Best Holdalls UK – Solutions To Carry and Store Your Gear
Your Go-To Holdalls for Camping
At Camping Secrets, we know that packing can be a hassle, no matter the adventure you’re gearing up for. That’s why choosing the right bag is essential to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Welcome to the best holdalls UK article where we hope to bring you lots of useful information to help you make an informative choice.
The right holdall can help you avoid the common frustrations of trying to squeeze rigid bags into tight spaces, dealing with unnecessary weight, or ending up with a bag that absorbs moisture in a damp tent. You may want a bag that can be easily folded away once you’ve arrived at your destination or one that helps you organise your living space during your stay.
Our best holdalls UK review is designed to guide you in finding the perfect holdall for your needs, ensuring your packing experience is as stress-free as possible.
If you are after a hiking backpack or trying to find the best daypack then click the links to jump to the relevant article.
- Most Features
- Great Value
- Versatile
- Great Price
- Key Features
- Simple But Effective
Holdalls, with their versatile and spacious designs, are ideal for short trips or longer outdoor excursions. Unlike traditional backpacks, holdalls offer a more structured packing experience while maintaining portability.
From weather-resistant fabrics to reinforced straps, the best camping holdalls are designed to handle the unpredictable conditions of the British outdoors. In this post, we compare some of the best holdalls in the UK to help you find the perfect bag that meets your specific needs and ensures your camping trip goes smoothly.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or heading out on your first trip, choosing the right holdall is key to a successful adventure.
Forclaz Trekking
OEX Ballistic
Thule Chasm
HH Scout
Osprey Transporter
Let us take a closer look at each of our chosen bags in more detail below.
FORCLAZ Waterproof Trekking Carry Bag
- KEY SPECS
- Volume: 80L up to 120L
- Size: 34H up to 50H x 70W x 34D cm
- Weight: 2.2Kg
- Max Load : 60Kg
Details
This standout holdall from Decathlon immediately caught our attention with its striking brick red and carbon colour scheme, paired with a sporty, rugged design. The FORCLAZ Waterproof Trekking Carry Bag (80L to 120L) – DUFFEL 900 EXTEND WP, by Decathlon’s FORCLAZ brand, is not just visually appealing but highly functional.
One of its most impressive features is its IPX4-rated waterproofing (ISO 20653 standard), including fully waterproof zips. Its welded assembly ensures no water penetrates the main compartment, and the double-flap design over the zip adds an extra layer of protection.
We particularly like the expandable bellows design that allows the bag to adjust from 80 litres to an impressive 120 litres, giving you flexibility based on your needs. Internally, a securing strap keeps belongings in place, while the bag’s maximum load capacity of 60kg makes it ideal for carrying bulky gear.
For ease of transport, the bag includes a rucksack-style harness with adjustable padded shoulder straps, a chest strap, and a waist strap, which can be tucked away using side compression straps when not needed. This makes it a versatile option for a variety of settings, though it may be difficult to carry when fully loaded.
Additionally, the bag features a handy storage pouch for easy storage of the duffel bag when not in use or can be used as an organiser within the duffel bag. There are several internal pockets for organizing smaller items but no external pocket to aid in keeping this bag waterproof.
While the waist belt has received some reports of detachment, there is a long 10-year warranty that offers peace of mind. For Decathlon members there’s also the added benefit of a 365-day return policy. It is free to become a Decathlon member.
Who Is This For?
- Travellers: Ideal for train or plane journeys, particularly at the compact 80-litre size for enhanced portability. Too big for cabin luggage but will go in the hold.
- Campers: Perfect for carrying camping gear and clothing, or for use as a narrow (34cm) yet tall (up to 50cm) storage container in your tent, campervan or caravan.
- Hikers: While it can be worn as a rucksack, those looking for a dedicated hiking backpack may prefer a lighter, more purpose-built option.
Overall, the FORCLAZ holdall is a rugged, durable, and versatile option for those needing a flexible, multi-functional bag. It is very competitively priced and with the 10 Year warranty and 60Kg load what is not to love so if you’re in search of a holdall that can handle multiple tasks and environments, this could be the perfect fit. Camping Secrets gives a big thumbs up to the Forclaz Waterproof Trekking Duffel.
OEX Ballistic Cargo Bag
- KEY SPECS
- Volume: 120L also available in 60L & 90L
- Size: 44H x 77W x 44D cm
- Weight: 2.45Kg
- Max Load : 35Kg
Details
We chose the OEX Ballistic 120L Holdall for our best holdall review due to its tubular shape and feature rich appearance. It looks the business but how does it fair against the competition?
