Working out becomes much more enjoyable when you have a stylish, trusted bag to carry your things in. A spacious duffel is essential to any active day—especially when you're headed to the gym. Duffel bags fit everything from your favorite shoes to your laptop so you can travel from point A to point B in style. They are perfect to hold all of your belongings: workout clothes, leggings, face wash, protein bars, shampoo, and of course, your favorite gym shoes!Finding the perfect gym bag is already a challenge, one that’s complicated further by shoes. Maybe you want to fit running shoes for a beach trip and heels for an evening wedding. That's why gym bags with shoe compartment is so important—and that's why Koala Outdoor singled out these sporty, modern gym bags. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know before you start shopping.What is a Duffel bag?A duffel bag is a large, cylindrical, bag made of cloth or leather. It is often used to carry sporting equipment, especially when traveling. Duffel bags are popular with military personnel and backpackers because they can be filled with a great deal of gear without appearing too bulky. Some duffel bags come with shoulder straps for carrying, while others have sturdy handles.Duffel bags typically have one large compartment and one or smaller compartments. The small compartments can be used to store items like socks and underwear, while the larger compartment can hold clothing, shoes, and other gear. The mesh pockets allow gloves, headgear, a water bottle, and your daily essentials to breathe so they won't make the bag or your other belongings smell. When packing a duffel bag, it is important to distribute the weight evenly. This will help to avoid any unnecessary strain on the shoulder straps or handles.Why is it called "Duffel?"Duffel bags originated in Belgium and were named after a town in the country. Duffel bags are made of premium materials of cloth or leather and have two compartments and one or two internal pockets. The main compartment can be used to store items like socks and underwear, while the larger bags can hold clothing, shoes, and other gear.This classic duffle has a U-shaped top zipper closure with double zipper pulls, a roomy main compartment with plenty has room to store shoes, bathing suits, wet clothes, toiletries, portable electronic devices, two zippered end exterior pockets.The Duffel bag historyThe town of Duffel in Belgium produces coarse, woolen cloth that can be traced back to the 17th century. Historically, the term duffel bag referred to one specific type of bag—a large, cylindrical, closed bag made of thick fabric. The meaning of "Duffel" has expanded as the bags have evolved over time to include many sizes and shapes. Today, any large “holdall” bag made of thick fabric is called a duffel or duffle bag.Why use a duffel bag?Duffel bags are popular among military personnel, athletes, and campers because they are easy to carry and can hold a lot of gear. Duffel bags come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to choose one that is the right size for the items that need to be packed.For many travelers, the perfect weekend bag is one that’s large enough to hold everything you need for a quick getaway, yet small enough to still be convenient to carry. To help you choose the best weekender bag for your next trip, we asked travel experts how they shop for a great bag and compiled some highly rated options to shop.What makes a Duffel with a separate compartment special?Whether you like to stash an empty grocery bag in your duffel so you can put your sneakers in there after a workout, or tie the laces to the outside of your backpack so your shoes don't have to go in your bag at all, it's clear that you don't like having your germy, dirty sneakers kicking around in your gym bag alongside your clean clothes. But if you want to keep your workout gear clean and organized, all you really need is a proper gym bag with a shoe compartment - that is where a separate shoe compartment comes in handy.Whether you need to carry cycling shoes to a local studio or store a pair of sneakers you can change into after work, gym bags with shoe compartment is the solution.Types of duffel bagsWhen you’re packing a lot of heavy gear, duffels are the easiest way to go. Shop for a duffel bag that works for you! The different types include:Classic gym bag with shoe compartmentA carry-on duffel bag is a type of gym bag that is designed to be carried on an airplane. It is typically smaller in size than a standard duffel bag and has fewer compartments. Most carry-on duffel bags are made of cloth or leather and have a shoulder strap for easy transport. This may look like your average gym bag, but it has 10 compartments to keep everything from your shoes to your water bottle organized.Classic gym bags are versatile and convenient, and they can hold a lot of stuff. Some duffel bags include an extra shoulder strap. The strap makes the bag more convenient when you carry it while walking or waiting for your flight. When buying a classic bag with shoulder straps, look for padded straps. Padded straps are crucial when your bag is entirely loaded or will carry it for a long time.Designer duffelDesigner duffel bags are often made of leather and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are popular among travelers because they can hold a lot of gear and are easy to carry. Designer duffel bags often have multiple compartments, which helps to keep the bag organized. They also come with a variety of features, such as straps, handles, and zippers.If you want only the finest materials and finest craftsmanship, a designer duffel is what you should get. Many brands such as Gucci or Luis Vuitton offer high-quality designer duffels. However, you should expect to spend several hundred dollars on such a piece.Rolling Duffel bagThis is a type of duffel bag that has wheels and a retractable handle. This allows the user to easily transport