Tested: The 11 Best Weekender Bags

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A great weekender bag is a wise investment. Not only is it an essential for travel, but the right one can double as a gym bag, work bag, and all-around everyday bag. Many weekend bag options have multiple thoughtful compartments for all your specific needs, like electronic devices, water bottles, umbrellas, and other essentials. Whether you're looking for hand-carried bags, crossbodies, or backpack styles, it's important to consider a bag that slides over your roller suitcase to speed you through airports comfortably.

We researched the best weekender bags currently available and put 30 of them in our Brooklyn testing lab with travel editors. We considered capacity, design, durability, portability, and overall value while packing, unpacking, tossing, and carrying bags around the lab.

Based on our results, here are the best weekender bags to help you travel in style.

Best Overall

Away Everywhere Bag

Away The Large Everywhere Bag

Away

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Spacious main compartment

  • Easy to clean

  • Lightweight

  • Multiple stylish color options

What We Don't Like
  • Finicky shoulder strap

Away's perennial favorite weekender bag hits all the notes. There are functional compartments to keep you well organized, like a 15-inch laptop pocket, zippered waterproof umbrella pocket, and a spacious main compartment. It also has a trolley sleeve to easily secure to rolling luggage, and it fits overhead or under the seat for flights. The bag is available in eight nylon or pebbled leather options and comes in special-edition fabrics and colors.

Our testers thought this bag could fit enough for a four- or five-day trip. "We liked that it's a very professional, minimalist, and stylish design," a tester noted. We also like the details of this bag, like a water bottle holder, detachable key clip, magnetic locking zipper on the laptop sleeve, and water-resistant nylon.

Besides the trolley sleeve, the wealth and variety of pockets are where The Everywhere Bag shines," another tester said. "A waterproof, virtually invisible zippered compartment in the base of the bag is designed to hold umbrellas, leaving us to wonder why every bag ever designed doesn't have this."

Material(s): Nylon, leather | Capacity: 38 liters | Size: 20.9 x 11.8 x 9.4 inches | Weight: 3.8 pounds with shoulder strap, 3.3 pounds without

Away The Large Everywhere Bag Testing

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Bellroy Weekender Plus

Bellroy Weekender Plus

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Spacious main compartment that fits more than just a weekend's worth of items

  • Lots of pockets for organization

  • Easy to carry

What We Don't Like
  • Fabric showed some dirt and dust

Bellroy's Weekender Plus was a close second for many of the same reasons our testers liked the Away weekender bag. It will hold enough to extend your trip beyond a weekend. It has plenty of pockets and space for organization. And it has a lightweight build that's easy to carry.

"The main pocket is huge and fits all of the clothes with room to spare—we could fit twice the amount of clothes we tested it with," one tester reported, mentioning the space could be less if the inside pockets were full. "I would bring this bag for a week-long trip as it would provide space for anything I would need."

They also liked the style of the bag, mesh pockets, laptop sleeve, and strong zippers. "Overall, I think this bag would last for years, and it's so practical and stylish that I wouldn't get sick of it. It has a timeless look," one tester concluded, saying they'd be happy to pay the full price for the bag. "I love this bag. I could see using this for two people for a weekend event or trading it off between my husband and me. I could also use it for the kids and me for the weekend. It has so many compartments that you would need extra bags for things which is a bonus if you don't like carrying many different bags to the car."

Material(s): Eco-tanned leather, recycled nylon, recycled polyester | Capacity: 45 liters | Size: 15.7 x 24.8 x 9.4 inches | Weight: 3.1 pounds

Bellroy Weekender Plus testing

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Best Budget

HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag

HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Fits just enough for a weekend trip

  • Very comfortable to carry on your shoulders and hands

What We Don't Like
  • Zipper buttons came undone easily

There's a lot to like about this budget pick besides the price. The 30-liter bag fit just enough for a weekend trip (but not much more), has two exterior pockets, and a trolley strap, which helped give it a comfortable carry. Thanks to its smaller size, it's also one of the lightest weekend bags we tested. Our testers liked the adjustable shoulder strap and a plastic-lined zipper pocket, especially for toiletries. The one issue our testers had was the zipper buttons kept coming undone. But for the price, this is an excellent bag.

