duffels

A duffel bag, commonly referred to as a duffel, is a large, cylindrical travel bag designed for carrying clothing, gear, and equipment. The term derives from Duffel, a town in Belgium where a heavy woolen cloth called duffel cloth was produced; bags made from that material came to be known as duffel bags. In plural, “duffels” can refer to multiple bags.

Duffels are typically made from heavy-duty fabrics such as canvas, nylon, or polyester; leather variants exist for fashion or durability. Most have a cylindrical shape with a top closure—historically a drawstring, modern models use zippers or a combination. Features often include reinforced handles, an adjustable shoulder strap, sometimes a detachable crossbody strap, and a protective base. Some models use a U-shaped zipper opening for easier access, and may include interior or exterior pockets.

Sizes range from small gym bags around 20–40 liters to large travel duffels above 60–100 liters. Designs include non-wheeled duffels, rolling duffels with wheels, and convertible styles that can be carried by hand or worn as a backpack. Common uses include gym workouts, weekend trips, business travel, and military or expedition gear. The term is also used in fashion to describe certain leather or canvas bags.

Care and considerations: many duffels are easy to wipe clean and water-resistant but not fully waterproof unless specially treated. Look for durable seams, a robust zipper, and a floor panel if you anticipate rough use. A single main compartment can be less organized than multi-pocket bags, but duffels generally offer high capacity and simple access.