Just found out I am restricted to a small to medium duffle bag for my trip to South Africa and some safari time. Apparently the safari airplanes are quite small and nothing is allowed with wheels or hard sides. Any recommendations on good duffel bags with lots of storage if one can say that when referring to a duffle bag!

http://www.ebags.com/category/luggag...rigin=left_nav

http://www.eaglecreek.com/

http://gregorypacks.com/

http://www.redoxx.com/Safari-Travel-...e/110/110/dept

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...all-planes.cfm

I would go shopping in person at places like: Marshall's, TJ Maxx, maybe Macy's. Sounds like you want something sturdy and lightweight.

One of my favorite duffle bags ever was a freebie from Office Depot (haha) so you just need to shop around.

Since it can't have wheels or hard-sides you might want to look for a duffle that also has backpack-styled straps?

>>One of my favorite duffle bags ever was a freebie from Office Depot (haha) so you just need to shop around.<<

One of my faves was a freebie from Ulta . . . same thing.

Shar -- this isn't something I'd order on line. I agree w/ suze re Marshall's TJMaxx, Macys, maybe Ross. I like to get a feel for the straps (some will stay on the shoulder, some won't), the fabric's 'hand', the quality of the zippers, etc. It isn't going to be checked or get heavy use so it doesn't have to be the sturdiest bag you've ever owned.

I ordered a great Dakine duffel online and would highly recommend the brand as being sturdy, lightweight and well-priced.

I don't see why shopping in person is a must in this case. A duffel is a simple piece of luggage.

But I also really hate TJ Maxx/Ross/Marshall's. Luggage that was overpriced to begin with is marked down to a still too-high price and the crowd goes wild over a selection of colors and styles that wouldn't sell elsewhere. Throw in a totally random assortment of stuff--maybe they'll have ten duffles to chose from, maybe two, maybe none-- and I'm out.

YMMV.

<I don't see why shopping in person is a must in this case.>

Because for me, I would want o feel it, try out the zippers, pack some stuff into it and walk around the store to see how it "fits".

(In a duffle bag I strongly prefer a top opening in a U-shape, not just a zipper straight across the top.)

For example, my current favorite suitcase (not a duffle) is the brand called "IT". It's a 24" roller that weighs only 4 lbs. that I got at TJ Maxx for $49.

ditto

I'd go with a backpack personally. Much easier to carry over long distances. And, yep, I'd shop for that in person too. It's tough to know what straps will and won't work just based on a picture.

Enjoy your trip! South Africa is a beautiful place and a safari was a magical trip for me.

Backpack straps will add weight that is unnecessary if the bag isn't going to be carried long distances, as will wheels. A small to medium duffle shouldn't end up weighing so much that it is difficult to carry...

Since this is just for a duffle bag you might look other places (not just that carry actual luggage). A really good large "gym bag" might have more features that suit this particular use.

http://www.amazon.com/eBags-Mother-W...ek+gear+hauler

I took something similar to this when I went to S.Africa. I think mine was an Eagle Creek.