Tote, Backpack, or Duffel?

Weekend trips are often more spontaneous than traveling out of state for vacations. It’s essential to have a trusty weekend bag always ready and on stand-by, whether it’s an overnight tote, duffel bag, backpack.

Are you looking for a new bag but not sure what to go for? With so many different variations available, it's not easy to determine which bag option works best for a particular getaway.

Duffel bags, totes, and backpacks are popular weekend options, but they have significant differences. It’s essential to choose the correct choice because traveling with the wrong bag could be frustrating and possibly even physically painful.

We’ve detailed everything you need to know about weekender totes, backpacks, and duffels below, from what they are and how to choose which one to use.

What is a Tote Bag?

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A weekender tote bag is a handy accessory, it’s simple, but it has so much versatility. A tote bag is a medium to a large-sized bag that has two parallel handles. Tote bags usually aren’t fastened at the top and are bigger than most other handbags.

Tote bags can be made from various fabrics and often come in multiple patterns and colors. They’re usually made from lightweight materials like faux leather, cotton, or woven fabrics.

Tote bags are made in different sizes; the size you’ll need depends on what kind of packer you are. If you’re someone who often needs to pack a lot of things, of course, the bigger, the better; an oversized weekender tote might be perfect for you.

What is a Backpack?

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When you think of a backpack, you probably think of something that students keep their books in. Or, if you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, you might think of a backpack as something you use to carry everything you need for hiking.

A backpack is something that you can carry on your back that has enough space for a day or two. A backpack is sometimes used for overnight trips but it’s not people's first choice because while it has a lot of space it can be hard to pack and unpack.

A backpack will generally have several pockets with a central opening from the top. In addition, it might have multiple openings that allow you to divide your things easily.

Backpacks range in size, but you most likely will not need anything bigger than the standard backpack. Efficient packers that don’t carry bulky items and keep things light can get by using a standard backpack for one to three-night trips.

What is a Duffel Bag?

A duffel bag is a cylindrical bag with a top opening. They’re usually made from thick and durable natural fabric such as faux leather or cloth. In the past, duffel bags were made with a drawstring to close off the bag's opening, but today, you’re more likely to find a zipper closure. Today's duffel bags typically do not have a vertical top entry; most modern bags have a zipper that closes off at the side.

A duffel bag is the largest of the three bags. They are often carried by a shoulder strap or by hand vid two handles. A duffel bag is a more common choice for weekend trips because it offers a decent amount of space so you can quickly and efficiently pack everything you need. Duffel bags don’t usually have a variety of pocket sizes. Instead, there’s usually one large compartment and one or two small pockets for small loose items. 

How to Choose Which One to Use

Knowing which bag to choose can be tricky; here are some of the pros and cons of each bag to help you determine which one to use.

Pros and Cons of Backpacks

• Security: Depending on the type of backpack you have and the model of the security level changes. Backpacks are not the most secure option if you don’t have lockable zippers.

• Transport: When it comes to transportation, you can’t beat a backpack. Rough surfaces and stairs won’t be a problem if your body is up to it and you haven't over-packed the bag. You can easily carry a backpack for a good mile or two.

• Packing and Capacity: Backpacks can be found in almost every size, but unfortunately, you're still limited to what you can carry. This does have an advantage because it helps you stick to the essentials. However, backpacks are harder to pack and unpack than other bags due to a backpack's shape and restricted openings.

• Durability: A backpack that is well made will survive almost everything that traveling has to throw at it. Whether it be dust, dirt, or careless baggage handlers, you won’t have to worry. We would like to note, though, if you choose to use a backpack, it should be made of heavy-duty fabric and water-resistant, so the contents remain dry if you’re caught in a heavy downpour.

Pros and Cons of Duffels

• Security: Just like backpacks, many duffels aren't particularly secure. When shopping for a duffel bag, look at options that have lockable zippers. If you can't find one, you can always thread a padlock or cable tie between the zipper holes to add protection.

• Transport: If you’re someone who needs to throw a lot of belongings into a weatherproof bag and carry it for pretty short distances, then a duffel bag is perfect for you. For example, there isn't a better option for sports trips. However, a duffel bag is not an excellent choice for more general travel. This is because duffel bags are painful to carry within just a few minutes. Duffel bags centralize the weight of the contents too much onto one shoulder or hand, making most duffels painful to carry after a short period of time.

• Packing and Capacity: There's almost no limit on the size and shape of duffel bags, so the size you’ll need will entirely depend on what equipment you'll need to carry. While most duffel bags are cylindrical, duffel bags that are rectangular and have a flat base allow you to pack more gear into the same space.

• Durability: A duffel bag that is well-made will be very durable; this is especially true if it has a quality zip. Be sure to look at duffels made with waterproof materials and straps and handles that are heavily stitched.

Pros and Cons of Tote Bags

• Security: Tote bags are the least secure out of these bag options because they usually don’t have any type of closure. The only security you have is when you’re holding it close to your body. However, tote bags often have interior zipped pockets where you can keep all your valuables safe.

• Transport: Tote bags are close to backpacks when it comes to easy transportation. They are the perfect size for bulky items like laptops, water bottles, tablets, and are small enough to use as a carry-on bag, easy to clean, and durable.

• Capacity and Packing: Just like backpacks and duffels, tote bags come in various sizes. Of course, knowing what items you’ll most likely be bringing with you will help you figure out what size you’ll need.

• Durability: A well-made weekender tote bag is usually very durable. Look for water-resistant materials and well-stitched handles so you know that the bag can handle the weight even when the bag is full.

Wrapping Up

Knowing which bag to use for specific trips will help you stay organized, save you time, and even prevent you from experiencing physical pain. Each bag has its pros and cons, so which one you choose will really depend on a trip-to-trip basis.

Here at Doshi, we want to encourage and support people in buying and wearing vegan and ethical brands. Are you interested in getting a new vegan tote or vegan backpack? We offer a variety of vegan handmade designer options. Try our Pro Travel Backpack, Debut Slim Backpack 1.5, or Weekender Tote.