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The duffel bag is a soft, flexible travel bag made from strong materials like carpeting, velvet or upholstery. Its origins are unclear, but it became popular in the 19th century. It is easy to handle and can fit almost anywhere. It is associated with the Victorian era and American Civil War-era “carpetbaggers”. Antique and modern versions are available in various sizes and patterns.
A duffel bag is luggage made of strong material stretched over a support frame. In some cases historically, these bags were in fact made from carpeting, but more commonly materials such as velvet, brocade, and heavy upholstery were used. Classically, a travel bag is rather shapeless and soft, meaning it can be compressed into a variety of shapes, allowing it to fit almost anywhere. These bags are also notoriously roomy, allowing people to carry everything but the kitchen sink in one carpet bag.
The origins of the carpet bag design are a little unclear. Heavy materials, including old carpeting, are, of course, great for travel, and it’s possible the travel bag evolved naturally as creative people tried to find new uses for the old stuff. The addition of a frame to give some shape to the bag and increased sturdiness appears to have occurred around the 19th century, at a time when the carpet bag was in widespread use.
Unlike a hard suitcase, a travel bag is usually easy to handle, even when fully loaded. The flexibility of the bag can be a distinct advantage in situations where people are looking to work with limited space and lots of luggage, while the sturdy material protects the contents of the travel bag from damage. Carpet bags can also be locked for added security, although you can of course cut the material of the bag to access its contents.
Many people associate the travel bag with the Victorian era when people traveled a lot and often carried large amounts of luggage. Carpet bags are also associated with American Civil War-era so-called “carpetbaggers” who moved from North to South to take advantage of political instability in the South during Reconstruction. Supposedly, these opportunists were often provided with duffel bags filled with household items along with goods for sale.
You can find antique rug bags made from original materials, including recycled carpet, and some of these bags are in excellent condition, reflecting the utility and sturdiness of the rug bag design. Several luggage companies also make modern carpet bags, using new or recycled materials. These bags come in a range of sizes and shapes and often feature very distinctive patterns, which can be a definite plus in airport baggage carousels.
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