Best Products Style Travel Bags The 10 Best Weekender Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Away’s The Large Everywhere Bag is our top pick. By Anna Popp Anna Popp Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 1, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Others We Tested Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. TRAVEL AND LEISURE / CONOR RALPH Whether you’re embarking on a romantic getaway or a girls' trip, a weekender bag can make packing easier and traveling a breeze. We tested a variety of weekender bags in our lab and judged the best options based on portability, durability, design, and more. Out of the 28 bags we tested, Away’s The Large Everywhere Bag earned the top score overall. This sleek weekender wowed us with its large capacity that can fit enough clothes for four to five days of traveling. The clamshell-style bag has plenty of pockets and compartments on either side that can keep smaller items like undergarments, a laptop, and toiletries organized. And, if you’re planning on taking a longer trip, this Away weekender bag has a trolley sleeve that slips on a rolling suitcase to make air travel easier. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Away Everywhere Bag at Awaytravel.com Jump to Review Best Budget: HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Monos Metro Duffel at Monos.com Jump to Review Best for Business Trips: Samsonite Encompass Convertible Weekender at Samsonite.com Jump to Review Best Traditional: Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender Carry-on Duffel Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Style: Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Large: Bellroy Weekender Plus at Amazon Jump to Review Best Outdoors: Peak Design Travel Duffel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Organization: Calpak Duffel at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Duffel: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag at Dagnedover.com Jump to Review Best Overall Away The Large Everywhere Bag 5 Away Travel View On Awaytravel.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: The bag is sleek and spacious with room for at least four or five days’ worth of clothes.What to Consider: The shoulder strap is slightly difficult to adjust. Away’s The Large Everywhere Bag earned the top spot on our list of the best weekender bags due to its minimalist design that allowed effortless, organized packing. This clamshell-style duffel bag is equipped with enough space for nearly a week’s worth of clothes and pockets for just about any travel essentials, too. The interior has one main compartment for bulkier items like clothes or shoes, and the inside of the opening flap has three mesh, zippered pockets for storing undergarments or other small items. Our testers loved the exterior padded laptop pocket that could easily fit not just one, but two laptops, if needed. In addition to the laptop compartment, there is a smaller, zippered front pocket that has a security strap for keys or a wallet. The weekender bag feels sturdy and slightly boxy, and the sleek, professional look can appeal to many types types of travelers. Our testers had a little trouble adjusting the shoulder strap but both that strap and the leather top handles are padded and comfortable whether holding or wearing the bag. The bag had no issues when we tested it for durability by throwing it multiple times, which leads us to believe that the water-resistant material and sturdy build will hold up well with prolonged use. You can choose from three matte colors including black, navy, and a lighter blue called “coastal.” If you’re traveling on a longer trip, this Away duffel bag has a built-in trolley sleeve in the back that can easily slip onto the handle of a roller bag. But whether you’re traveling for business or on a vacation, we think Away’s The Large Everywhere Bag is a functional and modern travel accessory fit for your next adventure. Price at time of publish: $245 Weight: 3.8 pounds | Dimensions: 20.9 x 11.8 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Nylon and leather Best Budget HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Our Ratings Capacity 4.5/5 Design 4.5/5 Portability 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: The straps are very comfortable to carry the bag over the shoulder or with the top handles.What to Consider: It’s smaller and better suited for a short weekend trip. The HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag has all the pockets and compartments needed to efficiently pack for a weekend trip. The interior compartment could easily fit two pairs of pants, four shirts, a pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag, and there was a little bit of room leftover for a few more shirts. The bag is lightweight, weighing just 1.3 pounds, and our testers loved how comfortable it was to carry with the shoulder strap or the tote bag handles on the top. We liked the design of the bag with three pockets on the inside, including a wet bag pocket for traveling with a swimsuit. The exterior has two buckles on each end of the bag for compressing or extending the height, as well as a front zippered pocket for storing a phone or wallet while traveling. "It's a great overnight bag with enough smaller pockets to store non-clothing items," our tester said. "The zippers are metal and slide nicely and the fabric can easily be wiped down after a trip." The bag is made of water-resistant nylon material with plastic-lined pockets, making it extra easy to clean if anything is spilled on the inside or outside. There are 15 colors to choose from including light pink, pale blue, olive green, and more. Price at time of publish: $37 Weight: 1.