Material(s): Not listed | Capacity: 30 liters | Size: 10.6 x 21.7 x 7.1 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds

HYC00 Weekender Travel Bag testing

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Best Duffel

Monos Metro Duffel

Monos Metro Duffel

Nordstrom

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    4.5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Detachable toiletry pocket on the front, so it doesn't take up room on the inside

  • Handles and strap are nice to hold

  • Strong material

  • Vegan leather option

What We Don't Like
  • The detachable toiletry pocket is hard to remove, but also means it won't fall off easily

Our testers found this bag surprisingly spacious, easily fitting all of the items on our weekend packing list without much strategizing or thought. They also found the 22-liter bag very lightweight when fully packed. But the unique standout of this duffel is the detachable pouch that our testers used for toiletries. One drawback was the pocket was challenging to remove. But on the flip side, it won't fall off easily. Our testers also liked features like comfortable handles and straps and the big exterior pocket to easily access items you might use frequently. The duffel comes in vegan leather and nylon styles, and our testers found the material exceptionally durable.

Material(s): Vegan leather or nylon | Capacity: 22 liters | Size: 16.3 x 11.2 x 7.2 inches | Weight: 3 pounds (nylon) or 3.6 pounds (vegan leather)

Monos The Metro Duffel Testing

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Best for Camping

Peak Design Travel Duffel

Peak Design Travel Duffel - 35L

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Adjustable straps and very comfortable to walk around with

  • Bomber 600-denier nylon material

  • Still a very light weight even with the burly materials

What We Don't Like
  • Lacking in organization compared to other bags we tested

Peak Design calls this duffel an ode to the utilitarian duffel, and we'd have to agree. It's the only duffel on our list that features legit bomber materials with its weatherproof 600-denier nylon, making it ideal for camping and other outdoor adventures. Simply put: If you need a weekender that can get tossed around and not worry about it ripping or breaking, this is it.

Our testers liked how comfortable and easy it was to walk around with this bag and the adjustable straps. "This is what I consider as an ideal bag," one tester reported. "It is small, so you don't feel overwhelmed with pockets and space, but it holds enough for a weekend." Overall, it's an excellent value for anyone looking for a lightweight, weatherproof, and easy-to-carry weekend bag.

Material(s): Weatherproof 600-denier nylon with 900-denier ottoman-weave poly bottom; polyester fabrics/woven nylon webbing/EVA foam/Hypalon/anodized aluminum/stainless steel | Capacity: 35 liters | Size: 22 x 13 x 10 inches | Weight: 2 pounds

Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L testing

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Best Style

Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag

Amazon Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    4.5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Machine washable

  • Lots of pockets, including a phone pouch

  • Very compact

What We Don't Like
  • Not overly comfortable to carry

Vera Bradley's classic weekender is a classic for a reason. It's machine-washable, has loads of pockets, an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, and carrying handles. Plus, this fully recycled cotton bag comes in the typical Vera Bradley prints and solid colorways. Our testers enjoyed all of the pockets, including the side water bottle pocket, phone pouch, and internal mesh pockets. They loved how comfortable the shoulder strap was for carrying. And while the handles were not overly comfortable, our testers reported they were good and comfortable enough.

Material(s): Recycled cotton | Capacity: 52 liters | Size: 21 x 14.5 x 8.5 inches | Weight: Not listed

Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag Testing

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Best Convertible

Samsonite Encompass Convertible Weekender

Samsonite Encompass Convertible Weekender

samsonite

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Lots of pockets and compartments

  • Opens and folds out into a garment bag

  • Very durable

What We Don't Like
  • Padding does not move with the shoulder strap when adjusted

The sleek Encompass Convertible Weekender from Samsonite wowed our testers first with its looks, then with its amount of pockets, and lastly with its durability. Our testers fit all weekend items in the bag with room to spare. And the organization was superb thanks to all of the compartments and pockets, some of which were zippered and others that were not. "We feel like there are specialized compartments for everything from laptops to water bottles to keys," the testers reported. "It also opens in a genius way and folds out into a garment bag," they said of the convertible component to the bag.

