Let’s be honest – when it comes to camp bags, you want something that can take a beating, not just look good in the boot of your car. And no, you don’t need to fork out half your paycheck on a high-end brand to get that.
Decathlon’s range of holdalls and duffel bags often hits a sweet spot that’s hard to ignore – tough builds, decent prices, and a surprising knack for surviving the UK’s finest rain and mud.
I’ve personally hauled one across Dartmoor in sideways rain and wrestled it through Lake District bogs. It held up like a champ. So if you’re after a solid bag for your next trip, without the designer price tag, this guide’s for you. Let’s break down the best options worth packing.
What Makes Decathlon Holdalls So Handy?
There’s a reason you see so many Decathlon bags at campsites, on trains, and in car boots. For UK campers, these bags are popular because they’re tough, affordable, and actually built for our weather. You get all the basics right out of the box, without that “am I gonna trash this on my first trip?” worry.
Here’s what you’re getting when you pick one up:
- Water resistance that actually works. Unless you decide to throw it in a river, your kit stays dry through downpours and campsite drizzle.
- Tough stitching. I’ve scraped mine across gravel and tossed it into the back of muddy vans – still no tears, no dodgy seams.
- Multiple grab points. Handy when you’re hauling it over a stile or yanking it out from under a pile of other people’s gear.
- Great value. You’re paying for solid performance, not branding fluff.
- No drama. No unnecessary pockets, zips, or gimmicks. Just a durable, chuck-it-and-go kind of bag.
For camping trips, last-minute adventures, or even muddy music festivals, Decathlon’s got your back – literally.
Best Decathlon Duffel Bags for Camping
FORCLAZ Waterproof Trekking Carry Bag
Brand: Decathlon (FORCLAZ)
Volume Options: 80L – 120L (expandable)
Size (approx.): 34–50H × 70W × 34D cm
Weight: 2.2 kg
Max Load: 60 kg
Material: Waterproof fabric with welded seams
Water Resistance: IPX4 waterproof rating
Carrying Options: Backpack straps, chest & waist belts (tuckable)
Special Features: Expandable 80–120L design, packs into mesh pouch
Organisation: Internal straps & mesh pockets
Packability: Packs into its own mesh pouch
Warranty: 10 years
Best For: Long trips, wet conditions, heavy gear
Osprey Transporter Duffel
Brand: Osprey
Volume Options: 40L, 65L, 95L, 120L
Size (approx.): 34H × 82L × 51W cm
Weight: 1.72 kg
Max Load: Not specified
Material: Recycled 900D TPU-coated polyester
Water Resistance: Water-resistant (not waterproof)
Carrying Options: Backpack straps with chest harness
Special Features: Holds shape when empty, rain flap over zips
Organisation: Internal & end pockets
Packability: Folds flat for storage
Warranty: Lifetime (manufacturer)
Best For: All-rounder, gear-heavy travel
OEX Ballistic Cargo Bag
Brand: OEX
Volume Options: 60L, 90L, 120L
Size (approx.): 44H × 77W × 44D cm
Weight: 2.45 kg
Max Load: 35 kg
Material: Heavy-duty ballistic fabric
Water Resistance: Light rain resistant (not waterproof)
Carrying Options: Backpack straps (no chest/waist strap)
Special Features: Separate ventilated wet/dirty gear section
Organisation: Internal mesh pocket + wet compartment
Packability: Folds down flat
Warranty: Standard
Best For: Wet/muddy camps, budget-friendly trips
Thule Chasm Duffel
Brand: Thule
Volume Options: 40L, 70L, 90L, 130L
Size (approx.): 42H × 86L × 47W cm
Weight: 2.45 kg
Max Load: 35 kg
Material: Recycled weather-resistant fabric
Water Resistance: Weather-resistant (not waterproof)
Carrying Options: Backpack straps & grab handles
Special Features: Wide opening, external pocket, organiser bag included
Organisation: Internal + external zip pockets
Packability: Includes packaway organiser bag
Warranty: 2 years (varies by retailer)
Best For: Style-conscious campers, large gear hauls
1. FORCLAZ Waterproof Trekking Carry Bag
Key Specs
- Volume: 80L – 120L (expandable)
- Size: 34H up to 50H x 70W x 34D cm
- Weight: 2.2kg
- Max Load: 60kg
This bag doesn't mess about. The FORCLAZ Waterproof Trekking Carry Bag is the kind of holdall you grab when you’ve got a lot of gear and unpredictable weather to deal with. I was immediately drawn to its rugged look, and that brick red and carbon combo? Looks great flung into the back of a camper or leaning against a muddy tent pole.