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 10.6 x 7.09 inches | Materials: Water-resistant nylon Travel+Leisure / Conor Ralph Best Lightweight Monos Metro Duffel 4.8 Monos View On Monos.com Our Ratings Capacity 4.5/5 Design 5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It: The bag feels lightweight even when it’s packed, and the straps are comfortable to use.What to Consider: The detachable toiletry bag was slightly hard to get on and off the bag and can feel bulky. Monos’ The Metro Duffel is a compact weekender bag that impressed our testers with its roomy interior that fit all of the designated packing items. There wasn’t much room leftover but despite being packed nearly full, the bag remained lightweight and easy to carry with the comfortable shoulder strap and top handles. Our testers appreciated the detachable toiletry bag that latches onto the front of the bag and, although it was a little difficult to get on and off the bag, it was reassuring to know that the toiletry bag won’t come off easily while traveling. During our durability tests, the bag was tossed around and it didn’t get scratched up and the detachable bag remained secure throughout. The bag has a large zippered pocket on the opposite side of the detachable pouch and there are several interior pockets to store water bottles and smaller items, including a designated laptop sleeve, too. Price at time of publish: $210 Weight: 3 pounds | Dimensions: 16.3 x 11.2 x 7.2 inches | Materials: Nylon Travel+Leisure / Conor Ralph The 11 Best Travel Totes of 2023 Best for Business Trips Samsonite Encompass Convertible Weekender 4.8 samsonite View On Samsonite.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Portability 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It: There are pockets for laptops, water bottles, keys, and more.What to Consider: If you adjust the shoulder strap, the padding will no longer rest on the top of your shoulder. With a removable garment sleeve and plenty of pockets for staying organized, the Samsonite Encompass Convertible Weekender is thoughtfully designed with business travelers in mind. The clamshell bag has a similar layout to a suitcase and has two main zippered compartments that comfortably fit a weekend’s worth of clothing. Our testers raved about the sleek design of the Samsonite bag and added that “there are so many pockets and compartments, it feels like you could pack everything you'd ever need and still have more pockets.” The left interior side has a designated laptop sleeve and the right interior side boasts several mesh zippered pockets, as well as the removable garment sleeve that can fit one full suit. The outside has two slip pockets on one end for water bottles or phones, and a large front pocket with smaller pockets on the inside. The bag feels durable and held up perfectly during our drop tests to rate durability. It’s comfortable and compact to carry around using the top handles or the shoulder straps, but when we adjust the shoulder strap, the padded part doesn’t move with the adjustments and becomes off-centered. Although the shoulder strap is a minor inconvenience, we still think this Samsonite weekender bag is well worth it thanks to a sleek, spacious, and sturdy design that is versatile for business trips and weekend getaways, too. Price at time of publish: $190 Weight: 3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 12 x 11 inches | Materials: Water-resistant fabric Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph Best Traditional Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender Carry-on Duffel Bag 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Travelpro.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Portability 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: This is a great option for business travel or those who like to travel with a garment bag.What to Consider: Because of this duffel's fold-out suit compartment, it can be awkward packing for average trips. For travelers who prefer the structure and style of a traditional suitcase, the TravelPro Crew VersaPack Weekender Carry-on Duffel Bag with Suiter is ideal for a weekend getaway. The clamshell duffel bag has two large zippered compartments that were able to store enough clothes for a few days. One side of the duffel bag has a removable fold-out suiter for jackets or pants that need to be stored correctly to avoid wrinkles. Our testers removed the suiter to add space and they noted that the extra capacity allows travelers to pack in different ways to maximize room depending on what is being packed. The exterior of the bag has both a slip pocket and a large zippered pocket in the front, as well as pockets on the ends for storing a water bottle or other small items. Our testers added that the exterior pockets don’t get cramped once the bag is fully packed. The bag is compact and comfortable to carry, plus the trolley sleeve on the back makes it easy to place on a rolling suitcase as well. Although it’s not the most stylish weekender bag we tested, we think its padding and forgiving nylon materials are very durable and will hold up well over time. Price at time of publish: $200 Weight: 2.6 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 8.25 inches | Materials: Ballistic nylon Travel+Leisure / Conor Ralph The 12 Best Garment Bags for Wrinkle-free Travel in 2023 Best Style Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart Our Ratings Capacity 4.5/5 Design 5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It: The bag is machine washable which is nice for keeping it clean over time.What to Consider: It’s small for a weekender bag. The Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag has a minimalist design and there are nine unique colors to choose from including olive green, lavender, mulled wine, and rouge rose. While this weekender impressed us with its sleek look, it performed equally as well during testing. The bag has enough room for clothing for a two- or three-day trip, but it didn’t have any room leftover after we packed it with two pairs of pants, four shirts, a jacket, a pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag. There are more than enough spots for your items to be safely tucked away with five interior mesh pockets, two exterior zipper pockets, and two slip pockets on each end of the bag. When the bag was tossed around to check for durability, it didn’t scuff or get scraped. The best part of this bag is that the cotton fabric is machine washable — an ideal feature for prolonging the life of the weekender after use over time. It’s pleasant to hold with either the tote or shoulder straps, and our testers like the compact shape of the bag for carrying it. Price at time of publish: $135 Weight: Not listed | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 100 percent cotton with 50 percent recycled cotton Travel+Leisure / Conor Ralph The 9 Best Leather Overnight Bags of 2023 Best Large Bellroy Weekender Plus 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Bellroy.