A duffel bag is a large cylindrical bag made of cloth (or other fabric

Fabric

A fabric is a textile material, short for "textile fabric".Fabric may also refer to:*Fabric , the spatial and geometric configuration of elements within a rock*Fabric , a nightclub in London, England...

) with a drawstring

Drawstring

A drawstring is a string, cord, or rope used to "draw" or tie closed an opening in fabric or other material...

 closure at the top.

The name comes from Duffel

Duffel

Duffel is a municipality in the Belgian province of Antwerp.The municipality comprises only the town of Duffel proper. On January 1, 2006 Duffel had a total population of 16,019...

, a town in Belgium

Belgium

Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...

 where the thick cloth used to make the bag originated. More recently, a duffel bag typically refers to the specific style of bag, though the phrase may also be used to refer to any large generic holdall

Holdall

In American English, a holdall, or gym bag is a large bag made of cloth or leather typically with a rectangular base and a zippered opening at the top...

 or a bag made of thick fabric.

It is often used to carry luggage

Luggage

Baggage is any number of bags, cases and containers which hold a traveller's articles during transit.Luggage is more or less the same concept as "baggage", but is normally used in relation to the personal luggage of a specific person or persons Baggage is any number of bags, cases and containers...

 or sports equipment by people who travel in the outdoors. Duffel bags are also often used by military

Military

A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...

 personnel. When used by sailor

Sailor

A sailor, mariner, or seaman is a person who navigates water-borne vessels or assists in their operation, maintenance, or service. The term can apply to professional mariners, military personnel, and recreational sailors as well as a plethora of other uses...

s or Marines they are sometimes called seabags or "ditty" bags.

Different types of duffel bags

• Rolling duffel bag
• Expandable duffel bags
• Carry-on duffel bags
• Upright duffel bags
• Lightweight duffel bags

See also

• Duffle coat
  Duffle Coat
  A duffle coat, or duffel coat, is a coat made from duffle, a coarse, thick, woollen material. The name derives from Duffel, a town in the province of Antwerp in Belgium where the material originates...
  
  
• Hold-all
• Hockey bag