REI Pack Duffel Bag

If you’ve ever had the romantic notion of backpacking through the wilds of a faraway country, you’ve perhaps also been stopped cold by the image of your backpack, that essential piece of gear, tumbling down the luggage carousel in shreds. A broken clip, a rip in the nylon or a torn strap can put a serious dent in your plans.

Some airlines offer plastic garbage bags to cover your pack, but they’re not exactly sturdy or convenient. And it’s not something you can count on.

Enter the Pack Duffel Bag from REI. The lightweight but sturdy nylon bag is large enough to fit over your entire frame pack, even when it’s fully packed with clothes, tent, sleeping bag, etc.

The bag features a top carry handle and adjustable shoulder strap for ease of transport. It’s zippered on one end so you can quickly slip it over your bag. And it has a clear window for displaying your address and phone number in the event your luggage is lost.

When empty, the duffel folds up into an attached, zippered pouch that should easily fit inside your backpack. When the duffel is expanded, that same pouch becomes a small compartment on the inside of the duffel for toiletries or other small items. At just $29.50, the REI Pack Duffel Bag is a small investment for peace of mind.