There are several types of bags available in the market, and one of the most popular types is the duffel bag. The bag's name came from the Belgian town of Duffel, where the material used to make the original version of this kind of bag came from. The term was originally used to describe a large cylindrical bag with top closure, but it is now also being used in reference to any large holdall bag or any bag that is made from a thick fabric material. Because this type of bag is often used to carry sports equipment, people also refer to it as a gym bag. Military personnel and seafarers also use this type of bags, whereupon it is called sea bags.
If you are planning to purchase your own gym bag then you may want to know what things you need to consider when buying duffel bags. After all, you would not want to waste your money on a bag that either does not suit your lifestyle or does not last for more than a few uses. This article aims to answer most of your common questions that need to be resolved before you make your purchase. Following are some tips on buying the ideal duffel bag as well as a bit of advice on the proper cleaning methods and care of your bag.
Most people choose their bags according to the lifestyles that they lead. There are those who require a duffel bag for gym purposes only while others want a bag that doubles as an overnighter. But whatever your regular lifestyle is, it is best to maximize the use of your bag by choosing one that travels well. After all, you never know when you will be asked to travel in relation to your work, or get the chance to leave for a weekend getaway with your family. Leather is usually the preferred material for duffel bags that double as traveling bags. This is because leather is very versatile in regard to its use for both casual and professional occasions.
You will also need to assess how much space you will regularly need and whether you will be carrying clothes only or if you are going to need the bag to transport documents and other personal items as well. There are gym bags that may be converted into a laptop case and includes a special compartment for documents, which makes it even more versatile. Many bags of this kind are expandable, so you can adjust the size according to your current space needs. You would also do well to choose a bag with built-in adjustable straps and a lot of pockets for easier organization of your clothing and other stuff. The three most important things to consider in choosing your bag are versatility, expandability and organization.
Aside from those three, there are also some secondary considerations that you may want to take note of. First consideration is the bag's lining. It is important that you choose a bag with good lining, since this will protect the primary material from stains. Stains usually come from toilets that accidently become uncapped inside the bag, so it is also advisable to ensure that your toilets are tightly capped and to wrap them inside a separate toilet kit if possible. The second extra consideration is whether to purchase a bag with feet or not. The more items you are likely to carry in the bag, the greater the need is for feet support. So make this decision based on how much you think you'll be carrying in your duffel bag. Third, you will want to choose a color that you can use for almost any occasion. People who often wear suits or need the bag for a lot of formal occasions will do well with a black or coffee-colored bag, while those who have a more casual lifestyle will look good with a tan-colored leather gym bag.
Now that you are aware of the best options and the special considerations in purchasing a duffel bag, you are ready to learn as well the proper way of caring for your bag, especially if you are intent on buying one made of leather. Brand new leather duffel bags require very little maintenance because it is always advisable to let the leather achieve a rich patina over time. As you allow your leather bag to age gracefully, an occasional treatment to top-quality fabric conditioner will improve and extend its performance.
There are instances when your bag gets soiled or rained on, and these instances may make you unhappy with how the bag looks. There is no need to worry because there are simple steps that you can follow to restore your bag's appeal. The first step is to simply get a damp cloth and blot the soiled area over and over until you have blotted off as much of the dirt as possible. Then you need to take a clean cloth, dampen it and wipe down the entire bag with it, until the unsoiled parts of the bag matches the tone of the part that you just spot-cleaned. Make sure that all surfaces of the bag are totally dry before using it again.
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