Is it worth the price over cheaper alternatives?

For frequent campers and travelers who value durability, recycled materials and convertible carrying options, the Big Haul 60's combination of rugged construction and price makes it worthwhile; budget shoppers who rarely carry loads or need abrasion resistance may prefer cheaper simple duffels.

Value Pick

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REI

REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Recycled Duffel

AI-RESEARCHED INSIGHTS

Quick Verdict

Great For

High-capacity, rugged travel and car-camping use where you need to haul bulky or heavy gear and occasional short backpack-style carries.

Not Ideal For

Long-distance hiking, ultralight backpacking, or users who require a dedicated long shoulder strap, hip belt, or refined premium design.

Very durable, water-resistant construction using recycled 400D ripstop body and 1680D ballistic nylon base with PFAS-free DWR.

No dedicated long attachable shoulder strap for easy sling carry.

$139.00

commonly around 15–20% off during REI sales and holiday/member events

Community Rating:

Key Specifications

Model Update

Weight

2.6 lbs(42 oz)

Ultralight

Volume

2.1 ft³

Ultra-compact

Capacity

60 L (3,661 cu. in.)

Packed Size

25.6 x 13.8 x 11 inches

Materials

400-denier recycled ripstop TPU-coated nylon body; 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon base; 200D recycled PU-coated polyester lining; PFAS-free DWR

About This Gear

A sturdy, eco-friendly duffel bag with a generous storage capacity. The shoulder straps can be uncomfortable when the bag is fully loaded, but it's a solid option for camping gear transport.

Pros & Cons

Synthesized from expert reviews and user feedback

What People Love

4 positive findings

Very durable, water-resistant construction using recycled 400D ripstop body and 1680D ballistic nylon base with PFAS-free DWR.
Most reviewers
Large 60 L capacity with wide U-zip opening and useful compression straps for packing bulky gear.
Most reviewers
Convertible carrying options (stowable padded shoulder harness, multiple haul handles) make it versatile for short carries and airport navigation.
Most reviewers
Good value and sustainable build—recycled/bluesign materials at a competitive price point.
Most reviewers

Things to Consider

4 considerations

No dedicated long attachable shoulder strap for easy sling carry.
Most reviewers
Backpack-harness carries can strain shoulders on long, heavily loaded carries (no hip belt or sternum strap).
Most reviewers
Build/design is a step below premium competitors; occasional reports of seam or zipper issues under extreme abuse.
Some reviewers
Rare reports of seam splitting after heavy use.
Few reviewers

Weather & Conditions

How this gear performs across different environments and seasons

Best Seasons3 season gear

springsummerfall

Weather Performance

Rain

Humidity

Wind

Snow

Heat

Climate Suitability

Desert / AridExcellent

Alpine / MountainGood

CoastalGood

Humid SubtropicalModerate

TemperateExcellent

Excels In

Durable, water-resistant construction (400D ripstop TPU-coated nylon with 1680D ballistic base and PFAS-free DWR)
High-capacity, versatile carrying options for car/van camping and travel (60L volume, stowable harness, multiple haul handles)

Limitations

Not fully waterproof — no sealed seams or waterproof liner; will eventually wet through in prolonged downpours or submersion
No dedicated long shoulder strap, hip belt, or load-bearing harness — backpack straps are intended for short carries only

What People Are Saying

Aggregated insights from expert reviews and user feedback

Community Consensus

Users broadly like the Big Haul 60 for its durability, capacity and value; complaints focus on carry comfort for long hauls and a handful of isolated build issues.

What Users Love

durable materials
easy to pack/large capacity
convertible harness and multiple handles
good value for price

Common Concerns

no long shoulder strap
not comfortable for prolonged backpack-mode carries
minor design nuisances (compression straps over zipper)

Durability Notes

Generally long-lasting with ballistic base and PFAS-free DWR; isolated seam-splitting report after heavy use (rare).

Sizing Info

true to size

Warranty & Support

REI satisfaction guarantee and standard Co-op warranty; returns and repairs handled through REI with no widespread service complaints

Expert Reviews

Wired

4/5

Durable, water-resistant materials…cleverly customizable strap system…converts to a backpack

SwitchbackTravel

Lots of features at a good price; recycled construction is a big win, though build quality is a step below Patagonia.

PackHacker

Tech specs list it as a 60 L, ~2.56 lb duffel; useful reference for size/weight.

Care & Maintenance

Keep your gear performing at its best with these tips

Maintenance Tips

Keep it in top condition

spot clean only, air dry
reapply DWR spray as needed
store dry to avoid mildew and inspect seams if hauling very heavy loads

Watch Out For

Known issues to monitor

seam splitting or zipper stress under extreme or repeated heavy abuse

No known recalls or safety issues

Alternatives to Consider

Compare with similar products that might better fit your needs

Patagonia

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (55 L)

Key Differences

slightly smaller capacity (~55 L)
more refined pockets and finish
higher price

Consider this when

when you want top-tier build quality, more refined organization and proven longevity despite higher cost

These alternatives were identified based on similar features, use cases, and price range to REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Recycled Duffel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this gear

Camper Reviews

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Last updated November 29, 2025

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