10 Different Types Of Duffle Bags Designs
A duffle bag evokes images of military personnel, gym rats, rugged outdoor enthusiasts, or business folks carrying on their day’s work. Irrespective of the image it brings to your mind, duffle bags undoubtedly have emerged as the staple of the travel world with their packability, versatility, and overall simplicity. Maybe this is why these bags can be traced back to the 17th century, and still these duffle bags come in handy while rendering for the travel packing hacks that every traveler of this century rely on. But with time, manufacturers have made the classic duffle more dynamic with increased variations in terms of design, fabric choices, functionalities, and more. However, a single duffle won’t fit the bill for everyone, so we have compiled an entire guide to help you find the duffle bag that works best for you.
Originally, duffel bags had a cylindrical shape and was made of cloth. They featured a drawstring closure at the top but it is currently used to describe a variant of soft-sided bags, also referred to as a ‘weekender.’ As per most sources, duffel bags get their nomenclature from a Belgian town called Duffel where thick duffel cloth was used in the mid-17th century to make the bags. Coming to modern times, duffel bags have found usage in fields of sports, travel, hunting, gym, and business.
Duffle Decoded: Unraveling the Multitude of Baggage Styles
- Round/Barrel Duffel Bags
- Squared Duffel Bags
- Rolling Duffel Bags
- Backpack Duffel Bags
- Cooler Duffel Bags
- Brand Name Duffel Bags
- Waterproof Duffel Bags
- Custom Duffel Bags
- Vintage Duffel Bags
- Military Duffel Bags
1. Round/Barrel Duffel Bags
These bags resemble the logs you put in your fireplace. The compact shape bags feature a long zipper running from one end to another. Being extremely lightweight, you can carry these bags along to the gym or game sessions.
When to carry : Gym or play on a sports team
Size : 40 cm to 90 cm
Material : Canvas, Leather, Polyester, Cotton Fabric
Website to buy : Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Poshmark, Etsy
Price : From $18 Up to $300
2. Squared Duffel Bags
These tough and rugged bags are accompanied by a gusset or frame inside which imparts their structure. They are comparatively more durable than other bags. If you are planning on going for a hike, then the squared duffel bag can serve as your ideal ally.
When to carry : Going on an epic hike through the mountains.
Size : 42 cm to 152 cm
Material : Polyester, Nylon, Leather, Canvas
Website to buy : Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Etsy
Price : From $15 Up to $230
3. Rolling Duffel Bags
Pack your things inside a wheeled or rolling duffel bag whose wheels can be collapsed if you wish to carry them by the handle. These bags can be the perfect choice if you are going for a weekend getaway.
When to carry : Catching a plane for a weekend getaway
Size : 40 cm to 102 cm
Material : Leather, Nylon, Polyester, PVC, Mesh
Website to buy : Amazon, Target, Macys, Kohls, Walmart, Etsy
Price : From $60 Up to $435
4. Backpack Duffel Bags
These Backpack Duffel Bags are characterized by a long carrying strap that sits crossbody while carrying the bogs. You can also get these bags with two straps. These are best for the military, students, and people using public transportation.
When to carry : Excellent for students, the military, and people who use public transportation to get to work.
Size : 30 cm to 85 cm
Material : Nylon, Polyester, TPU, Leather, Canvas, Cotton
Website to buy : Amazon, Walmart, Zappos, Etsy, Patagonia, Target
Price : From $36 Up To $160
5. Cooler Duffel Bags
These bags are made from soft fabric like canvas or polyester. If you are planning an impromptu picnic in the park or want to carry your lunch in something bigger, then these bags can serve as your ideal choice.
When to carry : Planning an impromptu picnic in the park, or if you just want something bigger to use to carry your lunch every day.
Size : 23 cm to 57 cm
Material : Polyester, Polyurethane, Nylon, Synthetic
Website to buy : Amazon, Walmart, Target, Etsy, eBay
Price : From $25 Up To $350
6. Brand Name Duffel Bags
Renowned brands like Patagonia, YETI, Nike, and Adidas have their line of duffels. The USP of these bags lie in an “it” factor it offers which can’t be seen in their generic peers. Though these bags are expensive, they can be worth the money if you use them frequently.
When to carry : More expensive, but can be worth the splurge if you use your bags frequently.
Size : 28 cm to 160 cm
Material : Polyester, Canvas, Nylon, PVC, Leather, Cotton
Website to buy : Amazon, Adidas, Walmart, Kohls, eBay, Poshmark
Price : From $30 Up To $264
7. Waterproof Duffel Bags
Pack your things inside a waterproof duffel bag if you plan on visiting the beach, going camping, or braving some white-water rapids. These bags are made of vinyl or rubber and can withstand even the most extreme splash zones.
When to carry : Plan on going camping near a lake, visiting the beach, or braving some white water rapids
Size : 50 cm to 90 cm
Material : Polyester, PVC, Nylon, Polyurethane, TPU
Website to buy : Amazon, Walmart, Yeti, eBay, Kohls
Price : From $25 Up To $250
8. Custom Duffel Bags
If you are looking to gift something special to your loved one, then you can get a custom duffel bag. These bags often feature a company logo, funny message, cool photo, or monogram.
When to carry : Custom duffel bag is still an excellent gift. This is especially true if you’re looking for something special for your bridal party, or corporate gifts for your employees around the holidays.
Size : 40 cm to 80 cm
Material : Nylon, Polyester, PVC, Canvas
Website to buy : Amazon, Etsy, Kohls, Walmart
Price : From $30 Up To $170
9. Vintage Duffel Bags
Be it for traveling or everyday use, the vintage duffel bags can serve as your perfect ‘over-the-shoulder’ companion. These cylindrical bags feature a 17th-century design and are preferred for their ease of access and excellent storage capacity.