But let’s talk features, not fashion. The IPX4 waterproof rating is proper handy, especially with UK weather doing its usual drizzle-to-downpour routine. Welded seams, waterproof zips, and a clever double flap over the zip keep your gear dry unless you drop it in a lake.
What I love most is the expandable bellows design – starts at 80L and stretches up to a whopping 120L. That gives you a lot of wiggle room for longer trips or last-minute packing chaos. Inside, there’s a strap to secure things in place and a few mesh pockets to stop the small stuff getting buried.
Carrying it is another story – it’s got a full rucksack-style harness with padded straps, a chest strap, and a waist belt. It’s comfortable when walking shorter distances, but when this bag’s fully loaded to 60kg, you’ll definitely feel it. Luckily, the straps tuck away neatly if you just want to treat it like a mega-duffel.
It also packs down into its own mesh pouch, which is a nice touch for storage or organisation. No external pockets here though, and there’s no dirty gear section either, so you’ll need a dry bag if you’re bringing muddy boots.
Still, for the price, durability, and features – plus a reassuring 10-year warranty, it’s hard to beat. This is the kind of holdall that’s ready for a week in the Highlands or a chaotic ferry crossing with all your kit. Big thumbs up from me.
2. Osprey Transporter Duffel
Key Specs
- Volume: 120L (also available in 40L, 65L, and 95L)
- Size: 34H x 82L x 51W cm
- Weight: 1.72kg
- Material: Recycled 900D TPU-coated polyester
- Max Load: Not specified
Osprey knows how to make a bag that turns heads and takes punishment – and the Transporter Duffel 120L is no exception. If you’ve got a tonne of gear and want a bag that doesn’t give up halfway through a stormy weekend, this one’s got you sorted.
The recycled TPU-coated fabric is tough as nails and surprisingly lightweight for the size. It doesn’t claim to be fully waterproof, but the fabric is highly water-resistant, and the rain flap over the zips helps keep moisture out when the heavens open.
I like the structure of this bag. Even when empty, it holds its shape nicely thanks to the stiffened panels. That makes packing and unpacking easier – no collapsing sides or wrestling with soggy gear. The wide U-shaped opening gives great access to everything, and the heavy-duty lockable zip runs smooth (and trust me, some don’t).
On the carrying side, you get contoured shoulder straps and a chest harness with a built-in safety whistle – yes, really. It wears like a comfy backpack and spreads the weight out, which is brilliant on longer walks. There’s no waist strap, though, which could be a downside for some.
Organisation-wise, there’s an end pocket for quick-grab bits like your head torch or snacks, plus a large internal mesh pocket to keep essentials separate. I just wish it had a side compression strap or two – it would help when the bag isn’t stuffed to capacity.
At 120L, it’s massive – ideal for car camping, long trips, or when you’ve got the family’s gear in tow. It might be overkill for solo weekend trips, but if you’re a “pack it all, sort it later” kind of camper, you’ll love it.
3. 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
The OEX Ballistic Cargo Bag doesn’t just look the part – it’s built like it means business. That chunky, tubular shape and heavy-duty fabric give off “no-nonsense” energy, and in testing, it proved it could take a fair bit of rough handling. Whether it’s full of kit for a wet weekend or acting as a tent-side gear dump, it delivers.
At 120L, this holdall swallows bulky camping gear with no trouble. You get an extra-long zip across the top, which means no more digging blindly through your stuff. Open it up, and everything’s there, in plain sight. Inside the lid is a big mesh pocket for all your smaller bits and bobs – head torch, stove lighter, socks that hopefully don’t match the smell of your boots.
One standout feature? The ventilated wet section. Honestly, this is gold. Chuck your damp towel or muddy shoes in without worrying they’ll mess up everything else. That kind of separation makes a big difference after a rainy pack-down or a dip in a cold loch.
