REI Co-op Big Haul Duffel Review
The REI Co-op Big Haul 60 ($139) isn’t priced like its premium competitors, but it comes close to matching their performance. With its reinforced base, removable handles, stowable backpack straps, and multiple pockets, it’s a compelling pick for travelers who want a versatile duffel but who don’t want to spend more than $150. A few quirks hold it back from being a category leader, but it’s still one of the best values in its class.
Organization
Durability
Water Resistance
Carrying Comfort
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Capacities
28, 40, 60, 90, 120L
Carry Straps
Backpack
Weight
2 lb. 9 oz.
Fabric(s)
400D ripstop TPU nylon, 1,680D PU-coated nylon bottom
Waterproof
No
Pros
Cons
REI Co-op Big Haul 60
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Duffel Bags.
The REI Co-op Big Haul 60 scores solidly in this category thanks to its lid-style opening and thoughtful pocket layout. The lid’s wide, U-shaped zipper makes it easy to poke around inside the bag, and the two mesh zippered pockets under the lid were perfect for holding socks, underwear, and toiletries. There's also a smaller external pocket for documents or sunglasses—though I wish it had more volume to better hold bulkier items. A minor annoyance: The backpack straps get in the way of the lid when they’re attached, so you’ll need to unclip one side to fully unzip the bag. I will say, though, I did appreciate the included storage sack that doubles as a packing cube.
Compared to REI's own budget-oriented Roadtripper, the Big Haul’s storage layout is much more full-featured and intuitive. I also prefer it over the Double Haul, which has fewer pockets and a more awkward entry (although that duffel converts into a tote bag, which this one doesn’t). However, the Chasm and the Black Hole still easily edge it out: The former has an external pocket big enough to hold sandals or a jacket, and the latter includes both a similar lid design and more internal storage, plus a larger external pocket. For the price, though, the REI Co-op Big Haul holds its own—and even adds anti-theft zipper loops and four compression straps to keep your gear cinched tight.
The Big Haul’s durability is a tale of two fabrics. The majority of its body is made from 400-denier ripstop nylon, which is one of the thinnest duffel materials that Better Trail has tested. Its base and end panels, though, are reinforced with super-thick, 1,680-denier ballistic nylon. Those are the parts of the bag that usually see the most action, so this impressively tough material helps keep the duffel in fighting shape. After dragging the Big Haul through airports, slinging it into cars, and using it on a camping trip in Joshua Tree, I didn’t notice any real damage—just a few cosmetic scuffs. The zippers and stitching held up well, and the strap clips felt robust throughout.
This bag doesn’t have the ultra-beefy, expedition-ready feel of the Black Hole (made from 900D polyester) or the Chasm (the same), but it’s still a major step up from entry-level bags like the Roadtripper. I’d put it above that and the Double Haul for build quality, and on par with the pricier Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway. For most moderate use—whether that’s weekend getaways, frontcountry travel, or gear-heavy road trips—you probably won’t need a duffel bag that’s much more durable than this one.
The REI Co-op Big Haul isn’t waterproof, but it does a solid job standing up to light rain. Its TPU-coated body, PU-coated liner, and durable water repellent-treated base all keep moisture from soaking in immediately; I didn’t get to test it in wet conditions, but the materials and seam construction inspired more confidence than cheaper bags I’ve used.
While it won’t compete with IPX-rated waterproof duffel bags like the Yeti Panga or Osprey Transporter, it’s far more capable than the Roadtripper or the Essentials Duffel, and it even beats out the Double Haul in my book. (Compared to the Black Hole, which features a thicker shell and a similar lining, the Big Haul comes close, though Patagonia still gets the edge for burly, weather-resistant materials.) Just don’t rely on this bag in the event of a downpour—use a waterproof cover or a liner if you need that level of protection.
On short hauls or walks between airport terminals, carrying the REI Co-op Big Haul 60 is manageable, but not perfect. I frequently hefted about 30 pounds of clothes and gear during testing, and while the padded grab handles were a welcome inclusion, they quickly bent under weight, which made them dig into my palms after just a few minutes. The bag’s hardware and compression straps also rubbed uncomfortably against my leg in hand-carry mode. I appreciated that the top handles were removable, but I still found myself wishing for a stiffer, better-shaped grip.
