Humble and reliable, duffel bags are essential pieces of gear. Everyone has a duffel bag in their closet or garage, designated as their go-to luggage or carrier-of-all-things. But duffels are so much more than a piece of luggage. From first-time car campers glamping at a state park to multi-week outfitters trekking into remote hunting camps, duffel bags have become exceptionally versatile for storage and transportation.

But if you can’t think of another use for your duffel bag beyond the basics, we’re here to show you what they’re capable of. In this guide, we break down the many uses of duffel bags and their use-specific features, and we even list a few duffel bag styles ideal for heading into the outdoors.

The Many Uses of a Duffel Bag

Nearly everyone owns a duffel bag, maybe two or three. A universal design steeped in history, duffels have gotten us from Point A to Point B and have lent endless uses.

Uses like...

Commuting to work
Running errands around town
Taking short trips and weekend getaways
Flying with a carry-on luggage
Keeping workout gear and gym clothes
Gathering sports equipment and uniforms

And these are just common everyday uses for the average person.

But let’s take a closer look at how duffel bags are used in more unique applications—for instance, applications among those of us who spend lots of time outdoors:

Portable kitchen setup. Store cookware, stoves, utensils, a coffee kit and more.
Sleeping gear bag. Loosely store sleeping bags, pillows, pads, and more.
Field repair kit. Create a dedicated emergency kit for making repairs anywhere.
Vehicle repair kit. Tire pressure gauge, tool set, a jack, code reader, volt meter, etc.
Basecamp gear station. Organize all items designated to go to basecamp.
Scent-controlled storage. Store away soiled hunting clothes to keep odors discreet.
Fishing organization. Keep waders, rods, reels, and lures securely together.

Whatever application you choose, make the most of a duffel’s versatile, spacious interior with these duffel bag travel hacks.

What Makes a Duffel Bag So Versatile?

Duffel bags offer many advantages and features that make them extremely useful for outfitters, hunters, and campers. A convenient storage solution for carrying clothes, gear, accessories, and so much more, duffels are a tried-and-true classic for a reason.

But what duffel bag features are designed for the outdoors? Here’s a glimpse:

Water-resistant or waterproof materials. Think treated canvas, ripstop nylon, or tarpaulin.
Durable reinforcements. Heavy-duty stitching, rigid bottoms, and leather accents.
Multiple straps and carry options. Adjustable shoulder straps, handles, and backpack compatibility.
Extra organization systems. Separate internal compartments and external lash points.

Types of Duffel Bags (& Their Best Uses)

Duffel bag designs come in a variety of styles, shapes, sizes and materials. However, we’ll focus here on the types of duffels that outfitters, hunters, campers and other outdoor folk find most valuable – and how!

Weekender Duffels

Perfect for short getaways yet spacious enough for a few days' worth of clothes and essentials, weekender duffels are the traditional duffel bag style we all know. Light enough for a single person to carry, these duffels make excellent bags for overnight hunting trips and weekend camping adventures. Prepared homeowners also use weekender duffels as their emergency go bag, keeping supplies, first-aid kits, and survival gear at the ready in the event of a disaster.

Beckel’s War & Peace Duffel is a durable weekender bag that holds everything you need for a quick jaunt. Inspired by the iconic “war bag” duffel assigned to soldiers, this modern weekender bag is now loved by adventurists and outfitters everywhere, too. And, as an airline carry-on compliant bag, you can keep clothing and gear with you at all times, getting you off the plane faster so you can start your journey.

Peace & War Duffel Bag

The Peace and War bag is more than just a **duffel**; it's a testament to durability and versatility. Inspired by the iconic "war bag" used by soldiers to carry essentials, this modern interpretation is designed for the fighter in all of us.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or simply seeking a reliable everyday bag, the Peace and War Bag is ready to accompany you on your journey.

Overnight Duffels

Compact yet efficient, overnight duffel bags are ideal for single-night trips. Overnight duffels are also a nice-to-have addition to your weekend duffel. You can pack an overnight for smaller daily jaunts in the wilderness. Hunters can stuff an overnight duffel with lunch, ammo, and field dressing equipment, then head out to their hunting blind or tree stand until they find success.

Although small, overnight duffels should still offer features similar to those of a weekend duffel. However, for outfitters and campers, always look for durable features like reinforcements and sturdy handles—bonus points for organizational features like quick-access exterior pockets.

The Possibilities Bag makes a nice overnight duffel for gym clothes, a day at the beach, or as a carry-on for flights. While not as large and spacious as the weekender War & Peace Duffel, it is the largest under-seat size allowed for most airlines, meaning it could be your “Personal Item.”

The Possibilities Duffel Bag by Beckel Canvas

This smaller sized duffel bag is handy for a your gym clothes, a day at the beach, or carrying on to an airplane. Made from 20 oz. canvas, heavy duty 2" cotton webbing, and reinforced with leather. It's the largest size allowed as under seat luggage on most airlines.

Planning to Fly? It’s important to understand TSA Rules and Regulations surrounding Sporting and Camping Equipment as well as Firearms and Ammunition. Using overnight duffel bags as a carry-on is accepted for certain items – but restricted for others!

Hunting Duffels

Duffel bags can be very useful for hunters. Hunting duffel bags can protect gear, anything from arrows, ammunition, and smaller weapons. Some hunting duffel bags even offer features like water-resistant materials, quiet-operation zippers, external attachments, odor protection and scent-safe liners, and of course… camouflage (or, at least, disguisable earthy colors for stealth).

A good hunting duffel is also extremely durable and built tough for tossing into your truck bed or strapping onto pack horses. Sometimes, you’ll find a rigid bottom construction. You want to protect sensitive weapons and equipment, after all.

Note: Hunting duffels are not to be confused with game bags. Game bags are specifically built to preserve harvests and protect game meat from contamination. However, game bags can take a variety of shapes and styles, from duffel bags to bear bags you sling up into a tree.

Duffel Dry Bags

Canvas wall tent setup in a marshland during a duck hunting trip.

Dry bags offer a waterproof storage option for outfitters and river guides. Anglers and waterfowl hunters need to carry gear into basecamps, sometimes by boat, canoe, kayak, or raft – this is where duffel dry bags come in most handy! (Although they definitely have their place with traditional hunters, too.)

Made with waterproof materials like PVC or TPU and designed with welded seams (instead of stitched), duffel dry bags ensure watertight storage to protect gear from really harsh, wet conditions. Whether you’re paddling into a waterfowl hunting site or setting up a wall tent shelter in the dead of winter, a duffel dry bag might be what you need!

While Beckel doesn’t offer dry bags, but you can always organize belongings inside with smaller canvas bags like our Toiletry Bag and Possibilities Duffel.

Looking for true submersible dry bags? We recommend checking out reputable brands like Sea to Summit, Watershed, NRS, or YETI.

Duffel Bags: Versatile and Essential

We hope this article has provided you with some duffel bag inspiration. Use it as a resource to reflect on more versatile ideas and ways to make the most of them. And yes, them, as in plural. At Beckel, we believe you can never have too many duffel bags. So long as they’re constructed well, a duffel bag will protect your gear and last many years.

So whether you’re a professional outfitter guide, elk hunter, angler, or simple weekend car camper, a duffel bag will ensure reliable transport of all equipment and gear. Choose the duffel bag size for specific needs, and you’ll have everything within reach.

The Versatility of Duffel Bags: Practical Outdoor Uses and Beyond