A Guide to Choosing the Best Duffle Bag for Travel
2023-07-28
Travelers have found that having the right luggage is very helpful when packing for trips. Travel duffle bags are among the most popular bags available because of their versatility, spaciousness, and ease of use among the many types of bags available. Duffle bags can be the ultimate travel companion, whether you are planning a short weekend getaway or an international journey. In this guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when selecting the best weekend travel duffle bag for your travel needs.
What Are the Benefits of a Travel Duffle Bag?
Nowadays, there are so many ways to haul your stuff around. These include roller luggage, backpacks, messenger bags, duffle bags, and even bags that are some combination of all of those things. So why should you choose a duffle bag over the rest?
- Duffles are ideal for two bag travel
The term two-bag travel refers to traveling with two bags, which can be used in a variety of ways—a backpack and duffle, duffle and roller luggage, or duffle and duffle. (Really, it doesn't need to involve a duffle at all, but this is a guide about duffle bags, so we'll ignore all the other options.)
The larger bag (usually a duffle bag) holds clothes and other gear and the smaller one holds a laptop and other "day-to-day essentials" (like a daypack or laptop bag).
There are some companies that make bags with the double bag system in mind. It means choosing a duffle bag and backpack that complement each other.
- Duffles are great for road trips
Almost every duffle bag squashes. This means they're suitable for tucking into random nooks and crannies that remain after you've packed your car full of everything you'll need. You can throw them on top of each other pretty easily too. Plus,travel duffle bags can hold a lot without much fuss, so you can enjoy the wind in your hair rather than worrying about optimal packing.
- Duffles are Easy
Travel duffle bags are ideal if you have a lot of stuff and don't have the patience to organize it. Simply throw your unfolded clothes into the main bucket, zip it up, and you're done.
What to Consider Before Buying a Travel Duffle Bag?
We strongly believe that there is no perfect travel duffle, as we said earlier. However, there are some key considerations to consider when choosing the ideal travel duffle for you. You will be reminded of these considerations throughout this guide, so keep an eye out for them.
- The use case
Choosing the right duffle bag depends heavily on your use case. Determine why you want one and what you'll use it for before considering other factors.
Examples of common use cases:
- Weekend trips
- Business travel
- Long term travel
- Gym bag
- Beach tote
- Everyday carry bag
- Materials & Durability
Airlines have time restrictions. You can be sure the luggage will be thrown around inside the plane and, if you're honest, you'll probably not be so gentle with them either. Buy something that lasts.
In addition, if you plan to take your travel duffle bag on weekend excursions to the city within a few hours' driving distance, you'll need a more durable duffle.
Consider the following features of a duffle bag when choosing one that can handle anything you plan to throw at it.
- The Fabric
A fabric's fabric number will usually be followed by the letter D (50D, 250D, 1000D, etc.). It is the denier that measures the thickness and weight of fabric (actually, it is a little more complicated than that, but that's the general idea).
Generally, fabrics with a higher density are more durable, but heavier. You can't use denim to compare two different types of fabric, since each has its own strengths (nylon, for example, is stronger than polyester). However, it can be used as a benchmark.
- The zippers
Considering that zippers are so small, they are extremely useful. Imagine throwing your stuff in your duffle minutes before you need to leave for the airport when—surprise—thunder booms and the zipper breaks in your main compartment. As a matter of fact, a broken zipper on a duffle bag isn't as heartbreaking as a broken zipper on a backpack. This is because the zipper is usually placed at the top. That said, it is still a big disappointment and inconvenience.
- Interior organization
Depending on your needs, duffle bags come in various sizes and shapes. They can have zero organization, as well as many pockets and compartments. Would you prefer to use your duffle as more of a gear hauler, storing clothes and toiletries in it and organizing everything else in a backpack? The amount of organization you need depends on your answers to those questions.
- Size & Weight
You can find travel duffle bags in nearly all categories below, with sizes ranging from 6L to 150L+. It isn't an ideal idea to bring a 6L duffle on a three-week trip to Egypt (or anywhere for that matter) unless you are extremely minimalistic.
For travel, we tend to use duffle bags between 30L and 45L with the occasional 50L or 55L thrown in. This is when we need a bag to hold gear. Generally, if you pack more than 45L, you are outside the carry-on compliance range. Of course, your mileage may vary.
Some people carry large bags on domestic flights. On the other hand, international airlines typically have smaller baggage allowances and stricter weight and size restrictions.
When it comes to weight, we prefer the lightest duffle bag that doesn't compromise durability since duffles aren't designed to distribute the load evenly between your shoulders and hips.
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