I purchased the Red Gonex duffel bag for an 18-day trip through Africa and wanted to see how it would hold up compared to two other bags I traveled with—one from REI (mid-price) and one from Patagonia (premium price). At around $35, I was honestly skeptical about durability. This bag was checked on 17 different flights, handled by multiple airlines, and exposed to constant packing, unpacking, and rough baggage handling. By the time we returned home, the bag definitely showed some wear—mainly minor stitching coming loose—but it never ripped, the zippers held strong, and it stayed functional the entire trip. By comparison, the REI and Patagonia bags showed virtually no signs of wear, which is expected given their price points. That said, I was extremely impressed with how well the Gonex performed for a fraction of the cost. What I liked: Excellent value for the price Sturdy zippers that never failed Held a full wardrobe without ripping Great bottom compartment for dirty clothes or muddy shoes Lightweight and easy to pack What could be better: Some stitching loosened after heavy use No internal loop or pocket to attach an Apple AirTag This is not a “buy it for life” bag. If you’re looking for something that will last decades, Patagonia is still king. But if you want an inexpensive, reliable travel duffel that can handle a few years of hard use—what I call a high-quality disposable product—this bag absolutely delivers. Bottom line: For the price, the Gonex duffel exceeded expectations. I would confidently buy it again for long trips, adventure travel, or anytime I don’t want to risk an expensive bag. Highly recommended for budget-minded travelers who still expect performance