There are a plethora of day packs, backpacking rigs and dry bags out there for hauling your stuff around, but there isn't anything quite like the humble duffle. Hard working, unassuming and up for just about anything, the duffle bag dates all the way back to 17th century Belgium, where the first cylindrical versions were crafted out of thick, wool-like material.
Fast-forward a few hundred years, and while the duffle has seen advancements in materials, hardware and functionality, the general shape has stayed the same. While on the surface the packing method of a duffle may seem simplistic (throw everything in and hope for the best), there are a few key strategies to make the most of your favorite catch-all.
What follows is my personal method of packing a duffle, honed over multiple decades, hundreds of camping trips and much trial and error. While there are specific tips for more streamlined packing, how you organize your bag is ultimately a subjective endeavor. If you have a method you prefer, I welcome your input in the comments.
Packing the Duffle Bag for Camping, the Right Way
The recipe for maintaining organization in the cavernous black hole that is the inside of the duffle bag requires a dash of forethought and a pinch of discipline. Equal parts organization and segmentation will help you make the most of your efforts.
Step 1: Bulky items in first
Think about it: You don't want to be digging around looking for your headlamp, having to pull out everything you own, only to discover it at the bottom of your bag. Placing bulky items like your hiking boots, camp shoes, sleeping bag or extra pair of pants will help set a strong foundational layer.
Step 2: Make use of packing cubes
Do packing cubes actually help when it comes to saving space? They certainly help corral loose items, but unless they are specifically compression packing cubes, they don't necessarily enable you to pack more. If you want to pack multiple weeks' worth of clothing into your duffle, make sure you are shopping for compression packing cubes.
However, if you're simply going away for a weekend camping trip, standard packing cubes are great for organization. I use multiple colors and sizes to keep track of various products. I group my socks and undergarments, t-shirts and thin layers, shorts and then small accessories like headlamps, extra batteries and a deck of cards in their own individual cubes. Pro tip: Bring an extra, empty cube for dirty clothing.
Step 3: Layer essential items on top
I like to leave a midlayer or rain shell — depending on the weather — outside of the packing cubes and on its own at the top of my duffle. I leave my pajamas on top as well. By separating them from my bottom, bulky layer, I can easily access them on the go. (This is especially helpful on road trips that run late into the night, when you want to make a quick change into comfy clothes). As with backpacking, leaving the items that you're most likely to access on top will streamline your experience (and prevent the classic duffle dump-out).
Step 4: Make use of external pockets
In my experience, external pockets can quickly turn into un-organized catch-alls for items I'm too lazy to put back in their proper place. However, if you use them intentionally, they can help maintain order and simplicity. I like to use my external pockets for my dopp kit, hard goods like binoculars, a book or extra pairs of sunglasses, or as a storage area for dirty clothing, if I'm short on packing cubes.
Step 5: Maintain your packing technique
Packing your duffle is one thing — keeping it organized is another. When using packing cubes, I always make sure to use the same color for the same items; for example, an orange cube for my t-shirts and light layers. By associating a specific color with a certain item or category, you can make packing and using your duffle more intuitive.
As noted above, if you start slipping and stuffing dirty socks in pockets and loose t-shirts in the main compartment, the state of your duffle will deteriorate rapidly. Take the extra few minutes when you're changing or accessing items to put what you've used already away carefully. By putting in this extra effort on the front end, you will save yourself time and stress in the long run.
A Few of My Favorite Duffles
Filson's reputation is one staked on long-lasting quality, and this handsome duffle bag is no exception. I've taken this bag to the mountains, the desert and everywhere in between, and it still looks (and performs) like the first time.
One of the most popular duffle bags of all time, the Patagonia Black Hole sets the standard for a waterproof, durable and easy-to-clean bag that's ready for any adventure.
Matador made a name for itself by crafting convenient, packable and efficient bags and packs, and the Freefly is an excellent example of the brand's ethos. It has enough room for a weekend's worth of clothes, and packs down small enough to fit into my backpack when not in use.
