22 best weekender bags for your next getaway, according to our editors
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Whether you're planning a quick road trip to the nearest beach or a much-needed couple's getaway, spending a few days away calls for a sturdy, stylish, and functional travel bag. We often turn to our favourite weekenders to hold everything we need for short trips and overnight stays. The best weekender bags are roomy enough to carry your clothes, toiletries, and a pair of comfortable shoes or two but not so bulky as to slow you down while dashing to catch a train or sting you with airline baggage fees. A separate compartment for dirty clothes or shoes is always welcome, too. To narrow down the styles that are worth your pounds (and storage space), our editors put dozens of duffels and expandable totes to the test from top luggage brands like Away, Béis, Antler, Nere, and more.
The best weekender bags at a glance
How we choose the best weekender bags:
Our editors spent months testing out these weekenders, bringing them on two-day getaways, overnights, and camping trips, and using them as our personal items on flights. We considered each bag's weight, capacity, design, and how well it held up after several trips. We also paid close attention to unique features that make a bag stand out against other options on the market, like having ample pockets or a separate shoe compartment. Below, the 19 best weekenders of 2024, from budget-friendly options to splurge-worthy designer bags.
Dickies Lisbon Weekender Holdall
Features: shoe compartment, three pockets, additional laptop pocket
Our social media manager Lucy Bruton is a Dickies fan – her Gardiner tote is a regular presence in the office when she’s commuting, winning points for its hardwearing nylon outer and unexpected roominess. The brand’s Lisbon holdall is equally as impressive. It has the same tough shell, with a smart no-frills design and plenty of pockets for all your gear: an inner laptop pocket, separate main and shoe compartments and an outer one to keep travel essentials close to hand. There are two handles, plus a removable cross-body strap for additional versatility.
Stubble & Co The Weekender
Weight: 1.65kg, 1.7kg
Dimensions: W55 x H27 x D25cm, W61 x H35 x D29cm
Capacity: 40L, 60L
Features: 16” laptop compartment, trolley sleeve, outer slip pocket, padded leather shoulder pad, inner valuables pocketWe’re big fans of Stubble & Co’s Adventure Bag and the brand’s weekender is another fabulous buy. There are multiple pockets for essentials, a dedicated laptop compartment and a well-padded strap to take a load off while toting it from taxi to hotel room. YKK zips give peace of mind they won’t bust even when the bag is full to bursting, and a luggage sleeve makes navigating airports as easy as can be. It’s made with water-resistant canvas, finished with leather trims, that gives it a more luxe feel than the Adventure Bag, it comes in a choice of four sophisticated colours and, as a bonus, there are two sizes, both with the same number of pockets.
Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender
Dimensions: W46 x H28 x D18cm
Features: Two interior pockets, wide zipped pocket; external slip pocketFrom luxury luggage brand Carl Friedrik comes its new chic-as-you-like compact weekender. Compact is the word here – it is on the smaller side, working more as an overnighter than a weekend bag unless you forgo bringing additional shoes. We like it most as a smart underseat cabin bag. Provided you don’t fill it to the brim, it will suit most UK airlines, and there’s space for all your onboard essentials, laptop and an outfit change. The biggest draw is its handsome appearance; the leather straps and understated styling make it one of the most sophisticated options we’ve found.
Ettinger New Pursuits Cotswolds Weekend Bag
Luxury British leather goods brand Ettinger has been manufacturing its quality bags and accessories in England since 1934, and earned a Royal Warrant in 1996. A family-run company, the brand is still overseen by the founder’s son to this day. The weekenders are as classic as you’d expect with a beautifully soft brushed cotton finish, leather trims and a distinctly British feel. On a weekend away, it comfortably fit three outfits and a pair of shoes, plus a chunky camera and laptop. The bag felt sturdy when full and the pockets were useful for passports and headphones. We also appreciated how it slid happily both above and under a train seat without problem. But the loveliest thing about this weekender is how chic it is – it earned multiple compliments from friends and family. Louis Delbarre
Weight: 1kg
Dimensions: 58 x 32 x 25cm
Features: Reinforced leather detailing, Jacquard lining, detachable crossbody strap, two inner slip pockets
Nere Canvas Duffle Bag
Weight: 0.75kg
Dimensions: 31 x 55 x 26cm
Capacity: 44L
Features: Detachable crossbody strap, machine washableAustralian luggage brand Nere has recently made its way to the UK with its trend-led selection of bags, suitcases and travel accessories at surprisingly pleasing price points. We can see why they’ve become a favourite with the Instagram crowd; the range comes in a selection of pretty sorbet shades that will stand out on your social feeds and the luggage carousel alike. This canvas weekender bag is a roomy 44L, making it one of the largest on our list. It has a passthrough sleeve to attach to your case and can be slung in the washing machine when needed. There are just two external pockets, but given the generously-sized main compartment, we’re not sure that matters.
