Publish By: Deal Hunter

Kono Travel Duffel Review: A Practical Travel Companion

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March 10, 2025

A few months ago, I was looking for a good duffel bag. And after some research, and watching tiktok, I landed on the Kono Travel Duffel. I wanted a bag that struck the perfect balance—not too big and bulky, but still spacious enough to fit everything I need for both travel and everyday use. Versatility was important to me. I needed something that could handle flights, gym sessions, and daily errands without missing a beat. And for the most part, the Kono Travel Duffel delivered. But there was one thing that gave me pause.

Now, after using it for a while, I’m here with my Kono Travel Duffel Review to share what I love, what I don’t, and my overall thoughts on this bag. Keep in mind, though, this is just my opinion based on my personal experience.

Amazon

Quick Summary (For Those On the Go!)

Rating: 4.3 / 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐☆
Best for: Underseat travel, daily carry, light packing.

Pros:

Perfect size for underseat storage on airplanes.
Durable oxford cloth that’s lightweight but sturdy.
Large external pocket for easy access to essentials like your phone, passport, and keys.
Lightweight and easy to carry around.
Great price for the size and material.

Cons:

Zipper isn’t YKK and can be easily forced open without unzipping it.
Plastic clips on the shoulder strap, could wear out over time.
Some interior organization would help; it’s pretty basic in there.
It’s marked as a frequently returned item on Amazon.

Amazon

What’s Good? 🤔

Durable Material & Lightweight:
First off, the oxford cloth is a solid material choice. It’s strong enough to withstand a fair amount of use and feels light when you’re carrying it around, which makes it easy to lug around even when it’s full. If you’re someone who likes a sturdy, no-fuss bag, this is definitely in the right ballpark.

Perfect Underseat Size:
At 15.75 x 9.84 x 7.87 inches, the Kono Travel Duffel is the ideal size for a personal item. I travel frequently, and I always use this bag to complement my carry-on, which goes in the overhead bin. The Kono bag fits perfectly under the seat in front of me, giving me easy access to my essentials during the flight—whether it’s my earphones, a book, or a snack. It’s the perfect companion for keeping everything I need close at hand without taking up extra space.

Large External Pocket:
The external pocket is a huge win. It’s big enough for things like my phone, passport, keys, and even a small snack or two. Having a spot where I can quickly grab what I need without digging into the main compartment is super handy, especially when I’m rushing through airports or trying to keep things organized on the go. This pocket makes the bag more functional and user-friendly.

Lightweight & Easy to Carry:
It’s not a huge, bulky bag, which I really appreciate. Even when it’s packed with my essentials—snacks, phone, sunglasses, and more—it doesn’t feel heavy or awkward to carry. The adjustable shoulder strap helps, though I’ll get into that in a sec.

Amazon

Things to Keep in Mind 🛠️

Zipper Concerns:
One of my concerns with this bag is the zipper. It’s not a YKK zipper (which are known for their durability), and it’s surprisingly easy to force open, even when it’s not fully unzipped. That’s a real concern, especially when it comes to security while traveling. Although I haven’t had any issues so far, the potential for someone to access the bag without fully unzipping it is something to keep in mind.

Plastic Shoulder Strap Clips:
The shoulder strap gets the job done, but the clips holding it in place are made of plastic. While they work fine for now, I can’t help but wish they were metal. Metal clips would feel sturdier, more durable, and just overall more premium. So far, the plastic clips haven’t broken, but I can see them wearing down over time, especially if you’re carrying heavier loads. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely an area where the bag could improve for a better long-term experience.

Interior Organization Could Be Better:
Inside the bag, the organization is pretty basic. There’s one mesh compartment, which is handy for small items like your phone or loose change. If you’re someone who likes to keep things neatly separated—you might find the lack of additional compartments or dividers a bit frustrating. Right now, it’s mostly one big open space, which works for me.

Amazon Label?
One thing I noticed after purchasing the bag is that Amazon has labeled it as “frequently returned.” I haven’t had any issues with mine so far, but it’s something worth mentioning. It’s possible that some people had specific concerns or expectations that didn’t align with the bag, but in my experience, it’s been reliable and functional. Still, it’s good to be aware of this label before making a decision.

Amazon

What’s the Bottom Line? 🌟

The Kono Travel Duffel is a good option if you’re looking for something practical, lightweight, and affordable bag for underseat travel. It’s great for short or long trips, or even every day use. Overall I’ve been really happy with it for my needs. The material is very sturdy and the size is just right for fitting under airplane seats or carrying around town..

My rating: 4.3 / 5 stars. It’s a practical and versatile bag that gets the job done.