REASONS TO BUY
More durable and weather resistant than previous version
Dual inside pockets
Tuck away shoulder strap design
REASONS TO AVOID
Larger size would be appreciated
Shoulders straps could be better
Not as durable as we expected
Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 2 Review
The HH model is a weather resistant contender with a few sleek features, including the easy to stow shoulder straps and dual internal mesh pockets
Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 2
Credit: Helly Hansen
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Our Verdict
The Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 2 is the updated version of the Helly Hansen Duffel. It keeps the same basic design but makes a significant fabric upgrade that has proven far more durable and weather resistant. Adding to the increased durability, the stitching around the shoulder straps are reinforced beyond that of the older version. The only downside of the new bag? It's no longer a crazy good deal, as the price has increased; it's now about the same cost as most of the other models in this review. Despite the price increase, if you are looking for a 90-liter or smaller travel bag, the Helly Hansen holds its own and is a solid contender in all of our performance categories.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The HH Duffel Bag 2 is ideal for most travel applications or some expedition use. The largest size, at 90 liters, is a little small for bigger expeditions or extended trips. It was just the right size when we had a few heavy items; a 70m rope and rock protection plus clothing fit perfectly, but if we primarily had bulky items like sleeping bags, boots, or big down jackets, it was a little small feeling before we hit 50 pounds.
Performance Comparison
Credit: Ian Nicholson
Ease of Transport
The Duffel Bag 2 sports some features that make it easy to carry (and drag) around. First off, it has two backpack-style shoulder straps that our review team found above average for comfort, even for extended periods. Our review team liked how easily these straps unclipped and tucked away into their specific pocket (very similar to most rock climbing haul bag designs). Not only did we find this feature beneficial while checking the bags at the airport, but it also meant we never had to look for them once we picked this bag up off the luggage carousel or at a train stop.
Check Out the Duffel Bag 2 Size Options
Helly Hansen makes this great duffel in a variety of versatile sizes. Check out all the options that come in the Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 2; 90L, 70L, 50L, 30L. Whatever size you need, this duffel has got you covered for whatever adventure you're on. We only wish it was also made in a 100+ Liter size.
Helly Hansen makes this great duffel in a variety of versatile sizes. Check out all the options that come in the Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 2; 90L, 70L, 50L, 30L. Whatever size you need, this duffel has got you covered for whatever adventure you're on. We only wish it was also made in a 100+ Liter size.
The backpack-style shoulder straps on the Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 2 were average in comfort compared to most other duffel bags we tested but they are far nicer than not having them at all.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
In addition to the shoulder straps, there are two grab loops on either end of the HH Duffel Bag 2, which help facilitate dragging the bag anytime it's needed or while pulling it off a luggage rack or baggage carousel. Similar to all the other models in our review, it also sports two shorter briefcase-style carrying straps that are relatively thin and attach with plastic buckles that didn't break during our testing.
One of our favorite features of the Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 2 is how nicely and conveniently the shoulder straps tuck-away into their own little pocket.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
Ease of Packing
The Duffel Bag 2 has a large “U” shaped opening that is easy to pack and search for items in. It features a large mesh zippered pocket under the opening, which was handy for easily lost items, as well as a single internal zippered mesh pocket that our testers found extremely useful. Overall, the HH Duffel Bag 2 was as easy to pack as any of the highest-scoring bags and but it featured less overall pockets and fewer organizational options than several other models.
The large “D” shaped opening on the Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 2 was easy to pack and allowed for easy searching for more buried items.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
The HH Duffel does feature a small zippered pocket on the exterior of the bag that is nice but wasn't super easy to get into while the bag was full. We liked the ease of packing of the previously mentioned models much better.
The side zippered pocket on the Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 2 is nice but was a little tough to get into when the bag was full.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
Durability
The Duffel Bag 2 is more durable than the previous model though slightly below average among others in our fleet. It is more durable than a majority of models on the market but below average in our robust selection. We certainly abused ours, and it does have the scars to show it.
While we think the new fabric has undoubtedly proven itself as being more durable, as do the stitching on the backpack straps, we witnessed two separate failures with the straps blowing out. The new beefy reinforced bottom portion of the Duffel Bag 2 has also proven itself more durable and is a significant improvement. While ours hasn't failed yet, we do wonder how long the plastic buckles holding the primary briefcase style straps will last.
We think the Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 2 is far more durable than the previous version and is as durable as most of the bags in our review. The only thing we question is the plastic buckle holding the straps on. Our hasn't broken, but this doesn't seem too burly.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
Weather Resistance
Just like with durability, Helly Hansen significantly upgraded their weather resistance with the new fabric on the Duffel Bag 2. It's as water-resistant as other top performers and performed well both in real-world use and in our direct side-by-side testing.
Value
We no longer think this duffel is the insanely good deal that it once was. It's now more closely in line with most other similarly designed duffels, at least price-wise. We like this HH duffel, but for the cost, we like most of the other competitors in this review slightly better.
Conclusion
The Helly Hansen Duffel 2 is no longer the crazy good deal it once was. However, with recent updates to its fabric, additional stitching around the shoulder straps, and just generally dialing-in small features, this model certainly holds its own against others in our fleet. While it's no longer the excellent deal it once was, it's also not unreasonably expensive. It is a well-performing duffel at a reasonable price.
—
Jediah Porter & Ian Nicholson
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