Bellroy Classic Weekender 35L
Weight: 0.7kg
Dimensions:
Capacity: 33L
Features: Snap-down ends, wide opening, key hook, grab loops, luggage pass-throughBellroy is especially good at designing bags that make the most of every inch of space, and this smart weekender is no exception. There are plenty of pockets for electricals and valuables, including an easy-access pocket at the front with a key clip. Snap down ends allow for easy packing, there’s a passthrough band to attach it to your suitcase and grab handles at each end. In contrast to the brand’s sling bag, which has been developed to be super-lightweight, the material here feels weighty and luxe – you’d never know it’s been made solely from recycled PET plastic bottles. At 35L, it’s perfectly large enough for a three-to-four-day trip.
Antler Chelsea overnight bag
Weight: 0.8kg
Dimensions: 41.5 x 26 x 18cm
Capacity: 20L
Features: Detachable shoulder strap, passthrough sleeve, leather handles, fits as an underseat cabin bag on easyJet flightsIt might be called an overnight bag, but if you pack strategically Antler's Chelsea bag can easily work as a weekender. I travelled with it on a recent trip to Barcelona and could comfortably fit a weekend's worth of clothes and toiletries. Although if you need to pack extra shoes, there's room for a pair of flip flops but little more. If you're a frequent flyer, this is a worthy investment – in addition to numerous internal and external pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve and a water bottle pouch, it also has an over-handle sleeve, making it an ideal option to take on a long-haul flight. The bag is made in a durable water-resistant nylon and comes in nine different colour options, which of course match their Chelsea suitcase range. See our full Antler Chelsea overnight bag review for more. Lauren Burvill
Fjällräven Kånken Weekender
Weight: 0.65kg
Dimensions: 30 x 44 x 20 cm
Capacity: 30L
Features: Detachable crossbody strap, backpack straps, 17" laptop pocket, expandable outer pocketFjällräven's weekender retains the style and charm of the brand’s popular backpacks, just made a little larger for your weekend trips. Unusually, this bag has straps on the back, so it can be used as a holdall, a cross-body, or a backpack, upping its versatility. It has an expandable front compartment, a couple of inner pockets, and a 30L capacity. It comes in the brand’s signature array of cool colours. As a consummate over-packer, I was initially dubious that I’d fit everything I needed in this bag – it looks rather compact at first glance. However, I was happily proven wrong. By rolling my clothes, I fit a full three days worth of belongings in, along with a washbag and an additional pair of shoes in the front pocket. Also, as I don’t drive, I appreciate the backpack straps – they make it much easier to cart my stuff around when I’m heading off somewhere on foot. For that reason, I will start using it as a gym bag, too. Charley Ward
July Carry All Weekender Plus
Weight: 2kg
Dimensions: 57 x 23 x 32cm
Capacity: 50L
Features: Clamshell opening, trolley sleeve, gunmetal feet on baseThe best part of this weekender: the clamshell opening, which allows the bag to lie completely flat for easy packing. With a roomy 50-litre capacity and an internal padded pocket that fits a 16" laptop, you've got a good amount of space in here for an overnight stay or a two-night trip. Contributor Juliet Izon tested out this bag when we were on the hunt for the best weekenders in 2021, and was able to pack “everything I needed for a four-day trip to Asheville, North Carolina, including all the outfit changes I wanted for a weekend in the unpredictable weather of the mountains.” Its smart design, sleek look, and spacious compartments make it deserving of a spot on our list this year, too.