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Portability 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: It can hold enough clothes for a week.What to Consider: The tote handles are not padded. Overpackers or those heading on weeklong vacations will appreciate the large capacity of the Bellroy Weekender Plus 45L. In testing, we were able to fit twice the amount of clothes in the bag but found that placing items in the interior pockets left less storage space in the main compartment. Our testers raved about the design of the Bellroy weekender and loved the interior pocket for a laptop and the key loop for finding your keys easily. In addition, there are two interior side pouches for a water bottle or small pair of shoes, as well as a large exterior pocket and sleeve. While the bag is oversized, we were impressed with how easy and comfortable it was to carry with the leather tote straps or the padded shoulder strap. One tester said, “I could imagine running through an airport or bringing it out to the car, etcetera, and it not being that cumbersome to carry.” After being dropped five times, the bag was unharmed with no visible damage. “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,” the tester concluded. Price at time of publish: $299 Weight: 4.19 pounds | Dimensions: 15.75 x 24.8 x 9.45 inches | Materials: 100 percent recycled polyester made from plastic water bottles Travel+Leisure / Conor Ralph Best Outdoors Peak Design Travel Duffel - 35L 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Peakdesign.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Portability 4.5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: It’s a durable, lightweight bag that can be converted from a duffel bag with a shoulder strap to a backpack.What to Consider: The straps could be a little more padded for added comfort. If the outdoors is calling your name, the Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L is the best weekender to choose whether you’re camping, glamping, or taking a road trip. Made of weatherproof nylon canvas, this duffel bag is equipped with a waterproof lining at the bottom and weatherproof zippers, too. One tester shared that the shape of the bag and hardware remained intact after being tossed around to test for durability, adding that “it feels like I wouldn't have to buy another one anytime soon” with the quality of the hardware and weather-resistant fabric. The shell of the bag has an athletic style and the material resembles a hiking or outdoors-specific backpack, according to our testers. It has one main compartment that fits enough clothes for a weekend, and there are two internal mesh pockets and four external pockets for storing additional items as well. The bag comes with detachable padded shoulder straps that can be converted from a shoulder strap to backpack straps. While the straps were comfortable to wear once adjusted, our testers thought there could be a bit more padding for extra comfort. One tester called the Peak Design duffel the “ideal” bag for traveling and said that “this bag is a great value for people looking for a very lightweight, weatherproof, easy-to-carry bag that will last a long time.” Price at time of publish: $140 Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 10 inches | Materials: Recycled 600D nylon canvas with leather accents Travel+Leisure / Conor Ralph Best Organization Calpak Stevyn Duffel 4.7 Calpak View On Nordstrom View On Calpaktravel.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Portability 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: There is a separate compartment at the bottom of the bag for shoes.What to Consider: The bag is on the smaller side. The Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag has the perfect amount of compartments and pockets for packing for a weekend trip. According to one tester, the bag is “simple, but well designed” with several interior pockets and an additional compartment at the bottom of the bag for storing shoes, jackets, or other items that you may want to keep separate while traveling. The bag is structured and stands up on its own making it easy to see how much room there is for packing. The pocket in the front is small and, since it’s the only exterior pocket, our testers wished it was bigger. You can carry the weekender as a duffel bag with a detachable shoulder strap or it has a rear sleeve to place on a rolling suitcase. There are two straps on the top of the bag, but our testers felt that those handles aren’t long enough to wear the weekender as a tote bag. We liked how lightweight it is to carry even while packed and the straps are padded, adding extra comfort while wearing the bag. During our durability tests, the Calpak duffel held up perfectly and the polyester material seemed easy to clean if it got dirty. This bag had no issues storing a weekend’s worth of clothes and, with its durable build and sleek design, we think it makes an excellent weekender bag for staying organized. Price at time of publish: $92 Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 19.5 x 14 x 10.5 inches | Materials: Polyester The 10 Best Convertible Backpack Totes of 2023 Best Duffel Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag 4.7 Dagne-dover View On Dagnedover.