Its robust construction makes it ultra-durable and heavy-duty, capable of withstanding tough conditions. With a maximum load capacity of 35kg, it’s ideal for carrying bulky camping or travel essentials.
Though not fully waterproof, the bag’s thick fabric can keep clothes dry in damp conditions or during short light rain showers, as long as the zips are closed and the top is facing up so the flaps cover the zip. However, prolonged exposure to heavy rain may cause moisture to seep into the holdall.
The OEX Ballistic holdall features an externally ventilated wet section, which is essentially a large compartment, allowing you to keep clean and dirty items separated. This is particularly useful when dealing with wet clothes or muddy gear.
The OEX Ballistic has reinforced webbing grab handles that felt more than adequate when carrying the bag even when filled to capacity or its max load of 35Kg. The holdall also comes with a rucksack-style harness with padded, adjustable shoulder straps, making it possible to wear as a backpack. When not in use, the straps can be neatly secured with compression straps.
The main compartment is easily accessible thanks to the extra-long zip that opens the entire top section, providing full visibility of your belongings. There’s also a large mesh pocket under the lid for small items.
Who Is This For?
- Travellers: Ideal for train or plane journeys, with the rucksack straps providing hands-free convenience during transit.
- Campers: Perfect for transporting a variety of camping gear and clothing, or for use as storage in your tent.
- Hikers: While it can be worn as a rucksack, this holdall, we felt, is not ideal for long-distance hikes due to its curved shape and lack of chest or waist straps. It can roll around a bit. We would recommend a dedicated rucksack or backpack for more comfort and stability.
Available in 60L and 90L options for those who don’t need the full 120L capacity, the OEX Ballistic holdall is a rugged, well-designed bag ideal for camping trips.
Its large capacity, ease of access through the wide top opening, and practical wet gear compartment make it a valuable asset. To top it off it has a very competitive price point and was the cheapest Duffel style bag we have reviewed.
Thule Chasm Duffel
- KEY SPECS
- Volume: 130L also available in 40L, 70L & 90L
- Size: 42H x 86L x 47W cm
- Weight: 2.45Kg
- Max Load : 35Kg
Details
We thought that the Thule Chasm 130L Duffel holdall looked great in the four different colour schemes that Thule has chosen for its Duffel bag range. Available in Golden, Oliven, Black & Pond.
One of the standout features of the Thule Chasm is its large oversized zippered opening, which allows easy access to the spacious interior, ideal for packing and retrieving gear. The bag is made from 100% recycled, PFC-free materials, offering an eco-friendly option. While the fabric is weather-resistant, it is not fully waterproof, though it can handle light showers and keep out dampness when stored in a tent.
The Thule Chasm also includes a separate storage bag, which can be used to pack the duffel away neatly or to organize items inside the main compartment. Compression straps help secure contents, and there are two mesh pockets inside the lid and an external pocket for smaller essentials like maps or phones. For added security, the zips are lockable.
The Chasm Duffel can be carried as a traditional holdall using the two carry handles or worn as a rucksack with the included shoulder straps. The clever design allows the carry handles to fold away completely when in rucksack mode, secured by specially provided retainers. Similarly, the adjustable rucksack type shoulder straps can be clipped down with designated clips or removed entirely when not needed. However, it’s important to note that there are no chest or waist straps, which may reduce comfort during extended use in rucksack mode.
Who Is This For?
- Travellers: Ideal for train or plane journeys, with rucksack straps offering hands-free convenience.
- Campers: Perfect for transporting camping gear or using it as a storage solution inside your tent.
- Hikers: Not the best option for hiking due to its size, lack of chest and waist straps, and overall design, which may cause discomfort during extended use.
In conclusion, the Thule Chasm 130L Duffel strikes an optimal balance between functionality and versatility.
The standout feature for us is the extended top opening, which significantly enhances accessibility to the bag’s contents, addressing a common pain point in duffel design. The spacious main compartment, complemented by the wide zippered opening, facilitates efficient packing and retrieval of items.
Its thoughtful features and robust construction make it an ideal companion for those embarking on extended journeys or outdoor expeditions where reliability and convenience are paramount.