Paravel Weekender
Weight: 1.8kg
Dimensions: 38 x 20 x 38cm
Capacity: 55L
Features: Trolley sleeve, removable and adjustable shoulder strap, hand-painted or embroidered initials availableParavel's timeless Weekender, made from 12 upcycled plastic water bottles, is at the top of our list when it comes to investment bags. The thick cotton canvas exterior is beautifully stitched and elevated by leather accents, while the easy-to-clean nylon interior can withstand a shampoo or water bottle spill. It's a tried-and-true travel essential for US senior commerce editor Madison Flager, who says it's one of her most aesthetically pleasing bags and most functional, too. It's roomier than it looks, fitting a weekend's worth of clothes, with space for a pair of shoes, wash bag and laptop. Inside, there are two deep zippered pockets for sliding in a pair of flats or sandals, chargers, or any other odds and ends you want with you. “It’s a great bag to use as a personal item — I’ve used it for overnight trips, but more often I use it to carry things I want with me in-flight (Kindle, charger, snacks, etc), plus any overflow that didn’t make it into my carry-on luggage, like a toiletry or makeup bag,” says Flager. It comes with an adjustable, removable strap to wear as a crossbody or on your shoulder, and has sturdy leather top handles and a trolley sleeve to secure to a suitcase on longer trips.
Ruskin The Quentin Weekender
Dimensions: 41 x 55 x 39cm
Features: detachable strap, trolley sleeve, water resistant outer made from 100% British wool, inner pocketIn the Quentin weekender, roominess meets beauty in a swoony combination. With its dusky-grey RUSKIN tweed (water-resistant for the realities of Britain) and handsome warm-tan leather trim and rolled leather top handles, it’s a bag that steals envious glances for sheer class and craftsmanship. A detachable strap means you can carry the bag cross-body and there’s a travel sleeve so it can be slotted onto a suitcase. Despite being called a weekender, I would describe the Quentin as a generous overnighter, a weekender for good packers and rather a compact choice for bad packers or those hoiking around too many shoes. Which is a good thing as it’s not the kind of bag you would do such a disservice as to overstuff it – elegance needs respecting. Lydia Bell
Away The Large Everywhere Bag
Weight: 1.7kg
Dimensions: 53 x 22 x 30cm
Capacity: 38L
Features: Trolley sleeve, 15" laptop pocket, detachable padded shoulder strapAway is a trusted brand among Traveller editors for quality and functionality. Made of a water-resistant nylon and leather trim, the Large Everywhere bag is the biggest of the brand's best-selling style, with enough room to fit three or four days' worth of clothing. It features a clamshell opening, which makes it easy to pack and find everything you're looking for once you arrive. Store clothes in the roomy main compartment and put smaller items like chargers, beauty products, or toiletries in the zippered mesh pockets. Thanks to the convenient trolley sleeve, it fits nicely on top of your Away carry-on. And if you're heading on a business trip, an exterior padded laptop pocket fits computers up to 15 inches. Carry it by the top handle or the padded detachable strap.
Lululemon City Adventurer large duffel bag
Dimensions: 46 x 30 x 23cm
Capacity: 29L
Features: Trolley sleeve, detachable strap, padded laptop pocketIf you're a Lululemon's ultra-popular belt bag fan, you'll likely fall in love with this weekender, too. Made of a similar smooth, water-repellant fabric, the sporty bag comes in silver or black. This is another favourite of US Traveller associate commerce editor Meaghan Kenny's: “It’s the perfect size for a weekender bag — not too big or too small. It gives you just enough room for two to three outfits without becoming too heavy or bulky to carry around. Plus, it fits under the seat on an aeroplane, making it a great personal item.” This lightweight duffle opens wide to fit plenty of clothes and has two mesh pockets and a zippered compartment for keeping important items extra secure. Carry it by the top handles or across your body, and use the trolley sleeve to secure it to luggage when needed. Another plus: It can be folded up nearly flat to store away when not in use.
