SamsoniteTote-A-Ton 32.5-Inch Duffel Bag, Turquoise, 32.5-Inch

I originally bought this bag to protect my huge 65 L backpack during air travel. It's lightweight and compact enough that I could fold it up and keep it in my pack while hiking, but huge enough that I could throw my backpack into it along with all of my gear, and still have room to spare. It was really difficult to carry around the airport when so heavy, but it was a price I was willing to pay. My boyfriend didn't think this bag was a good idea and bought a bag specifically made for air travel with backpacks, and his had no handles so it was impossible to carry and also ripped, so he won't be using it again. My bag came through the whole trip and both flights in pristine condition, and I now use it all the time to go between home and college when I don't have time or am too lazy to pack nicely. I throw everything and I'm good to go. I've never run out of room with this bag!Now, a year later, we are buying this bag again (in the same pretty turquoise color) because my family had an exchange student this year and she needed another suitcase to bring home all of the clothes and belongings she acquired this year. She had no idea what to do because she needed something roomy and very lightweight so she could take as much as possible home without exceeding the weight limit, and she didn't want to spend $100 on another suitcase. Luckily last weekend I came home from college the day before I had an international flight and I didn't have time to plan what I would pack, so I threw everything I might want to bring in this bag and drove home. I came in the door talking about what a good purchase this bag was and how useful and affordable it is, and now she has a solution to her packing problem as well! This bag is huge, you can literally fit a person in it.If you're in a similar situation, I highly suggest this bag! You won't be disappointed.If you're looking for a bag that offers a lot of organization, is small enough for an overnight stay, or keeps its shape, this is not the bag for you.If you want something so big you'll never fill it up, lightweight, durable, and takes up no room, this is your bag!(Just make sure you get a lock for the zippers or tie them together if you're going to be flying, because they may come undone otherwise)

June 9, 2016 Product Update:I reviewed the Duffle below and wanted to add one more picture to the collection. I'm heading to Nepal tomorrow and collected 27 pairs of running sneakers to deliver to the mountain running community. There is an organization there that collects gently used or new sneakers to donate to mountain runners of all ages. Nepalese live on less than $2 a day. The earthquake is still leaving a lasting impression on the small villages that have been neglected by the government. Anyway, you'll be able to see how this duffle allows me to transport lots of sneakers!Both EMS and REI have their own packable duffle bag which is used to protect backpacks while flying to your destination. They stuff inside of a their pocket and measure approximately 8x10x2. EMS's bag is $49 and 38" long. REI's bag is $29 and 36" long. After purchasing both I found the Samsonite Tote-a-ton and returned the more expensive bags. The tote-a-ton is cheap in $ but not in quality. The durable material is the same as the more expensive duffles with two sturdy handles to lift. There's outside pocket and inside pocket, too. I have an Osprey Aura AG 65L. The pack is approximately 31 inches long. It fits perfectly into the duffle with room to spare. I haven't actually packed the backpack but feel confident it will still fit into the duffle. I am packrafting in Alaska this summer. I need something that will safely get my backpack and gear to Alaska. While in Alaska I will use my backpack for day trips/rafting and my gear will go into the duffle which will be hauled, by the outfitter, to the next location. Perfect solution! Plus, in the future, when I travel and don't need the duffle, it collapses perfectly and can be stuffed into my pack without taking up a lot of space. I have a friend traveling to Nepal in March. I showed her the duffle and she's purchasing one to protect her backpack, too. Great deal. We'll see how it holds up in June and I'll report back then :-)UPDATE July 14, 2015:I just returned from my 10 day trip to South Central Alaska. The duffle was perfect for this trip! Just like I mentioned above...the duffle protected my 65L when I checked it on the plane and then I used it to store my gear and clothing while using my backpack for packrafting during the day. The placement of the zipper made the bag easy to get in and out of. I'm not sure how well the material will continue to hold up because it is rather light weight. It was pretty dirty after being checked on the plane. I don't travel regularly so it may be a while before it gets used again. However, the light weight factor can be a plus if you are backpacking and have to stow the duffle in your backpack. I'd still highly recommend it!

I had a destination wedding in Ireland last month, and my biggest hurdle was figuring out how to transport items to my venue. Shipping a box from the US to Ireland appeared extremely expensive, and I wasn't keen on buying massive suitcases that would probably not get used again. Additionally, one bag was going to only be needed one-way, as all of the items inside would be used at the wedding.These duffels were the perfect solution to check on our flight--inside one I fit 8 picture frames, 400 cocktail napkins, flower petals, 60 dinner napkins, programs, menus, canvas welcome bags, gifts, signage, and more. Miraculously, the bag weighed less than 50 pounds (because the bag itself weighs next to nothing), and all the items arrived unscathed.I can see these bags being used for kids going to college, moving internationally, or even storage of things like sports equipment, coats, and bedding. The best part is that they are the fraction of the cost of a suitcase!

This held up through three different airports in Loas, Cambodia and San Diego. No damage to any part of it at all and it is huge!