Our testers' critique was that the pad on the shoulder strap did not move with the strap when adjusting it. "It becomes off-centered, which could make it uncomfortable to carry," they noted. But another bonus to the bag is its durable and water-resistant material. We also like some unique bonus features like the RFID Data Vault for securely packing travel essentials from identity theft, a removable garment sleeve, and water bottle pockets.

Material(s): Not listed | Capacity: Not listed | Size: 21 x 12 x 11 inches | Weight: 3 pounds

Samsonite Weekend Convertible Bag

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Best for Business Travel

Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender Carry-on Duffel Bag

Amazon Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender Carry-on Duffel Bag

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Removable organizers

  • Comfortable shoulder straps and handles

  • Easily attaches to a roller bag

What We Don't Like
  • Not the most attractive bag, but gets the job done

The Crew VersaPack from Travelpro might not be the most attractive bag on this list, but it's one of the most practical, especially regarding business travel. Our testers liked how many different ways they could pack this bag. The outside pockets are excellent for quick access. And internal compartments are similar to a hard-sided suitcase. They also liked how the bag kept its shape, even when packed. Bonus: This bag attached easily to roller bags, making it an ideal additional bag to a roller.

Material(s): Not listed | Capacity: 37 liters | Size: 22 x 12 x 8.25 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds

TravelPro Crew VersaPack testing

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Best Vegan

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

Dagne Dover

What We Like
  • Lots of room, our testers felt like it could be good for up to four days

  • Comes with a bag cover and shoe bag that matches outside material

  • Comfortable carrying

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn't look as pristine as other tested bags

This bag isn't just an excellent vegan bag. It's a fantastic bag, period. Our testers easily fit all weekend items and reported that this bag felt "perfect for a four-day trip." They loved some unique features like a bag cover for protection when storing the bag and a shoe bag that matches the bag's outer material. Dagne Dover's Landon Carryall Bag features several interior pockets and one exterior pocket suitable for a phone. Our testers also found it comfortable to carry both with the shoulder straps and normal handles.

Material(s): Neoprene and recycled repreve lining | Capacity: 29 liters | Size: 16.5 x 9 x 11 inches | Weight: 2 pounds

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag testing

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Best Splurge

Leatherology Kessler Large Duffle

Leatherology Kessler Large Duffle

Leatherology

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Fits a ton of items

  • Super smooth and buttery leather

What We Don't Like
  • Shoulder pad does not adjust with shoulder strap

Leatherology's Kessler Duffle bag is a super soft and buttery leather bag that impressed our testers with its ability to fit many items. "There's a huge zippered pouch inside and a phone-sized pouch," our testers noted. Buckles on the side help change the size of the bag. Two handles and a shoulder strap give you two ways of carrying. And while the bag impressed testers with its buttery softness, they were not impressed that the shoulder pad did not move with the shoulder strap when adjusted. Bonus: You can also get this bag monogrammed.

Material(s): Full grain leather | Capacity: Not listed | Size: 25.6 x 14.2 x 12 inches | Weight: Not listed

Leatherology Kessler Large Duffel testing

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Best Value

Calpak Stevyn Duffel

Calpak Stevyn Rolling Duffel

Calpak

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Perfect weekend size—a simple, but well-designed bag

  • Bottom compartment for shoes or anything else you want to separate out

  • Good durability

What We Don't Like
  • We wish it had a larger or additional exterior compartment

Calpack's Stevyn Duffel is a simple yet well-designed bag. In particular, our testers enjoyed the bag's bottom compartment, which is suitable for storing shoes or anything else you want to separate from the rest of your items. Testers also liked the interior pockets but wished there was an additional or larger exterior pocket. "The bag is structured, so things don't poke out, and also stands up on its own, so nice for packing," one tester noted. "This seems like a very durable bag, and the material doesn't seem like it would easily show a lot of wear."

