Herschel Novel Duffle Bag Review: A Stylish Weekender with Trade-offs

Looking for a stylish duffle bag for your weekend getaways? The Herschel Novel Duffle has earned a reputation as one of the more fashionable weekender bags on the market. With its signature striped lining and dedicated shoe compartment, it promises to blend form with function.

I’ve been testing this 43L duffle bag to see if it lives up to the hype. Made from 600D recycled polyester fabric with a waterproof zippered closure, it ticks the sustainability box while keeping your belongings protected. But does style come at the cost of practicality?

After putting the Herschel Novel through its paces, I found a bag that excels at looking good but has some notable trade-offs. This travel bag delivers on aesthetics and the shoe compartment works as advertised. However, the limited internal organization and capacity constraints may frustrate some travelers.

What I Liked

Stylish Design

The Herschel Novel Duffle delivers on aesthetics in a way few travel bags manage. The clean lines and signature striped red pattern on the interior give it a distinctive look that stands out from generic gym bags. One Amazon reviewer summed it up well: the bag is “stylish without trying too hard.”

The design strikes a nice balance between casual and refined. Whether you’re heading to the airport or the gym, this weekender looks the part without screaming for attention.

Separate Shoe Compartment

The dedicated shoe pocket on the side is a genuine standout feature. This separate shoe compartment keeps your footwear isolated from your clothes, eliminating the need for plastic bags or shoe covers. The compartment fits large shoes comfortably, though boots might be a tight squeeze.

I found myself using this feature constantly. For gym trips or weekend travel, having a designated spot for shoes makes organization effortless.

Comfortable Shoulder Strap

Herschel Supply Co equipped this duffle with a removable smooth webbing shoulder strap featuring EVA padding. The pad distributes weight well across your shoulder, making the bag comfortable to carry even when fully loaded.

The strap is adjustable to fit different body types. I appreciated that it stays put without slipping during walks through airports or train stations.

Eco-Friendly Materials

Sustainability matters, and Herschel Supply delivers here. The 600D fabric is made from recycled polyester, as is the tonal stripe liner inside. This means you’re getting a durable bag that’s slightly easier on the environment.

The recycled materials don’t feel cheap or flimsy. The fabric has a canvas-like texture that appears strong and resistant to wear.

Premium Build Quality

The low profile vegan leather handles add a touch of class to the overall design. These handles feel substantial without being bulky, and they provide a comfortable grip when lifting the bag.

Longevity seems reasonable based on user reports. Some Reddit users report their Herschel duffles lasting 10 years with regular use, though the vegan leather trim may show wear over time.

What Needs Improvement

Limited Organization

The Herschel Novel’s biggest weakness is its sparse internal organization. You get one mesh pocket on the inside and that’s essentially it. There are no external pockets, no internal dividers, and no dedicated spots for smaller items.

For a bag marketed as a travel duffle, this feels like an oversight. Adding a compartment on the outside or even just more internal pockets would make organizing your essentials much easier without ruining the clean design.

Rough Zipper Operation

Several users, myself included, noticed the main compartment zipper doesn’t operate as smoothly as expected. It tends to catch on the fabric, requiring extra force to open and close. This may improve with use as the zipper breaks in.

The issue seems related to how the bag arrives folded during shipping. Still, for a mid-range price point, smoother hardware would be appreciated.

Limited for Longer Trips

This is a weekend bag, not a week-long travel companion. The spacious main compartment holds enough for a few days, but anything beyond a 3-4 day trip will likely require a larger bag or creative packing.

If you’re an over-packer or need to bring multiple pairs of shoes, the capacity constraints become apparent quickly. The mid-volume size works great for minimalist packers but may frustrate those who like options.

How It Compares

The Herschel Novel sits in a competitive space for weekend duffles. Here’s how it stacks up against popular alternatives.

Timbuk2 Duffel: If durability is your top priority, Timbuk2 bags consistently outperform Herschel in longevity. They’re built for heavy use and last for years. However, Timbuk2 lacks the dedicated shoe compartment that makes the Novel convenient for gym-to-office transitions.

REI Co-op Big Haul 40: The Big Haul offers similar capacity with the added benefit of storable backpack straps. It’s more utilitarian in design, which works better for outdoor adventures but doesn’t have the refined aesthetic of the Herschel Novel. If you need versatility in carrying options, the REI might be worth considering.

North Face Base Camp Duffel: The Base Camp is a legendary bag for extreme durability. Users report them lasting through years of abuse. The trade-off is a higher price point and a sportier look that doesn’t suit every occasion. For pure travel longevity, North Face wins, but the Herschel offers better everyday style.

The Herschel Novel wins on aesthetics and the shoe pocket feature. For durability-focused buyers or those needing maximum versatility, the competitors offer compelling alternatives at similar price points.

Final Verdict

The Herschel Novel Duffle earns a 3.9 out of 5 rating. It’s a stylish weekender bag that looks great and features a genuinely useful shoe compartment. The recycled materials and comfortable shoulder strap add to its appeal.

However, the limited internal organization and some reports of rough zipper operation hold it back from excellence. If maximum durability or extensive pockets matter more to you than aesthetics, alternatives from Timbuk2 or North Face might serve you better.

For weekend trips where you want to look good while traveling light, the Herschel Novel Duffle delivers solid value. Just don’t expect it to handle extended trips or heavy organizational needs.