are four interior pockets, including a zippered main compartment for extra security and peace of mind. A trio of slip pockets comes in handy for holding everything from water bottles and sunglass cases to charging cords.
There are also a pair of exterior pockets. One features a padded laptop sleeve, while the other, smaller pocket boasts a key clip as well as space for essentials such as your wallet, cell phone, or passport. The duffel can be carried using a pair of handles or with the removable padded shoulder strap.
Headed to the Airport?
If you plan on using this duffel for airport travel, keep size limits in mind. I had no issue fitting it in the overhead bin, but technically, it’s a bit bigger than my rolling carry-on.
While I was thrilled to see that the Viaje 45L Travel Duffel features a luggage pass-through strap on one side, I was disappointed in its overall design. The strap is sturdy, but it doesn’t provide a secure fit when sitting atop a rolling suitcase. I found I couldn’t depend on the duffel remaining centered on my suitcase. It shifted and swung sideways when I had to tackle the less-than-perfect terrain that often comes with navigating airport terminals.
If you are the type of traveler who doesn’t need a personal item and only carries one bag on board the plane, this duffel does a good job of holding everything.
Where to Buy
The Viaje 45L Travel Duffel is available in four colors: Cotopaxi Black, Blue Spruce, Sepia, and Aster. Cost is $150 on the Cotopaxi website. If you’re looking for something smaller, it might be worth taking a look at the Viaje 35L Travel Duffel. Cost is $130.
Cotopaxi’s Guaranteed For Good™ policy covers both new gear and pre-loved gear purchased through Cotopaxi. The company also offers gear repairs and trade-ins on pre-loved gear and apparel.
Some of Practical Travel Gear’s other Cotopaxi favorite products include the Del Día Pet Collection and the Sombra Sun Hoodie.