Material(s): Polyester | Capacity: Not listed | Size: 19.5 x 14 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 3.3 pounds

Other Products Tested

We tested 30 weekender bags in our Brooklyn testing lab. Here are the others we tested not mentioned above: Paravel Grand Tour Duffle, Béis The Weekender, MZ Wallace Black Travel Jim, L.L.Bean Utility Weekender Duffel, Mark & Graham Canvas and Leather Weekender, Paravel Weekender, Rains Weekend Bag, Canway Travel Duffel Bag, S-ZONE Oversized Canvas Genuine Leather Bag, Madewell The Essential Overnight Bag in Leather, J.Crew Weekender Montauk Tote, Lands' End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag, Caraa Nimbus, Samsonite Foldable Packable Duffel Bag, Narwey for Spirit Airlines Foldable Travel Duffel Bag, Cuyana Leather Triple Zipper Weekender, Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe, and Calpak Hue Laptop Duffel.

Weekender bag testing

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Product Selection

We selected weekender bags to test based on internet research and the knowledge and experience of our editors, writers, and testing team members. Internet research included looking at weekender bags other prominent sites have featured and reviewing customer reviews of bags purchased on e-commerce sites like Amazon.

After we selected an initial list of weekender bags, the list was narrowed based on style, price, and function. We wanted to test bags at many price points, with many styles, and different intended uses and functions.

Weekender bag testing
Conor Ralph.

How We Tested

We narrowed the weekender bags list to 30 and tested those in our Brooklyn testing lab. We tested bags and rated them on a five-point scale for the following attributes: capacity, design, portability, durability, and overall value. Those individual scores were averaged for the overall score given to each bag.

Testers packed each bag with two pairs of pants, four shirts, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag. For design, testers considered the bag's different compartments and pockets and how useful and functional they were. We then had testers spend some time carrying the packed bags with each of their intended carrying methods (shoulder straps and handles if the bags had them). And to test durability, testers dropped and tossed the packed bags multiple times and then examined any damage.

Weekender bag testing

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

What to Look for in a Weekender Bag

Price

How often do you take getaways? Like most luggage, it can be helpful to narrow down your options by cost-per-use. The more you use it, the cheaper each use will be. So if you’re going to be frequently traveling and need a carry-on, go ahead and spend the money on one that suits your lifestyle and personal style.

Durability

Frequent use (or occasional use over long periods) of a weekender will inevitably lead to a little wear and tear, but there are ways to minimize damage. Hardshell cases will keep contents inside safe, while soft-sided cases might be more prone to getting roughed up.

Style

Not all weekenders are created the same, and there's a vast range of available styles. Although traditionally, weekender bags are duffels, there are backpack-style ones too, which can be better for the shoulders and back. Once you decide on form, start figuring out whether you want something sporty, rugged, minimalist, or preppy—the list goes on!

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Why shouldn’t I just buy the cheapest weekender bag?

    If you travel frequently, you know that it can be hard on gear. Cheaply-made bags can tear or break more easily at strained areas like handles, seams, and hardware. Investing in a quality bag can buy you more durability—sparing the need for a replacement much earlier. So think about your travel frequency and lifestyle and choose accordingly.

  • What features should I look for in a weekender bag?

    Sure, you can differentiate your look by choosing a weekender in a unique color or print. But even if you want a bag in versatile black, not all are created equal. If you’re carrying electronics, ensure your weekender has a protective sleeve or compartment. If you’re traveling through airports, look for one with a pocket that fits over your roller bag handle for ease. You might want a weekender that converts to a garment bag for business travel. And if you need easy access, look for secure exterior compartments.

  • What material should I look for in a weekender bag?

    Leather can be more durable and sophisticated but can also show scrapes and other types of wear. And it can be more expensive, too. Ripstop nylon is lightweight but not as insulated and less effective at distributing weight. Neoprene is water resistant and can be hand washed. So, evaluate your lifestyle (and budget) and choose accordingly.

Why Trust TripSavvy

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy's Outdoor Gear Editor. He is a regular traveler, both by plane and car, and appreciates strong organizational features in a weekender bag. TripSavvy and Travel + Leisure editors helped with the testing of weekender bags in our Brooklyn testing lab. We also sent weekender bags to testers for long-term testing and will update this document with those testing insights as they come in.

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