Pendleton Odyssey Duffle Bag Review

I’ve tested dozens of duffel bags over the years. I’ve learned over that time that it’s hard to beat a classic. Most of the best duffel bags are made with slick, durable synthetic materials. They are loaded with compartments and stuffed with innovative features.

But there’s just something special about the Pendleton Odyssey Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag ($269). It could be the styling, the simple design, or the undeniable durability that has made it my go-to bag. 

When I first got the bag for testing, I wasn’t sure what I’d think about using a bag without a bunch of compartments or a range of strap configurations. But over several trips, I found myself pulling the Odyssey out of my gear closet every time. 

In short: If you’re looking for a duffel with a ton of features, the Pendleton Odyssey Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag isn’t the one for you. But if you want a well-built, durable, simple bag that will last a lifetime, this waxed canvas, leather, and brass classic may be the one.

Pendleton Odyssey Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag Review

Brand Background

Pendleton Woolen Mills is a family-owned company that has been operating in Portland, Ore., since 1863. It’s probably best known for its wool shirts, blankets, and sweaters. Its Original Westerly sweater, among the best men’s wool sweaters, was the iconic Dude Sweater in The Big Lebowski. The company’s classic style and durable products extend to the recently released Odyssey luggage line. 

How I Tested the Pendleton Odyssey Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag 

I used the Pendleton Odyssey Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag on half a dozen trips, including road trips and air travel, over about 3 months. These trips were anywhere from 2 days to over a week long. I made it a point to only use this bag along with a backpack. I tested the pack for durability, ease of use, and utility during these trips.

Key Features

The Odyssey is fairly simple. It’s a classic duffel design — two top carry handles, one removable shoulder strap, a large opening up top, and a side pocket for phones and other small items. The only concession to modern travel is the trolley strap for attaching to roller bags. 

Despite the simple design, the materials and build make the Odyssey stand out from other duffels. The body is extremely durable, water-resistant (not waterproof), heavy-duty waxed canvas. The straps and trim are slick-looking leather.

The Good 

In a market saturated with bells and whistles, the Odyssey’s simplicity feels like an early 20th-century throwback. While I was underwhelmed when it first arrived, it slowly made its way to the front of my rotation for several reasons. 

First off, it’s just a gorgeous bag. I’m used to sterile PVC duffels that are all but waterproof. The waxed canvas and leather made this bag really stand out. It turned out to be a versatile look as well. It seemed just as at home getting tossed onto a dirt road from the back of a pickup truck as it did loading into an overhead compartment in first class. 

I had to do some math to figure out that the volume was just over 50 L. This was more than enough to stow a week’s worth of clothes and other travel necessities. The leather handles and strap were comfortable enough to haul around between terminals to make my connections. The exterior pocket was just big enough to hold my keys, phone, and any other small items that I wanted to keep handy. 

Now, here’s the kicker — I think this bag’s going to last forever. The waxed canvas and leather are getting softer with time. However, they’re showing zero signs of breaking down. If my experience with these materials holds true, they won’t break down in the next few decades. I’ve had other bags delaminate or develop cracks in the material over time, but I’ve yet to see waxed canvas give up on me. 

In fact, the dings and scratches that have been showing up give the bag a more lived-in patina. It’s said that travel has the power to change you. Apparently, the same goes for this bag.

It feels like the Odyssey develops a bit more character with each trip. It’s getting to the point where I look forward to my next trip to see what new scars and stories the Odyssey will come home with. 

The Bad

Some people will have issues with this bag because it lacks interior organization. Most bags have at least a few interior pockets to help you keep your gear organized. The Odyssey just has one big opening.

On my first trip with the Odyssey, I had to fish around to find smaller items like my Kindle, earbuds, and charging cords. A few packing cubes solved this problem on subsequent trips. 

Also, the waxed canvas is water-resistant (light rain and the occasional spill), but most definitely not waterproof. If you regularly travel to places where your gear can get wet, this is definitely not the bag for you. 

Pendleton Odyssey Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag: Final Thoughts

For off-road adventures in wet climates, this bag’s probably not going to do the trick for you. Type A people won’t like the lack of organization. But for daily use and trips in drier climes, the Pendleton Odyssey Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag is my new go-to. 

As a writer, it gives me Hemingway vibes. As a traveler, I know this bag won’t pop a zipper or split a seam. The Odyssey is simple, but there’s something about it that’s hard to put my finger on.

It might be the tough waxed canvas exterior with brass and leather detailing. It could be that it packs down flat and takes up almost zero space in my closet when I’m not using it. Hell, maybe it’s the patina of scuffs and wear that grows with every trip. Whatever it is, this bag’s coming with me wherever I go.