You know you’re a mum of girls when every decent bag, no matter the style, gets snaffled and you end up having to lug your bits around in a Tesco bag for life. My good travel bag mysteriously vanished last year only to turn up with daughter number 1’s clothes in it on holiday. Marine Superstore understand my plight, and they have very kindly sent me a Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 30l. Thank you!
It’s a great bag for travel. It’s very waterproof, has a good capacity (30l) and is both a carry bag and a backpack. I have been told it’s also the right size for airplane carry on luggage, but I haven’t tested that claim yet!
Testing my Helly Hansen duffel bag
I have, however, tested the backpack function on a recent bike ride on The Hudson Way. This is a disused railway line in East Yorkshire between Beverley and Market Weighton. There are some nice views, and it’s a great place for cycling, though on the day we went there were oodles of midges and because of the very prolific summer, some parts were very overgrown. But it was peaceful, and it was a good opportunity to try out the bag.
The bag was reasonably comfortable. The loose handles were a bit odd but they can be tied up if need be. It did the job carrying our snacks and drinks for the day. I’d like to say it didn’t take all day to get to Market Weighton and back and that I could give Chris Hoy a run for his money, but I would be lying. We did pack for every eventuality.
I also fully tested the capacity on a recent road trip to Disneyland Paris. It certainly had the room to fit in enough for a week away for me, Minnie ears included!
Will this bag stand the test of time? It’s durable, wipe-clean, and very waterproof. I will be using this for my travels as long as possible. Or as long as I can before a smaller version of me ‘borrows’ it for a trip. So far, so good!
My verdict
I’d never heard of the Helly Hansen brand before now, but I am impressed with both the style and the quality of this bag.
You can see the full Helly Hansen range from Marine Superstore at Helly Hansen
Disclosure – I was sent a Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 30l from Marine Superstore. Opinion is my own