Whether you are a sports enthusiast or an avid traveler, a duffel bag is a must-have in your luggage collection. However, there are a number of factors to consider before you purchase one. This article will provide you with all the information you need to find the perfect bag for your needs.
Origins
Originally, the duffel bag was a cylindrical bag closed with a drawstring. It was used by the American and British soldiers to carry clothing and equipment. During the Second World War, the design was improved by Wonder bags. The military forces converted the duffel bag into a more user-friendly design.
The word “duffel” originates from the town of Duffel in Belgium. The town is located in Flanders, near Antwerp. During the seventeenth century, the town was known for producing thick cloth. The fabric was distributed throughout Europe.
The name of the duffel bag is derived from the thick material it is made from. The cloth was heavy when wet, so it was suited for carrying merchandise. The cloth was also durable.
After the war, the tubular duffel bag became popular with sailors. In addition to the tubular bag, the military also used other styles. The army issued larger versions of the duffel bag to GIs upon enrollment. They were made from olive cotton canvas or waxed cotton canvas. They were cheaper and lighter than the cloth.
The tubular duffel bag also gained popularity among surfers. It became popular in the 1960s. Young male surfers wore canvas bags to store their gear.
The original duffle bag was made from thick woollen cloth, similar to denim. The drawstring was a brass eyelet. The material was strong enough to carry large amounts of merchandise, and was easily folded into a small space.
Durability
Whether you’re looking for a travel duffel or a duffel bag for everyday use, you want to find a product that’s going to hold up to your adventures. The best durable duffels feature heavy duty materials and durable hardware, like a double canvas layer on the base. You also want to make sure that the bag is equipped with a roll-top closure, which eliminates the worry of the zippers breaking.
The most durable duffel bags will be made from a heavyweight nylon fabric. These bags will feature a water-resistant outer material and may even have laminate to prevent moisture from seeping into the bag. These bags are also made with compression straps, which can make them easier to carry as a backpack.
The best duffel bag will also be constructed from full-grain leather, which will develop a rich patina with age. This is a great quality because it will retain the densest top layer of the hide.
The best duffels will also have well-made handles that don’t end up ripping off. The best handle designs are ones that wrap around your body and aren’t dead-end stitched to the top of the bag. This is because the stitches will eventually rip.
You’ll also want to make sure that the seams are tightly woven. The best way to inspect this is to turn the bag inside out. Loose threads are a red flag and unintentional pleats are a sure sign that something is amiss.
Packability
Whether you’re a backpacker or a frequent flyer, a packable duffel bag can be a useful accessory. They’re not only easy to carry and easy to store, but they can also be used as an “just in case” bag.
The most obvious function of a packable duffel is the ability to compress as small as possible. Some models have self-stowing features, while others have lots of pockets. Most of them don’t have a whole lot of organizational features.
A good packable duffel bag is made of waterproof fabric, so it will hold up to rain. You can find them in a range of sizes, from 6L to 150L+. Some even have a carry-on sized version.
A nice feature of a packable duffle is the water resistant zippers. Some have a pass-through, which allows you to attach your bag to the handles of a trolley.
A good quality packable duffel should have a decent back panel. You may want to look for one with air channels, padding, or a padded shoulder strap.
Another nice feature is the fact that most duffles have a squishy feature, so they can be squeezed into tight spaces. This is great for getting into overhead bins or cramming items into a tiny backpack.
A really good packable duffel can be folded into a tiny pouch and stored in a larger bag when not in use. Some models even have built-in self-storage pockets.
Colors
Getting a branded duffel bag can be a little daunting. A well designed bag can serve as an everyday carry or even a souvenir to last a lifetime. Taking the time to shop around will give you the best deals on the hottest bags. Whether it’s a fancy laptop bag, a sports bag, or a backpack, we can help you get your hands on the perfect luggage for the occasion. We’re experts at creating and customizing duffel bags of all sizes and colors. Our team of experts is committed to providing you with the highest quality bags at the best prices.
In addition to the obvious color schemes, we offer a variety of design options to suit your every need. We can also custom create a logo or message to personalize your duffel bag. With over 25 years in the business, you can trust that our products will stand the test of time. In the end, you’ll be left with a high quality bag that you can be proud to show off. Whether you’re looking for a corporate giveaway or a fun way to reward your employees for a job well done, we’re sure to have a solution for you. If you’re a business owner in search of a way to reward your employees, consider a duffel bag. Or, if you’re just looking for an inexpensive travel gift for the person in your life who has everything, take a look at our selection of travel accessories.
Sizes
Whether you want a bag for your trip or for the gym, there are a variety of sizes of duffel bags to choose from. These durable, lightweight bags offer space for all your necessities.
Several models of duffels on this list can fit into an overhead compartment on a plane. They also have a strap that you can wrap around your shoulder for ease of transportation. They are also easier to pack than suitcases. This makes them a better choice for many types of travel.
Several duffels on this list are also waterproof. This can make them an ideal option for camping trips or picnics in the park. These models come with thick waterproof fabrics, watertight zippers, and roll tops. However, only a small number of bags provide a high level of protection.
The Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Duffel is a durable neoprene bag with a tapered shape. It features padded shoulder straps and a mesh pouch. Its detachable shoulder strap allows for easy packing. The duffel is also equipped with a key leash.
The Gonex Canvas Duffel Bag is a classic-looking design. It has a padded shoulder strap and a detachable handle. It also has a plethora of exterior pockets for smaller items.
The YETI Panga is another example of a fully waterproof duffel. It is made with laminated high-density nylon and has a waterproof zipper. This is a heavy bag, though.
Straps
Adding luggage straps to a duffel bag is a great way to keep your gear from sliding around in your bag during transit. Luggage straps are adjustable and can secure multiple pieces of luggage together. They are also useful for frequent layovers.
These types of straps are available in several different colors and can be engraved with your own personal information. They are designed to work with suitcases that are between 20 inches and 28 inches. They can be purchased as sets of two or four.
When choosing the right straps, make sure they are long enough to reach the wheels of your bag. Some of the shorter straps may be too short to fit the longer ends of a duffel. A good length for handle straps is 48-60 inches.
After you’ve cut your piece, make sure you have enough to sew both ends. A small seam allowance will help you fix any excess length. Then, sew the ends of the strap down solidly. You can use a larger seam allowance to fix any excess length in the side or bottom edge.
After you’ve bound the pieces, you can slip in a plastic piece to make it more sturdy. You can use a variety of materials for your padding, such as an old blanket or quilt batting.
Some of the more expensive duffels on the market have shoulder straps. These are convenient because you can carry your bag with one hand while still being able to carry your other belongings.
