I Want A Good Duffel Bag

[SoullessMinion]

I want to get a strong duffel bag. It doesn't need to be anything special, no fancy pockets or wheels. The fewer bells and whistles, the lighter it is. It just needs to be suitcase sized (but not hockey bag sized, that's too big) with a strong zipper and made from strong material. If you're familiar with Mountain Equipment Coop, that's the kind of thing I'm looking for. Mostly I see suitcases around, but I want something I can bunch up when it's not being used, and that doesn't take up too much weight when it is, so I can put more in it. I live in Salaya, but can go into Bangkok. Any ideas? I've been to MBK, but haven't seen the entire place, it's huge, so if you know a specific area in there to which you can direct me, I'd be happy.

[craigt3365]

Be careful with knockoffs and cheap Asian made bags. I have bought plenty...most only last a few months and will break if stressed. I would hate to think how many I have thrown away...but I am a heavy traveler and really stress bags as I backpack around.

You can go to the North Face store in Bangkok. I think it is in Siam Discovery....if not, it is the one next to it. All quality stuff there.

Most of the stuff in MBK are all knockoffs/cheap bags.

[SoullessMinion]

Be careful with knockoffs and cheap Asian made bags. I have bought plenty...most only last a few months and will break if stressed. I would hate to think how many I have thrown away...but I am a heavy traveler and really stress bags as I backpack around.

You can go to the North Face store in Bangkok. I think it is in Siam Discovery....if not, it is the one next to it. All quality stuff there.

Most of the stuff in MBK are all knockoffs/cheap bags.

Ok. I saw a couple of good places in there. I moved here with two duffels, but I've bought some stuff, and I guess I want an extra bag "just in case." Thanks for the suggestion.

[craigt3365]

I have not lived in Bangkok for a few years now, but use to live across from MBK...so went there often. I believe on the 3rd floor, way in the back (hotel side), are a bunch of luggage places. I used one for a trip to/from India a few years ago, and it worked fine...but only lasted 1 more trip....

[adammike]

Highly recommend the North-face "base duffel", light weight,very strong,water proof,3 or 4 different sizes,

get one or like me 2 in different sizes,has straps so you can use it like a backpack a great bit of kit.

[wengesot]

Be careful with knockoffs and cheap Asian made bags. I have bought plenty...most only last a few months and will break if stressed. I would hate to think how many I have thrown away...but I am a heavy traveler and really stress bags as I backpack around.

You can go to the North Face store in Bangkok. I think it is in Siam Discovery....if not, it is the one next to it. All quality stuff there.

Most of the stuff in MBK are all knockoffs/cheap bags.

Ok. I saw a couple of good places in there. I moved here with two duffels, but I've bought some stuff, and I guess I want an extra bag "just in case." Thanks for the suggestion.

I find that if you check bags in for a flight they rarely last more than 2 or 3 times unless you buy the expensive hard cases. The baggage handlers don't care about your luggage and throw it or pull and tug at it. Problem with the hard cases is they take up too much of your baggage allowance.

[craigt3365]

A good North Face will last a long time. The duffels are built like a tank! We used them on a 7 day trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro. The porters abused them for sure...but barely a scratch on them.

I was at Central department store yesterday and saw some quality luggage there. You might also try some of the bigger department stores in the various malls...

I have several hard cases and they are heavy for sure!

[wimpy]

I find that if you check bags in for a flight they rarely last more than 2 or 3 times unless you buy the expensive hard cases. The baggage handlers don't care about your luggage and throw it or pull and tug at it. Problem with the hard cases is they take up too much of your baggage allowance.

I have been checking a Tumi duffel bag for over 25 years. Still going strong.

[SoullessMinion]

Be careful with knockoffs and cheap Asian made bags. I have bought plenty...most only last a few months and will break if stressed. I would hate to think how many I have thrown away...but I am a heavy traveler and really stress bags as I backpack around.

You can go to the North Face store in Bangkok. I think it is in Siam Discovery....if not, it is the one next to it. All quality stuff there.

Most of the stuff in MBK are all knockoffs/cheap bags.

Ok. I saw a couple of good places in there. I moved here with two duffels, but I've bought some stuff, and I guess I want an extra bag "just in case." Thanks for the suggestion.

I find that if you check bags in for a flight they rarely last more than 2 or 3 times unless you buy the expensive hard cases. The baggage handlers don't care about your luggage and throw it or pull and tug at it. Problem with the hard cases is they take up too much of your baggage allowance.

Yeah, if those plastic wrapping places are available, I usually take advantage. It protects the bag, prevents anyone rummaging around in it, and keeps it from bursting open. My mom's bag once came down the carousel open and spilling out. I mean, who puts a bag like that on the carousel? Anyhow, we wrap our bags whenever possible now.