With airlines restrictions on carry-on bags becoming more obscure by the second, a sturdy and reliable duffel bag will likely become a necessary accessory the moment we’re finally in a post-pandemic world. Useful for weekend getaways, trips to the gym or field, or longer-term escapes, purchasing one of the best duffel bags for men is an absolute necessity. Historically, duffel bags were mostly used by the military — originally created using coarse woolen cloths, with the name originating from a town in Flanders, Belgium. The earliest duffel bags used rope enclosures and were unbearably heavy when wet. Following World War II the waxed-canvas bags became ubiquitous in Europe and the United States, with non-Army personnel often snagging them as hand-me-downs or in surplus stores. By the '70s and 80’s, the more cylindrical duffel bags began to be used in civilian settings and started appearing in less drab color palettes and lighter-weight materials, eventually garnering usage by athletes with heavy equipment. In more contemporary settings, these barrel-shaped satchels have become important for both utilitarian functionality and as aesthetic statements. Making sure you stay stylish while on-the-go is essential, we’ve curated a list of the best weekenders and duffel bags we could find on the internet.
From the Fred Perry Classic Barrel Bag ($105) as a stylish and practical option you can use for any and everything, to a technical option like the Porter-Yoshida & Co. Force Waist Bags ($259), these bags not only serve you well, but pair exceptionally well with your gym clothes, suits, and blazers.
