Let’s say you’ve got a big vacation coming up. In a last-minute frenzy, you’re piling everything you might possibly need into a giant “To-Pack” pile on your bed. You dash into the closet and reflexively reach for the handle of that ol’ trusty suitcase before considering the heap of clothing and toiletries amassing on your bed. You hesitate, wondering whether everything will fit inside, and give a glance to your suitcase’s awkward Belgian cousin, the duffel bag. (Yes, it was invented in Belgium.)
Choosing between a duffel bag and a suitcase for an upcoming trip can be a tough predicament. Once you pass a certain threshold of belongings you plan to pack, some larger luggage options come into play. Do you want the forgiving flexibility of a duffel bag squished in the back of a car? Do you need something to withstand a careless toss into an airplane’s hold? Here are some pros and cons to consider.
Duffel Bag
Pros
The biggest thing the duffel bag has going for it is its size. Though duffel bags come in many sizes, they tend to dwell in a realm of larger capacities than do suitcases. As such, they tend to be a go-to if you’re packing a lot and don’t have to worry too much about protection for what you’re packing.
Another great benefit of the duffel bag is that it’s easy to shove into any similarly-sized nook or cranny of a vehicle. A little room in the trunk? It’ll fit. Decide to fold a seat? It’ll fit. Notice some extra floor space? It’ll fit. The squishy, flexible nature of the bag makes it very forgiving when you’re packing up the last of your belongings. Just don’t push too hard!
If you prefer to travel high in the sky, another benefit of duffel bags is that they’re almost always lighter than suitcases. If you’re pushing that 50-pound limit, a few extra pounds saved by choosing the lightweight material of the duffel bag over a hard or soft shell suitcase may save you a lot of frustration.
Cons
For most people, the biggest disadvantage of duffel bags is that they tend to be less protective than most suitcases. Whereas you can pack your laptop or tablet in a sturdy suitcase without a second thought, you may hesitate to do the same with a duffel bag. They may be easier to fit in tight spots, but that’s because they squish, potentially squishing valuable belongings inside. If you can wrap your electronics in some cushioning clothes, though, they tend to be protected enough for most journeys.
One inconvenient factor that comes into play with most duffel bags is that you usually have to carry them with a handle or shoulder strap. This can get a bit fatiguing if you’ve packed a lot or have to walk through larger airports. Some nicer duffel bags are designed with a lightweight bottom structure containing wheels and a telescopic handle at either end, making them a bit easier to lug around. In other cases, though, you may be shelling out a few coins for an airport luggage trolley.
Suitcase
Pros
Ah, the suitcase: the king of luggage. The most obvious advantage of this standard piece of baggage is that, on average, it’s more protective than the duffel bag. There are some differences in protection between hard shell vs. soft shell suitcases, but both types give a little more peace of mind when you’re travelling with anything fragile.
Today it’s standard for suitcases to come with wheels. Though most people have a preference for inline vs. spinner wheels, both options tend to be much easier than lugging around an unwieldy duffel bag via shoulder strap. If you have back pain or other joint issues, you may want to save your body some wear and tear. Grab a suitcase with wheels. (Or, as mentioned above, you can try to find a duffel bag with wheels.)
Cons
The trade off for the suitcase’s extra protection is its extra weight. All of those heaver materials and extra components can add up, leading to several extra pounds over a duffel bag of similar volume. This may only cost a few cents in gas if you’re travelling by car, but at the airport you may find yourself shelling out a few Hamiltons in overweight baggage fees. (Or tossing out an old pair of shoes!)
With great structure comes great inflexibility. If your duffel bag appears to be a little too big for the overhead bin, you can usually squeeze it in anyway. Not so with a more rigid suitcase! If it’s too big, it’s too big. A flight attendant may have to check your bag, which is a huge bummer when the plane is taking off and you realize you left your neck pillow inside. Of course, most soft-shell suitcases do have a little bit of give, but you’ll only be able to squish a few extra inches at most.
Winner: Both!
Whether you want a duffel bag or a suitcase really comes down the details of how you’re travelling, how much you’re packing, and whether you’re packing any valuables. Duffel bags tend to work well for trips with large packing lists and low-risk environments. Suitcases are great for flying or extra protection for your valuables. Take your pick!