Prior to 1943, the Army issued out to Barracks Bags. These bags were a blue denim material with a white drawstring. These later went the way of a cotton OD color, both in the lighter #3 and the darker #7 and eventually switching from cotton to HBT. In 1943, the duffel bag became the primary item for carrying a soldiers (or other military person, for that matter) uniforms and equipment. From this point on, the duffel bag is the first item issued to the serviceman. As they continue down the line for the initial issue, all items go in to the duffel. When being shipped about, the duffel is his suitcase, either going with him or being shipped ahead to his destination. When he is discharged, everything he owns is often in that bag. The duffel bag is and continues to be the travel-all bag for those in the service. The barracks bag, which is still in issue today, changed roles to more of a laundry bag or secondary storage item.
That being said, you should get one.
WW2 duffels were an improvement over its predecessors. The canvas was sturdier. They had a cotton duck handle and shoulder strap that extended from this handle to the open top of the bag where it could be hooked in to a metal loop, which transport easier. The bottom had a reinforcing cap of canvas (earlier models didn't have this). The entire bag is OD, usually a darker green like an OD #7. They also are typically constructed with a small pocket with a snap enclosure. They should also bear "US" in black letters.
When starting out, we understand that it's difficult to find all this stuff right away. So long as you keep the modern stuff hidden, it's never a problem. The nice thing about a duffel bag (or even a barracks bag, for that matter) is that you'll won't stick out like a sore thumb as you're bringing in your gear. It's also nice to have all your items in one bag that actually fits the authenticity.
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