Trust Me, This Family-Friendly Duffel Bag is Essential—Even if You Don't Have Kids

Welcome to Dinogo Approved: an in-depth look at the travel essentials we adore, never leave behind, and can’t stop raving about to our friends.

The days may feel long, but the years pass quickly. It’s advice most first-time parents hear, and while it might not seem true during those exhausting early days, it absolutely is. As a parent of two young children (ages 5 and 7), I prefer to avoid travel gear or luggage that caters to a specific, temporary phase of life. I’d much rather invest in items that stand the test of time.

That’s also why I’ve come to appreciate the No Reception Club’s range of versatile backpacks, fanny packs, and most recently, the Hideaway Carry-On Duffel. This gear is suitable for babies, toddlers, older kids, and even for trips without children (imagine that!). My love for No Reception Club began when I traveled with their Getaway Bag travel backpack (measuring 19.7 x 10.2 x 6.5 inches with a 24-liter capacity), which allows you to organize and store items in smartly designed compartments (no more emptying everything to find the wipes). So when No Reception Club introduced a 42-liter duffel bag last November, I knew I had to give it a shot. At 22 x 13 x 9 inches, the Hideaway Carry-On Duffel meets carry-on standards (as the name suggests), but I believe it’s the ideal bag for weekends or road trips—whether or not you have kids.

A versatile bag with built-in organization

The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel features a removable cubby insert with five compartments (one large and four smaller, which can be adjusted to fit your needs thanks to collapsible barriers that snap to the sides of the pack; more details on that later) along with a laundry sack (a handy addition for both adults and kids). You can carry it like a traditional duffel using the clasping top handles or side grips, as a shoulder bag with the included strap, or as a backpack with the two detachable straps that can be tucked away. It also has a luggage pass-through pad on the back for attaching to roller luggage handles.

The ability to add or remove the cubby insert is essential for the bag's versatility. You can even use this cubby feature to hang the bag in a closet, turning it into a vertical shelving unit, although I haven't tried that yet. With the cubbies, I can easily separate my two kids' clothing into individual compartments (two smaller cubbies for each), while the large section holds shared items like toiletries and first-aid supplies. I sometimes use the larger compartment to stash their dirty clothes in the laundry bag. There's also a mesh pouch inside for items you want to keep separate, like shoes or accessories. Additionally, the Hideaway Carry-On Duffel has insulated outer pockets that can serve as storage for food, drinks, and snacks, making it an all-in-one solution.

Another reason to appreciate the Hideaway Carry-On Duffel is that its exterior fabric and most of the interior lining are crafted from 100 percent recycled polyester (the mesh lining consists of 81 percent nylon and 19 percent recycled polyester), making it both sturdy and eco-friendly. The bag is available in two colors: black and olive. You can also buy a matching toiletry bag for $45.

I use it even when traveling solo

When I’m on my own, I usually take out the cubby insert to maximize the bag’s open space, organizing it like I would a roller bag or any other travel bag. However, if you’d like to maintain some level of compartmentalization similar to packing cubes, you can collapse some of the cubby dividers to create three larger compartments instead of five, which is handy for organizing bigger clothes and items for adults or older kids. Several outer pockets can also accommodate a variety of smaller items, such as electronic cords, an iPad, or books.

The price point and value

At $295, the No Reception Club Hideaway Carry-On Duffel isn’t exactly inexpensive, but it’s a worthwhile investment that can adapt to family travel needs from the baby stage through elementary school and beyond—even when parents are traveling alone. The bag comes with a lifetime warranty, so while I haven’t noticed much wear and tear on mine yet, I know I can easily replace it if any damage occurs.

Cons: Given the bag's size, I don’t think it’s the best choice for situations where you’ll be carrying it for extended periods. Luckily, it includes a luggage strap that allows you to attach it to a roller bag, as carrying the Hideaway Carry-On Duffel for long durations—whether as a backpack, shoulder bag, or duffel—can get heavy. For flying, I prefer the more compact Getaway Bag travel backpack. However, if you’re packing the Hideaway Carry-On Duffel into the car for a road trip, it’s just right.

The conclusion

Few things feel better as a parent than maximizing your investment by purchasing items that remain useful throughout different stages of life. I would argue that the Hideaway Carry-On Duffel certainly meets that criterion.