Duffle bags are excellent for college students, though they serve a different purpose than a backpack. They are the "gold standard" for weekend trips home or visiting friends at other campuses because their soft sides allow them to be stuffed into cramped car trunks or onto overhead bus racks more easily than rigid suitcases. They are also perfect as a "gym bag" for athletes or students heading to the campus recreation center. Many students also use large rolling duffles for move-in day because they can hold bulky items like bedding and winter coats and then be folded flat for storage under a dorm bed—a huge advantage in small rooms where there is no space for a hardside suitcase. However, they aren't great for carrying heavy textbooks across campus, as the single-shoulder strap can cause strain compared to the ergonomic support of a backpack.