A duffel is a large, cylindrical cloth bag with a drawstring or zipper closure, used for carrying clothes and gear.

Duffels became popular with sailors and soldiers because they could hold a lot of stuff, roll up small when empty, and squeeze into tight spaces on ships. Today, people use duffel bags for overnight trips, sports equipment, camping gear, or anything else that needs hauling. They're perfect for when you need to pack bulky items like sleeping bags or sports uniforms.

A related item is the duffel coat, a heavy wool coat with a hood and toggle closures (those distinctive wooden or horn buttons that loop through rope). British sailors wore these coats in cold weather, and they became fashionable civilian wear after World War II.

When someone says they're “packing their duffel,” they mean they're getting ready for a trip or adventure. The beauty of a duffel bag is its simplicity: it's basically a tough fabric tube that holds your stuff and goes wherever you go.