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How to Perfectly Pack a Duffel Bag for Your Next Trip

Posted by Katharine Guidotti on

Spring is here! It’s the perfect time to take a trip, soak up the sunshine and unwind after a long winter. 

Whether you’re ready to enjoy a long weekend or taking a week-long trip, you’ve got to get all your ducks in a row before you head out the door. And that means packing appropriately. 

While packing for a trip can be stressful (especially if you’re also packing for others), it’s much easier and even fun if you have the tools and tips! 

Below, we’ll show you how to pack a duffel bag for your next trip using our favorite bags and a few of our space-saving accessories. 

How to Pack a Duffel Bag Step #1: Make a List 

Before you put anything in your bag, it’s important to make a list of all the must-haves you need for your trip. 

Making a list and checking it off as you pack your bag helps you avoid leaving anything important behind. Additionally, it also prevents you from overpacking. After you put your list together, review it to see if there’s anything on it that you really don’t need to pack. 

Helpful hint: Make your list a week before your trip so that you have enough time to add or remove items as needed.

How to Pack a Duffel Bag Step #2: Choose The Right Bag 

After you have your list in good shape, it’s time to find a travel-ready bag that can accommodate all of your necessities. 

Our Large Travel Duffel Bag is the perfect choice!

Recycled cotton large duffel bag in the print Enchanted Mandala

Large enough to hold all of your must-haves, it’s also compact enough to easily fit in trunks. Its roomy interior features separate mesh pockets for accessory storage, while the exterior zippered and slip pockets help keep your phone, ID and wallet conveniently close at hand for easy access.  

Plus, it’s adjustable shoulder strap with comfort pad frees up your hands when you’re navigating your way through busy airports and train stations. 

How to Pack a Duffel Bag Step #3: Bring Some Space-Saving Accessories Along 

To maximize every inch of your duffel bag’s interior, we recommend using some of our space-saving accessories. 

Designed to fit perfectly inside of our Large Travel Duffel Bag, these accessories are a great way to keep all your essentials organized and prevent clutter. 

 

Worried about your clothes and other essentials moving around and getting jumbled up every time you pick up your duffel bag? Our Compression Packing Cube Set includes three different sizes to help you pack your essentials more efficiently and effectively. Made from lightweight, durable ripstop polyester, each cube helps maximize space in your main travel bag. Plus, the largest cube features a zipper that allows it to easily expand an additional 2"! 

Set of three compression packing cubes with tropical print

Made from water-repellent polyester, our Medium Cosmetic is sized right for storing makeup and toiletries. Its compact size makes it easy to pack in your duffel bag, and a zippered top keeps your contents in place. PVC lining allows for easy clean up in case anything leaks during your travels. 

Vera Bradley medium size cosmetic bag with pink background and floral print

Keep your phone charger cord, headphones and other small accessories from getting lost or tangled together with our Mini Cosmetic Bag. Additional standout features include a zippered top, durable and dependable recycled cotton construction, and an exterior zip pocket. Wipe-clean lining is a bonus if any of your travel-sized toiletries leak during transit. 

Vera Bradley's mini cosmetic bag with zipper in Island Garden print

Last but not least, our Zip-Around Jewelry Folio is exactly what you need to store your necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets. In addition to two zippered interior pockets, it also has four faux suede-lined slip pockets to prevent scratches, two ring rolls, multiple snap tabs, and a pair of earring tabs. The zippered top keeps all of your jewelry secure and organized. 

Quilted jewelry holder in medium blue with floral print

How to Pack a Duffel Bag Step #4: Pack Smart 

Now that you have a final packing list, your bag and all of the accessories, it’s time to start packing! 

Here are a few tips to help you easily pack: 

  • Start by placing the heavier items such as shoes and your medium cosmetic bag on the bottom of your duffel. This helps keep your bag balanced by distributing the weight more evenly. It also prevents the bag from tipping over when you set it down. 
  • Next, add your everyday clothes like jeans, shorts, and tops. To maximize space, roll your clothes instead of folding them. 
  • Add your largest compression cube next. We recommend packing the clothes you want to keep wrinkle-free in this cube. 
  • Finish by adding the smaller cubes, mini cosmetic bag and jewelry folio. 

How to Pack a Duffel Bag Step #5: Zip It Up And Go! 

Once you’ve packed everything up, you’re ready to zip up your bag, and head out on your adventure! 

Before you set foot out of the door, check to make sure all of the bag’s zippers are closed and secure. Also, make sure you adjust the bag’s strap to an appropriate length for more comfortable carrying. 

Have a Fun Time! 

With our Large Travel Duffel Bag and space-saving travel accessories, packing for your upcoming trip is a breeze! 

Large cotton duffel bag with shoulder strap in pastel plaid print

Now the only thing left for you to do is to have a fun and safe trip!

SHOP FOR MORE TRAVEL-FRIENDLY BAGS & ACCESSORIES

#VeraBradley