H/H Scout Duffel
- KEY SPECS
- Volume: 90L also available in 30L, 50L & 70L
- Size: 35H x 73L x 35W cm
- Weight: 1.45Kg
- Max Load : Not Specified
Details
Helly Hansen has been creating outdoor gear for nearly 150 years so should know a thing or two about gear and transporting requirements. We thought we should check out their largest duffel holdall, H/H Scout Duffel 90L, to see how it stood up to some thorough scrutiny.
Although a little smaller than the other holdalls we have reviewed here we thought it worthy to be included as an alternative option. The HH Scout Duffel holdall is smaller but also lighter at just 1.45Kg.
The Scout Duffel has a tapered shape with a flat bottom and has a light yet sturdy structure making packing and accessing your gear a breeze. The bag’s U-shaped zippered opening provides easy access to the roomy 90-litre interior, while the reinforced sides help it maintain its shape, staying upright even when empty, which makes packing more convenient than your typical floppy duffel.
Built from robust, water-resistant 600D polyester with a TPU backing, the Scout Duffel is durable enough for various weather conditions, though not fully waterproof so will not handle more than a rain shower.
The bag can be carried as a traditional holdall using the reinforced grab handles or worn as a rucksack thanks to the hidden padded shoulder straps, which can be stowed away in the top lid pocket when not in use. While there are no chest or waist straps, the removable shoulder straps offer flexibility for short-distance of travel.
For added convenience, the Scout Duffel includes a special external compartment designed for shoes or dirty laundry, keeping them separate from the rest of your gear. While this compartment is not ventilated, it is water-resistant. The bag’s lockable zipper adds an extra layer of security, making it suitable for travel in busy or shared environments.
Who Is This For?
- Travelers: The hidden rucksack straps make this ideal for train or plane journeys, offering hands-free portability and ease of use.
- Campers: With it’s large capacity and durable construction, it’s perfect for storing and transporting camping gear and clothing.
- Hikers: The HH Scout Duffel was the lightest bag we looked at but even so without chest or waist straps, it may become uncomfortable over time, making it less ideal for extended hikes but more so for travel or camping trips.
The Helly Hansen Scout Duffel 90L stands out for its stylish, two-tone design and reinforced sides, which makes it easier to pack and access essentials quickly. However, for those needing more capacity, it’s worth noting that 90 litres is the largest size available in this range. However, for some people, this may prevent overpacking and make trips lighter and more efficient. All in all, the Scout Duffel is a versatile and durable choice for travellers and campers alike.
Osprey Transporter Duffel
- KEY SPECS
- Volume: 120L also available in 40L, 65L & 95L
- Size: 34H x 82L x 51W cm
- Weight: 1.72Kg
- Max Load : Not Specified
- Material: 900D TPU Coated - Recycled
Details
Osprey continually creates beautiful looking bags and the Osprey Transporter Duffel is no exception. The Transporter Duffel is built for people who need a dependable and rugged gear carrier for extended camping trips or other activities when a large volume holdall is required. We spotted this holdall and thought it an excellent option for the UK camping market. With a combination of tough, weather-resistant materials and thoughtful design, the Transporter 120L is not just a bag—it’s a versatile, durable, and reliable travel companion.
The Osprey Transporter 120L is constructed from recycled polyester with a dual-sided TPU coating inside and out, ensuring it is tough enough to withstand the elements and making the bag water-resistant. Additionally, the stiffened main body fabric ensures that this bag remains sturdy even under heavy loads, making it a workhorse for serious outdoor adventurers.
The bag includes an adjustable chest harness with a safety whistle and contoured shoulder straps, allowing it to be carried comfortably as a backpack, distributing weight evenly across the shoulders and back. When not in use, the harness can be tucked away, ensuring a clean, streamlined appearance. There are four padded webbing handles providing multiple convenient carrying options.
The large U-zip opening allows for easy access to the bag’s main compartment to find specific items quickly. The heavy-duty lockable zipper is durable and glides smoothly, while the overlapping rain flap helps protect the zip path from rain and moisture. For campers who like to stay organized, the bag features a zippered end pocket for smaller, easy-to-reach items like head torches or snacks, as well as an internal zippered mesh pocket to keep essential gear separated.
Who Is This For?
- Campers: The Osprey Transporter 120L Duffel is ideal for UK campers looking for a rugged, weather-resistant holdall that can handle large amounts of gear. The stowaway harness makes it easy to carry over varied terrain, while its large capacity ensures you’ll have plenty of space for all your camping essentials.
