The US Army made duffel bags popular; they were designed to carry everything a soldier needed on his back. The duffel bag is now the carry-all for everyone from students to weekend travelers.

Today's duffel bags are different from the old green, canvas, and loading only from the top styles. Duffel bags now come in different styles, including the standby canvas duffel bag, the corporate duffel or business duffel bag, the sport duffel bag, travel duffel bags, and even a rolling duffel bag or wheeled duffel bag.

Besides the canvas duffel bag, you can get a leather duffel bag, print duffel bags, clearance duffel bags or duffel bag luggage. They also come in different sizes; you can buy a small, medium or large duffel bag. Duffel bags come in enough variety to meet almost any taste or function.

When choosing a duffel bag, consider these three issues:

1. Your personal style.
2. The required function of the duffel bag.
3. The amount of use the duffel bag will see.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find great looking duffel bags for business or pleasure

A camo canvas duffel bag is great if you are going hiking in the woods; however, it may not be suitable for that important business meeting. As with any kind of bag or luggage, look at yourself in the mirror as you try it on. Does it look good? Does it fit the mood of where you are going? Is it the right size?

I recommend: Wilsons Leather for the duffel bag that needs to look good in either canvas or real leather. L.L. Bean is great for duffel bags that need to look good on the outside and function well on the inside. For the corporate duffel bag or business duffel bag that you want to put your company's name on, check out TotallyDuffel Bags.com.

Choose a durable, tough duffel bag for outdoor needs

Hiking, camping and backpacking all require duffel bags that can withstand the abuse of traveling in rough terrain, and even the neglect that comes with sitting in the closet between trips. Size is very important for outdoor sport duffel bags; small bags are better for longer walking trips, and larger bags are great if you are driving or have someone to help haul in the gear.

I recommend: For the larger bags, try BigDuffles.com. They have bags up to 41 inches, some with rollers, and normally have them on sale at a two-for-one rate. For a wide variety and usually on-sale bags, try the Luggage Factory. Additionally, Bass Pro Shops has some very hardworking duffel bags.

Find the right duffel bag for quick and efficient everyday use

Duffel bags are a staple in many homes; either one partner or the other is on the road, children are carrying things back and forth to school, or college students need to haul their stuff from one class to another. Whether you're going through the woods, the airport, or the cafeteria line, duffel bags need to be quick and efficient in design. Find a bag that is easy to pack and will carry all the things you need. Make sure it can stand up to the use you need it for.

I recommend: For a heavy duty, carry-all and stylish duffel bag, try Backcountry.com or Hudson Trail Outfitters, Ltd..

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take care of your duffel bag if you wish to get full usage out of it. Washing plain canvas duffel bags in the washer is fine. For leather duffels, use mink oil or leather conditioner once per year, or more often if exposed to harsh weather.