the bag from one location to another. Wheeled duffel bags are generally larger in size than regular duffel bags and can hold more gear.If you're a traveling professional on extended business trips, buying a travel duffel will help you to commute with more luggage on your tours.Waterproof Duffel bagA waterproof duffel bag is a great option for those who frequently travel in wet climates or who want to protect their belongings from the rain. Most waterproof duffel bags are made of PVC or vinyl and have a waterproof coating. The bag can be easily wiped clean if it gets dirty and the coating will prevent water from seeping through the fabric.If you need a high-quality bag to protect your belongings while you're enjoying a 4WD adventure, sailing trip, or any activity that may be a wet one, the Caribee Expedition 80L Waterproof PVC Roll Top Gear Duffel is the ideal brand of choice because these bags are made with high-quality materials that can be used to store specific items.A waterproof duffel bag is a great option for those who frequently travel in wet climates or who want to protect their belongings from the rain. Most waterproof duffel bags are made of PVC or vinyl and have a waterproof coating. The bag can be easily wiped clean if it gets dirty and the coating will prevent water from seeping through the fabric.Duffel backpackWhen your clothes get sweaty from a tough workout, you don't want to let them sit in your gym bag for too long. It can make your bag smell or allow moisture to seep into your other belongings. A gym bag with a wet pocket solves these problems by keeping sweaty or wet clothes separate from everything else and to prevent moisture. So what is the best gym bag with a wet pocket?Duffle backpacks are growing in popularity due to their versatility and ease of carrying. Without the straps, a backpack duffel is simply a regular duffel bag with a shoe pocket. When using a backpack as a handle, be careful not to overburden your shoulders and back.For a lightweight, roomy bag that’s comfortable to carry, you can’t get much better than this Evatac Hybrid Duffel Backpack. This gym bag is spacious and has multiple compartments to hold a myriad of items. It accommodates water bottles as well as wallets, so no matter what you carry or store, its large size will be able to store it all without becoming too bulky.A backpack duffel is a hybrid duffel that’s the combination of a backpack and duffel. Usually, a hybrid duffel is a gym bag with backpack straps. A backpack duffel is becoming popular day by day due to its versatility and simplicity. You can use it as a backpack or as a gym bag, or both. You can switch it from the duffel mode to the backpack mode anytime you want.What are Army Duffels called?Military duffel bags are also known as "kitbags". They are typically used by military personnel and backpackers to carry sporting equipment. Duffel bags come in a variety of sizes, but the most popular size is the 90-liter bag. Duffel bags are made of cloth or leather and have one large compartment and one or smaller compartments. The small compartments can be used to store items like socks and underwear, while the larger compartment can hold clothing, shoes, and other gear.Duffel bags are also popular among campers because they are easy to carry and can hold a lot of gear. When packing a duffel bag with a shoe compartment and padded laptop sleeve, it is important to distribute the weight evenly. This will help to avoid any unnecessary strain on the shoulder straps or handles.It has a spacious interior and multiple pockets, so it is pretty convenient for organizing all your things. Plus, it's made from high-quality polyester, which is really durable and coated with a water-repellent.Duffel bags in WWI and WWIIDuffel bags take their name from a town in Belgium that was liberated by U.S. troops in 1918. From then on, Duffel bags have been a large part of military life. The first bags were shorter and had small shoulder straps. They were difficult to carry fully loaded, and so many soldiers left them behind in the trenches. This problem was solved during WWII when the duffel bag became longer and wider: it now featured sturdy shoulder straps for carrying heavier loads, and finally resembled the bag we love today.What size duffel bag do I need?Duffel bags come in a variety of sizes, but the most popular size is the 90-liter bag. This size is perfect for carrying clothing, shoes, gear, and other daily essentials. If the individual needs larger bags, there are also 120-liter and 150-liter versions available.Here is a size chart for the most popular duffel bag sizes:Small: 16-inch x 8-inch x 8-inchMedium: 18-inch x 12-inch x 10-inchLarge: 22-inch x 14-inch x 12-inchExtra-Large: 26-inch x 16-inch x 14-inchJumbo: 30-inch x 18-inch x 16-inchWhen choosing a duffel bag, it is important to select the right size. The size of the bag will determine how much gear can be stored in it. The most popular size is the 90-liter bag, which is large enough to store clothing, shoes, and other gear.How to pack a duffel bagWhen packing a duffel bag, it is important to distribute the weight evenly. This will help to avoid any unnecessary strain on the shoulder straps or handles. The items can be packed in any order, but it is still important to distribute the weight evenly.The items that are packed in a duffel bag should be tightly packed so that they do not move around. This will help to keep the duffel bag with shoe compartment organized and make it easier to find the items that are needed.If the duffel bag with a shoe compartment has a small compartment on one end and a large compartment on the other, the smaller items should be packed in the small compartment and the larger items should be packed in the large shoe compartment. This will help to keep the duffel bag organized and make it easier to find the items that are needed.There are several ways to pack a duffel bag. The following steps can be used as a