Why Halfday’s Garment Duffel is the perfect carry-on bag for an over-packer

Packing and luggage are always a struggle, especially for a weekend trip. I am indecisive about which outfits to bring when traveling, and I often end up with too many bags. I wasn’t willing to pack lighter, so I figured it was better for me to try out the best duffel bags that effortlessly carry all my “necessities.”

As I browsed TikTok, I stumbled upon glowing testimonials for Halfday’s Garment Duffel, extolling its clever design and impressive capacity. Intrigued, I decided to challenge this popular travel companion myself. With a weekend trip to visit friends in upstate New York looming, I saw the perfect opportunity to see if this viral travel accessory lived up to the hype.

What I liked about it

It fits a ton of clothes

I have a reputation as an over-packer — it’s in my DNA to want to bring my entire wardrobe for even the briefest trips. However, with The Garment Duffel, my tendencies found a worthy match.

For a two-night stay in upstate New York, I managed to effortlessly pack six full outfits, including five bulky sweatshirts, a dressy top, a knit sweater, two pairs of trousers, a pair of jeans, sleepwear, undergarments, toiletries and even my cozy Ugg slippers. Remarkably, there was still some room to spare in this weekend bag that defies its compact appearance.

So, how does this duffel achieve such remarkable capacity? It’s all thanks to its ingenious foldable garment-to-duffel feature and the cleverly designed shoe compartments. These innovative elements are the secret behind the packing prowess of The Garment Duffel.

Despite its modest dimensions, the bag’s ability to convert into a standard duffel after hanging clothes maximizes packing efficiency. The shoe compartments, which protrude when the bag is fully unzipped and seamlessly fold away, add another dimension to its functionality. Being able to pack an extra pair of shoes (with roomy compartments accommodating up to size 13) without sacrificing precious space is truly a game changer.

It makes packing (and unpacking) fast and easy

Not content with just being an over-packer, I also happen to be a slow packer. So, imagine my surprise when I managed to pack everything I needed in a mere nine minutes on the morning of my trip.

Unlike conventional one-zipper duffel bags, The Garment Duffel offers a foolproof layout for organizing your belongings. It mimics the experience of neatly folding clothes and arranging them on a shelf.

I started by hanging my delicate knit sweater and jeans on the two hanger loops in the garment bag, which took less than a minute, as I didn’t have to spend time folding my clothes. Packing my shoes followed swiftly, and once the bag was zipped, it transformed into a duffel, creating a separate compartment for the rest of my clothes. Most of the time was spent selecting outfits and folding, with the actual packing taking a mere three minutes. So, of the nine minutes, only four were dedicated to organizing my belongings within The Garment Duffel.

Unpacking was just as effortless. With the duffel portion effectively acting as a shelf, I simply lifted out my clothes and put them directly into drawers. The inclusion of a hanger also simplified the unpacking and repacking process, allowing for quick hanging without the need for folding (or worrying about wrinkles). Without a doubt, The Garment Duffel stands out as the easiest and most efficient travel accessory I’ve ever used for quick access to my essentials.

It’s lightweight

Initially skeptical of its capacity claims, I anticipated The Garment Duffel to be a burden to carry. Yet, to my surprise, I effortlessly transported it through two train rides and a bus journey without experiencing any discomfort or strain in my arms.

The key to its ease of carrying lies in its innovative design for distributing weight. Even when packed to the brim, the bag feels remarkably light when held by its high-tensile-strength woven polyester handles. If you are planning to jump from place to place while traveling, The Garment Duffel is a great choice to avoid weightlifting your luggage.

It’s water-resistant and durable

As I embarked on my five-hour bus journey to upstate New York, I was met with an unexpected downpour, and unfortunately, I hadn’t packed an umbrella. I dashed from the bus stop clutching The Garment Duffel tightly. Despite the deluge, the water-resistant 420D woven polyester exterior of the duffel proved its worth, holding up admirably. Within about five minutes, it dried completely, ensuring that all my belongings inside remained perfectly dry and unaffected by the rain.

What I didn’t like about it

It’s bulky

Although The Garment Duffel is advertised as carry-on friendly, it’s worth noting that it won’t fit side-by-side as you navigate the narrow aisle of a plane. It also wouldn’t fit under a seat in front of you.

While I managed to stow the bag under the bus without any issues regarding its length, it became cumbersome during my crowded subway commute. Negotiating through a crowd of people proved particularly challenging with the bag in tow, as its size hindered movement.

It’s only for short trips

Unless you have laundry access on your trip, The Garment Duffel may not be suitable for vacations lasting longer than a week. It excelled during my weekend getaway, with enough space for at most two additional outfits. For longer vacations, The Garment Duffel could prove more beneficial as a supplement to your checked luggage, particularly due to its trolley sleeve feature, which allows for convenient attachment to any suitcase handle.

How it compares

Bottom line

Whether you’re a frequent jetsetter or simply enjoy occasional weekend retreats, Halfday’s Garment Duffel proves to be a worthwhile investment. Its versatility shines, particularly for short-term trips where over-packing is the norm.

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