Our Editors' Favorite Weekender Bags for Quick Getaways
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Whether you're planning a quick girls trip to the beach or taking a much-needed couples getaway, spending a few days away calls for a sturdy, stylish, and functional travel bag. We often turn to our favorite 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 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. A separate compartment for dirty clothes or shoes is always welcome, too. To narrow down the styles that are worth your dollars (and storage space), our editors tested the most talked-about weekenders from top travel brands like Away, Béis, Calpak, Monos, and more. Below, the tried-and-true weekenders we're packing on all our future getaways (and you should, too).
This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler’s second annual Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.
How we tested
To help us recommend the absolute best luggage to our readers, more than a dozen Condé Nast Traveler editors and contributors spent months (and in some cases, years) road-testing the newest and best-selling bags from top travel brands. These bags accompanied us near and far on planes, trains, buses, and cruises, from local staycations and Hamptons getaways to the Paris Olympics and Marlon Brando’s private island in French Polynesia. We packed these bags to the brim, stuffed them underneath tight airplane seats and into crowded overhead bins, and inspected every bump and scuff they endured. We considered each bag's weight, capacity, functionality, price point, and how well it held up after several trips. We also identified smart design features that made each bag stand out from its competitors, like having a separate shoe compartment, an adjustable crossbody strap, or ample pockets. After traveling with each bag, we carefully reviewed them, keeping the aforementioned criteria in mind to determine which ones are worth the cost and a spot in our Luggage Week lineup.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Calpak Luka duffel
Weight: 1.95 lb.
Dimensions: 16" x 7" x 12"
Capacity: 22L
Separate shoe compartment: YesCalpak's Luka duffel is one of the brand's most popular pieces of luggage, previously racking up a 44,000-person-deep waiting list. Its commerce editor Meaghan Kenny's favorite weekender of all time: “I've used my fair share of duffel bags, but this one is by far my favorite. Made of water-resistant material, the Luka duffel bag is so soft and lightweight. No matter how much I stuff in this thing, it's not a pain to carry—the ultra-soft, long carry handles don't hurt my shoulders, and the adjustable longer strap is comfortable, too. This duffel has nine pockets, with a shoe compartment at the bottom where I keep a pair of sneakers or slippers, a mesh pocket, a side pocket for my water bottle, and plenty of smaller side pockets inside where I store small items like socks and toiletries. It fits everything I need for an overnight stay or a quick weekend trip if I'm packing on the lighter side. There's also a trolley sleeve that fits nicely on my carry-on, which is a real lifesaver while walking through the airport.” Kenny has even brought it as her personal item on all of her long-haul flights for the past two years. If you love this bag's features but want something a little more spacious (think three- or four-day trips), the Luka duffel is available in a large version, too.
Pros: Trolley sleeve; several interior pockets and zippered compartments; fits underneath the plane seat in front of you
Cons: Not big enough for extended weekend tripsRead a full review of this bag here.
MZ Wallace Nik Duffel
Weight: 2.1 lbs.
Dimensions: 17" × 7" × 12"
Separate shoe compartment: NoMZ Wallace's Nik duffel bag is a favorite of senior commerce editor Madison Flager—she's used it as an overnight bag when dog-sitting, as a personal item on several flights, 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, there 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 cover-up,” she says. What we love most about this duffel: its many pockets, water-resistant material, polished look, and durability. “I've had this for a few years now and it hasn't started to show any signs of wear.”
Pros: Deep exterior pockets; trolley sleeve; leather protective feet; water-resistant exterior
Cons: No dedicated shoe compartment
July Carry All Weekender Plus
Weight: 4.2 lb.
Dimensions: 22" x 9" x 12.5"
Capacity: 50L
Separate shoe compartment: NoThe best part of this weekender: the clamshell opening, which allows the bag to lie completely flat for easy packing. With a roomy 50-liter 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 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 of favorites once again.
Pros: Clamshell opening; trolley sleeve; gunmetal feet on base
Cons: No dedicated shoe compartmentRead a full review of this bag here.
Paravel Grand Tour duffel
Weight: 4 lb.
Dimensions: 20" x 11" x 10"
Separate shoe compartment: NoOur editors love Paravel for its commitment to sustainable sourcing and use of post-consumer recycled material (and its chic looks, too). The Grand Tour duffel is a new favorite of global digital director Arati Menon, who says the bag proves you don't need to compromise on quality or style when being eco-conscious. “Since I got this bag a few months ago, it has accompanied me on long weekends in Upstate New York, a weeklong trip to Belize, the Grand Prix in Monaco, and more—I’m quite sure it’s going to continue to be a constant on my travels.” Featuring a canvas exterior with vegan leather details, the duffel is equally stylish and sturdy. “This bag is so roomy, fitting about almost a week’s worth of dresses, shirts, jeans, workout gear, and a pair of shoes—I am a notorious overpacker and this bag indulges me” says Menon. She appreciates that it features two zippered interior compartments, which she uses to hold a makeup bag, chargers, and a book or two (there's two exterior pockets as well). “I love this bag’s sporty good looks: think Grand Slam tennis chic,” she says. “Paravel is known for making great-looking luggage—clean, minimalistic lines, good-quality hardware, and excellent finishes.” We recommend this for city breaks and long weekends in the countryside.
Pros: Can be personalized; very spacious; detachable shoulder strap
Cons: No trolley sleeve; scuffs must be cleaned right after a trip to prevent them from settling in
Away The Overnight Bag
Weight: 3.2 lb.