Using this duffel in backpack mode was more successful. The Big Haul’s straps are lightly padded, easy to stash away, and sat flat against my back. I did feel pressure on my shoulders with heavy loads, and because the bag sat directly on my back, I got sweaty quickly. Still, I had no hot spots, no pinching, and no real discomfort even after walking half a mile or more. This is certainly not a hiking backpack, but for a duffel, the Big Haul carries surprisingly well. It beats out budget duffel bags like the REI Roadtripper or the Amazon Essentials Duffel for carry comfort, and it’s competitive with the more expensive Nemo Double Haul. (Unsurprisingly, though, it falls short of comfort leaders like the Patagonia Black Hole and the Thule Chasm.)
The Big Haul lands squarely in the middle of the weight spectrum for a duffel this size. At 2 pounds, 9 ounces, it’s not ultralight, but it’s impressively packable considering its relatively feature-rich design. The included storage pouch doubles as a packing cube, and while it took some effort to fold the bag down (thanks to the thick bottom fabric, chunky plastic hardware, and attached straps), I eventually got it compressed to a travel-friendly 12 by 9 by 4 inches. When packed, the Big Haul fits easily in a suitcase or a car trunk, and it will work well as a secondary duffel for longer trips.
While it’s heavier than the Roadtripper or other minimalist models, you’re getting compression straps, reinforced carry points, and a more protective build in return. I would’ve appreciated slightly easier stuffing, or the ability to fold it into itself like the Black Hole, but these are minor gripes. For what it is, the REI Co-op Big Haul travels and stores efficiently.
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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.
REI Co-op Roadtripper 60 Duffel ($60): A Pared-Down Alternative
If the Big Haul feels like overkill both in design and price, then the Roadtripper might better suit your needs. This duffel is much more minimalist—you won’t find compression straps, a key clip, or internal mesh pockets. It also has a shoulder strap and a lengthwise zipper instead of the Big Haul’s backpack straps and lid. The shoulder strap is removable, which is nice, and you can adjust both its length and placement. At its bargain-bin price of $60, though, multiple compromises are inevitable, including carry comfort. Simply put, the Roadtripper isn’t built to haul gear over long distances. Its construction also takes a hit. Built with a 600-denier Oxford polyester and no additional protective treatments or reinforcements, it won’t hold up as well as the Big Haul. But if you stick mostly to low-impact adventures, the Roadtripper will work just fine and save you a bunch of cash. For more, read our Roadtripper Duffel review.
Eagle Creek Migrate 60L Duffel Bag ($129): Durability over Features
What if you want to toss your duffel around without worrying about it splitting open? If that’s the case, go with the Migrate. It costs $10 less than the Big Haul, but its TPU-coated 900-denier body is more than double the thickness of the latter bag’s material (both sport ultra-durable 1,680-denier bottoms, though). The Migrate lacks internal pockets, but it’s designed so you can expand its capacity to 67 liters and use it as a tote. Beyond that, both can be carried traditionally via top handles or as a backpack. Hand-hauling was middling on both, but on our backs, we preferred the Big Haul, mainly because its flat lid didn’t awkwardly press into our spines the way the Migrate’s main zipper did. If durability is your priority, go with the Migrate. Otherwise, spending a bit extra on the Big Haul buys you a better-organized bag and more comfort. For more, read our review of the Migrate Duffel.
REI takes aim at the category’s top dogs with the Big Haul, offering a quality duffel without the hefty price tag. We enjoyed its feature set and large lid for easy packing, but uninspiring build quality and a few awkward design choices hold it back from reaching elite status.
Organization
Durability
Water Resistance
Carrying Comfort
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
The Roadtripper sports a simple, no-frills design that will serviceably get you from point A to point B. Budget-minded travelers and families will appreciate its reasonable price point, though it comes at the expense of its durability and comfort during long schleps.
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 Big Haul Duffel for You?
If you want a well-built duffel with legit backpack carry, smart storage, and a sub-$150 price tag, the REI Co-op Big Haul 60 deserves serious consideration. It’s not the most refined or comfortable bag we’ve tested, but it checks a lot of boxes without breaking the bank. We’d recommend it for moderate backcountry use, weekend getaways to a rental property, or as a work travel go-to for anyone tired of bargain bin bags. If days on end in rocky campsites or lots of weather are in your plans, something tougher may be in order—but for everything short of that, the Big Haul holds its own.
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