Most sleepaway camps are going to recommend a trunk — but that doesn't mean a duffel bag doesn't belong on your summer camp packing list. A heavy duty duffel bag is one of the most versatile pieces of gear you can send with your camper. It works as the main luggage for shorter sessions, as a second bag alongside a trunk for longer ones, and as a go-to carry for day trips, hikes, and activities all summer long.
At Everything Summer Camp, we carry kids' duffel bags built for real camp life — not just looking good at the airport. From our own C&N soft trunks to trusted names like Under Armour, Osprey, and Deuter, every bag in this collection is chosen for durability, capacity, and the kind of practical design that actually holds up through a full summer season.
What Is a Duffel Bag?
The duffel bag has been a travel staple for centuries — originally a heavy canvas cylinder sailors used to haul gear across long voyages. Today's duffel bags are a long way from those early canvas rolls, but the core idea hasn't changed: a spacious, flexible bag that carries a lot without a lot of fuss.
Modern duffel bags run the full length of the bag and close with a zipper, giving you wide-open access to everything inside. Most have two side handles and a longer shoulder strap, and the better ones add features like exterior pockets, water-resistant fabric, reinforced bottoms, and ergonomic shoulder straps or backpack straps for easier carrying. An important difference from a gym bag: gym bags typically have a hard plastic bottom. Duffels are shapeless and flexible — which is exactly what makes them so easy to pack and stow.
What Size Duffel Bag Should I Buy for Summer Camp?
The right size depends on how long your camper is going, what they're bringing, and how they'll be getting there. Here's a quick breakdown:
Duffel Bag Size Chart and Use Guide
| Size | Capacity | Best For at Camp | Uses Beyond Camp | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 40L | Day trips, hikes, activity gear, overnight tent camping | Gym bag, day pack, weekend overnights | — |
| Medium | 40–80L | Weekend sessions, sports gear, cold weather layers | Weekend travel, sports tournaments | — |
| Large | 100L | Full session packing, main luggage for 2–4 week stays | Road trips, family travel | Pop-Up Soft Camp Trunk™ Duffel with Wheels |
| X-Large | 200+L | Long sessions, maximum capacity, families who pack everything | Car camping, extended travel | Mammoth Soft Trunk 200L Duffel Bag |
| Piggy Back Duffel | 85L | A duffel for your duffel — attaches directly to the Pop-Up Soft Trunk and nearly doubles capacity while keeping everything on one rolling system | Extra storage for any trip | C&N Piggy Back Trunk Duffle |
What Features Should I Look For in a Duffel Bag for Kids?
Not all duffel bags are built for camp. Here's what separates a good camp duffel from one that won't survive the summer:
- Heavy duty fabric: Look for 600D polyester, 1680D nylon, or ripstop nylon — materials that handle rough handling, overpacking, and getting tossed around without tearing.
- Water resistant construction: Camp weather is unpredictable. A water resistant shell or coated lining keeps clothes and gear dry when it rains.
- Ergonomic shoulder strap and side handles: Multiple carry options matter — especially for younger kids who need to manage their own bag independently.
- Exterior pockets: Dedicated pockets for shoes, toiletries, or wet gear keep everything organized and easy to find.
- Airtight and waterproof pouches: A waterproof internal pouch is a game-changer for wet swimsuits, damp towels, or anything else you don't want touching clean clothes.
- Backpack straps: Some duffels convert to a backpack — great for hikes, activity days, and campers who prefer to carry hands-free.
- Rolling duffel option: For heavier loads or longer sessions, wheels and a telescoping handle make transport far easier, especially on drop-off day.
Is It Better to Have a Rolling Duffel or a Backpack Style Duffel for Camp?
Both have their place, and the right answer depends on your camper and their camp setup. A rolling duffel is the better choice for drop-off days, longer stays, and heavier packs — wheels take the weight off and make it easy for kids to move their gear independently across parking lots and smooth paths. Our Pop-Up Soft Camp Trunk is our top rolling option — 100 liters, structured like a trunk, and built specifically for camp life.
A backpack style duffel wins on trails, hikes, and activity days where wheels don't help. Convertible straps let campers shift between carrying styles depending on the terrain, which makes them an incredibly versatile choice for camps with a lot of outdoor programming.
For many families, the answer is both — a large rolling duffel for main luggage and a smaller backpack style duffel for daily use at camp.
How Do I Decide Between a Duffel Bag and a Hard Camp Trunk?
It comes down to three things: your camp's guidelines, your camper's needs, and how they're getting there. Hard trunks offer unmatched structure, durability, and storage — they double as a seat, a surface, and a full dresser for the summer. If your camp recommends a trunk and your camper is driving there, a hard trunk is hard to beat.
Duffel bags win on flexibility and portability. They're lighter, easier to maneuver, and far simpler to store when the season's over. They're also the better choice if your camp requires soft-sided luggage, if your camper is flying, or if you need something that works beyond just summer — for travel, car camping, and everything in between.
Many families send both: a trunk for the bulk of the gear and a duffel for day trips, hikes, and the extra overflow that always seems to appear on packing day.
