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It’s a listed B Corp, and it takes pains to be as sustainable in its bags’ construction as possible, with a particular focus on labor practices. We also continue to be impressed by Cotopaxi’s overall transparency and social mission. In contrast, however, it’s made of repurposed ripstop nylon that’s of a higher quality than the Herschel’s polyester, and it’s available for a lower price (though it lacks the Herschel bag’s included shoulder strap). Like the Herschel bag, the Cotopaxi Mariveles 32L Duffel Bag Del Día has the classic shape and feel of a barrel duffle. Why it’s great: This kind of barrel-shaped 30-liter bag is something of a platonic ideal among duffle designs.
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Patagonia has a highly regarded replacement and repair guarantee that we’ve tested many times without complaint. The Black Hole folds down into its own stuff sack, which turns into a storage pocket when you unfold the duffle. (We originally tested a now-discontinued 120-liter version.) For all practical purposes, the bags are identical except for their increasing size, though the smaller sizes come in a wider range of colors-up to 13-than do the larger sizes. The Black Hole is available in three other sizes, too: 40 liters, 55 liters, and 100 liters. You can carry the Black Hole at your side using the two handles or over your shoulder using the strap, or you can wear it as a backpack with its two padded straps. Over the years, I’ve dragged, thrown, kicked, and carried these Patagonia bags across most of the country, and they’ve never failed. The exterior is made of polyester ripstop that is laminated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to protect against abrasion and has a water-resistant coating. Why it’s great: The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L is a true jack-of-all-trades.
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