Trailhead Duffel Medium 51L Imperial Blue - Waterproof Travel Bag

In this review of the Trailhead Duffel Medium 51L, the verdict is straightforward: this is a rugged, travel-ready duffel for people who need a durable, weather-resistant gear hauler without fuss. Built from a tough laminate material with bomber construction and improved shoulder straps, the bag is aimed at outdoor athletes, weekend travelers and anyone packing heavy or wet gear. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of solid build and practical carry options that make moving skis, climbing equipment, or eight days of travel simple and reliable.

Key Features

• Waterproof material: The laminated fabric and weather-resistant zipper flap help keep wet conditions from soaking the main compartment.
• Versatile carry: Detachable, adjustable alpine-cut shoulder straps allow backpack-style carry or quick conversion to grab handles for short carries.
• Four side handles: Redesigned side and end grab handles give multiple lifting points for loading into car roofs or gear racks.
• Organized interior: The internal lid zipper pocket plus two side pockets keep small items separated from bulk gear for quicker access.
• Daisy chains: Integrated daisy chains provide anchor points for lashing to a rack, sled or yak for transport.

Who It's For

This medium Trailhead Duffel is best for outdoor enthusiasts who need one bag that works for skiing, climbing, adventure travel and gym use; its 51L capacity fits extended trips while remaining manageable to carry. It also suits travelers who value robust construction and simple organization over complicated features.

Those who should look elsewhere include people who need a lightweight, ultraminimal carry solution for everyday commuting or strictly urban use where sleek aesthetics and laptop sleeves are priorities. If you need a fully submersible dry bag with welded seams for diving, a specialized dry pack would be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable laminate construction that stands up to rough handling and wet travel.
• Comfortable, ergonomic shoulder straps that detach and double as carry handles for flexible transport.
• Multiple grab points and daisy chains make loading and securing gear straightforward.
• Internal pockets and D-zip opening with flap improve access and small-item organization.

Cons

• Water resistance is strong but mixed customer feedback suggests it may not be fully waterproof in prolonged submersion or heavy standing water.
• The bomber construction adds weight compared with ultralight duffels, which may matter on minimalist trips.

Specifications

Brand	Element Equipment
Model	Trailhead Duffel Medium
Capacity	51 liters
Dimensions	24 in x 13 in (medium)
Material	TOUGH laminate waterproof material
Closure	D-zip with weather-resistant zipper flap
Carry options	Detachable alpine-cut shoulder straps, four side handles, daisy chains

Our Verdict

The Trailhead Duffel Medium 51L is a practical, value-oriented choice for travelers and outdoor athletes who need a tough, weather-resistant bag with flexible carry options. Its sturdy build, thoughtful pockets and hauling points make it an excellent base-camp or travel duffel for multi-day trips; pick a lighter bag only if weight and urban styling are your top priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the bag fully waterproof?
The laminate material and zipper flap provide strong water resistance for rain and wet gear, but it is not marketed as fully submersible.

Can the shoulder straps be removed?
Yes, the alpine-cut shoulder straps are detachable and can be reconfigured to act as carry handles when needed.

What sizes are available?
The Trailhead Duffel comes in small (30L), medium (51L) and large (85L) capacities to suit different trip lengths.