Duffle Bags

A duffle bag is a cylindrical travel bag made of canvas or coated fabric, secured with a long zip and carried by hand, over the shoulder, or like a backpack. Without a rigid structure, it folds when empty, fits in the hold, and is suitable for both weekends and the gym.

What sets a duffle bag apart from a regular travel bag

The shape. The duffle maintains a tubular body and an opening that runs the whole length: you load it flat, see everything at a glance, and nothing gets stuck at the bottom. The duffle bags from the army and navy have retained this logic of a bag that you fill while standing. The second difference is flexibility: when empty, it rolls up and stores away, while a suitcase remains bulky all year round.

Choosing the size and carrying option of your duffle bag

Two questions are enough: how many nights, and how long will the bag stay on your shoulder? For a round trip, a small shoulder bag fits everywhere. For a week or sports gear, look for removable backpack straps; they make a big difference in a metro corridor or on a platform. The litre capacity is listed on the manufacturer's sheet, and a duffle bag advertised at the same volume as a suitcase offers more usable space due to the lack of a shell and stiff lining.

Materials and waterproofing of sports duffle bags

A waterproof duffle bag is recognised not by its label but by its construction: welded PVC or TPU rather than sewn, with a roll-top closure and tightening buckles. A waterproof duffle bag of this type can be rinsed with clean water after a muddy outing. Water-resistant zips with a flap can withstand rain and splashes, but not immersion.

• Welded fabric rather than sewn: stitching is a water entry point.
• Roll-top closure, several turns before clipping the buckles.
• Reinforced bottom, the bag can be placed on the wet floor of a locker room.
• Compression straps; a poorly filled duffle bag deforms and rolls badly.