NEMO Equipment’s Double Haul Duffel is a go-to option as a carry-on for flights and while traveling overland

When Nemo offered the 55L Double Haul, that functions as a duffel bag or tote with handles, I wanted to give it a try. For the past year I have been testing it on ski and 4WD trips, weekends with family and longer trips to Portugal and Spain. I was curious if this bag could support my minimalist approach and enhance an active travel schedule. It worked for me.

The first trips were for long winter weekends skiing in Colorado. The bag easily accommodated: helmet, skiing outfit, casual clothing and bathing suit. The water repellant urethane coated 420D recycled nylon kept everything dry. With the bag fully opened, in tote configuration, it is easy to pack and sort through my gear.

Next, a multi-day tour of the Northwest with my son. Without ski gear there was room for clothing and camera equipment. The soft-sided duffel design allowed me to easily stuff the bag in the trunk of his sports car. When in the duffel / backpack mode, the medium-sized Double Haul has a 55-liter capacity. The tote configuration provides an additional 20 liters.

A southern Europe trip with friends provided the next test. It was summer and we packed several days of clothing. I enjoyed having my entire kit in the plane’s overhead bin – reading materials, bathroom supplies, shoes, camera plus extra lenses.

A wheeled suitcase would have served my purposes if I was going from car to plane to Uber to chalet, but the Double Haul’s backpack straps came in handy on the way from the gate to the Uber station and when the car in Spain dropped us two hundred yards, several twists and turns and stairs from our hotel in the heart of Seville. Cobblestones are not tiny wheel friendly.

The backpack straps are comfortable enough for a walk through the airport or finding your hotel in the medieval tangle of old-world alleyways. I have yet to see any signs of wear on the bag, as it has become my go-to carry-on. Note: I was never asked to check the Double Haul at any airports.

Includes minimal zipper storage both internal and external for easy access of charge cords, passports and snacks.

Likes:

• Urethane coated nylon provides good protection
• 55L size is carry-on friendly
• Expandable size in tote mode

Dislikes:

• Lack of frame limits use in backpack mode
• Minimal zipper pocket storage

Learn more by visiting the NEMO website at www.nemoequipment.com.

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