Value Is In The Bag
Product: B.A.D. Duffels
Description: Duffel bags made to last from one-ounce urethane coated 1,000 denier Cordura, nickel steel and seat belt webbing.
Pro: The bags are indestructible! All seams are double stitched throughout and cross and boxed stitched at major stress points. The bag is easily carried using either the bomber trunk handles at each end, or the two main handles with soft leather grip, or the removable shoulder strap. Unless you are built like Conan, the two main handles are large enough to serve as makeshift backpack straps, adding to the bag’s carrying options - I’ve slung one duffel on my back while carrying a bag in each hand many times. Inside organizer pockets run the length of the bag keeping small items or very dirty socks separate from the main compartment. Outside slash pockets run the length of the duffel. Two removable compression straps are held in place with tie-down patches that also offer places to secure tent poles, a sleeping pad or a fly-rod case. The flat bottom design prevents rolling and makes loading much easier and more stable. An oversized #10 U-shaped zipper is lockable and opens like a hatch which is much, much easier to use than the traditional “slot” openings most duffels resort to. Highly water resistant … I know since my gear inadvertently sat out all night uncovered in a wind-blown, Utah rainstorm and still remained relatively dry.
Con: If I could change two minor things, it would be to add a padding to the shoulder strap and bellows pleats to the outer slash pockets.
Comments: There is nothing like a duffel for schlepping lots of gear through airports, on and off trains, onto horses, into river rafts, in and out of 4WDs, and more it’s a universal shape that even says “carry me to far away places.” That said, I have never carried a better made, better designed all-purpose duffel than the B.A.D. duffel.
Suggested Retail: #3 (3,000 cubic inches) - $90; #4 (4,200 cubic inches my favorite) - $104; #5sp (5,200 cubic inches) - $120; #5 standard (5,200 inches) - $105; #8 (7,800 cubic inches) - $110
Company: Best American Duffel, 2601 Elliott Ave., Suite 4317, Seattle, WA 98121; (800) 424-2247