[Review] The Duffle RS 140 by Ortlieb

I can’t say for sure, but I’m pretty positive that the Ortlieb Duffle RS is bombproof. I’d like to think that men and women in the military overseas are using these very duffles for projects large and small and inherently important. I had one thing in mind for my Duffle RS 140, and that was carrying all of my moto gear, but since it’s arrival I’ve used it for everything and anything. In fact, while I’ve used it on a couple of occasions to haul my moto gear, I haven’t been able to justify keeping my moto gear in it and on the shelf in the garage. It deserves so much more than that!

Between the versatility and durability of the Duffle RS, if you like to head out on unknown or rugged adventures you should definitely consider using this bag for hauling your belongings. The tear resistant PD620 fabric as well as abrasion resistant Cordura on the inside of the bag ensures you won’t have any mishaps no matter how extreme your adventure may be. Hell, my luggage has taken a beating on a quick non-stop commercial flight from Denver to Dallas. It really doesn’t take much to beat up a piece of luggage. Finally the Duffle RS will give those ground crew members a run for their money!

The Duffle RS comes in 3 different sizes, with the biggest coming in at 140L which is what we have. It’s nice to have the huge bag to throw everything in and have it all in one place. If you’re a weekend adventurer or are just looking for a great bag for quick trips the 85L would be ideal. Still extremely durable and versatile, just in a smaller package.

I’ve found the wheels to be about 100x more usable and workable than anything that’s ever come on a mediocre piece of luggage. I won’t hesitate rolling this bag through rocks, mud, snow, cobble stone, desert life, or anything else. They will likely get through it and all of your friends carrying their normal luggage will be jealous! If rolling your luggage isn’t your thing (or if you end up hauling your camping gear in to a hut trip via snowmobile) you can effortlessly throw the Duffle RS onto your back. I wouldn’t want to have the 140L fully loaded and on my back for a 10 mile hike but for short jaunts it’s not so uncomfortable. I don’t think the Duffle RS was really intended to be a backpack bag, hence the name Duffle, but it’s nice that Ortlieb has given you the option to wear it as such. If you’re looking for something that you’re going to be wearing only on your back, I’d check out their other options (like you probably wouldn’t care for wheels).

There are few products I’ve used that I would say I think they would outlive me, but I think the Duffle RS is definitely one of those products. It’s so tough and durable; it would be hard to destroy. Like I’ve mentioned I think it could even be bombproof.

I didn’t realize I could rant at such length for a duffle bag, but the Duffle RS 140 by Ortlieb is that good. Durable, functional, waterproof, bombproof this should be your next adventure companion. I’d have to think that if you’re lost in the woods with the Duffle RS 140, you could survive in it for many days. Check out all the sizes offered in the Duffle RS as well as many other bag options from Ortlieb. You won’t be disappointed.