12 Rolling Backpacks, Duffels, and Weekender Bags That Are Surprisingly Sleek

By Travel + Leisure Staff April 23, 2019
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Credit: Getty Images/Westend61
In a perfect world, your luggage would follow you around like a well-trained puppy. It would keep up with you while rushing to the gate to catch your flight and happily handle the cobblestoned streets of Rome without needing to be carried in your arms — all while looking incredibly cute and catching the attention of everyone you pass.

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. That vintage leather suitcase that’s seen every corner of the world is beautiful and romantic in theory, but schlepping it from the baggage carousel at Charles De Gaulle airport to the metro and up nine floors of uneven, winding stairs to your non–air conditioned, Parisian rooftop rental flat? We can’t think of anything less glamorous (especially if it’s packed with two weeks’ worth of clothes, shoes, and guidebooks).

Related: The Best Spinner Luggage for Effortless Rolling

As hard as it may be to admit, backpacks with wheels are your friends, like trusty standbys in good times and bad. Just ask anyone who has ever sprinted between terminals to make a tight connecting flight or who’s struggled to make the Eurostar before the doors close: without that all-important rolling carry-on, they’d have been stranded without so much as a meal voucher.

So what’s a savvy frequent traveler to do if they want to get around fast and with ease while still feeling stylish? Fear not. There are aesthetically pleasing options out there, and we’ve done the research for you. Here, 12 wheeled bags that balance great looks with a design that’s durable, sturdy, and above all, easy-to-handle. Until hands-free luggage becomes mainstream, these sleek rolling backpacks, bags, and duffels will be your best friend for everything from a weekend getaway to a grand tour of Europe.
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Patagonia Black Hole 40L Rolling Duffle Bag

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Made to stand up to any adventure, Patagonia's water-resistant, durable duffel will look just as at home in the city as it will at a lakeside lodge.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $299

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Tumi Wheeled Split Duffel

Credit: Courtesy of Tumi

The ballistic nylon exterior of this 31-inch Large Split 2 Wheeled Duffel is super durable, which keeps it looking sleek through all of your bucket list trips. It offers a separate, structured bottom section for shoes or gear with a curtain that unzips to create one large packing cavity when you need it.

To buy: tumi.com, $995

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Leathario Leather Luggage Wheeled Duffel

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

The chestnut-colored Leathario Leather Luggage Wheeled Duffel combines a vintage look with modern practicality. It has a roomy upper compartment and a separate lower compartment that’s perfect for stowing your favorite travel shoes.

To buy: amazon.com, from $160

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Samsonite Women's Laptop Spinner Mobile Office

Credit: Courtesy of eBags

Hundreds of travelers have left glowing reviews for this wheeled tote by Samsonite. With built-in laptop and tablet sleeves, special pen slots, and separate compartments for files, it certainly lives up to its name.

To buy: ebags.com, $175

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Timbuk2 Quest Large Wheeled Duffel Bag

Credit: Courtesy of eBags

If you need something super roomy, this 28-inch Timbuk2 duffel was designed with space and style in mind.

To buy: ebags.com, $219

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Women in Business Portofino Ladies Roller Backpack

Credit: Courtesy of eBags

This Roller Backpack is perfect for traveling with tech. It has a secure, padded internal pocket that fits a laptop sized up to 17 inches and another smaller one for a tablet in the front zip pocket. And it's also available in black.

To buy: ebags.com, $100

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Pendleton Spider Rock 22-Inch 2 Wheel Rolling Duffel

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

This vibrant Pendleton 22-inch wheeled bag will brighten up even the most miserable airport experiences.

To buy: amazon.com, $200

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Thule Subterra Carry-on Rolling Duffel

Credit: Courtesy of eBags

With a 36L capacity, Thule's sleek reimagining of the wheeled duffel makes for the perfect carry-on. The oversized wheels help it stand up to rough terrain while the bright yellow lining helps you locate what you're looking for inside.

To buy: ebags.com, $299

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Ted Baker London Large Front Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

It doesn't get much chicer than this Ted Baker number, with its genuine leather accents and gilded detailing. 

To buy: nordstrom.com, $395

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ClaireChase 22-Inch Rolling Duffel

Credit: Courtesy of eBags

The ClaireChase Rolling Duffel is beautifully crafted from top grain cowhide leather and features antique brass hardware accents, tons of zipped pockets, and in-line skate wheels that make it easy to maneuver. There are even built-in bumper guards to protect the leather when rolling up stairs, over curbs, or down cobblestone streets.

To buy: ebags.com, $517 (originally $799)

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Bric's 21-inch Rolling Duffel

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

The Bric's 21-inch Rolling Duffel fits easily into overhead bins and the leather trim adds a touch of class.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $199

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Osprey Rolling Transporter 40L Duffel Bag

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Available in red, blue, and black, Osprey's travel duffel was made to make hauling your luggage easy. It weighs only six pounds thanks to its aluminum frame. Plus, it's equipped with a subtle but effective stand so it won't tip when left standing upright.

To buy: amazon.com, $240

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By Travel + Leisure Staff