How to Choose the Ideal Duffel Bag

Duffel bags have been around since the 17th century, and they were big cylindrical bags closed at the top with a zipper. But since then, they have developed a lot, and now every large bag made of thick fabric is named a duffel bag. It got its name after Duffel, a town in Belgium where it originates from. They gained popularity during WWII when they got longer, wider, and more convenient to carry a heavier load.

The Army and the Navy made it popular, and over time, people started wearing it because it was fashionable, stylish and a bag worth investing in. Today, it’s very versatile, and people use it on various occasions. They carry it around when they go to the gym, on a camping trip, on vacation, or to work. It has many purposes, and we don’t see it leaving the fashion world anytime soon.

Types of Duffel Bags

Barrel Duffel

This one is the classic that everyone knows. It’s barrel-shaped, made of cloth and has short and long handles. There are two variations of it. The first one has an opening at the top that closes in a drawstring style. The military uses it a lot because it’s spacious and can fit large equipment. The second one has a zipper on the side. Barrel duffel bags are available in canvas and woven polyester with a plastic backing. Both of these barrel duffel versions are one-compartment bags. Because of this, things inside the bag can get scattered, making it challenging to unpack them.

Squared Duffel

This duffel bag has a rectangular design and a side zipper. The ends of this bag usually have separate zippered sections that keep the luggage neat while you travel. These bags are typically made of woven polyester with a stiffer plastic backing. Many of them have plastic-covered wire piping around the rim to add strength and stability. Law enforcement officers often use these squared duffel bags because many of them are fitted with foam cushioning and inserts for guns and ammo.

Wheeled Duffel

The wheeled type is the third most common one. The bottoms of many of these wheeled bags are incredibly rigid. They also have a bigger opening thanks to a U-shaped zipper on the top side. This practical duffel bag typically has the most compartments, and some can even be extended to become even larger. This duffel is popular among travellers who need to carry their luggage on foot often because the bag’s built-in wheels on the bottom make it easier to move.

What to Consider When Buying

You should consider a few things when buying a duffel bag for you. Nowadays, there are a lot of choices when it comes to materials, compartments, straps and styles, so it may be hard to make the proper decision.

Materials

Duffel bags need to be durable because they go through a rough journey every time. They get thrown around a lot in planes, at the gym or when you go on your weekend getaway. Every material has to be strong, heavy and dense.

Nylon

Nylon is most frequently used because it’s durable and lightweight. It can have different weaves and unique sewing patterns. One of the best things about nylon is its weather and abrasion resistance. This means no wet clothing and no scratches when it hits the ground. Ballistic nylon is the strongest of them all, and it’s great for adventurous people that want a durable bag to pass on to the next generation. Ripstop nylon can prevent punctures from spreading and ruining the bag completely, plus it’s lightweight.

Polyester

Polyester, another standard synthetic fabric, is a little less durable, a little heavier, and a little less expensive than nylon. It’s commonly found in low-cost duffel bags. It’s not an awful fabric, but it’s not one of our favourites for duffle bags, especially if your trips will put a lot of strain on your bag.

Canvas

Canvas is traditionally made from cotton, linen, or hemp and then waxed to make it waterproof. Nylon and polyester canvas are also available right now. It’s not as popular as it once was because it’s thick and can get damaged fast. A canvas duffle, on the other hand, has a timeless appeal. It can be worth sacrificing some comfort if you’re into that historical vibe.

Indoor Organization

You can use a duffle bag for many purposes. Some bags are entirely disorganised, while others have dozens of pockets and partitions. Think about where will you travel? What will you carry? Is it just clothing or some toiletries as well? Will it be your only luggage? When you answer these questions, you’ll know how many pockets and compartments you need.

Size and Weight

Duffel bags can vary in size a lot. They can go from 6l up to 150l, and it all depends on you and your needs. For example, if you’re going on an average trip, a 50-60l bag will be okay. If you’re carrying heavy equipment, a +100l bag will suffice. Length and width depend on the manufacturer because every company has its measurement for their duffel bag. Always go for the most lightweight bag that is most durable. This way, you’ll be comfortable carrying it around in your hand or on your shoulders.

Mode of Carrying

The traditional way to carry a duffel bag is like a briefcase, with two handles at the top, and a crossbody, with one long strap. If you need to walk or stand in one place for a long time, a shoulder strap would be better. It would be great if the strap is padded; this way, it won’t irritate your skin or cause rashes and pain if the bag is heavy.

Some duffle bags have something similar to backpack straps, but they tend to be uncomfortable when carrying a lot of weight. The final choice is the rolling duffel. They are great if you don’t want to carry a lot of weight on your shoulders. It’s easy to maneuver, and there are usually handles, so you can also carry it around like a regular bag.

In Summary

Duffel bags are convenient and pretty, and you can use them for many purposes. Always opt for high-quality materials so they can last for a long time. There isn’t one bag that will fit everyone’s needs, but the good thing is that there are many choices, so you can have the one that suits YOU best.