I am forever a team carry-on only traveler. The hassle of stopping at the baggage carousel is something I try to avoid unless I have a long international trip. So one way to maximize my space is by using a spacious duffel that still fits as a personal item. Having taken 3 international trips (and plenty of local weekend trips) with my MZ Wallace Nik duffel, I can say that it is a winner for both style and function. See below for my MZ Wallace Nik review: what it can fit, and features I love most about this bag.
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MZ Wallace Nik Duffel Review: Exterior Compartments
When I am going through airport security, I like being able to reach for my most important items easily. One of my favorite components of the Nik is the two spacious front pockets. In fact, I am probably guilty of stuffing too many items in there.
Other details I love about this bag:
- There is a luggage sleeve in the back that works as a deep pocket if you choose to zip it up instead.
- Two side slots for carrying a water bottle, umbrella, sunglasses, etc.
This bag can feel cumbersome to carry if you overpack it, so that is when I enjoy stacking it on top of my suitcase using the luggage sleeve.
Classic vs Lacquer Style: Which One to Choose
The Nik comes in MZ Wallace’s classic colors (Black, Magnet, and Dawn) year-round, but it is also offered in a few seasonal colors throughout the year. I personally love their ‘lacquer’ design more because the special coating adds to this duffel’s water-resistance. Nothing like traveling with a bag that is weather-proof for some extra peace of mind!
Another key difference is the slipperiness. With their classic fabric, I sometimes struggle with the shoulder straps feeling too slippery. However, I found it to be less of an issue with the lacquer material.
See both the Black and metallic lacquer style on me here.
MZ Wallace Nik Review: Interior Compartments
As much as I love the functional exterior of the Nik, the interior is just as thoughtfully designed. On work trips, I love using this duffel as a laptop bag and the inner sleeve fits devices up to 16″.
As with most MZ Wallace bags, the Nik also comes with a detachable pouch. I don’t really use this one because I find the material to be too flimsy. However, I sometimes detach them and use them as an organizer for other bags.
What Fits Inside My MZ Wallace Nik Duffel Bag
This duffel makes the perfect day-trip bag. For bigger trips, I like to bring this one somewhat empty and then use it to tote back souvenirs and goodies. At its full capacity, here is what it looks like inside.
MZ Wallace Nik vs Travel Jimmy
The Travel Jimmy is a wonderful duffel that I have also traveled with. However, it is a touch larger (both in length and width) than the Nik. It also has a large slot pocket in the front, as opposed to two zippered ones. Depending on how strict your airline is, they may require this bag to be put in the overhead compartment. Based on the feedback of others who own both, the consensus is that the Nik is the more versatile bag for work, travel, and workouts.
See them both linked below (Travel Jimmy – Left | Nik – Right).
Chose the Travel Jimmy for something slightly more minimalistic. (With fewer compartments, at least you’re not left guessing which pocket you left your keys in)
I am styling here the Travel Jimmy (Magnet color) with Athleta’s Pranayama Wrap sweater.
Other MZ Wallace Reviews to Check Out
In case you didn’t know, I am a huge fan of MZ Wallace bags and have written several other reviews that you can check out below!
