Does anyone have a packable duffle they are stoked on?

Doing a three weeker in Thailand, first couple of weeks climbing down south followed by food & culture trip up north...we’d like to be able to buy whatever cool art we may find...I would like to know if anyone has a recommendation on a 40-ish liter duffel that folds down small but is robust enough to handle being checked...Burton makes one that looks like it would work, but it also looks like it may not be super bomber....

Burton packable duffle 

REI used to make amazing cheap, light duffels.  They don’t make the exact model I used to use but I think the Roadtripper series is pretty close.

Eagle Creek makes a duffle that is pretty nice called the cargo hauler. I've got a 60L so it's been checked several times and shows basically no wear on the exterior and converts to a backpack. They've also got a 40 or 45 that converts to a backpack (Not super common in that size). That being said the material is a bit heavier that your typical "packable" duffel.

Ted Pinson wrote: REI used to make amazing cheap, light duffels.  They don’t make the exact model I used to use but I think the Roadtripper series is pretty close.

I have that same thought. The old ones were a thinner, smooth nylon that packed down a bit smaller. The roadtripper is more of a nylon canvas. Feels tougher but a doesn't pack down as small. Both have held up fine to being checked.

I've heard good things about the Patagonia Black Hole duffels too, but haven't used them.

Ted Pinson wrote: REI used to make amazing cheap, light duffels.  They don’t make the exact model I used to use but I think the Roadtripper series is pretty close.

I have one of the old duffels you're referring to and its great. its about 40 L but i can't find it for sale anymore...

EDIT: Here's an old page for the one i have: ​https://www.rei.com/product/809162/rei-co-op-stuff-travel-duffel​​​

KC wrote: Not sure what your price range is but, the Patagonia Balck hole is pretty Bombproof. They just redesigned them so you can probably pick one up pretty cheap. 

My wife has one, but it doesn’t pack down as small as I’m hoping to have.

Scott Fagen wrote:

My wife has one, but it doesn’t pack down as small as I’m hoping to have.

they at least used to make a "light weight" one but in my opinion removes everything that makes the blackhole nice. At that point the roadtripper is the better value.

TNF base camp duffel, packs into its own little carrying case.

There are so many awesome duffels....just buy one that is on sale and you'll be fine.

I've gone through a few 40L duffels over the years and love my new Topo Designs mountain duffel.

Why?

• Usable as a carry duffle or backpack that's actually comfortable to wear
• Waterproof / resistant - plastic lining and waterproof zippers
• Padded bottom and sides. This helps it keep a sturdy form when wearing as a backpack and protects your goods.
• It's collapses flat longways, folding left over right. Easy storage
• Helpful interior and exterior pockets
• After a full year of extensive travel (2-3 months), our 2 bags show no signs of wear and no issues whatsoever

I have two Patagonia black hole bags and really don't like them. We completely stopped using them. They're bombproof but have no interior structure so they do not keep their form well. Super uncomfortable to wear as a backpack and awkward to carry as a duffel.

https://topodesigns.com/collections/bags/products/mountain-duffel?variant=49276157767 

Kind of pricey at $150 - we bought them during a 50% off sale during black Friday last year.

They're expensive, but Arcteryx has a range of tough, lightweight duffels that fold down easily. They're barely half the weight of comparable sizes from REI and Patagonia. They're also extremely durable. I've dragged mine to 18,000' on big mountains in the Yukon. List price is $190, but if you search around you can find some colors on sale down to $120. https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/carrier-duffle-40 

Patagonia Ultra Light Black Hole Duffle is small. Light and packs down into a tiny package. I don ‘t know if 30 L is big enough

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Duffle

Edited to add:
Consider waiting to buy a duffel after you see what you come home with. I’ll bet you can find a cheap rolly duffel for just a few bucks in Thailand. Also a warning: Small, light and bomber rarely work out. You can have small and bomber and you can have small and light. I have a hard time imagining having anything bomber and light. 

Lowe Alpine Travel Tote. Super light, burly and compact enough that I carried it in the bottom of my pack sometimes. Other companies make something similar. Not the best for carrying- only one, unpadded strap but it’s supposed to be light.

https://www.gapyeartravelstore.com/lowe-alpine-backpack-protector.html

Looks like they don’t make it anymore but i’m sure there’s something similar out there. 

Eddie Bauer First Ascent. Just as good as Patagonia and always on sale.