Since its humble beginnings, the sports bag has changed a lot throughout the years. What we know today as spots bags were once used to carry food and drink for weary travelers or weapons for the warriors in the battlefield. First bags used by athletes were carrying equipment like balls, bats and clothing, much like today. However, these old bags were much more primitive and harder to carry for athletes. If you’re a sportsperson looking at their trusted bag every day, you might be wondering what kind of history lies behind this piece of equipment. Here’s a short history of the spots bag and how it has changed through history.
Middle Ages
The sport of these long-past times was jousting. This was the sport that all knights had to excel at and it required extensive training. Knights were dedicated athletes and their trade required many pieces of equipment. Armor and weapons were heavy and they needed careful and safe transporting. The bag that got knights and their servants through these hardships was the backpack, especially the special European type called Fidel. These were popular because they provided comfort and allowed carriers to place their gear on their back, leaving their hands ready to fight and their horse without uncomfortable cargo.
17th century
In the 17th century, athletes usually wore over-the-shoulder bags. These bags were carried on one shoulder, much like purses and messenger bags of today. These were practical for small sporting items and gadgets. Smaller hanging bags were perceived as feminine, so the size had to be significant in order to give that manly look. Incidentally, this is the time when first suitcases were made (1755) but there were not practical for athletes because they were large and clunky. Sometime later, in the 20th century, leather suitcases took over and became the norm for carrying luggage, but athletes never adopted this type of bag.
Duffle bag
Duffle bags are probably the most beloved choice of bag for athletes. Ever since their first recorded use, duffle bags haven’t stopped developing. Today, it’s still one of the most popular bags in the world, definitely the most famous sports bag in Australia and definitely the best one for athletes and sports fans. Modern duffle bags are made with quality materials and reinforced at the bottom. They even have water-proof pockets for sweaty towels and water bottles! But it hasn’t been this way always. During the World War I, first duffle bags were used among the soldiers. This bag was perfect for the wartime conditions because it could be filled quickly and made almost flat when empty.
After the Second World War, the British, the Americans and the Australians started mass producing the duffle bag for their army. Later, these bags found their way in the army surplus store and adopted by athletes, especially surfers in Australia and California.
Sports bags of the future
In the future, we expect a lot from out sports bags. Even today, designers and manufacturers are focusing on light weight of these bags so that athletes don’t have to haul heavy bags after their hard workouts and matches. Many manufacturers also focus on the production of super light backpacks with drawstrings, mostly used for dirty equipment light dirty clothing and sneakers. Sports bags we see today are sturdy yet light and equipped with various compartments for organizing all athletic gear in one place.
Athletes would be struggling every day without their sports bags. What we see today are great models suitable for all types of athletes, with duffel bags leading the rase. Almost every spot today has their own version of the athletic bag adjusted to fit the specific equipment. No matter what kind of bag you choose to carry to your games and practices, you know it your most valuable ally.
Author Bio:
Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in topics related to home improvement, DIY and interior design. In her free time she enjoys reading and preparing healthy meals for her family.
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