MZ Wallace Nik Duffel
Weight: 0.9kg
Dimensions: 3×18×31cm
Features: Detachable crossbody strap, black leather protective feet, trolley sleeve, water-resistant exteriorMZ Wallace's Nik duffel bag is a new favourite of Flager — she's used it as an overnight bag when dog-sitting, as a personal item when flying to Florida for a cruise, and for a weekend trip to Boston. Thanks to its quilted fabric, it's incredibly lightweight at just over two pounds. On the bag's exterior are two deep zippered pockets for small items you'll want to grab easily during transit, like your wallet or passport. Inside, there's a laptop sleeve, a detachable lightweight pouch, and two more slip pockets that Flager uses to store things like sunglasses and glasses. “As a personal item, it’s super roomy—when I took it on a cruise, it was a good size to hold all the things I wanted to keep with me when boarding, including my toiletry bag, a pouch with medicine, another with makeup, and a bathing suit and pool coverup,” she says. What we love most about this duffel: its many pockets, water-resistant material, and polished look.
Monos Metro Duffel
Weight: 1.3kg
Dimensions: 41 x 32 x 11cm
Capacity: 22L
Features: Removable exterior pouch, laptop compartment, trolley sleeveMonos’s Metro line features polished bags made of only vegan materials, including the equivalent of 16 repurposed plastic water bottles per bag. “This is not just a beautiful bag (get used to the compliments!), it’s also the most organised duffle I’ve ever owned, with a spot for everything,” says global digital director Arati Menon. “The interiors are incredibly roomy and come with pockets that fit everything from your laptop to water bottle. And when you run out of space inside, just snap on one of Monos’ interchangeable kits to the front to put all your necessities (phone, wallet, passport) within easy reach. You could even snap off a kit to double up as a clutch in a pinch.”
Béis The Weekender Bag
Weight: 1.75kg
Dimensions: 48 x 41 x 25cm
Capacity: 49L
Features: Removable shoulder strap, trolley sleeve, separate shoe compartment, padded laptop sleeveWith a water-resistant and pocket-filled interior, plus an extra roomy bottom compartment that fits several pairs of shoes or those souvenirs you can’t bear to leave behind, this understatedly chic travel tote has enough nooks and crannies to keep even the worst over-packer in line. And the structured frame opening on top keeps the bag wide open — or securely shut —when needed. In addition to gaining a ton of buzz on social media for its “cool girl” aesthetic, the Béis Weekender is also a favourite among Traveler US editors, including Flager. It's her go-to tote for true weekend trips — “I use the outer pocket for my phone and ID, and I love the key leash—it’s nice to have a dedicated spot for my house keys so I’m not digging around upon return,” she says. The Béis Weekender is available in a mini size, too, which is better suited as a personal item or a one-night bag.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 70L
Weight: 0.6kg
Dimensions: 71 x 33 x 44cm
Capacity: 70L
Features: Ergonomic shoulder straps, weather-resistant material, padded baseMade from 100 per cent recycled fabric, Patagonia's weather- and abrasion-resistant duffle is one of the most durable on our list. It's also one of our largest options, holding 70 litres of gear. The padded and removable ergonomic shoulder straps let you carry this duffel like a backpack and detach it when not in use. US senior features editor Rebecca Misner easily packed enough clothes for a two-week road trip from San Fransisco and says it held up beautifully — even after constantly throwing it around the back of her car. And it's water-resistant, so the unexpected shower that came when she was unpacking the car in Portland, Oregon, was no big deal. Its U-shaped top zipper allows the bag to open wide for easy access to everything in the main compartment, which makes packing it and finding belongings a breeze. “It’s a fantastic piece of luggage for a road trip or any adventure travel, but I wouldn't take it on a plane unless I was going on a trip where very minimal lifting would be required. If you keep the weight down, most people should be able to carry it comfortably by its straps,” says Misner. She's looking forward to using it as a ski trip bag this winter: “I won’t worry about throwing it in the back of the car with my skis — scratching or tearing won’t be an issue. Plus, if it gets wet from my ski boots or if I’m loading it in snow, it will wick away any moisture.”
Herschel Supply Co. Tech Novel duffel
Weight: 1.3kg
Dimensions: 52 x 28 x 32cm
Capacity: 45L
Features: 16" laptop compartment, removable padded shoulder strap, trolley sleeve, shoe compartmentAvailable in classic colours like black, navy, green, and light and dark grey, this sleek weekender from Herschel was recently redesigned to be made with 100 per cent recycled materials. It features a long, padded adjustable strap, a shoe compartment, a trolley sleeve, and a slew of organisers to help keep devices from getting jumbled. This spacious duffle was tested by Kenny, who says this: “It's versatile enough to take you from the gym to a camping trip to a weekend break. The bag’s design is simple yet elevated enough to work for any type of traveller at any age.” She noted the ultra-soft laptop compartment is separate from the bag's main section, so your laptop is well-protected during transit. Travellers can easily fit three days of clothing in this duffel, making it a great option for extended weekend trips away. And at £150, it's well-priced and will be a great travel companion for years to come.
