I Finally Found a Garment Duffel Bag That Doesn't Wrinkle Dresses and Blazers
As someone who travels fairly often, it’s safe to say that I’m always on the lookout for game-changing products that streamline the experience, from packing and unpacking to on-the-go comfort. Preparing for a trip can be overwhelming, and I can never quite shake the feeling that I’ve left something behind. Even so, I’ve fortunately discovered a variety of products that put me in the best position of travel readiness, including a suitcase with a built-in closet, a phone mount for flights, an all-in-one travel pillow and eye mask, and so much more. In addition to accessories, suitcases and bags can make a world of difference for travel convenience.
Though I own a huge heavy-duty duffel that I’ve had since high school, it’s a bit much for a weekend getaway or leisurely road trip. Plus, it’s rough on my more delicate clothing I don’t want to get crumpled or knocked around too much along the way. I’ve had my eye on garment duffels for years, so when an opportunity crossed my path to test out The Garment Duffel from Halfday, I couldn’t let it pass me by.
The Garment Duffel
What is The Garment Duffel?
This is no ordinary duffel: The Garment Duffel is a durable two-in-one carrier that takes the stress out of packing for any occasion. It holds up to five days’ worth of clothing and is available in a 45-liter capacity as well as a smaller 40-liter version. However, what makes this piece stand out from a standard duffel is that it unzips to form a garment bag in seconds. That means you can easily separate any clothing you don’t want wrinkled from folding without losing precious space in the main compartment for more clothes, shoes, and accessories.
In addition to the built-in garment bag, this duffel features two interior shoe pockets, an exterior zip pocket, and a trolley sleeve that helps it secure to your suitcase handle. The bag, which has two attached polyester handles, even comes with a removable shoulder strap for convenient carrying. Its interior garment bag is also equipped with hanger loops to ensure your outfits stay put during your travels. The Garment Duffel comes in 11 colors, is water-resistant, lightweight, and folds flat when not in use. And yes, you can even use it as a carry-on.
Why I Love The Garment Duffel
No matter where I’m going, I always pack at least one nice dress or a cute outfit, just in case an event calls for it. I also tend to travel for concerts and prefer to keep those pieces separate from the rest of my clothing and accessories so they can be retrieved without a second thought. Most of the time, I use packing cubes to keep them safe, but The Garment Duffel allowed me to put my concert wear into a separate section of the bag altogether. When I arrived in Austin for a weekend trip after a seven-hour drive from Baton Rouge, I didn’t have to worry about steaming my clothes for a night out. (Have I mentioned that I travel with a garment steamer, too?) I unrolled The Garment Duffel on my hotel bed, unpacked my clothes, and immediately changed without a hitch.
Another feature I love is the interior shoe pockets. To be honest, I haven’t used them for shoes yet, but in case you’re wondering, they fit up to a size 13 pair. Though these elasticized interior pockets haven’t held my footwear, I have used them for socks, my beloved sleep mask, hair scarves, and other accessories I need for a long weekend away. I can’t rave enough about how spacious this bag is, and can’t believe how much I’m able to pack without the duffel becoming a pain to carry. For my weekend away, I was able to fill it with sweatshirts, leggings, and pajamas — and still had room inside for a lightweight throw blanket. All in all, I knew The Garment Duffel was going to be a game-changer for my frequent getaways, but I truly underestimated how much I would love it.
Buy: The Garment Duffel, $108
