Jack Wolfskin Trunk Duffel & Jacket Review: Perfect For National Parks

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When traveling, having the right travel bag can make all the difference, especially if you need something extra durable and heavy-duty.

Duffel bags are super convenient for all types of travel, they're spacious, have carry handles and shoulder straps for carrying over your back, and have multiple pockets for storing all your items. The Jack Wolfskin Expedition Trunk is the perfect duffle bag for all sorts of excursions, whether you use it as a daypack or pack it for a week of camping, it has tons of features to ensure that it'll keep all your things safe and dry.

This heavy-duty travel duffel is perfect for your Christmas wish list this year, it comes in three sizes and features padded webbing carry handles above the main compartment that can be used as backpack straps (I love this feature, it's perfect for keeping your hands free while you're traveling), plus a water-resistant zip and incredibly durable material.

Jack Wolfskin Expedition Trunk 40

I tested the Trunk 40 during a road trip to some of the national parks this early fall. The large main compartment was spacious enough to keep all my base layers, sweatshirts, and other clothing items contained, and the front pocket kept my trekking boots separate from my clothes. The gear loops on the outside were perfect for keeping my water bottle, running shoes, mittens, and other items easily accessible.

The inner pockets were perfect for toiletries and chargers, and the water-resistant zip ensured that even during rainy nights in the tent or setting my bag down on wet ground, my stuff remained dry.

I can't express how awesomely heavy-duty the construction of this bag is. The Ballistic 1680D polyamide material is extra densely woven, extremely durable, and abrasion-resistant. The Mega PU is extremely waterproof (the robust fabric with PU coating on the body of the bag is fantastic). Trust me when I say this water-repellent polyurethane will keep all your stowable items dry.

It also features a lockable zip for added functionality, just pack a padlock, and you can ensure your items are always perfectly safe if you leave them at the tent while you go on a hike. This is no average tote or rucksack, this unisex duffle bag is a must-have piece of gear for anyone who needs a more durable travel bag. I would say it compares closely to the Osprey Daylite duffle bag series, but Jack Wolfskin's version is waterproof and a bit more durable.

It comes in a few different sizes, the Expedition Trunk 30 is the smallest with a capacity of 30 liters, the Expedition Trunk 40 is the medium size with a 40-liter capacity, and the Jack Wolfskin Expedition Trunk 65 is the largest duffel bag, with a 64-liter capacity and wheels on one end for the option to roll it if you need to. Their return policy is within 60 days of purchase with original tags still attached.

Jack Wolfskin Lakeside Jacket

I also tested out the Lakeside jacket, which was honestly such an awesome item to have in some of the buggier national parks. It features Stormlock water-resistant and windproof construction, with Function 65 anti-mosquito UV, meaning it's mosquito-proof while also remaining super breathable and offering UV protection up to UPF 40+. The Biocide-free fabric protects against mosquito bites, and the abrasion-resistant organic cotton blend keeps this jacket stretchy and soft.

I wore this jacket nearly every day and had no issues with mosquitos, wind, or water. It's incredibly comfortable and breathable: I usually get very hot while hiking in jackets, but this one didn't feel stifling or like it was trapping my body heat. The oversized hood on the Lakeside jacket is awesome, I love when hoods are just a bit too large so I can wear a hat underneath without risking discomfort.

While my mom was eaten alive during much of our travels, this jacket kept me pretty bite-free (excluding my ankles and shins, but there's not much to be done there). It's softer and less noisy than a comparable jacket from the North Face, and the material is much more breathable. Plus, you don't have to treat this jacket with insecticide or consistently spray yourself, which is a HUGE plus if you're traveling in areas with tons of mosquitos and other pesky biting bugs. Honestly, I would say it's worth it just to keep the bugs off.

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