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It: It has a spacious interior that can be compressed down or expanded depending on the desired capacity.What to Consider: There are crease lines where the bag folds over. The Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag is a neoprene duffel bag that can fit enough clothes for a long weekend. It is equipped with accessories like a dust bag for storing the duffel and a matching shoe bag to keep clothes and shoes separate. The interior has several slip pockets for a water bottle or toiletries and a designated laptop sleeve, plus there are exterior pockets for a passport and phone. Depending on how much you want to pack, you can snap the top zippers down to compress the height of the bag or leave the zippers unattached to use the bag at full capacity. The duffel did feel a little heavy during testing but, with the cushioned shoulder strap, it didn’t dig into our testers’ shoulders. This minimalist Dagne Dover pick has an organized interior and a sleek and soft exterior, making it a solid choice for a piece of weekender luggage. Price at time of publish: $215 Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 16.5 x 9 W x 11 inches | Materials: Neoprene Travel+Leisure / Nick Kova Other Weekender Bags We Tested We tested 28 weekender bags and, while ten made our list as top picks, there were others we liked that had — or lacked — traits that ultimately kept them out of our favorites. L.L. Bean Utility Weekend Duffel Bag: Our testers thought this roomy bag might make a better bag for the beach than a weekend trip as there aren’t many pockets for storing smaller items. Béis Weekender: We loved how spacious this bag is (and how it stands on its own for efficient packing), but during our durability tests, the leather corners dented inward and scratched easily. Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe: This bag is designed for travel with a bottom compartment for shoes and plenty of deep pockets for staying organized, but its higher price point may be a deterrent. Rains Bag: Our testers appreciated that the material is completely waterproof but the strap wasn’t cushioned making it uncomfortable to wear for long periods (and there were no pockets on the inside or outside of the bag). Travel+Leisure / Nick Kova Our Testing Process To compare weekender bags, we had our Lab testers rate each bag on a scale from one to five based on tests that evaluated capacity, design, portability, durability, and overall value. First, our testers packed the bags with a weekend’s worth of items from our curated packing list that included two pairs of pants, four shirts, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag. The bags that scored a five during our capacity test were noted as being very roomy and fit all of the packing list items with room to spare. Next, we judged the bag’s design by analyzing the pockets and compartments on the exterior and interior, as well as checking each zipper to evaluate how well they work. The weekenders with the best designs were thoughtfully created with all different types of travelers in mind, and have a perfect amount of storage solutions for easy and efficient packing. After each bag was packed, our testers walked around carrying it by the shoulder strap and tote handles. The bags that scored a five for portability were comfortable to carry and distributed the weight evenly. Then, our testers dropped the weekender three to five times to check the durability of the bag. We checked for scuffs, marks, and any damage to the items on the inside. The testers had no previous knowledge of the price of each weekender and only after testing was complete were they able to see the price to evaluate the overall value based on the performance of the hands-on testing we completed. Travel+Leisure / Jhett Thompson Tips for Buying a Weekender Bag Consider the type of travel you’ll use the bag for most If you’re planning on using a weekender bag for business trips, one with a built-in suiter or separate compartment for shoes would be a better fit. For travelers looking to do short trips, be sure to note the size of the bag, as weekender bags don’t come in a universal size. Not all weekender bags come with trolley sleeves to place it on a rolling suitcase, so if you’re planning to fly with a weekender bag, you’ll want to note special features for air travel like a laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, or accessible pockets for chargers and wallets. Think about the size you need Whether you're a minimalist or an over-packer, the size of your weekender bag is crucial. If you're a frequent flier, you should make sure that your bag fits in the overhead bin space or even under the seat in front of you, depending on your preferred airline. It's also important to consider any, and all, organizational features. Oftentimes, bigger bags include pockets, separate compartment for shoes, and even packing cubes, so make sure whichever size bag you select suits your travel needs. Certain materials will hold up better against wear and tear Weekender bags come in a variety of materials like polyester, leather, canvas, nylon, or cotton. If you’re taking a weekender bag on a camping trip or anywhere outdoors, consider a weatherproof bag made of nylon or other water-resistant materials like polyester or coated cotton. To find out if the material is water-resistant or weatherproof, the specifications should be listed by the manufacturer. Travel+Leisure / Jhett Thompson Frequently Asked Questions Can a weekender bag be a personal item on a flight? It ultimately depends on the size requirements set by each airline for personal bags. Most of these weekender bags are carry-on-approved, but it’s always best to check the airline’s website for their specific luggage dimensions. How do you pack a weekender bag? Some weekender bags we tested come with built-in organizers designed for packing items like shoes or suits. Depending on the items you’re packing, you can place everything in the main compartments to see how the items fit together and, if you need to create more space, you can adjust your packing strategy by rolling your clothes or using packing cubes to maximize the amount of space inside. Travel+Leisure / Jhett Thompson Why Trust Travel + Leisure T+L writer, Anna Popp, enjoys planning weekend trips to new destinations when she’s not researching and testing the best travel products. Anna worked with our travel editors and lab testers to determine the best weekender bags from insights noted during testing. The 6 Best Anti-theft Backpacks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Instagram Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit