Backpacks vs. Duffel Bags | Advantages and Disadvantages of Your Travel Companions
To take a backpack or a duffel bag on your next trip? Are you one of many who are looking for new luggage, but you don’t know what kind of luggage to choose? With so many different varieties available, it is not always easy to determine what is best for a particular trip.
Backpacks and duffel bags are two popular choices, but there are some significant differences between them. Unfortunately, for many types of holidays, it can be wrong and frustrating to make the wrong choice.
In today’s article, we will take a look at the differences between backpacks and duffel bags, Backpacks vs Duffel Bags that will hopefully help you to make the right choice before purchase.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Backpacks
There are numerous online retailers like the Got Briefcases that have a rich assortment of different travel bags and at first glance, every single bag looks perfect for your needs. When it comes to backpacks, there are certain pluses and minuses that you need to know before making the purchase. Let’s go into the details of Backpacks vs Duffel Bags.
Security
Depending on the model and type of backpack, your ability to secure it varies between “little” and “not at all.” Having lockable zippers for the main compartment should be a requirement, and the outer locks should also be lockable if possible.
Of course, you don’t want thieves to steal anything inside the bag, and you also don’t want anyone slipping unwanted items inside. Locked zippers will not stop thieves from stealing things in the bag if they want to.
When there are half a dozen other bags to choose from on the market, this safety method should be something you need to pay special attention to and never picked the unsafe one.
You also have the opportunity to use a flexible metal cage such as Pacsafe for increased safety, but they are relatively expensive, heavy, and bulky to wear. When it comes to versatility, it is difficult to hit a backpack.
Stairs and coarse surfaces are not a problem, as long as your body is up to challenge and you don’t get too tired, you should easily be able to carry a good backpack for a mile or two.
If your trip will never move away from smooth sidewalks, a rolling suitcase is more comfortable. For other types of travel, however, a backpack provides more flexibility and less hassle. A good suitcase will contain a zippered cover or a case for the straps and harness so that you can avoid damage during transportation.
Capacity and packaging
Backpacks are available in almost any size, but you are limited by what you can carry. It helps you stay true to what is essential, which is not a bad thing. Due to their shape and limited openings, backpacks are more complicated.
Durability
A well-made backpack will survive most things that a trip needs to go through. Dirt, dust, and careless luggage are some problems. As long as you buy a bag of water-resistant, durable material, the contents should be dry even during relatively large showers.
If the backpack itself is not waterproof, there will be however potential problems when it starts to pour. Many backpacks come a rain cover, or it’s possible to buy one that fits. These extend on everything except the belt, which means that when the weather is terrible you can continue to carry the package easily.
Besides the zip, a few things break most of the backpacks. Always look for high-quality YKK zippers and thick nylon or cloth outer fabric to make it last a long time.
Flexibility: It is good to be able to use a piece of luggage for several purposes. Being able to participate in a trip to Vietnam for several days or take a Scandinavia Tour with the same luggage that you loaded into the cabin at home is very convenient.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Duffel Bags
Safety
As backpacks, many duffel bags are not very safe. Again, when shopping for this kind of bag, look for models with lockable zippers. If you can’t find one, put a padlock or tie between the zippers as an uninteresting option. Also, beware of these outer pockets.
Transport
If you have to throw a lot of material in a weatherproof bag and carry it over relatively short distances, a duffel bag is perfect. For sports trips or diving, for example, there is no better option. For more general tips, however, they are not an excellent choice. Most duffel bags become painful to wear in a few minutes, whether you use handles or braces.
In recent years, manufacturers have introduced “suitcases” in the mix. These are suitcases with wheels and a grafted handle on the back. Although this makes the bag more comfortable to carry, it is even more massive and less comfortable than a backpack for most trips, unless you have very bulky equipment.
Capacity and packaging
The size and shape of duffel bags are hardly limited. It is easy to find anything to carry in it over 200 liters (12,000 + cubic inches). The equipment you wear will help you determine the capacity you need.
While most duffel bags are cylindrical, a flat base and a rectangular shape can pack more material in the same space. Soft-sided Duffel Bags will lose their shape when they are less than two-thirds full, which makes them more challenging to wear.
Durability
A well-made duffel is usually very durable, especially if it has a zipper and straps or other accessories for quality. Look for waterproof materials and heavily supported handles and straps that can support the bag’s weight even when it is full. Here you go now you know everything about Backpacks vs Duffel Bags.
