Wheeled duffels

Hard-shell suitcases may be optimal for protecting your gear, but just try taking one along on a safari or other adventure where the outfitter requires soft-sided bags. And while duffels are incredibly convenient, they’re not always easy to haul around. These wheeled duffels are good solutions.

Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel

What we liked: The bag is constructed with abrasion-resistant, water-repellent Bi-Tech fabric, with protective storm flap shields to keep your gear dry when you’re out in the elements. When not using, roll and stash the duffel (wheels and all) in its stuff pouch. Not so much: Bright colors are more likely to show scuff marks, so if you like to keep your bags pretty, keep that in mind. Vitals: Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel (29-inch version), $140 from www.eaglecreek.com.

High Sierra Ultimate Access Wheeled Duffel

What we liked: Carrying duffels for long distances or while taking public transportation can be tedious. This bag includes backpack straps as an additional way to carry it. Not so much: While the added backpack straps (stored behind bottom panel) can help, the harder bottom makes it uncomfortable to carry the bag this way for long. Vitals: High Sierra Ultimate Access Wheeled Duffel (30-inch version), $120 from www.highsierra.com.

The North Face Rolling Thunder

What we liked: With Bomber Base Camp material (1000D polyester with TPE lamination) and plastic bumpers on wear points, this duffel is durable enough to drag along on your more extreme adventures. External compartment to stash dirty shoes and keep them well away from your clean clothes. Not so much: This bag is extremely durable, but it also comes with a higher price tag and a little more weight than similar bags. Vitals: The North Face Rolling Thunder (30-inch version), $289 from www.thenorthface.com.