REI Roadtripper Evaluation | CleverHiker

Backside Line

For these on the lookout for a easy, inexpensive, no-nonsense duffel bag for lugging tons of substances in a single journey, the REI Roadtripper is a strong possibility. It’s tolerably sturdy, tremendous spacious, and is the lightest possibility on this record, making it a superb selection for these journeys once you may want an additional bag for the journey dwelling or simply must lug a bunch of unwieldy gear to the automobile, campsite, or gear shed. 

And haul gear it will possibly, irrespective of which of the a number of sizes obtainable you decide to get. We match all we wanted for a weekend tenting journey inside and nonetheless had loads of room to spare. The entire bag packs into an impressively small storage pouch when not in use. It will not be as climate resistant or sturdy as different luggage on this record, but when all you want is a reasonable, compact bag to hold gear or items, this may do the trick properly.

Carry Consolation

Relating to carrying choices, this duffel solely provides two: an over-the-shoulder strap and prime seize handles. Neither are padded, in order that they weren’t probably the most snug when the bag was totally loaded, and we needed to carry it for quite a lot of yards. They had been nonetheless greater than practical and the seize handles by no means acquired in the best way when packing. There’s additionally a sturdy seize deal with at every finish.

The shoulder strap is detachable and repositionable through webbing loops and sturdy plastic toggles so you may customise it primarily based on which shoulder you like to hold it over or in case you’d slightly put on it throughout your physique. The bag itself is gentle and pliable so it simply conforms to your physique. This was useful when it was full of sentimental items like sleeping luggage however much less so when full of arduous items like tents and trekking poles.

Compressibility & Packability

Whereas this duffel could also be spacious, it’s not straightforward to pack. There’s no construction in any respect within the partitions or base, so material tended to only flop downward once we tried to stash tenting gear inside. Thankfully, the great lengthy zipper helped with that by advantage of providing a gaping mouth into which you’ll be able to load issues rapidly. There are not any compression straps or different bells and whistles inside the primary compartment, although, so pack correctly.

Relating to storing this bag between makes use of, no different duffel we examined beats the REI Roadtripper for a way mild and small it packs down. Meaning for journeys the place you’re fearful you’ll be touring dwelling with greater than you left with–say, to go to household for holidays or to buy groceries after an expedition in Argentina–it’s straightforward to pack into your baggage and unfurl once you want it.

Sturdiness

Sadly, this bag was the least sturdy of all of the duffels we examined. That doesn’t imply it received’t stand as much as some abuse, although. In actual fact, once we dragged the bag totally loaded across the campground just a few occasions, all it picked up had been just a few scuffs and a little bit of free grime. What’s extra, the straps appear sturdy and the attachment factors and webbing lash loops appear safe. The zipper isn’t as burly and sturdy as we would have preferred, but it surely’s doubtless extra sturdy than most waterproof zippers.

We felt good about loading it with cumbersome gear that doesn’t match properly in additional compact duffels however had been reluctant to shove in pointed gadgets like trekking poles that might doubtlessly puncture the comparatively thinner materials. There isn’t a padding within the partitions or base, both, which means it’s practical however not fairly as protecting of its contents as different luggage.

Climate Resistance

As a budget-friendly duffel, the Roadtripper will definitely include all of the gear you want, but it surely received’t preserve it dry. The supplies and zippers are usually not water-proof, so once we left the bag within the rain for an hour, it was near soaked by in most locations. In actual fact, once we put paper inside to see simply how moist the inside acquired, it was fully sodden. So in case you assume it’s possible you’ll be exposing your bag to any inclement climate, you shouldn’t count on a lot from this duffel.

Group

Because the accessible worth level may recommend, there are only a few bells and whistles constructed into this duffel bag. In actual fact, there is just one small exterior zipper pocket. Aside from that, it’s only one large compartment. This makes for a easy and simple bag, however not one well-suited to group. We discovered if we needed to maintain issues separate or discover small gadgets sooner, packing cubes used contained in the bag had been the best way to go.

That stated, in case you require a spot to stash further giant and ponderous gadgets, small pockets and dividers might solely detract from a bag’s attractiveness. So, for these extra excited about hauling helmets, snowshoes, puffer jackets, or the like, this bag is for you.

Ought to You Purchase the REI Roadtripper?

There’s no denying that this duffel bag is a steal. It’s a budget-friendly possibility certain to attraction to anybody who wants a bag to include all kinds of mandatory clothes or gear. It additionally works properly for many who prefer to journey with a further packable duffel for a bit of additional storage and peace of thoughts on journeys that will contain returning with greater than you left with. Certainly, the worth it provides is stellar.

However that doesn’t imply it is best to count on it to carry out or stand as much as the identical abuse as costlier duffel luggage. In actual fact, the vacationers who will get probably the most use out of this duffel aren’t those planning to hold their luggage continuously or far, however those that often want a bag to include their mountaineering gear, cart cumbersome gadgets from the automobile to the campsite, or stash cumbersome gadgets.

What Different Duffel Luggage Ought to You Contemplate?

When you’re unsure the REI Roadtripper is best for you in any of the obtainable sizes, it’s possible you’ll wish to take into account one of many different stand-out duffels we’ve examined.

The North Face Base Camp Gear Field Evaluation: In search of extra of a gear hauler than a conventional duffel? Try The North Face Base Camp Gear Field. It is available in a number of sizes and provides a superb solution to retailer gear at busy base camps or behind a car. It folds flat when empty and stacks simply when full.

Nemo Double Haul Convertible Duffel and Tote Evaluation: When you like the thought of hauling numerous gear however would like a bag that’s simpler to pack, extra sturdy, and provides just a few extra carry choices, take a look at the Nemo Double Haul.

The North Face Rolling Thunder Evaluation: When you want extra capability, take a look at The North Face Rolling Thunder Wheeled Duffel 28”, a monster duffel assured to suit all of your gear. It provides much more house and is outfitted with sturdy sides and wheels to make heavy masses extra manageable.