It’s got padded shoulder straps if you need to carry it backpack-style, though we did notice the lack of a waist or chest strap makes it less ideal for long hauls. Still, for carrying it across a field or loading it into a car, it’s fine. The reinforced grab handles feel strong enough to swing this bag like a kettlebell.
It’s not fully waterproof, but it holds its own in light rain – as long as you keep the zips closed and the top side up. If the heavens open, though, make sure it’s stowed somewhere covered.
4. 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
The Thule Chasm 130L Duffel is the kind of bag that makes you do a double-take. It’s slick, bold, and comes in some lovely colours (Golden and Pond are our favourites, but all four are eye-catchers). But don’t let its polished looks fool you – it’s got brawn to back it up.
Made from PFC-free recycled materials, it hits the eco-friendly mark without compromising on toughness. The fabric is thick and weather-resistant, and it fends off drizzle and tent-floor damp like a pro. Just don’t expect full waterproofing in a downpour.
What really sold us is the wide, oversized zip opening. You can chuck gear in, dig around for that lost charger, or unload at your campsite with zero faff. The bag stays open nicely too – no collapsing sides or awkward rummaging.
Inside, you get two mesh pockets under the lid and a separate packaway bag that doubles as a smart organiser. There’s also a rare treat here: an external zip pocket. Perfect for quick access to maps, snacks, or your toothbrush after a long drive.
You can carry it like a holdall or clip on the rucksack straps and wear it on your back. The straps and handles both stow neatly when not in use, keeping everything tidy. However, there’s no chest or waist strap, which means it’s not the comfiest for long treks.
For big camping trips, long travel stints, or just when you’ve got a lot to pack, the Chasm is a reliable and stylish option. It’s thoughtfully designed, tough as old boots, and surprisingly spacious.
What to Look for in a Camping Holdall?
Before you buy, check these points – or you’ll end up cursing your bag halfway to camp:
- Volume: For weekends, 30-40L is easy to carry and fits the basics. For family setups, 60L+ is safer.
- Weather resistance: It doesn’t have to be submersible, but a good level of waterproofing will save you if there’s a midnight shower.
- Carrying comfort: Backpack straps help with long walks in, especially if parking’s nowhere near your pitch.
- Durability: Tough materials and reinforced seams. You don’t want a busted strap two miles from the car.
- Organisation: A couple of pockets for keys, torch, loo roll is handy but not essential—most Decathlon holdalls have basic setups.
- Packability: Duffels that pack down belong in every car boot—it’s a little touch, but makes life easier.
And here’s a tip learned the muddy way: pack a couple of bin bags inside your main holdall. If your kit gets drenched, your tent leaks, or gear comes back soaked, you’ll thank yourself. Soggy kit ruins mornings.
Campers’ Experiences with Decathlon Holdalls
Ask around at any UK campsite and you’ll see battered Decathlon holdalls doing the rounds. A mate of mine has lugged his Forclaz up Ben Nevis, across Lake District bogs, and through soggy festival gates – still going strong after two years.
Online reviews back this up, too. Most users say the bags take a right beating, stand up to wet fields, and handle weekly abuse. Biggest gripe? Organisation. If you’re obsessive, add packing cubes or pouches.
One lesson from the field: I once stuffed a wet flysheet into mine in a panic. No leaks out, kit stayed dry, and I only found a bit of condensation on the inside lining. Nothing ruined my gear.
My Final Verdict – How to Pick the Best Camp Holdall
Here’s the brutal truth: For most UK campers, a Decathlon holdall or duffel will handle whatever dank weather, gravel car parks, and muddy fields you throw at it. Don’t feel pressured to chase labels. Instead, focus on size, weather resistance, and carrying comfort. The Forclaz 500 Extend’s a winner for its expandability and backpack straps on a budget.
If you’re still lost, ask yourself: how far do I need to carry it? Can I toss it about, or will it always be on a baggage trolley? And if you do plan to camp in the wet, stuff a roll of bin bags in too – your future self will thank you.
Bottom line: get a holdall that fits your style of camping, won’t break the bank, and doesn’t care about the wet. Decathlon’s got your back. Now, get outside and enjoy it—rain or shine.
Looking for more practical gear tips? Check my recommendations for sleeping bags, tents, and cooking kit – because cheap gear that works is the sign of a true camper.
