Reviewed: Decathlon Simond 500 Extend 40-60L Duffel Bag

Whether it’s a backpack, a duffel, or something in between, we’re constantly looking for bags that fit our travel-centric lifestyle. Simond (formerly Forclaz) is a sub-brand under the Decathlon company. They aren’t a name that’s blown up in North America yet, but globally, they’re known for good gear at great prices, and they make a little of everything.

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Our Past Decathlon Products

We’ve had experience with a few Decathlon products already, all have offered impressive bang for the buck. This includes the Simond Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket and Simond Men’s MT500 Down Puffer Jacket, and the Quechua Men’s MH120 Hiking Fleece.

In addition, I’ve used a Decathlon Forclaz MT900 50+10 backpack for years. I took this pack to Iceland and nine other European countries, living out of it for weeks at a time. However, I was looking for something slightly different; a bag that might be a little bigger, possibly more weatherproof, and easily checkable on a plane. The folks at Decathlon had an idea and sent their Simond 500 40-60L Duffel Bag my way.

Part Duffel, Part Backpack

This isn’t just a duffel; it’s also a backpack. Much of our overland-esque adventures end up with some piece of luggage in the car rather than while hiking (we have day packs for that). So, I didn’t want another backpack. But a duffel with straps? This sounds like a great idea.

Waterproof?

The bag is marketed as fully waterproof, but there is no IP rating, unlike higher-end bags like the Ortlieb Duffel RS Series Bag we previously tested. The Simond’s fabric is coated so water stays on the surface. The zippers, however, feel more like standard zippers, not waterproof ones we’ve experienced on other bags. There is a flap that partially covers the zipper, but it doesn’t feel watertight. However, since I’m rarely putting soft-sided bags on a roof rack, and I’m not a rafter, this Simond bag should be waterproof enough for what I want to do with it, but I’m not about to submerge it.

The Simond 500 Extend 40-60L Duffel Bag’s Features

I always pack for trips using packing cubes, and you can easily cram lots of them into the Simond 500 Extend bag. Like truly waterproof bags, the ends fasten down to provide more protection from the elements and unlatch for packing. The main zipper is also lockable.

I love that the bag has multiple handles and can be picked up from nearly every side. Plus, it has backpack straps so it can be worn as such. For me, this is handy when moving the pack from the vehicle to the campsite or motel room, freeing up my hands to carry other things, and they don’t feel like an afterthought. You probably wouldn’t want to take it on a long backpacking trip, though, but that’s not what it’s designed for.

A Lot Going On

One thing about this bag: There’s a lot going on. Between the backpack straps, the multiple ways to adjust and compress the bag on its exterior, it can feel a bit messy. I’d love to see some elastic bands around some of these adjustment straps to keep the excess straps more organized. There are also a few unfinished bits of fabric around the main opening with lots of little strands.

FYI, the bag weighs 2.9 lbs. (1.27 kg) and includes a mesh storage bag to house it in when not in use. The dimensions are 21.7” long x 12.6″ wide x 15.7” high when in the 40 L configuration, and things grow a bit when expanded.

The Secret Weapon: Expandability

What if you go on a trip and buy more clothes or souvenirs? Don’t worry. This bag’s secret weapon is that it expands from 40L to 60L by pulling a zipper on each side. Additionally, exterior cinch straps help you keep things compressed.

I recently traveled with this pack from Oregon to Wisconsin and back, and took a couple of other trips, and really liked it. It’s easy to grab, simple to transport, and a cinch to pack. The ability to go from 40L to 60L is also a great feature. There are two zippered interior mesh pockets great for stowing keys, charging cords, or toiletries. There’s also a small exterior pocket for other items.

Very Versatile, Great Price

I’m super happy with the Decathlon Simond 500 Extend 40-60L Duffel Bag, and it’ll continue to be a regular part of my travels. If you’re looking for an exceptionally versatile, durable, easy-to-transport, and relatively inexpensive bag, give this one a look. It comes in three colors and has a retail price of $99.99.