- Travellers: The lockable zips and multiple carrying options make it a reliable travel companion for long-distance journeys, especially those involving rough or unpredictable conditions.
- Outdoor Activies: Perfect for those needing a durable and functional gear lugger but it may be too large for whole day hikes where a lightweight daypack would be a more practical solution.
Conclusion
We thought that the Osprey Transporter 120L Duffel combines a beautiful sleek exterior along with durability, functionality, and weather resistance to make it an excellent choice for UK campering and outdoor activities.
Its smart design, including the stowaway harness, heavy-duty zippers, and versatile carrying options, ensures that this duffel will meet the demands of even the most challenging outdoor conditions. Whether you’re packing for a weekend camping trip or an extended journey, the Transporter offers a reliable, high-quality solution for keeping your gear safe and secure.
Wrapping Up: The Best Holdalls for Your Camping Needs
Whether you’re packing your tent, sleeping bag, or cooking gear, the right holdall can make a huge difference in how smoothly your trip goes. With so many excellent holdalls designed for outdoor use, you can find one that meets your needs and style while providing the durability required for camping in the UK’s varied weather conditions. Investing in a high-quality holdall will ensure your gear stays protected and organized, leaving you free to enjoy the adventure ahead.
Review Guide – What Features Make The Best Holdall
When packing for a camping trip in the UK, selecting the right bag is crucial to ensuring your gear is well-organized and easy to transport.
For campers, they strike the perfect balance between portability and capacity, often offering just enough room for essentials without being cumbersome. With some offering features designed for rugged use and the unpredictable British weather, a well-chosen holdall bag can be your reliable partner on any camping trip.
Below is a list of key features to look for in the best holdall bags for camping in the UK.
List of Features
- Water-Resistant Material: The unpredictable UK weather means rain can strike at any time. A holdall made from water-resistant or waterproof materials, such as coated canvas or synthetic fabrics like nylon, ensures your belongings stay dry during your camping trip. Water-resistant holdalls are designed to repel moisture, protecting your gear from soggy conditions, be it from a passing shower or damp grass at your campsite.
- Reinforced Straps and Handles: When you’re heading out for a camping trip, you’ll likely be carrying a variety of heavy and bulky items like clothes, cooking gear, or food supplies. A holdall with reinforced straps and handles, often made from strong webbing, is essential to ensure the bag can withstand the weight without the risk of tearing or fraying. This durability feature is particularly important for the UK camping market, where the rugged outdoors demands reliable gear.
- Multiple Compartments: Organization is key when packing for a camping trip, and holdalls with multiple compartments make it easier to access specific items without unloading the entire bag. Interior and exterior pockets, zippered sections, and mesh dividers allow you to store your gear efficiently. This feature is especially handy for separating clean clothes from dirty ones or keeping essential items like a torch or first aid kit easily accessible during your journey.
- Detachable Shoulder Strap: For added versatility, many holdalls come with a detachable shoulder strap, which allows for hands-free carrying when needed. This feature is especially useful when navigating uneven terrain or when you need both hands to set up camp. The padded strap provides comfort, distributing the weight evenly and reducing strain on your shoulders during long walks to your campsite.
- Structured Base: A structured base, often reinforced with a sturdy material such as hard plastic or a padded insert, helps the holdall maintain its shape, even when it isn’t fully packed. This feature is important for preventing the bag from sagging or collapsing, making it easier to find and access your gear without items shifting around inside. Additionally, it helps keep fragile or neatly packed items in place during transit.
- Lockable Zippers: Security is always a concern when camping, especially in shared outdoor spaces. Holdalls with lockable zippers allow you to secure your belongings, adding an extra layer of protection against theft. Lockable zippers also help to ensure that your bag stays closed during rough transport, reducing the risk of items accidentally spilling out.
- Lightweight Design: A good camping holdall should offer a balance between durability and weight. Lightweight holdalls made from modern materials like ripstop nylon or polyester reduce the overall load you need to carry. A lightweight design ensures that the weight of the bag itself won’t add unnecessary strain, leaving you more freedom to pack all the essentials for your trip without feeling overburdened.
- Compact Size: For campers, storage space is often limited, especially if you’re travelling by car or need to carry your bag over long distances. A compact holdall can be easily stored in car boots, tents, or other tight spaces without being bulky or inconvenient. Despite being compact, these bags still offer plenty of space for your essentials, and they’re easy to stow away once unpacked.
