Duffle Bag: A Must-have for Your Next Adventure

Duffle bags can be a very good companion for hiking and/or hunting trips. They are also easy to carry and can carry a range of items. A duffle bag has several chambers keeping different items. These bags are made using durable material so they can be used for a long time. These bags can be floated flat and can be closed using fasteners such as zippers. They can be stored with ease and are also called ‘kit bags’. 

How Are These Bags Useful?

If you ask why duffel bags are useful, probably eight times out of ten you will hear ‘travel’. We have seen duffel bags regularly being used for trips. Some of us have used these bags ourselves for trips. Despite vehemently being used for camping and hiking, there are other uses for a duffle bag in new zealand as well. Let us find out:

  • Travelling: We do not see duffel bags being carried in colleges or at work. They are tailor-made for travel. They are versatile and can be stored on flights, they are light and they have many pockets of various shapes for keeping items. Everything evolves and so do duffel bags. They were already easy to carry. Now it has become even easier with the addition of wheels and handles to these bags. 
  • Recreation: A hunting duffle bag can be a great way to carry gear such as rangefinders, tents, you name it. After a long week at work, it is only natural that we would look for a breather. There are many people whose hobbies include camping. These bags can be a big help as they have a lot of space and does away with the need of carrying additional bags. If someone is into sports, the duffel bags are more than enough for carrying sports equipment.
  • Gym: Duffle bags can carry pretty much everything, starting from clothes to shoes, towels, and more. The way these bags have been designed, they can be kept inside the gym lockers without any difficulty. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is duffle bag good for hiking? 

Yes, they are pretty good for hiking purposes. There are straps in the bag that will make carrying it easier and more comfortable. These bags boast of being spacious and can carry a range of items. They are so flexible that they can be folded to fit inside other, larger bags or containers. Materials such as canvas and ballistic nylon are common elements that are used in making duffle bags. Duffle bags can be good substitutes for backpacks.

What is the purpose of a duffel bag? 

A duffel bag has a range of uses such as a normal weekend getaway, a day at the beach, camping, swimming, you name it. These bags can also be washed without hassle and for some bags, instructions are also provided on how to maintain the same. These bags are also available in a range of sizes so you cannot go wrong with these bags. A waterproof bag in NZ is also very popular.

Should I travel with a duffel bag?

It depends on the user. Yes, these bags are very comfortable and durable. The materials that are used to make these bags will make sure that the bags can withstand rough use. You can make the most of waterproof bags as well. They can be folded to fit into lockers of gyms and swimming pools. If you do not mind spending a little extra money, you can reap more benefits.

Are duffel bags good for camping?

Yes, they are. However, be wary of the size of the tent. Sometimes, if you are carrying a large tent, you may need a larger bag to carry the same. It is not uncommon to use duffel bags for carrying tents and even other camping accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best duffle bag for NZ outdoor use?

For travel and general use, the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel 60L (RRP $249.99) is the top pick. For outdoor and hunting use, the Rab Expedition Kitbag II 80L (RRP $183.96) is the leading option. For value, the Dwights 60L Packable Duffle ($99.99) is hard to argue with.

What size duffle bag do I need?

For carry-on travel: 40L. For checked luggage and weekend trips: 60–90L. For tramping, hunting, or expedition gear: 80–120L. For car camping overflow or gear storage: 100L+.

Are duffle bags waterproof?

Most quality duffle bags are water-resistant (DWR-treated fabric handles rain and splashes) but not fully waterproof. For waterproof protection, the Overboard Pro-Sports Waterproof Duffel range is the specialist option at Dwights. The Dwights Packable range is water-resistant — suitable for most NZ conditions.

Are Eagle Creek duffle bags worth the price?

Yes, for frequent travellers. The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler construction quality, lifetime warranty, and practical clamshell opening mean they outlast several cheaper bags. For occasional use, the Dwights Packable range offers solid value at a fraction of the price.

Can I use a duffle bag for NZ tramping?

A duffle with backpack straps (like the Rab Expedition Kitbag II) works well for hut approaches and vehicle-to-camp transfers. For multi-day backcountry tramping with a full pack, a purpose-built hiking pack with a frame and hip belt is better for weight distribution.

Where can I buy duffle bags in NZ?

Dwights stocks a full range of duffle bags from Eagle Creek, Rab, Overboard, and the Dwights house brand. Browse at /collections/duffle-bags.