When to carry : Weekend trip, traveling or outdoor adventures, suitable as hand-luggage on most airlines
Size : 43 cm to 85 cm
Material : Canvas, Grain leather, Genuine Leather
Website to buy : Etsy, eBay, Amazon, Poshmark, Walmart
Price : From $50 Up To $660
10. Military Duffel Bags
While these bags resemble ordinary duffel bags, their USP lies in the heavy-duty construction which can help you get through the toughest of terrains and adverse weather conditions. These bags feature extra reinforced zippers and multiple compartments for keeping all your items neatly organized.
When to carry : For Army, military, outdoor survival, base camping,
Size : 81 cm to 143 cm
Material : Cotton Canvas Material, Polyester, Nylon
Website to buy : Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Etsy
Price : From $30 Up To $100
Most Popular Duffle Bags For Men and Women:
Material Choices
Duffel bags come in different shapes and sizes. Some of the common materials they are made of are canvas, nylon, polyester, leather, cotton, PVC, recycled plastic, and vinyl. Since these bags are thrown around a lot, it is best to invest in durable pieces which can withstand wear and tear. While selecting a fabric, you will have to take a look at its number followed by the letter D, which measures the weight and thickness of the fabric.
Nylon is the most common synthetic fabric which has gained accolades for its durability, softness, and lightweight. The two most common variants of nylon are ballistic nylon and ripstop nylon.
Polyester is a popular synthetic fabric that is heavier but less durable than nylon. This is why polyester can popularly be seen on budget duffle bags.
If you love the heritage look, then you can get a leather duffle bag. However, pure leather duffle bags aren’t very common because of the high maintenance requirements and weight. This is why you will see duffle bags with leather accents like straps, zipper pulls, and logo tags.
Advantages of Duffel Bags
- The duffel bags are pretty roomy making them the preferred choice for travelers carrying bulky gear.
- These bags are highly flexible unlike a rigid suitcase so that you can squish multiple items. You can fold these unstructured bags neatly for easy storage.
- The duffle bags are often made from water-resistant materials so that you can carry them along even in adverse weather conditions.
- Versatile design of duffle bags makes them useful for more than just traveling.
Disadvantages
- Their unstructured build makes the duffle bags less durable than a suitcase.
- Carrying fragile items can be dangerous as these bags aren’t very protective and the items might be easily damaged.
- The duffle bags get filled up quickly without leaving much room for extras.
- These bags are more difficult to secure as they don’t feature built-in locks like suitcases.
- The duffle bags with padded shoulder straps are ideal for being carried over short distances. But a wheeled suitcase or backpack is better if your trip involves a lot of trekking.
- Irrespective of how neatly you fold your clothes, it can be a tricky affair keeping your duffel bag organized. Things tend to shuffle around while you are on the move.
Tips to pack a Duffle bag?
- Everything in your duffle bag might get unfolded the minute your rummage around. That’s why it’s advisable to roll your clothes and other utilities neatly in a packing cube.
- Our shoes are dirty and we don’t want them mingling with our clothes. You can either place them in a different compartment or at the bottom of your bag with the packing cubes either on top of or next to them.
- Toiletries can be packed in a single toiletry bag and placed at the top of your duffle bag for easy access.
- All your important paperwork including boarding pass, passport, etc. can be placed in an easy-to-access outer pocket.
- Fragile items can be packed between clothes while things like belts and sunglasses can be packed in your shoes to save space.
- Since backpacks tend to get bulky, you should make it a point not to overpack.
- While packing, place bulky items like camera bags, laptops, etc at the bottom if you don’t immediately need them.
- It can be a nightmare to zip and unzip your duffel bag if it’s loaded at the top. You should leave some room at the top so that you don’t have to struggle with the zipper.
How Do You Choose a Duffel Bag?
- Choose them in durable materials like canvas and polyester so that they can last the test of time. You should read the product description to understand which material is used for making your duffel bag. While shopping online, this information can be seen on the manufacturer’s website.
- Get them with pockets and compartments so that you can organize your items neatly. At the same time, it should be roomy enough to store everything.
- Duffle bags can either have a shoulder strap or crossbody design. But if you are planning on walking or standing for prolonged periods wearing the duffle bag, then it’s better to get one having a shoulder strap.
- Torn handles of a duffle bag can be your worst nightmare. You should double-check the handles so that they can carry all the items inside.
- You can get the duffle bags in a variety of sizes ranging from 6L to 150L+. The one you choose depends on the length of your trip. The standard size for a duffel bag is about 17” wide, 22” high, and 10” deep.
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- The small ones are between 25L-40L and are ideal for being carried to work, the gym, or for packing your lunch.
- The medium ones are between 40L-70L and are ideal for being carried to road trips, sports games, and practices and for carrying laundry to machines.
- The large ones are more than 70L and are best for military personnel, air travel, and while going hiking or camping.
- If you have been requiring a back massage while carrying the duffel bag every time, then you need to get a more comfortable one. The ideal duffel bag is one that you will barely notice on your shoulders.
- Storage space tends getting filled up fast and thus it pays to invest in a foldable duffel bag. Thus, you can put it away when not in use.
- Last but not least, getting a duffel bag in a cool graphic design, bright color or unusual shape can serve as a fun reflection of your personality.
Conclusion
The comparison between duffel bags and suitcases has been an ongoing one. But it is best to have one of each in your arsenal so that you can stay covered whether going for a month-long trip to the Bahamas or a simple road trip.
