Herschel Novel Duffle 43L review

The Novel Duffle is Herschel's long-running weekender and a good middle size between a gym bag and a hauler. Herschel lists 43 L, 2.21 lbs and 20.51 in. wide, and says it is sized to fit the overhead bin or the trunk of a car. The shell is 100% recycled 600D polyester, the main zipper is waterproof, and the signature shoe compartment keeps a spare pair apart from clothes. A side sleeve pocket and a zippered internal mesh pocket handle small items, and the padded shoulder strap comes off. Herschel backs it with a Limited Lifetime Warranty for material and manufacturing defects. The weak points are carry options, with no backpack straps, and the vegan leather handles and straps, which several recent reviews on Herschel's page say peel over time. We compared documented features and published prices and did not test the bag.

Who it is for

weekend travelers and gym-goers who want a shoe compartment

Price

$110 on Herschel's US store as of November 2026.

Novel Duffle - 43L Regular price $110.00
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• 43 L at 2.21 lbs (1 kg)
• 11.73 x 20.51 x 10.98 in. (H x W x D)
• 100% recycled 600D polyester with a waterproof zippered closure
• Signature shoe compartment and a side sleeve pocket
• Removable webbing shoulder strap with EVA padding and vegan leather handles

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Herschel says it is sized to fit the overhead bin or a car trunk
• Strength: Limited Lifetime Warranty against material and manufacturing defects
• Strength: Free ground shipping on US orders over $75
• Weakness: No backpack straps
• Weakness: Several reviewers on Herschel's own page report peeling vegan leather straps
• Weakness: Less organization than the Eagle Creek or Cotopaxi bags

Key facts

• Price: $110
• Capacity: 43 L
• Weight: 2.21 lbs
• Size: 11.73 x 20.51 x 10.98 in.
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Where it ranks

Herschel Novel Duffle 43L is No. 6 in our Best Duffel Bags verdict.