- Ventilation Panels: After a day of hiking or exploring, you may have damp clothes or gear that needs to air out. Holdalls with built-in ventilation panels, often made from mesh fabric, allow for airflow inside the bag, helping to reduce the buildup of moisture and odours. This feature is particularly useful for camping trips, where drying out gear quickly is important to avoid mildew or unpleasant smells.
- Padded Interior Lining: A padded interior lining is an excellent feature for protecting delicate or electronic items, such as cameras, camping stoves, or portable chargers. The padding helps cushion these items from bumps and knocks during transit. It also adds an extra layer of comfort for fragile camping gear, ensuring everything stays secure and undamaged, even when travelling over rugged terrains.
Compression Straps: For the best holdall for camping, bulkiness can be an issue; you don’t want your holdall to take up too much space. Thus, investing in a holdall with compression straps goes a long way. Adjustable compression straps allow you to pull them tight enough to reduce the volume of the bag which helps with packing, especially with camping car Tetris.
Choosing the best holdall for your UK camping trips involves more than just selecting a bag that looks good. It’s important to find a balance between function and convenience, ensuring the bag can fit in with your needs and so making your camping experience easier. The features outlined above, from water-resistant material to multiple compartments and reinforced straps, are key to a reliable and practical holdall. The best holdall for camping will be one that fits in your car, squash down easily when space is tight, be strong enough to carry all your gear and keep out the weather when faced with our UK climate.
Top Tip – To Keep Your Stuff Dry:
A cost-effective alternative to purchasing an expensive waterproof holdall is to use bag liners for protecting valuable items. These liners provide an additional layer of defence against moisture, ensuring your essential gear stays dry. Additionally, applying a waterproofing spray to the exterior fabric of the holdall can enhance its resistance to damp conditions, offering a practical solution for those seeking extra protection without the higher price tag of a fully waterproof bag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a holdall & Duffel bag?
Holdalls and duffel bags are both types of bags used for carrying personal items, but they have some key differences in terms of design and use:
1. Holdall:
- Design: A holdall is typically a rectangular or square-shaped bag and can have a structured base. Not all holdalls have a structured base so that they can remain flexible to fit tight spaces. A holdall often features handles for carrying by hand and sometimes a shoulder strap.
- Material: They are usually made from materials like synthetic fabrics but can also come in canvas or leather. Some bags may have internal compartments for organization.
- Use: Holdalls are often used for camping trips, gym bags, or as stylish overnight bags. They can look utilitarian i.e. practical and functional where style is less important. They can also look more formal and can be used in a professional context, especially in travel or business settings.
2. Duffel Bag:
- Design: A duffel bag is cylindrical in shape with a drawstring closure at the top or zippered opening along the side.
- Material: Duffel bags are often made from canvas, nylon, or other durable materials and are designed for flexibility and capacity.
- Use: Duffel bags are frequently used for sports, travel, or camping because of their large, unstructured space, which can hold bulky items. They have a casual appearance and are associated with outdoor or active use.
In short, a holdall is rectangular and can be casual or formal, while a duffel bag is cylindrical and mostly casual. Either style of the bag makes an excellent choice for camping.
Is it easier to carry a holdall or a duffel bag?
Well, this is really down to the individual bag. We have seen both holdalls and duffel bags with carry handles, a single shoulder strap and even dual rucksack like shoulder straps.
If you plan to travel any kind of distance with the bag then rucksack type shoulder straps can be the most comfortable. Although this type of bag usually costs more to buy with this additional feature.
A single shoulder strap comes in handy if you have a short walk to your destination but over a bigger distance can become more uncomfortable. We have not included any bags with a single shoulder strap for this article as they are all larger capacity bags. A single shoulder strap on a very large bag such as this is not practical given the length of the bag. A smaller holdall or duffel will usually have this type of strap for carrying to the gym or onto a flight.
If you are on the campsite for example and need to carry your bag from the car boot into your tent then carry handles are great for this purpose.
It is good to bear this in mind before making a purchase.
Can I use a holdall as hand luggage on an aeroplane?
It is always best to double check with your particular air carrier to get the latest sizes but here is a link to a guide on flight bag sizes.
Ali
As an editor for our camping website, Ali brings a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for all things camping, in the hope that every article is inspiring others to want to explore the great outdoors. With nearly 40 years of camping experience from caravans to tents and now a campervan, Ali has embraced every form of outdoor living and has knowledge that is both practical and extensive.
