The Riversmith Convoy Collection has been available since summer 2024, and I’ve taken my 45L duffel on two unforgettable adventures. My first trip was a week-long beach vacation to Maui in early December, followed by a mid-February journey across several cities in Northern and Western Europe. These trips couldn’t have been more different, but their contrast helped me fully appreciate what makes the Riversmith 45L Duffel uniquely special.
Maui was filled with jungle views, hot sun, and cold drinks on the beach. Europe, on the other hand, was all about braving the cold and indulging in life’s finer things. This review explores how the duffel performed as an all-purpose carry-on travel bag across two drastically different vacations—where it excelled and where it fell short of my high expectations.
Packing for Two Opposite Climates
As expected, packing for a week at the beach differs greatly from packing for ten days of European winter, each with its own challenges. To my surprise, the roll-top feature—which primarily functions as a waterproofing layer—proved useful in multiple situations.
It wasn’t until the end of my Hawaii trip that I realized the duffel could be strategically divided into two sections. Staring at a pile of clothes alongside my dirt-caked hiking boots and water shoes, I needed a way to keep my clean clothes separate from the mess. My solution? I placed my dirty shoes, bathing suits, and other damp or grimy items into the main compartment, rolled the top down, and secured it—effectively sealing off the mess. Meanwhile, my clean belongings fit neatly on top of the roll-top section and in the bag’s thoughtfully designed pockets, including a large flat pocket inside the top flap.
Another standout feature is the multiple smaller pockets designed for items like sunglasses or fishing tools. Though the duffel was built as a durable, waterproof fishing bag, its versatility allowed me to pack everything I needed for a frigid European trip. While many people might hesitate to fit ten days’ worth of winter clothing into a 45L bag, I managed to pack three pairs of pants, three sweaters, a heavy jacket, and all the essentials for a stench-conscious traveler.
Durability & Ease of Use
Once my packing was complete, I was eager to see how the Riversmith Dufflel performed during travel. My primary concerns were durability over multiple days of transit and overall functionality.
For short or budget trips where I rely on a carry-on, I need more than just a comfortable rucksack—I need reliability. Fortunately, the duffel exceeded my expectations in both comfort and durability. Thanks to its rigid design, it sits comfortably on my back regardless of how much weight it carries, with little to no sagging.
As for resilience, this bag can withstand the roughest treatment from airport baggage handlers. I checked a 70L version of this duffel on four flights—Denver to Reykjavik, Reykjavik to Copenhagen, and back. Not only did my belongings (including a $1,200 camera I foolishly packed at the bottom) remain intact, but the bag also showed the battle scars—dirt marks and scuffs—that proved it had been through the wringer.
Beyond its basic reliability and comfort, the Riversmith Duffel offers something extra: peace of mind. Whether rain or shine, this bag holds up to adventure.
Final Takeaways
While I was impressed by how much I could fit inside, the duffel’s slightly larger dimensions can be a sticking point for budget airline carry-on requirements. I had no trouble bringing it aboard Icelandair, Southwest, or EasyJet, but EasyJet’s notoriously strict size limits technically exceeded the duffle’s dimensions.
The Riversmith 45L Duffel is perfect for backpackers, adventurers, skiers, beach goers, and, of course, fishermen. It goes beyond its intended function—embracing rugged exploration while keeping your belongings secure.
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