What’s new is not always better. That’s just a harsh truth. It’s natural to want what’s shiny (proverbially) and new, but honestly, in the past couple of years it looks like quality control and manufacturing joined hands and took a nose dive. That, and prices went up. Just reflect on your own experience and see if that’s true.
This has made some secondhand markets balloon, and it’s hardly surprising why. So, if you landed here because you’re shopping for a military duffle bag and this article came up, consider it a sign. If you want a “new” military duffle bag, vintage, not new, is the best option.
Cost
The cost of used things is going up too, but as a general rule, not as quickly as the price of new stuff. The problem is, the quality of old stuff is staying the same (it can’t change, right?) whereas the quality of new stuff has fallen off a cliff. This is pretty simple math here, unfortunately. When quality goes down and price goes up, there’s not much else you can do but jump ship for some alternative. At least, with vintage military field gear and duffle bags, we have one.
You can pay more and get less (new) or you can pay less and get more (vintage). Which path are you going to choose?
Quality
You know what? Ballistic nylon is not that great. It’s cheap to manufacture and relatively durable, but honestly, despite the difference in price, is it that much tougher than cotton?
Probably not, honestly. Not only is it hardly physically as durable, all else being equal, but it’s not resistant to UV, either. And, just like cotton, it’s highly absorbent, so if you get it wet, you have other issues on your hands.
It’s alright for what it’s there for – a cheap alternative to canvas – but it’s not cheap anymore. There shouldn’t be any situation in creation in which a sane buyer would pay more for nylon than for cotton. That makes no sense.
So again this becomes a relatively simple equation. Do you want better quality or worse quality? If you want better, buy vintage. Just be discerning about it.
Style
Lastly, there is the aesthetic appeal to consider. Now, if you’re one of those tacticool folk that can’t get enough of MOLLE-strapped ballistic nylon stuff, then it will be near-impossible to make a strong case before you for vintage. That’s just the way this cookie will crumble.
But, there are a lot of people out there that would choose that battle on that hill. Vintage aesthetic is, in many ways, superior to newly manufactured military gear, and there are those who would argue the same for field gear.
Just like a vintage Vietnam jacket or an old field shirt from an earlier era, there is a certain class and aesthetic that cannot be replicated with new field gear, surplus or not. So for people that appreciate this fine point of vintage military gear, there’s only one type of duffle worth buying – and it’s an old one.
Where to get a Military Duffle Bag (Vintage and New Options)
If you’re here for a military duffle bag, vintage or otherwise (or some other vintage military field gear) your first stop should be online at Fatigues Army Navy. They carry a wide range of milsurp along with plenty of vintage and military field gear. Duffle bags are no exception and their catalog is full of them.
Visit their website and get in touch with them directly if you have any questions about what they sell.
