Any excuse for a vacation, right?
Whether you’re staring longingly at friends’ travel photos or you’ve got a getaway already marked on the calendar, there’s one easy way to be sure you’re ready for that next trip: Prepare yourself with the perfect luggage. Below, we’ve compiled a selection of the best bags for weekend trips. Duffle
What should you consider when choosing a weekender bag?
Size: From compact overnight bags that hold one set of clothes to those that can hold up to five-plus shoes, the size of your weekender will ultimately depend on how long you plan to travel and how many resources you need.
Material: Whether you gravitate toward nylon that can withstand the elements or supple leather (real or faux!), there's a weekender for every style and budget.
Style: These weekender bags are a mix of duffels, totes, suitcases, and even convertible backpacks that are easy to carry and fit all your essentials for just a few days.
Features: Think shoe compartments, dedicated laptop sleeves, water bottle slips, and convenient exterior pockets for phones or IDs. Plenty also have trolley sleeves, aka the open-bottom slot that allows you to slide the bag onto suitcase handles. It's genius stacked on top of a roller bag for seamlessly moving through an airport.
Can a weekender bag be a carry-on?
That’s one of the best parts! The majority of these weekender bags work for short excursions but also double as smart carry-ons for trips of any length.
Once you’ve picked your new go-to weekender, you can grab a toiletry bag to keep yourself organized or add some hardworking travel accessories (like a mini hair dryer and jewelry case). Comfortable clothes are ideal, too—try a pair of fabulous travel pants or one of these outfits on for size. Now all that’s left is to pick your destination—and actually see the world.
This weekender was made for wear and tear. The cotton-lined canvas design is durable, and its heavy-duty zippers promise dependability over time. One user reveals it is especially useful to bring to the hospital for deliveries. Equipped with a laptop pocket, a separate shoe compartment, and a trolley sleeve, this weekender has a lot to offer without breaking the bank. Plus, there's two dozen color combinations to choose from.
Employ this soft, ultra-light nylon bag as an overnighter or a gym bag. Not only does it have straps for your yoga mat, a zipped shoe compartment, and trolley sleeve, but it’s also spacious enough for your trip essentials. Some even note it as a solid dupe for trendy (and super-pricey) gym bags, with plenty calling out its versatility as a work bag (thanks to a handy laptop sleeve), sports bag, travel bag, and even a diaper bag.
Trust us: The most talked-about weekender on the internet lives up to the hype. It has everything you need in one place: a zippered shoe compartment, a trolley sleeve, and a roomy interior with pockets for organization. It comes in six different hues, from timeless neutrals to delightful brights.
This bag has a roomy main upper with plenty of interior pockets and a large shoe compartment at the bottom—meaning you can stay super organized and stylish. Plus, there's a handy trolley sleeve for easy traveling. Whether you reach for rose quartz, black, or cocoa, there's a style for everyone.
Are you traveling for a wedding or important business meeting? This bag will be your holy grail—it has a built-in garment bag and side pockets for shoes, plus a healthy amount of space for everything else you’ll need for the weekend.
For a sleek option, look no further than this water-resistant design from Lululemon. Every detail is considered, from the padded handles for easy carrying to the mix of small pockets for devices and travel essentials and bigger ones for your storage. There’s even an interior padded pocket for your laptop and a designated spot for your water bottle so you can easily access it. Finally, there’s a back-zippered pocket with a hidden trolley-compatible strap for when you have a suitcase with you.
Everlane's travel offerings continue to impress us. This weekender is made from recycled materials, is roomy enough to carry a pair of shoes, an outfit or two, toiletries, your water bottle, and your laptop. You can wear it cross-body, on your shoulders, or on top of a rolling suitcase using the discreet trolley sleeve. What more could you need?
If you prefer an understated approach to style, this minimalist nylon carry-on with leather detail is ideal. It fits perfectly under a seat, and in addition to the requisite laptop sleeve, it even has a compartment for a water bottle or umbrella. This size is great for one or two nights away, but for more packing room, try the large size, and for an everyday bag, try the smaller version. Plus, it has a laptop and trolley sleeve to make multi-carry travel a breeze.
