Bags, Travel, & More

Duffel bags, by definition, are large cylindrical bags which are made of heavy, thick, or some type of durable fabric, such as canvas or nylon, and which have become synonymous as large hold-all type bags. These bags are very versatile because of their flexible sides and usually large roomy interior spaces. Duffel bags are ideal for transporting bulky clothing and objects, such as blankets, pillows, winter coats, sweaters, shoes and boots, yoga mats, and small to medium exercise and sports equipment, such as inline and hockey skates.

Because duffel bags are usually composed of fabric or leather, they are rarely equipped with built-in locking mechanisms for securing the stored contents inside.

Some styles of duffel bags feature a drawstring opening at one end, while other styles feature linear zippers which run the length of the bag or U-shaped zippers which creates a large flapped opening hinged at one end when unzipped. The zippered version often features a ridged framework at the back of the bag where wheels are attached and a telescoping handle that can be extended out when needed or retracted back in when not. Most styles also feature additional pockets which are attached to the outside of the bag along its sides and ends. Duffel bags are often ideal for athletes and sports enthusiasts, military and servicemen, such as sailors and Marines, as well as outdoorsmen.

Garment bags are iconic for the way they fold over on themselves in order to keep packed clothing as flat as possible in an attempt to help prevent creasing and wrinkling of the clothing in multiple places during transport.

When unzipped, their butterfly design usually allows for suits, dress shirts, dresses, and other long articles of clothing to be hung on full-size clothes hangers from a small extendable pole on one side of the bag, while small pockets and pouches made for shoes, toiletries, and other small personal items fill the other side. When all compartments are filled, the two half’s are then zipped together and then folded in half and secured to create a small suitcase sized object which can easily be carried while in transport.

Garment bags are usually made of either durable fabric or leather, and can be purchased with or without wheels and extendable handles.

A suitcase is a rectangular shaped case composed of fabric, such as vinyl, or hard material, such as metal or plastic, which is used to transport clothes and other personal items during a trip. Suitcases usually open as one half of the case opens like a lid or clamshell via a fastened hinge along one side of the case.

Because suitcases are most often composed of a hard stiff material, such as hard plastic or metal, they usually feature a built in locking mechanism, such as a combination or key lock, which can be used in certain situations to secure the contents stored inside the case.

Many modern style suitcases also feature attached wheels and a telescoping handle which are placed on the case to allow the user to pull the case while in transport so that the user is not required to carry it while in motion. Cases which feature this telescoping or extendable handle and wheels are often referred to as trolley cases. Some wheeled cases feature a retractable leash for pulling the case instead of the extendable stationary handle.

Briefcases are similar to suitcases as both usually have hard-sided exteriors and provide internal key or combination locking mechanisms. However, briefcases are drastically smaller than standard size suitcases.

Briefcases are designed to carry and protect important or sensitive documents, office related products, and other items usually of a business nature. Most briefcases feature different compartments that are designed to organize and protect these business items so that they don’t end up getting damaged and thereby resulting in a negative impression of the owner’s professional image.

When considering purchasing a new briefcase, several factors need to be evaluated before the purchase is made.

First, consider the frequency of the daily use the case is going to be subjected to. If it will be subject to heavy daily use, then a case made of a durable material, such as leather, may be the best option.

Second, how many things will the case store at any one time? If the case will be used to store and transport many items on a regular basis, then a case larger in size would most likely be more useful than one of a smaller size.

Third, what image do you want to project? Will a very formal hard-sided case be the best, or would a leather case, such as a messenger bag style, provide both a sophisticated look will still providing a business casual image?

Lastly, consider adjustable straps, side pockets or organization, interior pockets, total holding capacity, locking mechanism, etc.

Laptop cases are designed to provide more impact protection for a fragile laptop computer and associated accessories than a briefcase, travel bag, hand bag, purse, or other small luggage is designed to do. Some laptop cases, however, are designed to function as both a protective laptop case as well as a functional briefcase as well.

When considering purchasing a laptop case, protection should not be the only evaluated factor. One very important additional consideration is if the bag will help project the image you want, such as if the bag will mostly be used for work related travel, then most likely the bag should help project a professional image.

A luggage set is comprised of several matching luggage items, such as two or three suitcases of varying sizes, a garment bag, and sometimes a toiletry bag, in addition to other types of various bags or cases. Often the suitcases within a luggage set will be designed so that all the cases can fit within the largest suitcase for ease of storage. Most often, a luggage set is composed of three to four individual luggage pieces, although sets with two and five pieces, or more, do exist.

Backpacks are bags which can be worn on one’s back via one or two adjustable straps which hang over one or both shoulders. Backpacks can be divided into four different categories or classifications: internal frame, external frame, frame-less, and body-pack.

There are many advantages gained when goods are carried correctly in a backpack. These advantages are: 1) The hands are freed to engage in other activities rather than being solely devoted to carrying a bag. 2) Heavier loads can be more easily carried on the back over longer distances than they can via the hands. 3) Placement of the bag on one’s back allows for greater mobility. 4) By using the space on one’s back, the hands are freed to carry other items or gear, thereby allowing for more gear or items to be carried by one person per trip. 5) The strain of carrying one heavy bag in one’s hands is eliminated as the weight is distributed over the shoulders and back once carried in a backpack, thereby allowing the person to properly stand and be balanced, and reduce potential shoulder or arm injury caused by walking, running, or standing off balance.