The Best Weekender Bags to Bring on Short Getaways and Overnights
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. The best weekender bags are roomy enough to carry your clothes, toiletries, and a pair of shoes or two, but not so bulky as to slow you down while dashing to catch a train, or take up an exorbitant amount of space in your trunk. Keep reading for our favorite weekenders for every type of overnight and three-day escape, from work trip-worthy satchels to rugged duffels, from brands like Cuyana, MZ Wallace, Patagonia, Lo & Sons, and more.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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MZ Wallace Travel Jim bag
MZ Wallace's tote bag has earned high praise from travel bookings editor Meredith Carey thanks to its versatility and roominess, so it's no surprise the brand has one of the best weekender bags, too. It's incredibly lightweight (just over a pound), with natural Italian leather trim that elevates the puffy, quilted fabric look. Inside, you'll find six interior pockets, a detachable pouch, phone pocket, and key ring strap—an organized traveler's dream.
Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe
This travel-friendly tote is a bestseller for accessories brand Lo & Sons, and it’s not hard to see why. With a removable longer strap that has memory foam padding, the overnight bag features several interior and exterior pockets sized for everything from iPads to sanitizing wipes to sunglasses, plus a handy bottom compartment that helps keep shoes or dirty clothes separate and a luggage strap that converts into a zipper pocket.
Cuyana Triple Zipper canvas weekender
True to its name, this bag has three major compartments that close up with a zipper for added security (including a section with slip pockets meant to hold flats or sandals), and side pockets for water bottles. Made in Turkey of organic cotton canvas and trimmed in responsibly-tanned leather, this sustainably crafted bag is super sturdy and totally timeless. The size is best for a one-night trip; maybe two, if you pack light.
Béis The Weekender Bag
With 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 you need it to be.
Read a full review of this bag here.
Béis The Convertible Weekender
Just like the Béis Weekender, except a little more versatile: The lower shoe compartment zips completely off, so you can reuse the bag as a purse or day-to-day tote without it feeling quite so bulky. Thanks to a mesh zip-cover, the lower case can be put to use as a packing cube, too. The same size as the classic Weekender, this one has similar features: an inner key leash, a luggage pass-through sleeve, and both interior and exterior zip pockets.
Away The Medium Everywhere Bag
Away’s weekender bag comes in three sizes, but we're partial to the medium for overnight trips. The clamshell opening makes it easy to pack, with enough room for some pajamas, a change of clothes, toiletries, and tech essentials (there's a padded laptop sleeve inside). It comes in three shades of easy-to-clean nylon with a leather trim, top handles, and a crossbody strap. For a little more space, check out the large size.
Everlane The ReNew Transit weekender
Crafted by the popular direct-to-consumer line that turns out wardrobe staples, this go-with-everything oversized tote is a minimalist’s dream. Available in three neutral colors, the bag features a wider bottom than top, which is great for filling it to the brim without dealing with items spilling out in the back seat. 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 trunk.
Paravel Weekender
Paravel'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 roomier than it looks, fitting a weekend's worth of clothes, with space for a pair of shoes, Dopp kit, 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 comes with an adjustable, removable strap to wear as a cross-body or on your shoulder, and has sturdy leather top handles and a trolley sleeve to secure to a suitcase on longer trips.
Paravel Fold-Up Bag
Another Paravel favorite: This lightweight fold-up duffel, which packs down to next to nothing. Senior editor Megan Spurrell is a fan, and has used it for overnighters—she says it fits as much as her other duffels, and has held up over the years—and regularly brings it along as a just-in-case bag to carry home souvenirs on longer trips. “I've used it for a couple staycations where I just need to throw things in a bag for a night or two,” she says. “It's nice that it doesn't have a solid structure and is only as big as what you've put inside.” If you’re gifting this bag, include a personal touch with a monogram, which can be added on for $15.
Read a full review of this bag here.
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall
Don’t be fooled by the streamlined look of this neoprene number. The washable carryall houses a dust bag for shoes, detachable key leash, removable zip top pouch for essentials, and plenty of air mesh interior pockets, including one for your water (or wine) bottle. The genius exterior phone slot is just the cherry on top. For weekend trips, the large and extra-large sizes are your best bet.
Mark & Graham Commuter 2-in-1 garment bag
Headed off to a weekend wedding? Bring this roll-up garment bag along as your date. Once unfurled, you can slide hanging items into the garment sleeve, then place your shoes and accessories into the perfectly sized pockets; once it's zipped back together, carry it by a shoulder strap or top handles.
Lululemon Go Getter 34L large weekender bag
Lululemon's bag collection does not disappoint (the roomy fanny pack is a Traveler favorite). This duffel will serve as a true weekend bag, with enough room for two days of clothes, or a great gym bag. There's an exterior water bottle pocket, a slip zip pocket to store keys, and several interior pockets, plus a trolley sleeve if you're carrying it alongside a suitcase. It comes in basic black and the outside is an easy-to-wipe-clean recycled nylon.
Tory Burch ripstop nylon color-block duffel bag
Consider this colorblocked bag the designer version of whatever gym tote you sported in college. Made of ripstop nylon, it'll hold up to whatever environment you throw it in, be it a weekend camping trip or a stacked luggage pile underneath the bus. There's a separate compartment for shoes or dirty clothes, zip pockets inside, and a removable shoulder strap.
Arlo Skye The Weekender
This spring, luggage brand Arlo Skye launched its first Soft Bags collection, adding a backpack, weekender, and toiletry bag to its line-up. The sleek weekender is lightweight, made of scratch-resistant nylon with full-grain Italian leather trim and an antimicrobial lining. You can squeeze a lot in here—use it for three-day weekends, or as a carry-on to fill with odds and ends when heading out on longer trips. There's a shoe or dirty clothes compartment, a trolley sleeve, and an exterior slip pocket that's the right size for your phone, passport, and keys.
