Q. Which is better for camping, a duffel or a backpack?
– Thoughtful Theo, London, England
A. Well, Theo, it depends on what sort of camping you have planned. If you’ll be car camping, a duffel bag is the better choice since it has just one large compartment for easily stuffing things inside — think of it as a mobile closet for all your gear. On the other hand, if you’ll be backpacking (hiking miles to a backcountry campsite), a traditional backpack is definitely the better choice. Although some duffels do have shoulder straps, they aren’t designed to carry loads comfortably for long distances the way an internal- or external-frame backpack is.
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if you must choose; for a scout, think of it this way ….. a backpack can always be used on an outing but a duffel bag can not. Simple enough?
I think a backpack would be good for car camping
A duffel is great for cabin or car camping. A backpack is for hiking. Backpacks take more room in the car and are not needed to move gear around after you are set up on site. With a good duffel all your stuff can go in one bag and you can hang it off a bunkbed or nail.
I’d also say a backpack would be better to camp with
a duffel is way better
OK you use your duffel bag and try to hike where I hike! You’ll be crying for a backpack!
I agree with Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)