Custom Duffel Bags vs Backpacks: Which Bag is Right for Your Brand?

As a procurement manager or marketing professional, selecting the right promotional product is critical to ensuring that your brand stands out while also providing functional value. Promotional bags, especially duffel bags and backpacks, are among the most commonly chosen items, but which one is best for your organisation? Should you choose a backpack for daily use or a duffel bag for sports and occasional use?

We recently surveyed 20 Australian organisations — from community sports teams to large professional services companies — to answer this very question. Their insights reveal a lot about the preferences and needs of different target audiences, and the results might surprise you.

In this guide, we’ll help you make an informed decision by comparing duffle bags and backpacks, highlighting the specific use cases for each, and providing insights into branding options, durability, and which bag is the best fit for your next promotional campaign.

Key Survey Results: What Do Organisations Prefer?

To help you make the right choice for your promotional campaigns, we gathered valuable data from marketing and procurement managers across several industries, including government, small businesses, and corporate companies. Here’s what they had to say:

1. Which option do recipients prefer for daily use?
   • Winner: Backpacks
   • Why? Backpacks are preferred for daily commuting and professional use. They offer more storage compartments, are easier to carry over long distances, and provide better support for heavier items like laptops or documents.
2. Which option do they prefer for sporting use once or twice a week?
   • Winner: Duffle Bags
   • Why? For activities like gym sessions, sports practice, or weekend travel, duffel bags are the top choice. Big interiors and a “looking the part” design make them ideal for carrying sports equipment, clothing, and other essentials.
3. Is a separate shoe compartment needed?
   • Answer: No
   • Why? Most respondents felt that a separate shoe compartment isn’t essential. The additional fabric and zips needlessly add more weight.
4. Preferred decoration methods: Screen print, Full colour transfer print, or embroidery?
   • Winner: Full colour transfer print
   • Why? Full colour transfer printing is the preferred method for branding, as it allows for vibrant, high-quality designs and works well for intricate logos or artwork. Embroidery is lavish for high-end gifts, but complete colour transfers are more versatile for a wide range of designs.
5. How long do they expect the recipient to use the bags for?
   • Answer: At least 2 years
   • Organisations expect recipients to use their promotional bags regularly for at least two years. This means that durability and functionality are key considerations in choosing the right bag for your campaign.

Duffle Bags vs Backpacks: Which One Fits Your Promotional Needs?

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between backpacks and duffle bags.

When to Choose Duffle Bags

Choose a duffle bag for sports, recreation, or travel-related campaigns. They are especially recommended for:

• Local Community sports teams: Duffle bags are perfect for carrying sports gear. This is not just apparel, but also gear,
• Fitness motivation: A great way to encourage employees to hit the gym or participate in company fitness challenges.
• Weekend getaways: Duffle bags are excellent for short trips and offer plenty of room for clothes, toiletries, and accessories.

Duffle bags also work well for promotional giveaways at sports events, charity runs, or company retreats where space and comfort matter.

When to Choose Backpacks

Backpacks are more than just stylish; they offer hands-free convenience. Consider backpacks for:

• Company giveaways: Backpacks are ideal for tech events, trade shows, or office use. They’re practical for employees who need to carry laptops, documents, and other work essentials.
• Students and university students: Backpacks are synonymous with school and campus life.
• Commuters: For daily commuters, backpacks provide a hands-free way to carry everything from work essentials to lunch, making them ideal for corporate giveaways.

What’s the Best Way to Decorate Bags?

When branding your promotional bags, the right decoration method can make all the difference.

Full-colour transfer print is the winner. Prominent branding with the ability for both colours and fine detail to be branded. On the other hand, screen printing remains a popular choice for simpler designs, while embroidery is ideal for durability.

How Long Will the Bags Last?

Both duffle bags and backpacks are expected to last at least two years, according to our survey respondents. To ensure longevity, choose bags made from durable materials such as polyester, canvas, or nylon. These materials are resistant to wear and tear and can withstand frequent use, especially for corporate gifts or event giveaways.

Conclusion: Duffle Bags or Backpacks — Which Should You Choose?

Both duffle bags and backpacks have their unique benefits, and the right choice depends mainly on the intended use and target audience. If you’re looking for something to support sports teams, employees who travel, or fitness-focused campaigns, duffle bags are the ideal solution. 

Choose backpacks if your recipient is a daily commuter or corporate employee; backpacks are the way to go.

Quick Takeaways:

• Duffle bags are perfect for sports, recreation, and weekend getaways.
• Backpacks work best for daily use, corporate giveaways, and students.
• Full-colour transfer print is the preferred branding method for vibrant, eye-catching designs.
• Both bags can provide 2+ years of use for recipients.

Ready to Buy?

Shop Promotional Backpacks here
Shop Custom Branded Duffle Bags here

About the Author

About the Author

Charles Liu

Owner

Charles Liu is the Founder and a recognised authority in the promotional products industry in Australia. With over 17 years of experience, he has guided Cubic Promote to work with over 10,000 Australian organisations. His specialty is helping Aussie companies select the right products that stay within their budget. He also specialises in sourcing and assisting brands and government agencies in selecting corporate gifts for VIPs and high-profile clients. A regular contributor to industry blogs, Charles shares his expert insights on using promotional products to achieve business goals. Charles’s deep understanding of industry trends and strong supplier relationships make him a trusted figure in the sector, continually influencing the development of promotional product strategies that deliver tangible, measurable results.