Duffel Bag with Backpack Straps

As airlines start charging more and more for checked bags, the way of the rolling suitcase is on its decline and a new trend is starting to emerge. The duffel bag is becoming one of the most popular luggage options and with good reason.

Most will fit in overhead bins or qualify for plane side check-in, if you do need to check the bag, you won’t have a heavy frame with wheels adding extra weight and potentially costing you more, and Duffel Bag with Backpack Straps are just so easy to use.

With more people switching to duffel bags, innovations have started to be produced by luggage and bag manufacturing companies. One of the most common innovations is that of the backpack straps on the duffel bags themselves. It’s the best of both worlds, the capacity, and packability of a duffel bag and the hands-free carrying ability of a backpack.

There can be a few drawbacks to the backpack straps. Below we’ll talk about some of the pros and cons of using a duffle bag with backpack straps attached.

Pros of Duffel Bag with Backpack Straps

Versatility and Ease of Carry

One of the best features of a duffel bag with backpack straps is its versatility and ease of carrying. You can carry it with one hand when you have a short distance to go or when lifting it into a car.

Conversely, you can carry it on your back when you have longer distances or you want to keep it off the ground.

Additionally, you won’t have to worry about dragging it upstairs or breaking a wheel when you come down. The versatility of the bag is what makes it unique.

Lower Risk of Injury

Many sports bags are switching to this style of duffel bag as it’s great for kids who’s muscles are still developing and can be damaged from carrying a heavy traditional duffel bag.

The backpack straps allow them to carry the bag using a method they are generally comfortable with and that won’t hurt their growing bodies. They’re also great if you have heavy sports equipment or as a secondary storage bag for camping trips.

Allow Full Range of Motion

When you need both hands and need to move with your bag, the backpack straps allow you a full range of motion of your hands. Now you can gnaw on that burrito from Taco Bell while walking down to your hotel or friend’s house. It saves time and keeps you from slowing everyone down.

It’s great for bigger cities you’re unfamiliar with too. You can carry the bag on your back and look at a map at the same time.

Airport User-Friendly

As mentioned above, most duffel bags are quickly becoming the number one piece of luggage for most air travelers. It saves in baggage costs and wait times at the airport plus you won’t annoy people waiting behind you while you try to find a spot for your suitcase that obviously should’ve been checked. Travel lighter and faster with a duffel bag with backpack straps.

Cons of Duffel Bag with Backpack Straps

Additional Straps = Additional Hindrance

One of the few cons to a duffel bag with backpack straps is the occasional inconvenience of the straps when trying to get things out of your bag. Because most of them are located on the zipper side, the straps can sometimes become a hindrance rather than an asset.

Similarly, the straps can get caught when not in use if they aren’t strapped down. This is particularly true when space is tight or there are a lot of things for the straps to get caught on.

Less Comfortable Straps

If you like to use the space you paid for, you could be in for a rude awakening when you throw your full duffel bag on your back. Often times the straps are made for convenience and efficiency rather than comfort. This means they’re thin and without a lot of padding and can dig into your shoulders if the pack is full or particularly dense.

The best way to avoid this is to ensure you don’t overpack your duffle and keep it under 20 pounds in weight. This will also make it more efficient for travel in general.

Slightly more costly

Depending on the brand you decide on, the price can be a little bit high for most of the duffels with backpack straps. In some cases, the price of the bag with straps compared to the bag without, is disproportionally higher. To many, the extra price is not worth the added convenience of having the extra straps and is the number one complaint among most users.

That’s not to dissuade you from buying one, it’s just something to consider. In fact, if you take into account a round trip flight and the cost of baggage, the difference is essentially paid for the first time you use it.

The straps themselves are typically not constructed of the strongest, most comfortable materials and the same is true of the stitching on most of the straps as well.

Again built for convenience rather than durability and comfort, the straps can be pulled out at the seams leaving you with significant holes in your duffel bag. The number one cause of this is, again, overloading your duffel bag with too much stuff.

The straps aren’t built to carry everything but the kitchen sink like most backpacks; it’s simply meant for traveling and taking what you need. The best advice to avoid this problem is the same as above, that is, keep the weight of what you put in your bag under 20 pounds.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re traveling cross country or just down the road to your grandparent’s house, make sure you check out duffel bags with backpack straps.

They are a great way to keep all your stuff together and are multi-functional in terms of carrying method. Save yourself some time and money at the airport by not having to check bags and pay those inconvenient fees.

Make yourself and your fellow passengers a little happier. It’s a win-win for everyone.

If you are convinced, our recommended Duffel Bag with Straps is Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel.

Already have a duffel bag with backpack straps? Tell us all about it (warts and all) in the comments section.