REI Big Haul 60 Duffel Bag Review

The Bottom Line

The REI Co-op Big Haul 60 is an easy duffel to recommend to our favorites list because it works well in so many different situations. We tested it on a road trip around Colorado, in multiple airports, and in a deliberate garden hose test, and it ended up being one of the most versatile bags we tested.

The four strips proved to be more useful than we expected. We can close a fully loaded bag to fit in a few airlines’ overhead bins, although it’s technically too big. Shhhhh!

We also really like the carry system. The backpack straps are easy to remove when you need them and stow away when you don’t, the carry handles are easy to remove, and the wide lid opening makes it easy to pack or dig for gear without completely removing it.

The weather resistance is good for casual travel and camping use, but this is not a fully waterproof bag. It handles moderate rain well, but our garden hose test showed some leaks under the zipper. The folded back panel is comfortable for carrying a short backpack, although it can get warm on hot days or during long airport transfers.

Overall, the Big Haul 60 strikes a really good balance of low weight, smart features, and everyday durability.

How We Tested

We’ve taken the REI Co-op Big Haul 60 on international road trips through Colorado, picnics with the kids, and numerous airport terminals on domestic and international flights, and we’ve intentionally soaked it with a garden hose to test its weather-resistant limits. We packed it to capacity and repeatedly used compression belts to test their real-world impact on packaging and performance.

Manage Comfort

The Big Haul 60 offers one of the most versatile hauling systems on our list. The backpack’s straps work easily in its dedicated pocket, and the padded back panel distributes weight reasonably for short carries in airports and parking lots.

We felt shoulder pressure when fully loaded, which is expected without a hip belt or sternum belt, but for distances covered by most duffel users, it’s comfortable enough. Four pull handles, one on each side of the bag, make it easy to take the luggage carousel or load into the overhead bin at any angle.

One ergonomic note: the integrated back panel is not breathable. On hot days or during long walks in warm airports, it gets warm and sweaty on your back. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing if you tend to overheat.

Compressibility & Packability

The four external compression straps are one of the most useful features of the Big Haul 60. They may not sound exciting on paper, but in real life, they make a big difference to us. We can squeeze a fully loaded bag to fit in a few airlines’ overhead bins, which is a great win for a 60-litre duffel. They also know when the bag is not packed because they keep everything tight and under.

We also like how the tote handles remove cleanly and can be hidden in a large sleeve on top of the bag. That same sleeve doubles as a quick-access pouch for flat items like a book, boarding pass, or travel documents. It doesn’t zip, so we wouldn’t trust it for anything too important, but it works well for things you often hold. The included stuff sack is another nice touch and doubles as a packing cube inside the small stuff bag.

Strength

The 400D recycled ripstop nylon body and 1680D nylon base are a well-matched combination. The body is light and flexible, and the base handles the abuse of basements, truck beds, and rocky terrain. After a few weeks of use, the bag showed only the usual scuffs on the fabric from airport handling. The materials hold up very well.

Another note of caution in our testing is that the plastic clips are sturdy, but should be kept away from car doors and hard pinch points. Slamming a car door on a clip is a good way to crack it, and we recommend that you pay attention to where the clips are when loading gear into cars.

Weather Resistance

The Big Haul 60 uses PFAS-free DWR and performed well in steady rain while riding behind our car for four hours on a road trip through Colorado. However, our garden hose test was very revealing.

We found a fair amount of leakage at the bottom and the zipper at the bottom for high volume water exposure. In the conditions that most duffel users encounter, including wet conditions and light outdoor use, it will hold up well. For river trips, boating, or any situation where the bag can be submerged or heavily submerged, you’ll want something waterproof.

Organization

The Big Haul 60 keeps organization simple, but laid out in a highly efficient manner. The wide U-shaped hood opening is one of the better access designs we tested. It opens up enough that you can see and access most of the interior without fully unzipping, and the zipper moves smoothly around the corners.

Inside, two zippered mesh pockets under the lid are handy for small items like cables, toiletries, or travel books. The outside pocket is a good size for things you want close at hand, like a passport, snacks, or phone.

The open top sleeve at the top of the bag is a nice bonus for flat, quick items, although we wouldn’t put anything too important in there because it doesn’t have a zipper. We also appreciate the daisy chain lash points on the outside. They can cut small accessories or tie a bag to the bottom of the truck bed if you don’t want it sliding all over the place.

Should You Buy the REI Big Haul 60L Duffel?

If you want one duffel that can handle everything small, the Big Haul 60 is a great choice. It works well as a checked load, can be tied down with compression straps to travel in an overhead bin, and has plenty of capacity for transporting gear for car camping or road trips. The flexible carrying system, compression straps, and wide-access opening make it one of the most versatile duffels we’ve tested. At 2 pounds 9 ounces, it’s surprisingly light for all it has to offer.

It’s not the bag of choice for persistent wet conditions, and if you need a truly waterproof duffel, there are better options on our list. It also lacks the usual shoulder carry feature, which some users may miss. But for hikers and campers looking for a sturdy, easy-to-use bag that multitasks well without feeling overbuilt or overpriced, the Big Haul 60 is worth a look.

What other Duffels should you consider?

If you’re not sure if the Gregory Alpaca 60 is the right bag for you, here are a few other top-performing options from our guide to the best bags worth considering.

Patagonia Black Hole 55L Review: The same tough, weather-resistant bag with a cleaner, more streamlined design. It doesn’t have the messy Alpaca gear pack with stretchy daisy chains but it’s a little lighter and packs a touch more compact. A solid choice for travelers who want to be rugged without the beauty of a rugged ride.

Nemo Double Haul 55L Review: Our overall top-rated duffel and the best choice for anyone who needs a bag that compresses down and converts between duffel and tote mode. It doesn’t match Alpaca in raw durability, but its flexibility and packability make it a well-planned choice for many travelers.

North Face Basecamp Waterproof Duffel Review: One of only two fully waterproof options on our list. If the results of our garden hose tests give you pause and you need dry content guaranteed in wet or underwater conditions, Basecamp is one of the bags that can promise that.