The modest duffel bag, ah. Trying to evoke images of business people strolling along cobblestone alleyways, conversing about books, and debating the appropriate tannin content for wine. Or perhaps gym goers, service members, and rugged outdoor lovers.
Whatever impression duffle bags may evoke, the fun facts are that they’re a staple of the travel industry. People claim that duffel bags have been around since the 17th century.
Why Choose A Duffel Bag?
There are a variety of bags available nowadays that may be used to carry your belongings, including duffles, roller baggage, backpacks, messenger bags, and combinations of all of the above. So why go for a duffel bag?
1. The Best Travel Bag Is A Duffle Bag
In essence, you put your laptop and other “daily important” items into the smaller bag like a daypack or a laptop bag, while your clothing and other supplies go in the larger one, often the duffle.
You may choose a duffel and backpack that go well together because some manufacturers create their bags with the two-bag travel idea in mind.
2. Duffles Make Great Road Trip Bags
Duffle bags are good at squashing—at least, most are. They stack rather readily when you throw them on top of one another. That means they’re pretty good at fitting into the odd spaces left over after you’ve packed your car with everything you’ll need for an epic, big-screen-worthy road trip.
Additionally, duffle bags for women can hold a lot without much hassle, allowing you to worry less about packing wisely and instead enjoy the breeze in your hair – metaphorically or literally.
3. Duffles are Easy
A duffel bag will be your best friend if you have a lot of things and no time to organize them. Place your folded clothing in the primary bucket, close everything up, and you’re ready to leave.
4. Duffles can look professional
A business meeting might be challenging to attend while wearing a backpack and being dressed professionally. Duffle bags often look a little more professional.
What to Consider Before You Buy
We genuinely think there is no such thing as the travel pro. However, you should consider a few essential points to pick the ideal travel duffle for you.
1. Your Use Case
Your use case will significantly influence the type of duffle you should use. Before considering any other criteria, ask yourself why you want a duffel bag and what you want to use it for. This factor is affected by all the others.
Everyday use cases examples:
- Weekend trips
- Long term travel
- Business travel
- Beach tote
- Gym bag
- Everyday carry bag
A more durable duffel is also required if you enjoy the outdoors or adventure.
2. The Material
You often notice a number followed by the letter D while looking at fabrics (50D, 250D, 1000D, etc.). The D stands for denier, which quantifies the thickness and weight of the cloth.
Within a given fabric family, the denier scale tends to increase with fabric durability while decreasing weight. It should be noted that deniers won’t be of much use when contrasting two distinct types of materials because they all have intrinsic advantages (nylon is more vital than polyester, for example).
But as a benchmark, it performs well. For a good reason, nylon is one of the most popular synthetic materials.
It succeeds in being flexible, strong, and light. Nylon is practically a catch-all phrase these days. Nylon’s overall strength, weight, abrasion resistance, and weather resistance are influenced by its weaves, stitching techniques, and deniers.
3. The Zippers
Now let’s talk about zippers. Zippers have a significant role despite being so tiny. Think about packing your bag with your belongings just before you head to the airport when suddenly, there is a thunderclap, and the zipper on the main compartment breaks.
Zippers range from one (small) to 10 in size (large). For outside pockets, #5 and more oversized zippers should be enough for smaller duffles; however, larger duffles likely require something more durable. For interior pockets or less used ones, smaller sizes are acceptable.
4. Mode of carrying
Traditionally, duffle bags have two ways to be carried: cross-body through a shoulder strap and briefcase-style via top handles. You will undoubtedly need a shoulder strap if your use case requires any amount of walking or even standing while carrying your duffel for extended periods.
The choice of a rolling duffle is the last one. Just be aware that they’re a great alternative if you’re unable to or don’t want to carry your bags on your shoulder.
There is no such thing as THE ideal duffle bag for every scenario, so keep that in mind before you spread your wings and take off.
