Jack Wolfskin Traveltopia Duffle 45 | Review - Outdoors Magic

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Jack Wolfskin Traveltopia Duffle 45 | Review

A travel-ready take on the original expedition kitbag, made from recycled fabrics with an eco-friendly water-repellent finish

Why We Chose It: Practical, natural wax finish, recycled fabrics, PFC-free

Duffle bags have been a staple of expeditions over land and sea for decades. Tough, practical and virtually indestructible, they were designed as the ultimate kitbag. More recently, they have been co-opted as versatile everyday sports and travel bags, for toting to the gym or packing for a weekend away.

German brand Jack Wolfskin’s take on this classic style is the Traveltopia Duffle 45. It’s a little lighter than expedition-grade duffle bags, sacrificing outright toughness for lower overall weight, while adding useful additional features.

Our team using the Traveltopia on a recent trip to the Lake District to hike the Cumbria Way. Photos: Joe Whitmore

With two detachable shoulder straps, the bag can either be carried as a shoulder bag or as a backpack. The padded and reinforced base protects the bag’s contents from impact damage. The main compartment has five internal pockets and is equipped with a long zip to provide quick and easy access. But best of all, it’s made from recycled fabrics with a PFC-free finish that uses a synthetic, solvent-free wax to provide water repellence.

What Is The Traveltopia Duffle 45 Best Suited To?

The focus here is on casual travel use. Its 45-litre capacity is better suited to short breaks and weekends away rather than expeditions to the back of beyond. But since you can carry it as a backpack or a shoulder bag, it’ll do double duty as a sports or gym bag too.

Eco Credentials

Jack Wolfskin’s Traveltopia 45 is made from 100% recycled polyester. The product is also bluesign approved, meaning that harmful substances have been eliminated right from the beginning of the manufacturing process, and all resources involved in its manufacture have been used responsibly – leading to a reduced impact on people and on the environment.

It is also Green Button certified. This is a label awarded by the German federal government designed to help consumers identify socially and environmentally sustainable textiles. It is attached directly to products that comply with the standard.

“A winner for short breaks or weekends away.”

Lastly, the bag is finished with a PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) treatment. So, rather than using the harmful chemicals that have long been applied to performance outdoor kit for water resistance, the Traveltopia uses a synthetic, solvent-free wax that is inspired by natural beeswax.

Construction and Performance

The Traveltopia’s polyester construction is still pretty tough and should easily stand up to regular everyday use. When it comes to performance, this is a very practical and functional bag too. The detachable multi-way carry straps, large main compartment, five inner pockets, reinforced base and water resistant zips all ensure it’s fit for purpose. Similarly, the 45-litre capacity means this duffle is big enough to take a weekend or more’s worth of clothes and essentials. The extended zipper also opens up wide to make rummaging around inside easy.

We also really like the wax finish, which works well with the muted, earthy tones of the fabric to create a natural, outdoorsy vibe. As an extra bonus, we’ve found that it gets nicely worn in the more you use it, developing a unique patina and an individual look.

Verdict

We think the Traveltopia Duffle is a winner for short breaks or weekends away, whether you’re heading off on a city break or meeting up with friends for a camping trip. But it also works well for multi-sport use, particularly if you like to head to the gym after-work and therefore need to lug a fair bit of kit to the office. The fact it has an eco-friendly construction with recycled fabrics and a PFC-free water-repellent finish further adds to its appeal.

Jack Wolfskin Traveltopia Duffel

Selected for our Green Gear Guide 2023
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