Patagonia Black Hole duffel
Available in 10 fun colors (like Peppergrass Green and Hot Ember Red) and four sizes measured by capacity and ranging from 40L to 100L (we’re partial to the 55L for long weekend travel), this bag can be carried by hand or worn as a backpack. Plus, it packs into its own pocket when empty for compact storage in your travel off-season. Featuring 100 percent recycled polyester ripstop fabric with added laminate for extra durability, reinforced haul handles, sturdy exterior daisy chains, and a padded base, this is the duffel to bring along on your most adventurous getaways.
Samsonite x Sarah Jessica Parker Shoeful duffel
Part of Sarah Jessica Parker's collaboration with Samsonite, this bag is working overtime: Wear it as a backpack (straps tuck away into a back pocket when not in use), buckle the straps to carry it by a top handle, or wear it on your shoulder or across your body with the removable shoulder strap. Inside, a storage pouch can double as a crossbody when worn with the shoulder strap. The downside is there's not a ton of room inside—this one is best for short trips, like an overnight business trip where you need something more polished than a sporty duffel, or to use as a carry-on when planning to work remotely (there's a large laptop pouch that fits a computer up to 15.6"). The bag itself is a smooth nylon, and has an exterior pocket could hold a few toiletries, wet clothing, or a water bottle.
Free People Bon Voyage Weekender
For a roomy weekender bag that's easy to store, this slouchy, packable Free People bag is a good pick. The textured, boho bag flattens down to next to nothing when empty, and will be only be as large as you fill it, so you can smush it down in a crowded trunk or overhead bin with no problem, or bring it inside a suitcase to tote home souvenirs. It comes with a removable shoulder strap or can be carried by its top handles; inside, there is one interior zip pocket.
Cult Gaia Adah woven raffia tote
A beach bag-inspired weekender, this cream-colored Cult Gaia pick is made of a woven raffia with faux-leather trim, and has turn locks on either side to condense the bag down when you pack light or expand it when you need a bit more space. A variety of internal pockets inside (both zippered and elastic) help keep belongings organized.
Rothy’s The Weekender
Made from the brand’s signature 100 percent recycled materials (like marine bound plastic) and available in colorblock 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. 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.
Calpak Hue laptop duffel
Choose from five colors, including the newest shade of muted Atlantic blue, for this carryall that’s made from a buttery soft leather alternative that’s just as durable as the real thing. Besides the standard interior pockets for added organization, the bag also includes a phone slot and removable pouch, plus a trolley sleeve to easily attach it to a rolling suitcase.
Bellroy Weekender Bag
The company that makes one of our favorite tech kits has an equally well-made weekender bag: The front pocket is great for stashing your phone and essential documents or wallet, while interior pockets give your laptop, water bottle, and shoes a home. If you're looking for a bag that doubles as a plane carry-on, it's a solid choice, as it slides over suitcase handles and won't take up too much room at your feet.
Baboon Go-Bag (40L)
We're big fans of Baboon's indestructible bags—they will stand up to any cargo bin, overhead compartment, or car trunk they're tossed in. And with bright colors (and quirky, limited-run interior prints), 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. Pick the small size for a weekend bag that can go with you on hiking or camping trips as easily as it can a beach trip or overnight hotel stay.
Herschel Supply Co. Tech Novel duffel
Available in classic black or navy, this streamlined weekender from Herschel features the brand’s signature striped lining (which makes it easier to find items inside a roomy bag), a shoe compartment, and weather-resistant zipper closures. A slew of internal organizers helps keep devices and travel essentials from getting jumbled.
Longchamp expandable travel bag
An eco-friendly take on the cult favorite Le Pliage bag from the storied French brand, this foldable, expandable tote solves the problem of having more to pack for the return trip of your weekend getaway. It’s made with recycled polyamide canvas that is water-resistant and keeps it incredibly lightweight.
Filson Small Rugged Twill Duffel Bag
Allegorie Black Gala Cruiser
With its timeless shape, softly pebbled texture, and streamlined details, it’s hard to believe that this luxe bag is ethically crafted from discarded apple peels and other bio-based materials. The best part? The subtle pops of color along the edges of the trim that distinguish it from your standard black luggage.
Hook & Albert Nylon Twill Garment weekender bag
Whether you’re taking a quick business trip or are headed to a destination wedding, this thoughtfully designed nylon twill satchel makes packing those delicate, dry-clean-only outfits a breeze, thanks to a built-in garment section to help you avoid those unwanted wrinkles in your clothes. And unlike most structured leather bags, this one fully unzips and folds flat to a minimal 2.5 inches for easy storage.
Nomad Lane Bento Bag V 3.0
Equipped with about a zillion pockets including a padded one for your laptop in the center, this genius bag holds a lot and zips completely open—like a mini suitcase—for convenient packing. It also fits under the airplane seat in front of you, and has a compartmentalized side pocket that allows for easy access to your earbuds, eye mask, and all other in-flight essentials.
Aloha Collection Leopard Cub duffel
Weighing just under 12 ounces and made of the accessories brand’s high tech, durable, and splash-proof Tyvek material, this eye-catching lightweight duffel from the Hawaiian-owned brand is a no-brainer for coastal jaunts and spur-of-the-moment overnighters, and doubles up as a gym bag at home. Plus, it packs down to practically nothing, so it’s great for bringing along on longer vacations for day trips and souvenir shopping. Facing a lengthy walk through the airport? The weekender has a detachable cross-body strap for when you need to sling it over your shoulder.