With a spacious interior and separate bottom compartment—which can fit two to three pairs of shoes or your dirty laundry—this camo weekender will be a favorite for frequent travelers. In addition to the recycled poly material shown here, it also comes in a variety of eco-friendly canvas shades. This is an essential do-it-all weekender, with sturdy materials and construction that leave no room for worry.
This convertible travel bag can be worn on the shoulder or stacked on top of luggage, thanks to a handy trolley strap. It has plenty of interior and exterior pockets to keep you organized throughout your travels.
At this price point, what's not to love about Mali + Lili's nylon weekender bag with a vegan leather trim and premium hardware finishes? It has a separate zip compartment for shoes or dirty clothes, as well as plenty of pockets inside and out for organizing. There's plenty of versatility thanks to interchangeable accessories and a trolley sleeve for travel. There is also a more compact style that's perfect for overnight stays.
Don’t let the gorgeous camel-and-black exterior fool you—this roomy travel tote is made with roughly 1,794 grams of ocean-bound plastic. Beyond that, it has a detachable strap and multiple zippered compartments (and a laundry bag), not to mention that it's fully machine-washable. (P.S. You’ll want the matching overnight bag and wristlet, too.)
A handsome leather weekender is meant to live a life well-traveled. Inside, plenty of roomy pockets help to keep you organized. This buttery-soft style is perfect for an overnighter and will only get better with wear. If black is not your thing, it also comes in a beautiful saddle shade.
This canvas bag’s vintage unisex appeal and durable leather trim are undoubtedly its main selling points. Inside, plenty of zippered pockets make organizing your passport, wallet, and tech a breeze. While it's considered a fantastic overnight bag, the room for storage seems endless.
With a sleek, compact design, Monos's versatile weekender can be worn on the shoulders (look at those generous straps!), across the body, or stacked on top of your luggage. It's crafted with a water-resistant nylon twill so you don't have to worry about being too precious on the go. We love that there's a zippered lower storage area for shoes or separating wet items, a 16-inch laptop sleeve, and built-in trolley sleeve. If nylon isn't your style, it also comes in a fabulous ivory, brown, and camel vegan leather.
Travel like an old-school jetsetter with this very chic, vintage-inspired carryall. Not only is it made from a stain-repellent coated canvas with premium leather trim, but light packers could stash up to five days’ worth of clothing inside. It also makes a fabulous gift for those who love a monogrammed moment.
Travel smarter with this functional and fabulous weekender—crafted with a fine knit made from recycled plastics. Three main interior compartments keep all of your essentials organized, while the outside has laptop-sized pockets and a trolley sleeve, too. Also available in black and pebbled leather, as well as an overnight size.
We love that this adorable overnight bag's recycled nylon exterior is super-lightweight and water-repellent. From this lovely light blue to rose and floral prints, there's a design for everyone. Monogram enthusiasts, you have the option to personalize the bag with your initials for a travel bag that's just for you.
Available in four sizes (see medium, large, and extra-large options, as well as a nifty wheeled version), this popular Patagonia duffel is made with durable nylon that has been tested to withstand water, rough abrasion, and freezing temps. We love this zip-around expandable bag that allows you increased carrying capacity at a moment’s notice. Plus, when not being worn as a duffel or backpack, the Patagonia bag folds flat for storage, so you don’t have to worry about needing extra space in your closet. Customers agree that this bag is built to last for years to come.
This extra-large, spacious, water-resistant neoprene duffel makes simplified storage and transport easier. than ever. Thanks to a water bottle holder, a shoe duster, a mesh pouch, and a padded laptop pocket, all of your essentials stay in place. All you have to do is choose from navy, black, camel, gray, and dune.
Cassie Hurwitz (she/her) is an associate editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers everything from culture to entertainment to lifestyle. She can typically be found in the middle of multiple books and TV shows all at once. Previously, Cassie worked at Parents, Rachael Ray In Season, and Reveal. Her love language is pizza (New York slices, Chicago deep dish, and otherwise).
Pooja Shah is a freelance writer and lawyer based in New York. She writes on commerce, culture, lifestyle, and travel. More of her work is at www.pooja-shah.com.
Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily. Follow her on Instagram.
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