Features

As expected, and as you can see from the imagery, this is a duffel bag that has loads of useful features, pockets and secret compartments. The first thing to note is that huge opening that the bag is named after. This ‘doctors bag’ style opening allows the bag to be opened up fully, giving access to all corners of the pack.

You’ve then got plenty of clever storage compartments spanning the sides. These are made up of mesh, which helps you organise smaller items. The side and back panel of the bag has also been padded to protect your valuables, and make carrying comfortable.

“Gone are the days of endlessly fumbling around for something in your traditional duffel.”

Speaking of carrying comfort, Bach has included stowable shoulder straps with the Dr. Duffel 70 These shoulder straps can be zipped out and attached to the pack via a small carabiner and loop. Once you’re at your destination, you can then slide these back into the pack, saving them from getting snagged in transit.

On the outside, you’ve got yet more clever storage space. This includes a padded laptop sleeve, with many zippers to help access the internal compartment – all of which feature padlock loops. There’s also two compression straps on each side, allowing you to expand/compress storage as required.

One final note on the features is that the Dr. Duffel has been designed to be self standing when stood up vertically. While on the face of it, this may seem like quite a trivial feature, but it’s actually pretty handy, particularly when the duffel isn’t fully packed. By being freestanding, the duffel lets you organise all your travel gear free of any fabric folding over and obstructing your view. This was certainly a handy feature that impressed us.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

“I’ve found this to be an extremely well made duffel that’s incredibly durable and capable of swallowing a heck of a lot of kit. It was fun discovering all the little hidden design details when I first started using it – it actually took me longer than it should have to realise there were carrying straps tucked away!

“It’s pretty much second to none in terms of durability and the rigid sides also provide a bit of extra protection for your kit inside. That all means, however, that it is definitely on the heavy side. If you prefer duffels to be lightweight and very packable, you might want to look elsewhere.

“As you can see in the pictures, we used this on a very wet day and the outer fabric did get saturated. It’s not a waterproof bag so I thought everything inside would get soaked but in fact it all stayed bone dry. You’re not going to want to use this on a trip where that water resistance would get pushed, of course, but it should be reliable enough for any occasions where it might have to withstand some rain or a bit of wet grass.”