Nemo Double Haul Review: Duffel, Backpack, or Tote?
The Nemo Double Haul 55L ($170) stands out for its unique versatility, offering three different carry modes—duffel, backpack, and an expanded tote—in one sleek design. We appreciated its thoughtful touches, including stiffened handles that keep the main opening structured, a few pockets, and an effective backpack setup. That said, its thin materials leave long-term durability in question, and we found tote mode unwieldy for heavy loads. But for travelers looking for flexible functionality over bombproof construction, the Double Haul hits a sweet spot.
Organization
Durability
Water Resistance
Carrying Comfort
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Capacities
30, 55, 70, 100L
Carry Straps
Backpack and tote
Weight
3 lb. 1 oz.
Fabric(s)
420D nylon with urethane coating
Waterproof
No
Pros
Cons
Nemo Double Haul 55L
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Duffel Bags.
The Nemo Double Haul’s storage layout strikes a good balance between simplicity and functionality. Its 55-liter main compartment expands to 75 liters in tote mode, giving you more room when needed (although, as I just mentioned, you won’t want to carry it very far in tote mode if you’re shouldering a bunch of gear). I found the stiffened hand bars around the main compartment opening especially helpful—they kept the bag open as I packed, which made a noticeable difference compared to other straight-zip duffels like the REI Co-op Roadtripper or the NRS Expedition DriDuffel.
That said, the extra flap of fabric used for tote conversion occasionally folded down awkwardly into the main compartment, interfering with packing unless I carefully positioned it. On the positive side, the bag’s two pockets—a flat exterior sleeve and an interior mesh pocket with a key clip—were appropriately sized for essentials like a phone, passport, or wallet. Internal compression straps did their job without fuss.
This duffel also features external gear loops and two anchor points inside the bag to clip in the included storage pouch. Its zippers are easy to grab and slide smoothly, thanks to oversized pull loops. While the Nemo Double Haul 55L doesn’t have the abundance of pockets found in options like the Peak Design Travel Duffel, the layout is effective and well thought-out—as long as your packing list is similarly dialed.
The Double Haul’s biggest compromise is its toughness. It uses a 420-denier, urethane-coated nylon shell and no interior liner, making it one of the thinnest duffel bags we tested—especially compared to peers like the 900-denier Thule Chasm or the 1000-denier Base Camp from The North Face. (Even the REI Co-op Big Haul, which costs $139 and has a 400D exterior, includes a liner that helps it feel more robust.)
During testing, my duffel only picked up a few scuffs, and the hardware and stitching held up fine. But the lack of heft is noticeable. While I wouldn’t say the bag is fragile, I wouldn’t trust it for repeated use in rough campsites or during extended expeditions where gear integrity is key, as I would with the bags above or something like the famously hardwearing Patagonia Black Hole. Still, it’s worth noting that you’re not paying a premium for the tote function—so in essence, Nemo trades some long-term durability for added utility without inflating the Double Haul’s price too much.
With its urethane-coated shell, the Nemo Double Haul 55L offers above-average water resistance for a non-waterproof duffel. It’ll easily fend off light rain or ground moisture and outperforms budget models like the REI Roadtripper (which only has a DWR finish). However, compared to TPU-coated duffels like the Black Hole or the Big Haul—which also feature lid fabric that extends over their zippers and more robust materials overall—it’s clearly a notch down in both protection and overall confidence. The straight zipper lacks a storm flap, so it’s more vulnerable to seepage. In drizzle or damp conditions, the bag will hold up fine. But I wouldn’t leave it outside in a downpour.
While the Nemo Double Haul 55L doesn’t rank among the best-feeling duffel bags Better Trail has tested, it gets points in this category for offering an unmatched variety of carry modes. Although it looks much like a normal duffel at first, the Double Haul converts into a large tote bag—which actually adds 20 liters to the capacity—and can also be carried using tuck-away backpack straps. I tested all three configurations during travel and camping: in duffel mode while I walked through airports, as a backpack at the beach, and as a tote on a half-mile walk to a lake near my camp in the California Sierra.
The duffel handles are unlike any I’ve tested so far. Unlike other bags, which have handles with hook-and-loop grips to secure them together, the ones on the Double Haul are stiff metal bars that hug close to either side of the main compartment opening zipper, and which don’t clasp together. I actually prefer this setup; the bars supported the weight of the bag really well, bending just slightly and never pinching or digging into my hands. The backpack straps are also easy to unclip and decently padded—good enough for a 10-minute trek at Dallas-Fort Worth and some backcountry wandering. While the exposed metal bars pressed into my back, it wasn’t a dealbreaker.
