Performance
Space & Access
In terms of the general design, the access is great. Both compartments feature clamshell openings, so you can easily pack and retrieve gear. The rectangular shape also plays well with items such as tech devices and packing cubes, so you can maximize use of the space.
I think it’s important to note however that this 27L duffel is designed to fit under most airline seats, so a certain degree of curated packing is required. WaterField states the main compartment fits up to two days’ worth of clothing and I’d say that’s pretty accurate. I’ve traveled on three-night (four-day) trips with this bag and felt that was pushing the limits. Of course, context is important. These trips were in winter with bulkier winter gear, so I think you could get away with longer trips in warmer conditions depending on how savvy your packing skills are. If you’re not a packing ninja, consider this bag as a two-night carry option, pack accordingly, and you’ll get on swimmingly.
It’s important to bear in mind that how you pack one compartment will affect the other, as well as the external pockets. With a very full main compartment, I wasn’t able to store my bulky laptop charging cable in the tech compartment, so I had to stash it elsewhere. Despite the elastic webbing, there’s not a lot of give in the side external pockets, so a full main compartment will make them harder to access depending on what’s in the main compartment. If you have squishy packing cubes full of clothing, you’ll probably still be able to squeeze bulkier bottles in the pockets. But any rigid items in the main compartment will restrict the side pockets.
As mentioned previously, the front pockets have their own volume so these accommodate changing loads in the main compartment quite well.
Comfort
The X-Air Duffel includes two built-in grab handles that can be carried by hand but are also long enough to slip over a shoulder. The full-grain leather handles nest comfortably in your hand and are more than adequate for carrying the bag over short distances.
Additionally, the bag also comes with a removable shoulder strap, which is great for covering longer distances. This strap is really well made, with a cushy textured neoprene pad on one side and a rubber grip on the other. The strap lets you alternate between shoulder (rubber side) and crossbody (neoprene side) carry, while optimizing grip and comfort. The Supreme Suspension Strap can also be purchased individually if you want to swap out the strap on an existing bag you currently own.
Weatherability
As mentioned above, the duffel is made with X-Pac VX21, so you know you’re getting trusty protection from the elements. Add in the weatherproof YKK 8RC zippers and water-resistant lining and your gear will be safe and sound if you’re caught in unexpected showers.
