A modern duffel bag made of recycled materials for the traveler who appreciates functionality without the fluff.
Millican produces their Miles The Duffle Bag in two separate sizes: a smaller 28L bag and a larger 40L bag (both of which are spec’d to be carry-on compliant). This bag is simple & straightforward: one cavernous interior with a few thoughtful touches of internal organization.
The 28L model fits under most airplane seats so you will not have to worry about finding overhead bin space when packing this bag. Do you think this hybrid travel duffel/backpack is right for you?
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About Millican
Millican (https://www.homeofmillican.com/pages/about-us) prides itself in crafting functional bags from recycled materials for the conscious traveler.
They also have a unique naming method of personifying their bags. Famous for their Smith The Rolltop, our team has also reviewed Mililcan’s Oli The Zip (25L) toploader backpack in addition to this convertible duffle bag/backpack.
Millican Miles The Duffle Bag Specifications
- Capacity: 28 liters
- Height: 19.7 inches (50cm)
- Width: 11.8 inches (30 cm)
- Depth: 8.7 inches (22 cm)
- Weight: 2.3 pounds (1.05 kg)
- Material: Bionic Canvas (65% recycled material)
- Zippers: YYK
- Buckles/Hardware: Aluminum
- Made in: Vietnam
- MSRP: $200 (check the latest price on Amazon here)
How does Millican’s Miles The Duffle Bag look?
The Millican Miles The Duffle Bag has a very simple silhouette that should appeal to the minimalist traveler. The single zipper runs the entire length of the bag which produced a dramatic line down the middle of this backpack.
At the time of this writing, this backpack model comes in a variety of colors: Millican’s website currently lists moss, tarn, slate, stone, gorse (yellow), and graphite grey.
It should be noted that though the graphite grey color appears like a dark charcoal on their website, Millican includes the following disclaimer about their graphite grey colorway: “P.S. Please note, our Graphite Grey is a rich, natural Dark Grey – not pure Black.” This is in part due to the Bionic® Canvas material, which is constructed with ~65% recycled materials, that Millican employs in its Maverick Collection product line.
Each batch of canvas produced to make these bags can vary in color, which we believe only adds to the uniqueness of these bags. As you can see in our pictures, this specific Graphite Grey duffel bag falls in line with Millican’s description.
How does Millican’s Miles The Duffle Bag feel?
Miles The Duffle Bag is a lightweight travel bag. The large bag accomplishes this by keeping internal organization to a minimum and thus using as little material as possible to construct this bag.
As we have noted in the past, Mililcan’s Bionic Canvas material feels durable without being too bulky. The weatherproof material is thin yet sturdy, and the canvas is pliable enough to allow you to shove this bag into nooks & crannies without any trouble. Millican impregnates this canvas with paraffin wax to keep water away from your belongings.
The handle at the head of the bag is reinforced and quite sturdy. The elongated loop harness used on this handle is stiffer than I expected, but I soon came to appreciate the design because it makes hooking it to something (including your swooping hand) much easier than a flappy handle.
The side grab handle is equally refined. The reinforced material is thin without being flimsy, and it honestly feels like it will last a lifetime.
How does this bag fit?
First and foremost, Millican made it clear that Miles is a duffel bag that can be carried like a backpack. This is important because the backpack straps are built to be hidden in a stowaway pocket.
When you do want to carry Miles The Duffle Bag on your back, you may be surprised to find that Millican’s padded straps are missing from this backpack. You will find unpadded straps made of seatbelt-like material that are lightweight and incredibly sturdy. While I can report these straps are more comfortable than you might imagine, I did find it rather annoying that adjusting the straps takes some extra effort; you won’t find quick-adjust straps here.
I was very happy to see that Millican didn’t stray too far from their roots and included the padded back that I raved about in our Oli The Zip review. The channeled padding keeps weight off of your spine and has the added benefit of giving this bag extra structure.
If you fancy carrying this bag with a body strap, you will find that the seatbelt-like straps can be extended long enough to double as shoulder straps. The bag features aluminum attach points on both ends of the bag to allow for a more traditional duffle bag carrying option.
Of course, this bag also features two grab handles (one on top and one on the side). Each of these allow for very comfortable holding options.
Personally, I prefer carrying this bag either on my back or using the grab handles. The backpack harness system takes some getting used to (adjusting the strap length prior to wearing the bag is recommended), but it works well once you dial it in.
Millican Miles The Duffle Bag Features
Easy-access laptop sleeve with external entry
I think every backpack should have a laptop sleeve pocket that is independently accessible from the outside of the bag. Millican delivers on this point.
The external laptop zipper is hidden by flap that runs down the length of the bag. Millican smartly included an oversized flap here help closed by magnets, which adds a nice touch on this bag. Millican claims this pocket fits laptops up to 16”, and I had no issues sliding my 14” laptop in here.
Don’t forget that the laptop sleeve rests on the base of the padded back. Extra care should be taken when toting this bag around so as not to drop it directly onto the laptop sleeve (especially when the rest of the bag is fully loaded)
Internal compression straps
I have to admit that I used to think internal compression straps were next to useless. However, I put these straps to good use while testing this bag and found them to actually be pretty useful for keeping clothing organized in such a large main compartment.
The canvas straps are robust and secured with aluminum G-hooks (you won’t find plastic hardware on Millican bags). I think elastic straps would have been useful on this bag, but the adjustable canvas straps that Millican employs here will do the job.
External zip pocket
The top of Miles The Duffel Bag contains a hidden zipper pocket that is perfect for storing smaller items you need quick access to while traveling.
I used this pocket to store my external battery pack & phone charger, and I imagine it would be the perfect place to slide any granola bars or other travel snacks that you want to bring along. It also has a keychain hook for storing your keys.
Conclusion
Miles The Duffle Bag will not be for everyone. Anyone who appreciates bags centered around internal organization will be sorely disappointed. The backpack straps will take some getting used to, and the 28L size will fit a few days worth of clothing but not much more.
This bag from Millican is best suited for travelers who want the flexibility of having a large bag and can make the most of packing cubes when more organization is required.
The 28L bag is well made and a great size for weekend trips, but I have to imagine the larger 40L bag would better serve the majority of travelers based solely on its larger capacity.
Recommended For: weekend travelers looking for a modern duffel bag with a small footprint.
| Pros | Cons |
| Weather proof material & high-quality construction | Non-padded backpack straps |
| Padded laptop sleeve with external access | Limited internal organization |
| Sturdy & comfortable grip handles |
