looped his duffel through his arms

[krisstte]

What does "looped through arms" mean here? I tried to imagine how it is possible and only thing that came to my mind is bag on man's back, like a backpack. But he has duffel, not backback. Really confusing.

Setting: 1910, New York, Elis Island.
Poor italian boy has just arrived to America.

Suddenly the ferry lurched into place against the pilings of the docks, throwing the people onboard off their feet. Ciro grabbed the railing,
steadied himself, and looped his duffel through his arms.

A. Trigiani "The Shoemaker's Wife"

 

[Tarheel]

I'm pretty sure they have straps.

 

[krisstte]

I'm pretty sure they have straps.

I find duffels with short straps. How it is possible to put it on back backpack like? Also, maybe, bag had one long strap, but then it could be carried on one shoulder.

 

[Tarheel]

The phrase "looped his duffel through his arms" tells you it has straps. If it didn't he couldn't do that.

 

[SoothingDave]

He could just be holding it in front of him with his arms through the straps so he's not relying on his hands to hold.

 

[PeterCW]

I think that the use of "duffel" to mean a bag with handles is modern. Traditionally It was a small version of a military kit bag with cords or straps for carrying. I had one for carrying my sports kit to school which could be carried slung over one shoulder.