There’s no perfect travel bag out there, but modern travel duffel bags are sturdy, versatile, and user-friendly enough to make an amazing alternative to the bulky and stiff suitcase. However, since classic duffels can weigh travelers down lightning fast while on long trips, some of the best duffle bags for travel these days come with premium features such as wheels and telescopic handles to turn any extra weight into a non-issue. Plus, the sleek design and quality materials of most modern duffle bags make them a much pleasant travel companion than their classic counterparts.
But why is a duffel bag sometimes more convenient than a suitcase? Here are the top reasons.
Even though suitcases come packed with more compartments and organizational features than duffle bags, the latter are incredibly more user-friendly than the former. Duffel bags are the best travel bags especially for inexperienced packers that don’t know all the tidbits of packing like a pro (yet). Plus, because duffels are made of more flexible materials than suitcases, they make great containers for oddly shaped items like shoes, toys, and sports gear.
Duffle bags for travel are also structurally less rigid than suitcases, especially than hard cases, which means that they are more forgiving in terms of organization and packing options than their traditional counterparts. A duffel bag for travel is a great option when you are in a hurry and just need to fill it with your essentials without giving much thought about organization.
Also, travel duffels without a frame are roomier than most suitcases, which allows you to pack more gear; but if you’re after more luggage real estate, pick a rectangular duffle bag with a stiff base instead of a cylindrical one. You’ll notice the difference.
Because they lack all the bells and whistle of a suitcase, travel duffle bags are usually lighter. Even the ones with a frame or the oversized ones are usually lighter than the conventional travel luggage.
Travel duffle bags are more versatile than suitcases because they can be used in more scenarios with little to no hassle. Since they are so simple and flexible, duffle bags are great for outings than don’t require a suitcase, such as weekend getaways and short road trips. Also, because you don’t need to roll it around, a classic duffle bag makes the perfect travel companion to those destinations that are packed with lots of stairs, cobblestone, sand, grass, or elevator-less accommodation facilities (yes those DO exist). What’s more, duffel bags for travel are great carry-ons, unless you overpack and they can no longer fit in the overhead compartment.
And last but not least, a travel duffel bag is usually cheaper than its same-sized suitcase counterpart. The lower price, however, doesn’t mean that the manufacturer has cut some corners to make it more affordable. It just means that this type of bag doesn’t solicit the same amount of materials for its construction and hardware as a suitcase does.