Duffel Bag vs. Duffle Bag: Which Spelling is Correct?

Whether you're loading up for a backcountry hunting trip or hauling supplies into camp, chances are you’ll need a duffel bag (or is it a duffle bag?).

Duffel/duffle bags are heavy-duty, barrel-shaped workhorses that are a staple in every outfitter’s setup. But you wouldn’t be the first to wonder: duffel bag vs. duffle bag, which spelling is it?

Thankfully, you don’t have to remember. While there is a more accurate version, either gets the job done. But the reason for the spelling differences has a fascinating past. Read on as we break down the reason for the spellings, the origins of the duffel bag, and fun little facts along the way.

Duffel Bag vs. Duffle Bag: The Spelling Confusion

Let’s get down to brass tacks: The technical spelling is, in fact, DUFFEL.

Known as “duffel” bags, the alternative “duffle” bag is simply a variant and less formal spelling that came about over time.

Also, like many varying British and American word spellings – color vs colour, for example – the word “duffel” is historically European.

However, you’ll be happy to know that when searching for this style of bag, it’s perfectly okay to Google both spellings. It knows precisely what you mean. And besides, even dictionaries acknowledge both spelling variants of this word.

Read on to learn more about why the duffel spelling is historically correct.

The Duffel Bag’s Origins

So why is it technically called “Duffel”? Duffel is the most accurate spelling because that’s the name of the town where it was created. But it wasn’t always a bag!

Where Did the Duffel Bag Name Come From?

During the 17th Century, the small town of Duffel, Belgium (close to Antwerp) was making a thick, coarse woolen fabric. This cloth became well known and utilized for its durability, which made it most suitable for a variety of other goods that ranged from ship and boat covers to clothing.

Ever heard of a duffel coat? Search for duffel/duffle coats to get an idea of the features, such as toggle and rope fastenings, patched pockets, and a large protective hood. Or you can remember the blue duffel coat that Paddington Bear wears!

In fact, the British Royal Navy even used these hardy and warm duffel coats in snowy expeditions to the Antarctic. Eventually, Americans picked up the duffel coat style and used it for hunting and sports.

But enough about duffel coats…

The actual original duffel bag with its top-entry cylindrical design, wasn’t created until the town’s coarse duffel material was used to make bags. And even then, the bag’s town namesake was never a part of the equation.

So, how and when did it become a bag? Being extremely durable, the wool-like duffel material was used by seafarers and sailors as a “ditty bag” rucksack to carry their belongings onboard. The main problem? Wool gets heavy when wet!

Over time, the sailors patched their ditty bags with spare sailcloth (yep, similar to waxed canvas used to make tents). And voila! Sailors invented the water-resistant canvas duffel bag as we know it!

The Duffel Bag Heads to War

Jump ahead to World War I, when duffel bags became a versatile and popular means of transporting gear and belongings. The British military found the roomy interior and durable construction of duffel bags to be especially useful, so they were provided to sailors and soldiers as standard-issue gear (along with a bedroll) to carry their personal items.

Poet E.E. Cummings, who served as an ambulance driver in WWI, first mentioned in a letter that he “had a duffel bag, chuck full.” Also in WWI was a famous song called ‘Pack up Your Troubles in an Old Kit Bag.’

After World War II, veterans came home with their duffel bags, continuing to use them throughout everyday tasks, which eventually led to the widespread adoption of duffels by regular civilian folk.

The Aussie Surfer Craze

Aussie soldiers also brought back duffels and made them their own.

The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) provided duffel bags as part of their field gear. Once home, the duffel became commonly used as a sports bag for Australian surfers to transport anything from swim trunks to surfboard wax.

Eventually, California caught onto the surfer craze and adopted the duffel bag too.

The Versatility of Modern Duffel Bags

Visit an army surplus store today and you can find traditional, old duffel bags – some still with the stenciled officer’s name and serial number – that’ve probably seen some action. But duffel bags are also as versatile as ever and offer a wide range of uses.

The barrel-shaped, round design of duffels can also be found in two styles: with a top closing along the longer side, and with a drawstring closing at one end. Both variations of round and barrel-shaped duffels are useful, however, you might find it easier to reach for gear or items stuffed inside the classic style duffel with a long side zipper.

The duffel bag has evolved from a reliable piece of military gear to a tried-and-true staple used for all sorts of activities. From hauling hunting gear to packing provisions, discover all the ways to use a duffel bag on your next trip.