guide:Step 1Start by packing the larger items first. This will help to create more space in the bag.Step 2Pack the items in a way that will allow them to be easily accessed. For example, if there are clothes in one shoe compartment and shoes in another, it will be easier to access the clothes if they are packed at the top of the bag.Step 3Pack the heavier items at the bottom of the bag. This will help to keep the bag balanced and avoid any unnecessary strain on the shoulder straps or handles.Step 4Once everything is packed, zip up the bag and give it a final inspection. Make sure that all of the items are securely packed and there is no extra space in the bag.How to choose a duffel bagThere are a few things to consider when choosing a duffel bag with a shoe compartment:Duffel Bag SizeSelect a bag that is the right size for your needs. If you are only going to be using the bag for short trips, a smaller bag will do. If you are going on a longer trip, you will need a large gym bag with a shoe compartment.Duffel Bag ConstructionChoose a bag that is made of durable materials. Cloth duffel bags with extra pockets are cheaper but less durable than leather duffel bags.Duffel Bag FeaturesConsider the features that you need in a duffel bag. If you need a bag with separate shoe compartments, choose a bag with multiple shoe compartments. If you need a bag that can be converted into a backpack, choose a bag with a shoulder strap.PriceSelect a bag that is within your budget.When choosing a duffel bag, consider the size, easy access, construction, nice feature, provide much protection and price. Select a bag that is the right size for your needs and is made of durable materials. Consider the features that you need in a duffel bag, such as separate shoe compartments, a mesh pocket, or a shoulder strap. Choose a bag that is within your budget.How many pounds can a duffel bag hold?A duffel bag can hold a lot of weight, but it depends on the size and style of the bag. Most duffel bags have a weight limit of 50 or 60 pounds. However, there are some duffel bags that can hold up to 100 pounds.It is important to note that the weight of the bag will add to the weight of the items that are being carried. For example, if a gym bag with shoe compartments weighs 10 pounds and the items being carried weigh 50 pounds, the total weight will be 60 pounds.When packing a duffel bag for travel, it is important to pack the heaviest items at the bottom. This will help to keep the bag balanced and avoid any unnecessary strain on the shoulder straps or handles.What type of duffel bag is best for you?There are two types of duffel bags: cloth and leather. The cloth duffel bags are often cheaper than the leather versions, but the leather versions are more durable. Duffel bags come in a variety of sizes, but the most popular size is the 90-liter bag. Duffel bags with shoe compartments are also popular among campers because they are easy to access and carry and can hold a lot of gear.When choosing a gym bag with organizational pockets, it is important to consider its intended use. If the duffel bag will be used for traveling, then a cloth duffel bag with shoe compartments may be a better option, because they are typically lighter in weight. If the duffel gym bag will be used for camping, overnight trips, or other outdoor activities, then a leather duffel bag may be a better option, because they are more durable.Can Duffel Bags be used for carry-on luggage?Most duffel bags are too large to be used as carry-on luggage. However, there are a few exceptions. Some duffel bags come with a shoulder strap and the bottom compartment can be easily converted into a backpack. These bags are typically smaller in size and can be used as carry-on luggage.When choosing a duffel bag for carry-on luggage, it is important to choose one that is the right size and easy to carry. There are several things to keep in mind when using a duffel bag as carry-on luggage:1. Check the size restrictions of the airline before departing. Most airlines have a size limit of 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches for carry-on luggage.2. Choose a duffel bag that is the right size. The bag should be large enough to fit all of the items that are needed, but small enough to meet the size restrictions. It is also important to choose a bag that is lightweight and easy to carry.3. Pack the items in a way that will allow them to be easily accessed. For example, if there are clothes in one compartment and shoes in another, it will be easier to access the clothes if they are packed at the top of the bag.4. Pack the heavier items at the bottom of the bag. This will help to keep the bag balanced and avoid any unnecessary strain on the shoulder straps or handles.5. Zip up the bag and give it a final inspection before departing. Make sure that all of the items are securely packed and there is no extra space in the bag.Most duffel bags are too large to be used as carry-on luggage. However, there are a few exceptions. Some duffel bags come with a shoulder strap and can be easily converted into a backpack. These bags are typically smaller in size and can be used as carry-on luggage. If a duffel bag does not come with a shoulder strap, it is likely that it will not meet the size restrictions for carry-on luggage.ConclusionSo what do you think? Are you ready to make the switch from traditional luggage to a duffel bag for your next weekend trip? It’s hard to argue with the benefits they offer: they’re roomy, stay organized with dedicated space for your dirty laundry, wet items, and other essentials, they’re strong, and they’re stylish. With all the perks that come along with using a duffel bag, there’s no reason not to give one a try on your next trip.Koala Outdoor offers a line of duffel bags that are extremely durable with various pockets. They also have additional features, like interior pockets and water-resistant zippers, which you won’t find on ordinary duffel bags.