Rains Texel Duffel Bag - Review 2025

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ON THE HYBRID WATERPROOF DUFFEL

What we like most is its versatility and adaptability. It works well as a duffel with the organizing features (ie. pockets) that make sense. The backpack straps are especially nice when cycling to the gym or yoga studio too.

We tested it as a weekender duffel and on a short camping trip where we mounted a sleeping bag and a mat on its side straps. Carrying sleeping pads or yoga mats  on the outside is a big plus.

It works very well as a gym bag with enough room for shoes, towels, yoga blocks, a heavy bolster and a perfect place to hold a yoga mat. We divided the large main compartment with a few packing cubes. That made packing and organizing our camping trip and hot yoga classes smooth and efficient. Overall, our first impression of this hybrid duffel was positive.

THE MULTI-PURPOSE DUFFEL BACKPACK FEATURES

The Texel Duffel Bag is uniquely shaped like a tube, with padded shoulder straps that extend fully. These straps are designed and executed pretty well, as we can attest after lugging 20 lbs around and biking a bit.

The top flap opens to reveal mesh pockets that you access without needing to excavate items stuffed into the main compartment.

There are also two large mesh pockets with no zippers in the main compartment.

It has a U-shaped extended flap that offers good cover. Its shape is designed to shield the extra large strong zipper from the rain but can be a bit tricky to access quickly.

There is a concealed pocket on the outside for safekeeping essentials like passports and keys but it is not ideal for using on-the-go. You may need to keep items like a phone or wallet and earbuds in the internal flap pockets.

This hybrid bag has compression straps on both sides making it easy to compress a fully loaded bag and to carry extra items externally. The straps allow for sleeping mats, yoga mats or sleeping bags to be held externally and this external storage option is a plus.

The chest strap is attached to the shoulder straps and can be easily moved lower or higher which is a nice ergonomic and functional detail. It makes it easily adaptable to different clothing and different body heights.

There are padded carrying handles on all sides of the duffel including the top and the bottom. This is a great detail that shows how the design has been thought through and gives it extra points for functionality, comfort and convenience.

CONSTRUCTION AND WATER-RESISTANCE

The Texel Duffel is made with polyurethane coated material. Its reinforced bottom is a nice addition that makes the bag solid and durable. It features W3 waterproof protection that works well in moderate rain and it dries quickly.

With a flap that covers the main compartment, rather than a seamed zipper, water can get in if standing on its side (rather than on one’s back) in pouring rain.

The matte fabric stains when in contact with greasy substances like sun lotion, hand cream or some hand sanitizer gels and it is difficult to clean.

We let the bag sit on wet grass in the rain and soaked the outside bottom under the shower. The content was intact after several hours and no moisture in the main compartment which signifies great performance.

We definitely would not submerge it in water as it is not designed as a dry bag, but dropping your duffel in a puddle of water would do no harm.

DETAILS, CAPACITY AND EXTERNAL FEATURES

There are distinct details in the design and external features on this one. We liked the padded straps on all sides that make it easy to carry in multiple ways. It is also convenient to let it stand even when it is not completely full.

The adjustable chest strap is comfortable, convenient and can accommodate different heights and types of clothing. The larger bag isn’t ideal for anyone under 5’8 for cycling or hiking as it might chafe at the back of the neck.

The capacity on the larger 56 liter bag is generous and the mesh pockets provide secure storage for smaller items. We would not object to some more pockets with zippers in the main compartment.

PRICE/QUALITY RATIO

The Rains Duffel Bag ticks several boxes for  multipurpose use and durability. It also happens to be one of the most stylish duffels for the gym and for traveling.

Compare it to other options–the weekender bag, a travel duffel and a gym bag–and its fashion forward style is apparent. Its price is a bit high if you are just looking for a simple duffel, but it’s worth it for the Rains monochromatic style and quality.

The company aims to create items that will last in the test of time and have an environmentally conscious profile that comes with a commitment to

VALUE COMPARISON

We compared it to other products with similar capacity and versatility and found that it does not differ much in price, storage and functionality. The Jack Wolfskin’s 65L Expedition Trunk is a similar, convenient waterproof option at a lower price.

Of course, the North Face Base Camp duffels offer the same backpack experience, but without the minimalism more appropriate for the yoga studio or chic resort getaway.

DO WE RECOMMEND IT?

We like this bag for its quality and functionality. The benefits of Rains design, elegant and minimalist, appeal to people in a world where many other brands use bright colors and bling–perhaps as an homage to the 80s.

The Texel is, first and foremost, a useful and versatile duffel bag both for the gym and traveling. The smaller is better for the gym or yoga, while the larger one is more luggage appropriate.

It’s probably the most affordable bit of equipment from Rains too.