Headed on a trip? Not sure if you should pack a duffel bag or a suitcase? The choice might seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes, it all comes down to your travel style and destination.

But how do you choose which is right for you between these two luggage options? This article compares the pros and cons of using each during your travels, whether to hop on a flight or hit the road on a camping trip.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Duffel Bag vs. Suitcase

Duffel Bags vs. Suitcases Durability and Flexibility

Suitcases typically offer a hard-shell or soft-shell design, which provides better impact resistance. For some travelers, this rigidity works to their advantage, especially when making the journey with delicate items. Airport baggage handlers work fast to load cargo and may not have your sensitive goods in mind when tossing luggage into a plane, and a suitcase offers protection. However, the disadvantage of this shell-like design is that it makes them heavier and less compactthan duffel bags.

Duffel bags might lack the shell-like structure of a traditional suitcase, but they make up for it in other ways. Duffels, especially those made with thick canvas materials and stitching reinforcements, are far more durable than most, lighter than a suitcase and easier to compress. With their more flexible construction and material, duffel bags can compress inside tight spaces like the trunk of your car or a truckbed and an overhead bin on an airplane. And that’s when it’s filled. When not in use, fold it upand keep it in a drawer at home.

Duffel Bags vs. Suitcases: Portability and Carry-on Friendly

Wheels on a suitcase allow you to transport heavy loads through airports and walkways easily. However, those same wheels make them far less useful on uneven or rocky terrain. For this, the duffel bag wins – hands down!

Duffel bags made with strong cotton webbing handles and adjustable shoulder straps make carrying your luggage to and fro comfortable and easy. And without wheels, your duffel bag can compress even deeper into that overhead compartment.

Speaking of carry-ons… suitcases are not always ideal for carry-on luggage. You can find smaller suitcases that meet the size requirements of a carry-on, but not always. Besides, they are generally bulkier and harder to stow away, whereas a duffel bag can work as a personal or carry-on—just something to consider.

Duffel Bags vs. Suitcases: Style & Versatility

Suitcases can look rather sleek and are the go-to luggage for a more professional and polished look. However, as mentioned above, some features make it less versatile (wheels, for example) and adaptable to various types of travel.

On the other hand, duffel bags have a history of a time-honored, rugged style all their own. Perfect for anyone from car campers to outfitters to sales reps, a leather or canvas duffel bag offers an aesthetic fit for casual adventures and business travel.

In addition, while suitcases offer dividers, straps, and compartments for organizing, they need to be opened and laid flat to access your clothes and personal items. That’s great if you have a luggage rack or extra space to throw the suitcase and leave it open. But if not? A duffel bag excels at offering ease of access. Open a single zipper to get to its spacious interior and your belongings are right in front of you!

Are you afraid of that spacious duffel interior becoming a black hole where you can’t find anything? Need to pack toiletries for a camping trip? While most duffel bags lack an interior compartment, Life inTents canvas duffels offer side pockets as well as smaller canvas duffels to fit inside. Organize with compression sacks and a Dopp-style kit canvas toiletry bag.

So… Duffel Bag vs. Suitcase: Which Travel Gear is Best?

Duffel bags and suitcases each offer their unique advantages and disadvantages. Some features are better suited for certain situations, while other features might feel like a wash. Ultimately, the choice is yours. But here’s the takeaway:

Suitcases are probably more ideal if you prefer a rigid, protective structure as you head out on long journeys and international trips. Wheels help you zip over smooth streets and through airport terminals, and their hard casing can protect fragile souvenirs from being knocked about. However, they can be awkward and cumbersome if you are a more adventurous traveler. You might even stick out like a sore thumb in some tourist destinations.

Duffel bags, however, shouldn’t be disregarded. A high-quality canvas duffel bag offers exceptional durability, versatility, and easy access. With the right storage accessories and duffel bag travel hacks, duffels can organize and protect personal items and be stowed away inside overhead bins, under seats and camp cots. They’re also perfect for those who prefer to travel light and minimally.

The Advantages of Life inTents Duffel Bags

Not all duffels are made alike. While some cheaper duffels can withstand a season of use, at best, others are designed with materials and features made to last – like the duffel bags we sell here at Life inTents. Handcrafted in the USA by Beckel Canvas Products, the Weekend “War and Peace” Duffel Bag is a reliable and durable travel companion.

Here’s what we mean:

• Extreme Durability: Made from 20oz (White) & 18oz (Olive, Navy, Black) heavy-duty canvas, ensuring long-lasting performance, along with black leather reinforcements for added strength.
• Versatile Carrying Options: Our LiT duffel features a comfortable grip and hands-free carrying options thanks to strong cotton webbing handles and a removable and adjustable shoulder strap. Weighing less than a suitcase, the lightweight design also reduces strain when carrying.
• Convenient & Quick Access: Durable YKK zippers offer a smooth glide and a wide 46-liter interior. Open and close your bag without laying it flat, unlike a suitcase.
• Flexible & Space-Saving: The canvas’ soft construction allows you to fit the duffel into tight spaces like car trunks, overhead bins, or under camp cots. Plus, it can be compressed when not in use, making storage easier compared to bulky suitcases.
• Carry-On Friendly: Our duffels are designed to meet most airline carry-on size requirements, making travel hassle-free.
• Stylish & Timeless Design: The canvas material and colors offer a rugged yet sophisticated look with black leather accents, making it suitable for both casual and business travel.

Beyond Travel: More Ways to Use Duffel Bags

Looking for more ways you can use a duffel bag? They have countless uses – not just for camping trips or travel. Here are more creative and practical ways to use a duffel bag:

• Weekend getaways and road trips
• Camping trips and outdoor adventures
• Boat cruises and fishing trips
• Work/commute bag
• Gym bag or yoga bag
• Sports equipment bag
• Overnight bag
• Photography gear bag
• Gear bag for tools and equipment
• Emergency Go Bag
• Baby essentials bag
• Pet travel bag
• Beach bag
• Seasonal storage

Final Thoughts

So which did you decide? Do you have a favorite means of travel when carrying your gear and personal items? Let us know in the comments!