I Can't Lie, Calpak's Viral Luka Duffel Is Absolutely Worth the Hype

When solidifying my 2025 travel plans, I realized that my current carry-on set-up was no longer going to cut it. Although at heart I'm an overpacker who can frequently be spotted lugging a checked bag that's almost as tall as I am, life sans baggage claim is undoubtedly easier. After springing for new carry-on luggage, it was time to upgrade to a sleek new personal item. Enter: The Calpak Luka Duffel, which has not only come personally recommended by countless friends and colleagues, but has been flooding my FYP. Calpak Luka DuffelWithout being dramatic, from this point on, I will refuse to go out of town without this bag. After using it for a few trips, it's undeniably a game-changer. Read on for all the deets you need to know before snagging your own—because you're definitely going to want to!First impressionsThe second that tracking number hit my email, I immediately turned to TikTok to engage in my guilty pleasure: packing videos. Specifically, Luka Duffel packing videos so I could see exactly what kind of space I would be working with. After conducting this very serious research, I was most excited to test the shoe compartment and luggage sleeve. Not to mention, from seeing the sheer amount people were able to stash in this bag, I was convinced that it was going to change my life—in terms of travel, that is.CalpakI'm not gonna lie: When I first opened the package, I was a little nervous that the standard bag wasn't as big as I was anticipating. Calpak offers the Luka in both a standard and a large size. Per the brand, the standard works as a personal item that slides under the seat on most airplanes, while the large is best used as a carry-on for overhead compartments or a weekender for road trips. In addition to the bevy of pockets and aforementioned luggage sleeve, both come with a detachable crossbody strap. I was slightly concerned that I had been led astray in my quest for the perfect personal item—until I actually packed my shiny new Luka and was gobsmacked by everything I was able to fit inside. The packing processMadison McGee for CosmopolitanBelieve me when I tell you that this is the most compact and easy to use luggage combo I've EVER tried.Armed with nine compartments, this bag truly exemplifies that old-school saying, "There's a place for everything and everything in its place." I thought I was an organized traveler before (I've never met a packing cube I didn't like), but this bag kicks it up a notch. The packing experience is even easier with this bag, since the puffy design gives it enough structure to stand up on its own. I'm kissing all of those floppy, black hole duffels goodbye after packing with this. Is the shoe compartment worth the hype?Madison McGee for CosmopolitanMy Hoka Clifton 9s sitting pretty in the shoe compartment—with room to spare on the sides!As a member of the big feet club, my shoes usually take up more space in my luggage than I'd like. To my delight, I was able to fit not only my Hokas, but a pair of thin sandals in this section, which meant I had plenty of space left in my suitcase for extra clothes (that I inevitably never ended up wearing, of course). Although the shoe pocket does take up space in the interior of the bag when filled, I was still able to squeeze in two hardcover emotional support books, my jewelry case, my makeup bag, a toiletry pouch, a compression packing cube, and a pouch with my chargers and tech gear in the main section—with room to spare. Plus, if you don't need to use the shoe compartment, you can roll it up and secure it with the button snap to free up tons of space!Wait, will my laptop fit? If there's one thing that feels a tad overlooked in the design of this duffel, it would be the lack of a dedicated padded laptop sleeve. If I'm being completely honest, I would be willing to crown it the world's most perfect travel bag if Calpak had included a cushy pocket to keep my computer safe. That being said, there is an interior pocket that runs the length of the bag that easily fit both my 13-inch MacBook Pro and my 11-inch iPad. Because the pocket isn't padded, I slipped both devices into a case to keep my tech protected, but the whole shebang fit with ease. There's also an exterior front zipper pocket that my laptop fits inside, although I wouldn't recommend putting a computer in there without some form of protective sleeve. What about the other pockets? Madison McGee for CosmopolitanEverything I was able to fit in my Luka duffel, with plenty of room to spare. I didn’t even need to use every pocket because I simply wasn’t packing enough stuff to fill them all!Madison McGee for CosmopolitanI normally test the limits of every zippered bag I’ve ever had, but the Luka zipped seamlessly.If you were paying attention, I mentioned that this bag has a whopping nine pockets—and if you pack 'em wisely, you can truly maximize every last inch of space.First up, there's an exterior side pocket that could fit a small water bottle—my 40 oz Owala was too big for it, but I found myself tucking my phone in it for easy access that still felt secure. There's also an interior compartment that could fit a larger water bottle, although my bag was a little too full for my massive Owala to make the cut. (Note to self: Maybe start traveling with a smaller water bottle?)The interior also includes a mesh zippered pocket (great for keys, a lip gloss, or your AirPods) and several medium-sized pockets to keep essentials secure, like a Kindle, a wallet, or a passport. My personal favorite though? The hidden zippered pocket on the luggage sleeve, which runs the entire height of the sleeve and is deceptively large. Just note that if this pocket is too full, it does make sliding the bag off of your luggage a bit tricky. How did it hold up while traveling?Madison McGee for CosmopolitanBehold: The luggage sleeve holding up like a dream while navigating the subway.Honestly, like a dream—thank you for asking. If you've ever had to take the subway with multiple pieces of luggage, then you likely know how much of a struggle it can be. While traveling in NYC, you typically have to walk to the subway, lug all of your stuff down the steps, and navigate a transfer or two en route to the train station or the airport—and let me tell you, it's rarely fun. (Throwback to the time I quite literally contemplated leaving my tote on New York's bustling 1st Avenue during my pre-Luka days last summer because it wouldn't stop sliding off of my arm.)That being said, this bag performed impeccably. The walk from my apartment to the subway? Seamless, thanks to the luggage sleeve, which allowed the bag to sit securely on top of my carry-on. I've tried to fake this effect by looping my tote's straps around the suitcase handle and now that I have a duffel with this sleeve, I will NEVER be going back. When I needed to push my way through the subway turnstiles, I was able to slide the bag off my suitcase and slip it onto my shoulder using the crossbody strap without holding up the line behind me. And once I got to Penn Station, the sleeve made it easy to wheel my way around without having to carry the duffel on my shoulder, whether I was in line at Starbucks or sprinting to my track.While the duffel didn't fit under the seat on the Amtrak I was taking (most bags and backpacks don't!), I've seen plenty of proof via social media that it does indeed slip neatly under the seat on pretty much any plane. I'm planning to fly with it this summer and will have no qualms about using it as my personal item. Best of all—it's SO easy to clean. I've long been a fan of the way puffy bags like this are easy to wipe down, and the Luka is no exception. Per Calpak, it's scratch- and water-resistant and my bag still looks good as new after traveling with it twice. Is the Calpak Luka Duffel worth the hype? Absolutely! With my calendar filling up with everything from weddings to bachelorettes to long weekends away from the city when I need to actually touch grass, there's no chance I'm boarding a plane or train without this baby any time soon. If you're someone who likes to hit the gym before the office (or vice versa!), this would be a fabulous bag to use thanks to the shoe compartment. Not only was I impressed by the amount of storage space and thoughtful pocket design and placement, but the luggage sleeve levels it up from any standard duffle on the market. I'm honestly considering snagging the large version to use as a weekender for road trips.

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