Gear Review: Eddie Bauer Expedition Drop-Bottom Duffel

VERDICT

A slick drop-bottom feature sets this tough, smooth-rolling duffel apart from others I’ve used. It’s ideal for whirlwind adventures when you want to keep city clothes separated from gear. You get two main compartments: The top (in the XL) holds a pack, sleeping bag, pad, boots, tent, and then some. A nylon panel separates this area from the gigantic (33 x 15 x 4-inch) bottom section, accessed through a separate zipper. I used this space for a week’s worth of town clothes, plus souvenirs I picked up along the way. $149-$199; 9 lbs. 2 oz. (XL); M (45 liters), L (67 liters), XL (122 liters); eddiebauer.com

Best For: Any gear-intensive travel with a combination of backcountry and town time

Tester Data:

» Kristin Hostetter

» Duration Aug. to Nov.

» Locales/conditions MA, NV, OR, VT, Tasmania

» “The medium is carry-on size, and a zippered top pouch holds your baggie of liquids for easy access at screening.”