REI Roadtripper Review | CleverHiker

Bottom Line

For those looking for a simple, affordable, no-nonsense duffel bag for lugging tons of gear in one trip, the REI Roadtripper is a solid option. It’s tolerably durable, super spacious, and is the lightest option on this list, making it an excellent choice for those trips when you might need an extra bag for the trip home or just need to lug a bunch of unwieldy gear to the car, campsite, or gear shed. 

And haul gear it can, no matter which of the several sizes available you opt to get. We fit all we needed for a weekend camping trip inside and still had plenty of room to spare. The whole bag packs into an impressively small storage pouch when not in use. It may not be as weather resistant or durable as other bags on this list, but if all you need is an inexpensive, compact bag to carry gear or goods, this will do the trick nicely.

Carry Comfort

When it comes to carrying options, this duffel only offers two: an over-the-shoulder strap and top grab handles. Neither are padded, so they weren’t the most comfortable when the bag was fully loaded, and we had to carry it for more than a few yards. They were still more than functional and the grab handles never got in the way when packing. There is also a sturdy grab handle at each end.

The shoulder strap is removable and repositionable via webbing loops and durable plastic toggles so you can customize it based on which shoulder you prefer to carry it over or if you’d rather wear it across your body. The bag itself is soft and pliable so it easily conforms to your body. This was beneficial when it was full of soft goods like sleeping bags but less so when packed with hard goods like tents and trekking poles.

Compressibility & Packability

While this duffel may be spacious, it’s not easy to pack. There’s no structure at all in the walls or base, so fabric tended to just flop downward when we tried to stash camping gear inside. Fortunately, the nice long zipper helped with that by virtue of offering a gaping mouth into which you can load things quickly. There are no compression straps or other bells and whistles inside the main compartment, though, so pack wisely.

When it comes to storing this bag between uses, no other duffel we tested beats the REI Roadtripper for how light and small it packs down. That means for trips where you’re worried you’ll be traveling home with more than you left with–say, to visit family for holidays or to go shopping after an expedition in Argentina–it’s easy to pack into your luggage and unfurl when you need it.

Durability

Unfortunately, this bag was the least durable of all the duffels we tested. That doesn’t mean it won’t stand up to some abuse, though. In fact, when we dragged the bag fully loaded around the campground a few times, all it picked up were a few scuffs and a bit of loose dirt. What’s more, the straps seem sturdy and the attachment points and webbing lash loops seem secure. The zipper isn’t as burly and robust as we might have liked, but it’s likely more durable than most waterproof zippers.

We felt good about loading it with bulky gear that doesn’t fit well in more compact duffels but were reluctant to shove in pointed items like trekking poles that could potentially puncture the comparatively thinner material. There is no padding in the walls or base, either, meaning it’s functional but not quite as protective of its contents as other bags.

Weather Resistance

As a budget-friendly duffel, the Roadtripper will certainly contain all the gear you need, but it won’t keep it dry. The materials and zippers are not water resistant, so when we left the bag in the rain for an hour, it was close to soaked through in most places. In fact, when we put paper inside to see just how wet the interior got, it was completely sodden. So if you think you may be exposing your bag to any inclement weather, you shouldn’t expect much from this duffel.

Organization

As the accessible price point might suggest, there are very few bells and whistles built into this duffel bag. In fact, there is only one small exterior zipper pocket. Other than that, it’s just one massive compartment. This makes for a simple and straightforward bag, but not one well-suited to organization. We found if we wanted to keep things separate or find small items faster, packing cubes used inside the bag were the way to go.

That said, if you require a place to stash extra large and bulky items, small pockets and dividers may only detract from a bag’s attractiveness. So, for those more interested in hauling helmets, snowshoes, puffer jackets, or the like, this bag is for you.

Should You Buy the REI Roadtripper?

There’s no denying that this duffel bag is a steal. It’s a budget-friendly option sure to appeal to anyone who needs a bag to contain a wide variety of necessary clothing or gear. It also works well for those who like to travel with an additional packable duffel for a bit of extra storage and peace of mind on trips that may involve returning with more than you left with. Indeed, the value it offers is stellar.

But that doesn’t mean you should expect it to perform or stand up to the same abuse as more expensive duffel bags. In fact, the travelers who will get the most use out of this duffel aren’t the ones planning to carry their bags frequently or far, but those who occasionally need a bag to contain their mountaineering gear, cart bulky items from the car to the campsite, or stash bulky items.

What Other Duffel Bags Should You Consider?

If you’re not sure the REI Roadtripper is right for you in any of the available sizes, you may want to consider one of the other stand-out duffels we’ve tested.

The North Face Base Camp Gear Box Review: Looking for more of a gear hauler than a traditional duffel? Check out The North Face Base Camp Gear Box. It comes in multiple sizes and offers an excellent way to store gear at busy base camps or in the back of a vehicle. It folds flat when empty and stacks easily when full.

Nemo Double Haul Convertible Duffel and Tote Review: If you like the idea of hauling a lot of gear but would prefer a bag that’s easier to pack, more durable, and offers a few more carry options, check out the Nemo Double Haul.

The North Face Rolling Thunder Review: If you need more capacity, check out The North Face Rolling Thunder Wheeled Duffel 28”, a monster duffel guaranteed to fit all your gear. It offers even more space and is outfitted with sturdy sides and wheels to make heavy loads more manageable.