Spur-of-the-moment trips and various excursions dominate the nature of travel in today’s world. While not everyone can be prepared for their outgoing group of friends barging in to go on a wild adventure, it pays to at least keep something ready for spontaneity. You won’t always have the time and space to pack a suitcase, and a backpack might not be enough sometimes. In this case, you’ll want a duffel bag for a weekend out.
Duffel bags are excellent tools that the military initially used to toss everything in when an emergency happened quickly. However, in a world where wars aren’t as prominent anymore, this fantastic bag has become one of the most incredible travel accessories. They aren’t only practical, but they also come in different styles and colors to suit various personalities and people. However, not many know about the art of packing a duffel bag, so here are a few tips for organizing your very own one for a spontaneous adventure:
1. Keep a List of Requirements
Before packing any bag or suitcase, everyone needs to have a list of items they can refer to while gathering items. Think about what travel documents you need to ensure a safe and seamless adventure. Additionally, you’ll need to update your contact book with bank numbers in case of lost cards, friends, family, and other insurance providers.
Other essential items include a first-aid kit that consists of any maintenance medications, various special weather clothes, extra underwear to last up to a week, plastic bags, and extra shoes. If you need to bring a laptop or other devices, lug them in a backpack that fits them snugly while keeping the duffel free for clothes and lighter items.
Invest in Packaging Cube Bags
Since duffel bags can be a mess at times, it can help to have packing cubes ready at all times. Store things like underwear and socks in these at home so that if any spur-of-the-moment trips occur, all you need to do is zip them up and pack them in your duffel. You can even go further and label each to make them easy to find when sifting through your bag. A little organization goes a long way in a duffel because it’s easy to lose items when the contents are a mess.
3. Use a Shoe Bag for Your Extra Pair
Nothing is worse than getting dirt and dust into your duffel bag, as this will dirty your clothes and other items that you’re keeping inside them. Shoe bags are a must for any footwear you bring, as walking in various places will get dirt to stick to them over time. If your duffel comes with an extra compartment for your shoes, use it to separate them from your precious clean clothes.
4. Toiletry Bag and Other Pouches are a Must
Toiletry kits are essential to keep all essential hygiene items in one place. You don’t want your toothbrush mixing in with other dirty clothes, which is why a dedicated pouch for everything you use to clean up is crucial. Additionally, place your medications and your first-aid kit in a brightly-colored pouch to ensure that you see it quickly when sifting through the duffel bag. You can even color-code your pockets to make everything easy to find, even in low-light conditions.
5. Keep Documents in a Ziploc Bag
You’ll want all vital travel and insurance documents in a Ziploc bag to ensure that they don’t get wet by spilled toiletries or rain. Bringing extra bags to seal items that need to be kept dry will save your life in the event of inclement weather, so be sure that your passport, ID cards, and documents are properly secured and protected.
The best trips are spontaneous, as nobody really makes grand plans nowadays. Making memories with friends and family is the best when everyone goes on an adventure of a lifetime. Be prepared to get up and go with your duffel bag using these five awesome tips whenever an adventure lands on your lap.
Solo New York is a purveyor of high-quality duffel bags that fit the needs and wants of the avid urban crawler. Whether you’re heading out for the weekend or just hauling general items from work to home, our duffel bags are perfectly made for the modern individual’s needs. Shop with us to discover a new world of load-bearing equipment and other urban gear.
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