Baboon Go-Bag (40L)
Weight: 1.5kg
Dimensions: 52 x 32 x 27cm
Capacity: 40L
Features: Backpack straps and removable shoulder strap, waterproof shellWe're big fans of Baboon's indestructible bags — they will stand up to any cargo bin, overhead compartment, or car boot they're tossed in. Flager has taken this on several adventure-type trips and says, “It’s exactly what you want when you don’t want to be concerned about the elements damaging your bag.” And with a selection of bold, bright colours, they'll be easy to spot on a luggage carousel and put a smile on your face when packing. The detachable, adjustable shoulder straps are a nice touch, too. While it's a great option for two to four days away, we wouldn't recommend this as a true backpacking bag because of its fabric, which can feel a little stiff.
Everlane The ReNew Transit weekender
Dimensions: 49 x 18 x 36cm
Features: Made of 100 per cent recycled polyester, laptop compartment, trolley sleeveThis go-with-everything oversized tote is a minimalist’s dream. Everlane's ReNew Transit weekender has become a go-to for Spurrell ever since she first brought it on a weeklong trip to Egypt. “This makes a fantastic, roomy personal item to top your carry-on for a trip when you probably should check a bag but refuse to. It’s also perfect for a casual one-nighter when you just want to throw pyjamas, an outfit or two, and some other essentials inside,” she says. The bag features a wider bottom than the top, which is great for filling it to the brim without dealing with items spilling out in the back seat. “It’s quite comfy on the shoulders, even in sleeveless clothes with which other straps might dig in, though the padded section of the strap doesn’t sit on your shoulders unless you extend the length quite a bit (I prefer to keep the straps short so the bag sits right under my arm),” says Spurrell. We also love that it's constructed out of recycled polyester (made from 36.6 renewed plastic bottles) that’s also water-resistant. Plus, it fits just as effortlessly in the overhead compartment as it does in the luggage Tetris of a car boot.
Rothy’s The Weekender
Weight: 1.9kg
Dimensions: 53 x 23 x 35cm
Features: Zipper exterior laptop pocket, machine washable, adjustable and removable shoulder strapMade from the brand’s signature 100 per cent recycled materials (like marine bound plastic) and available in colourblock prints and understated patterns like midnight camo, this roomy tote has all the makings of a go-to weekender. The main compartment is flanked by easy-access compartments with a magnetic closure on one side and zippered one on the other — perfect for storing keys, travel documents, a Kindle, and anything else you might reach for during the journey. US destinations editor Shannon McMahon recommends it for an extended weekend trip: “I found it most useful for beach weekends away where I needed a lot of big accessories, like floppy hats, multiple jackets, and cosy sweatshirts. It’s less plane-friendly because of its sheer size, but I got away with it as a personal item on a recent trip.” At an eye-popping £650, it is one of the most expensive weekenders we tested. And while you can definitely opt for an equally functional bag with a less hefty price tag, you do get plenty of packing space with Rothy's weekender and are supporting a sustainability initiative. McMahon says it's indestructible and incredibly durable, too. And since travel can get messy, we love how, like everything else in Rothy’s collection, the bag is fully machine washable — just remove the base insert and throw it and the bag into the accompanying wash bag and right into your laundry.
Louis Vuitton Keepall 55
Weight: 2.2kg
Dimensions: 56 x 23 x 30cm
Features: Padlock luggage tag, double zip closure, detachable shoulder strapIf you're looking to elevate your luggage collection, the Louis Vuitton Keepall 55 is about as classic as it gets. This roomy duffle, tested by Kenny, features the iconic logo emblazoned on the outside of the bag, offering a chic and timeless style. Inside, there's one main spacious compartment that fits two days' worth of clothes and a toiletry bag, and a side zippered pocket for smaller essentials like a phone charger or a pair of sunglasses. Travellers can carry it by its top handle or with the detachable shoulder strap. And the best part: Its leather exterior gets better with age.
