I'd like to get a new rolling duffel -- not too expensive -- for an upcoming charter. The LLBean one that I have was murdered by luggage handlers. I wasn't wild about it in the first place, so maybe it was a mercy killing: the base to which the wheels attached was kind of big, and the bag was unbalanced on its 2 wheels.
Any suggestions? It shouldn't be too big (30 inches in length), and it should be sturdy enough to check. Don't want to break the bank either (under $150); it doesn't need to last forever.
TIA
Hi Eva, don’t give up on LL Bean too quickly. I was in the same position, needed another rolling duffle, shopped around, some interesting choices, but I ended up getting another LL Bean rolling duffle. The new style is just as durable, has nice rolling wheels and, best of all, now it can balance itself sitting upright. That was my only gripe about the old model…always falling over. The new bag survived my last trip without any problems. And it fits your budget.
Fila makes a good inexpensive one that we use. Functional, holds a lot, carry-on, and folds up well on a boat. Again, relatively inexpensive, so I would not buy it expecting longevity.
We've used Olympia USA duffels for quite some time. They're 22 inches and small enough to carry on. Bought them on Amazon.
We really like our High Sierra drop bottom wheeled duffle because the two compartments allow us to separate our snorkel gear from our clothes. They don't make the one we use any more, but they do have a couple of other models and they're very reasonably priced for the quality levels.
We also have an Eagle Creek "gear warrior" carry on 2 wheeled duffle that doesn't seem to be available any more and we love it--it holds a huge amount and weighs almost nothing. It's a more expensive brand but they have a variety of duffles. I like the looks of the 110L "cargo hauler" and the "no matter what" duffles.
Ahoy Capt. Eva,
ParaDiver have a 2 Year Warranty-
Under $150 -
https://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-Paradiver-Light-Duffle-Black/dp/B01D17JEJ6/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2CMOVR73AOID7&keywords=samsonite%2Bparadiver&qid=1674583259&sprefix=Samsonite%2BNew%2BPARADIVER%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-5&th=1
Under $225 with Wheels and Handle and OK for Cabin -
https://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-Pa...e/dp/B01D17JTSC?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1 Fair Winds, Brent
thecaptainscompass.com Yacht Charters and Management
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We've used Olympia USA duffels for quite some time. They're 22 inches and small enough to carry on. Bought them on Amazon.
Same here. Sizes range from 22 to 33.
I just wear swim trunks, a t-shirt and snorkel fins from Indiana to the VI and back, rent a mask and snorkel on arrival, and leave the rest behind.
We have had damage on our boat from wheeled duffels.

Therefore we kindly recommend Osprey backpack duffels.
Thanks everyone! I'm going to give L.L. Bean another chance.
Very useful responses --- TY all