Advancing to Adventure

By Alex Minicozzi 

When I first heard about the Voortrekka Cape duffle bag, I could just tell it was a unique product. The sleek, simple, rugged and functional design will immediately catch anyone’s attention. Like everyone, over the years I’ve owned many duffle bags, from cheap nylon sacks to branded sporting bags, and the one thing they all have in common is chaos. Clothes tumbling all over the place, muddy boots ruining your fresh pair of undies, all while reaching for anything is a tug of war with a sea of fabric. It can be one of the most irritating parts of camping. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one who thought this, as Steve, the owner and one half of the two minds behind this bag put it, “We wanted to fix the black hole that is a duffle bag.” And that is exactly what they have done. 

Design and build 

The name of the brand, Voortrekka, is a play on the Afrikaans word ‘Voortrekker’ (meaning ‘pioneer’ or ‘those who trek ahead’). The company’s tagline is ‘Advancing to Adventure’, and this bag could not hold truer to that statement. Right off the bat, the Cape exudes quality. The outer shell is built from rugged 900D polyester canvas with a PVC lining, designed to shrug off rain, dirt mud and rough surfaces; it even floats if you ever find yourself in a sinking situation. It is built for exactly the kind of punishment Aussie landscapes dish out. The base is double layered for extra protection, meaning it isn’t scared of wet ground or sharp stones. 

This bag isn’t about flashy materials, its built to be used, it feels honest and ready for quite literally anything. My first impression left me a bit confused; I was expecting a rather large compartmentalised bag. Instead, I received a flat package. Opening it up I was starting to see what I needed to do with each of the dividers for the bag, and watching Steve’s video on the setup removed any confusion after that. It was then that I realised the genius of the product. The dividers can be set up incredibly easily, and the draw string bag it arrives in can then be used as a dirty laundry bag. It is this versatility and attention to the customers’ needs that sets the Cape apart from other luggage options. If you’re someone who appreciates gear with substance over marketing fluff, this bag delivers on that promise. 

Organisation that works 

The real gamechanger with the Cape is its internal design. It’s modular down to the last detail, with removable dividers that let you configure the space you need. Additionally, the Velcro-attached pouches for toiletries and essentials are genius in their simplicity, pull one out at a rest stop, grab what you need, and clip it back without unpacking and messing up the whole bag. 

But my favourite feature, and something I never knew I needed until I used it, is the dedicated waterproof shoe compartment. Dirty boots and sandy thongs have no business touching clean gear, and on trips where the weather turned or trails got muddy, this alone justifies a purchase. It’s easy to slip your muddy gear into a sealed section and know it’s contained.  

Access and everyday use 

Some extra features that I really enjoyed were the lid, which has a strap that loops around the back of a car seat, letting you transform your back seat into a wardrobe, and the seat belt loops that secured the bag for rough rides. Having the lid stay open its incredibly helpful, as it allows you to rummage around without making a mess and just keeping everything very easily accessible.  

With a 71L capacity (about 55cm x 35cm x 35cm), it is plenty big enough for multi-day trips. With my experience, with I believe you can comfortably undertake a five- to six-day adventure with this bag, but if your strict with your packing and don’t mind reusing clothes, this could be stretched out to a bit more than a week. With that said, when its fully packed, it doesn’t scream ‘big heavy bag’. It is surprisingly manageable for its size, especially with its reinforced straps and handles and vehicle-focused uses.  

Price and value 

At a retail price of around $290, the Cape isn’t cheap and for good reason. This is an investment, rather than a disposable purchase. The materials, thoughtful layout, and rugged reliability suggest this bag will go the distance if treated well. For someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, on road trips or moving gear in and out of vehicles or campsites, this feels like a bag that is absolutely worth the price; pay once and be sorted forever.  

Wrapping up 

In a world of bags that either lack organisation or fall apart after a few trips, the Cape stands out, not because it’s flashy, but because it genuinely solves problems you run into as an adventurer. It’s not perfect for every scenario, but it’s exceptionally good for what it’s designed to do: keep your gear sorted, protected and accessible when you really need it. If you’re planning regular trips, whether it’s coastal weekends, bush camping or longer road adventures, this bag is definitely meant for those who advance to adventure. You can buy one online at voortrekka.com.au