Duffels.com

Did you know that ski bags exist that have a boot bag attachment? New to skiing, I had no idea, and spent a good twenty minutes trying to figure out the best way to cram my ski boots into my suitcase without taking up half of the room inside before my first trip out. I suppose many experienced skiers may find it funny, but when starting out this is one of those things that many of us learn the hard way.

This was not my only packing headache however. Over the years I have learned many lessons: some painful, some messy and others that could have been avoided with a little advice. While you probably have travel tips of your own for packing a bag, I’d like to share mine with you here:

• Sunscreen and shampoo leak. Store any lotions or liquids in a clear, sealed bag for the trip.
• Bags are always more full when you leave to go home due to souvenirs and such. Ship things to yourself at home to avoid luggage that won’t close right before a flight.
• Protect expensive sunglasses. Invest in a hard case for your beloved shades; they can get smashed easily in a carry-on bag.
• Roll your clothes. This helps keep them from being a wrinkled mess on arrival. They won’t look pressed, but you won’t look shabby either.
• Stuff socks inside shoes to save space. Simple, but effective when you need just a pinch more room.

If you travel a lot, or are very athletic, you know that a good duffel bag is an essential accessory when it comes to transporting your sporting goods and personal items from game to game. Here are some duffel bag choices that are great no matter what sport you play; these bags will give you the space and features you need with the convenience you want.

If you like to go on skiing or snowboarding trips, you’ll definitely want a duffel bag that can hold all your supplies while you’re enjoying the slopes. Brands like CamelBak have created the SnoAngel, which is a compact bag that can fit on your shoulders and back while skiing without being cumbersome. You can fit up to 50 ounces of hydration into the backpack comfortably, and there is even a strap that goes around the sternum to eliminate back and neck pain. The bag is available in a trendy silver color, and you can also get the Moxie bag from CamelBak, which is great for surfing or camping trips.

Of course, Nike, one of the leaders in sports equipment manufacturing, has great duffel bags for the all-around athlete. The Brasilia Medium Duffel has just enough space for you to hold your water, sports drinks, and athletic uniforms, but isn’t too big that you can’t carry it with ease. The additional compartments and ID sleeve mean that you only have to carry one bag with you if you’re going to be on the court or the field all day, and the additional pouch connected to the bag for smaller items means you can organize all your belongings easily. The bag comes in a variety of colors, from light graphite, red, orange, and blue.

For a stylish duffel bag alternative, Nike has just what women are looking for. The Dance Tote from Nike is great for carrying dance shoes and outfits, as well as yoga mats and clothing. It comes with a unique design and an adjustable strap that can be worn in a number of ways for your comfort. Other stylish gym duffels for women include the Meta from Sherpani; the bag is great for moms on the go who need a quick workout, and is easy to carry. The multiple straps make transporting easy, and the multiple compartments give you the convenience of carrying the bag all day.

The next time you’re looking for a duffel bag that will serve all your needs, be sure to check out these brands to get more information on the varieties, styles, features, and colors that will suit you. Happy shopping!

Article by Tamiya King from AssociatedContent.com

If you travel a good deal for business, you may want to look for a bag that has all the features you need, as well as the right look and feel for business. Leather duffels are a popular pick among frequent travelers, and there is a good reason: they are the perfect accompaniment for a work-related trip.

You’ll want to get the best value for your money and there are some things you should look for if you are browsing around for a good pick, as these bags can cost a bit more than your average backpack. Don’t worry though, leather is a quality material and will last a long time.

When looking at specific features, check to be sure the bag is an approved carry on luggage piece for the airlines; the last thing you need is a hassle at the airport before a big business meeting. Organization is another key feature. Keep an eye out for cell phone storage, as well as dividers to house important paperwork or folders. Pen holders are another nice perk. Some well-made bags even have a removable “boarding sleeve” that will hold your identification, and other documentation for travel.

Zippered security pockets are another thing to look for. Finally, mesh pockets can help keep additional items from sliding around or getting lost inside the bag during travel. Remember to keep these things in mind, and you’ll have the perfect business bag for your travels.

Discount duffel bags are a smart investment, as they can be used for a variety of purposes other than packing one’s clothing for a vacation. One can never have too many duffels, as they are so versatile. Here are some offbeat uses for these bags that just might make you want to stock up on them the next time you see a sale:

• Photography equipment. Duffels can be ideal for the amateur or professional photographer because they are great for carrying awkward items such as a tripod, backdrops or umbrellas used for lighting.
• Fido’s fun bag. Stash an extra water bowl, Frisbee, towel and a few balls in a small, waterproof duffel and you are ready to go swimming or to the park with your dog on short notice. If your pup had the money, he’d buy it for you!
• Tool bag. If you frequently need some smaller hand tools such as a hammer and drill, they can be stored in a duffel and transported up from the basement in a snap so that everything you need is in one place. Duffels are sturdy enough to hold up.
• Laundry bag. If you live in an apartment, you may need to transport clothing to and from the laundromat, and a duffel is perfect for this purpose. You can even include a little can of quarters — just make sure you don’t wash them!

Just these few ideas start to open up the possibilities in terms of different things you can do with a duffel bag. Next time you see a deal on them, it might be a good idea to buy a few!

Waterproof duffels make for the perfect bag to cart your things back and forth from home to the gym. The large main compartment is ideal for bringing a change of clothes, towel and even another pair of shoes if you like. The best part is that when you stuff your sweaty clothing inside after a good workout you won’t be doing the bag any damage, and it will be ready to go again for the next time.

These duffels are also great for those who love swimming, providing a way to transport wet bathing suits and towels from the health club or even the beach. Waterproof material also means that if it gets caked with sand or even dirt, you can just wipe it off and it will be good as new.

Campers also enjoy these bags, as there has been known to be a rainstorm or two outdoors from time to time! One has a far better chance of having a dry change of clothing if everything is protected from the moisture. The waterproof duffel is also a great bag for those who travel with children. Kids have a tendency to spill stuff and get a little bit sticky, and the durable waterproof material cleans up easy and helps protect the items inside.

Whether you want to keep the water out of the bag or make sure that something wet doesn’t soak your car seat or carpet, the waterproof duffel is a great choice. You can probably think of other great uses for this type of a bag; after all, the only limit is your imagination!

Choosing a gym bag doesn’t have to be a big ordeal, but taking a few minutes to think through what you need it to do for you can make all the difference in the world. Save yourself the trouble of wishing you had a particular feature by knowing what you’d like ahead of time. Here are some factors to consider prior to making the purchase:

• How much gear do you need to transport? Do you find yourself bringing just a towel and your lock to the health club? If so, a small bag will do. Do you go to the gym before work and shower there? You’ll need a larger bag with a separate pouch for your sweaty clothes. Look at your current habits to see what size is best for you.
• Are you a pocket freak? Some of us like to have a place for everything, and if this sounds like you–get a lot of pockets in your bag. You’ll be feeling satisfied and organized.
• Know the details. If you lose your keys often, make sure the bag has a key clip. If you are a swimmer, make sure the bag has an area to stash your wet suit. If you don’t leave home without your water bottle, invest in a bag that can hold one for you. Personalize your bag in features so that you have less to deal with. Save that mental energy for something useful.
• What’s your locker size? If you have a locker, think about whether your stuffed bag will fit inside before you buy. This happens more often than one might think.

Gym bags can be a great thing to have, but you’ll want to be sure that the one you select fits your lifestyle and meets your needs.