Tote mode was less impressive. When I loaded the Double Haul with 20 pounds of beach gear, it quickly became cumbersome, and I had to keep switching shoulders due to pressure points. For short walks or light loads, it works, but it’s not comfortable enough for longer distances. Compared to models like the Patagonia Black Hole or North Face Base Camp, both of which offer more comfort under load in their backpack configurations, the Double Haul falls short overall.
At 3 pounds, 1 ounce, the Double Haul is relatively heavy for its 55-liter size. (By comparison, the 100-liter Black Hole only weighs 7 ounces more.) That said, it still feels reasonable when you factor in the metal hardware, multiple carry options, and packing accessibility. The duffel folds into its included stuff pouch for compact storage, and while it takes a few tries to squeeze it in, the end result is about the size of a compact camp chair (18 x 4 x 9 in.).
When I was on the go, I appreciated that the backpack straps sit flush against the bag when not in use and don’t get tangled (though they’re not removable), and the top handles do the same. The tote handles are fully stowable, which helps keep the exterior clean when not in that mode. As a carry-on, the Nemo Double Haul 55L is TSA compliant, which gives it added travel versatility. I wouldn’t say it’s the lightest or most packable duffel I’ve tested, but it lands squarely in the middle in terms of both bulk and convenience.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
PFAS-Free Materials
This product's waterproofing is made without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These synthetic compounds are known as "forever chemicals” because they take an extremely long time to degrade, if at all. PFAS can eventually end up in everything from soil to drinking water and have been linked to a range of health issues.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 55L Duffel ($175): Just a Humble Duffel, but More Effective
It’s probably no surprise that the Allpa Getaway’s biggest drawback compared to the Double Haul is its lack of a tote mode. But based strictly on its performance as a duffel, it outperforms its competitor in nearly every way. With its large lid opening, it’s easier to access every inch of the Allpa’s main compartment when you’re packing. The organization for smaller items is also more versatile, with a large mesh pocket under the lid, an exterior pocket, and sleeves on either side that double as storage when the handles are tucked away. It's burlier, too, made from 840-denier, TPU-laminated polyester. Two reinforced haul handles make the Allpa easier to grab and go, and its fully removable backpack straps can be stowed away. Unless you plan to take full advantage of the Double Haul’s tote feature, the Allpa is the easy pick. For more, check out our review of the Allpa Getaway Duffel.
Eagle Creek Migrate 60L Duffel ($129): Comparable Versatility for a Lot Less
Though the Migrate can also convert into a tote bag, it’s more minimalist than the Double Haul, which makes sense given the price difference between the two models. You won’t find separate carry handles, nor does its capacity expand as much. As duffels, these bags function similarly, though the Double Haul uses stiff grab bars that hold their shape better than the more traditional, flimsier top carry handles on the Migrate. Both offer backpack-style carry, though each comes with its own annoyances—the bars on the Double Haul and the zippers on the Migrate—that press into your body, making neither a perfectly comfortable option. But while the Double Haul is thinner than we’d like, the Migrate boasts a burly build, with a 900-denier main body and a 1,680-denier bottom. Unless you need the full versatility of the Double Haul, we lean toward saving some cash with the Migrate. For more, read our Migrate Duffel review.
The Double Haul’s greatest asset is also its biggest drawback. With the ability to convert between a duffel and a tote bag, it’s an impressively versatile option for travel and everyday applications. Unfortunately, it has compromises in both configurations.
Organization
Durability
Water Resistance
Carrying Comfort
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
The Allpa Getaway has pretty much everything you want in a crossover duffel. It's easy to pack, comfortable to carry, and comes with quality-of-life features that make traveling smoother. While it lacks the construction of a true expedition bag, it’ll more than meet the needs of most users.
Organization
Durability
Water Resistance
Carrying Comfort
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Eagle Creek may not have the same consumer clout as other brands in this gear guide, but the reasonably priced Migrate impressed us with its thick fabrics, versatile carry options, and travel-friendly amenities. We have some qualms with its comfort and build quality, but it still holds its own against duffels that ring up much higher at the register.
Organization
Durability
Water Resistance
Carrying Comfort
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Is the Double Haul Duffel for You?
If you value flexibility and convenience over plush comfort and ageless durability, the Nemo Double Haul 55L is a compelling choice to be your everyday duffel. Its three carry modes make it adaptable across a variety of trip types, and it’s packed with thoughtful design elements that help streamline your packing. It’s not the toughest or most weatherproof duffel, and we’d hesitate to overstuff it for rugged expeditions, but for weekend travel, car camping, or beach days where versatility matters, it’s one of the most inventive bags we’ve tested.
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