Dimensions: 17.7" x 11" x 9"
Capacity: 28L
Separate shoe compartment: NoAway is a trusted brand among Traveler editors for quality and functionality. Associate editor Matt Ortile has been using the brand's sleek overnight bag as a commuter-slash-gym bag and brought it with him as a personal item on a six-night trip to Las Vegas. Made of a water-resistant nylon and leather trim, the Overnight Bag features a clamshell opening, which offers easy access to its main compartment—a big plus for Ortile. “I thought the clamshell opening would be a detriment if I ever have to quickly grab something from it, but it works no different from any other weekender, where you have to dig through the whole thing.” He was also pleasantly surprised at how much the bag fit: “On an everyday basis, I fit gym clothes, a packed lunch, a 15” laptop, and a little grooming kit—leaving plenty of room for extras, like a bottle of wine that I pickup from my local shop on the way home.” Compared to other weekenders, the bag is quite sophisticated and feels elevation, while still remaining highly functional and roomy.
Pros: Clamshell opening; padded laptop pocket; water-resistant fabric
Cons: A little heavy; the shoulder strap adds half a pound, which is a noticeable differenceMonos Metro Duffel
Weight: 3 lb. (nylon); 3.6 lb. (vegan leather)
Dimensions: 16" × 7" × 11"
Capacity: 22L
Separate shoe compartment: NoMonos’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 organized duffel I’ve ever owned, with a spot for everything,” says 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.”
Pros: Removable exterior pouch; laptop compartment; trolley sleeve
Cons: The main zipper doesn't open very wideRead a full review of this bag here.
Baggallini Deluxe Fifth Avenue Weekender
Weight: 2.10 lb.
Dimensions: 18.5" x 14" x 9.4"
Separate shoe compartment: YesBaggallini's roomy travel bag is research associate Anna Gladwin's go-to travel bag for camping trips and long weekends away. “The bag is much more spacious than others that I've tried and it has a far greater variety of pockets” she says. “The bag has a lid-top opening which provides easy access to the main compartment and there are two exterior zip-up pockets at the front of the bag which are useful for small items.” More features we love: a padded laptop pocket that fits a 16" model, a large shoe compartment, and a detachable crossbody strap. Made of water-resistant fabric, Gladwin notes the bag is easy to clean and has held up well.
Pros: Trolley sleeve; padded laptop pocket; roomy exterior side pockets
Cons: Too large to fit under the seat on a planeHalfDay The Premium Garment Duffel
Weight: 3.4 lb.
Dimensions: 23" x 13" x 12"
Capacity: 45L
Separate shoe compartment: No, but there are shoe pocketsHalfDay's Premium garment duffel is the most unique on our list; it's not your traditional weekender bag, but its thoughtful design and smart organizational features make it worth a spot among our top picks, especially for frequent business travelers or anyone attending a destination wedding. It comes recommended by Spurrell, who snagged this garment-duffel-bag-hybrid with short trips for weddings in mind. “This bag is interesting, because you can essentially zip it open until it lies flat. You place your garment bag in first, zip that section shut, add shoes to the internal side pockets, then roll the entire thing shut. From there, you can tuck PJs, a Dopp kit, and any other basics in the hollow space created by rolling up the garment bag." The garment bag section can fit two to three suits or dresses, and you'll have space for a couple other items in the main section, like jewelry or belts. There's also a tie pocket, a padded laptop sleeve, and other small pockets for things like your passport and phone. Not only does traveling with this bag make your packing process smoother, it helps you stay organized once you arrive at your hotel or Airbnb. “It’s nice to have your hanging garments wrapped in so you don’t have your hands full with hangers and another duffel” says Spurrell. We also appreciate the padded shoulder strap and that it features abrasion- and water-resistant nylon fabric.
Pros: Keeps dresses and suits wrinkle-free; folds flat for easy storage; stabilized feet; trolley sleeve; laptop sleeve
Cons: Not ideal for a typical weekend trip; can be bulky to carry when completely full
Tumi Harrison Nelson Duffel
Weight: 4.1 lb.
Dimensions: 11" x 20.5" x 8.5"
Separate shoe compartment: NoTumi is known for its high-quality, polished luggage and travel bags that are all built to last. Associate editor Charlie Hobbs agrees, boasting that the Harrison Nelson duffel is the nicest weekender he's ever carried. “I've traveled with this bag all over the place—for weekend trips to see family in Connecticut, for hotel stays in the tristate area, and more" he says. “It fits a solid weekend’s worth of clothing and essentials, plus more depending on your levels of determination or desperation." Hobbs tells us the duffel has held up well after countless trips, thanks to its sturdy material. The sleek duffel features a small exterior pocket for your phone, a zippered exterior pocket for keeping your passport or wallet secure, and a few interior pockets. It can be carried by the long adjustable strap or top handles for lifting it into a car trunk or the overhead bin on a flight. It comes with a hefty price tag, but its durability and functionality make it a worthy splurge.
Pros: Can be monogrammed; luggage tag; trolley sleeve; key leash
Cons: Very priceyBéis The Weekender Bag
Weight: 3.86 lb.
Dimensions: 19.5" x 10" x 16"
Capacity: 49L
Separate shoe compartment: YesWith 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 toyr has enough nooks and crannies to keep even the worst overpacker in line. And the structured frame opening on top keeps the bag wide open—or securely shut—when you need it to be. In addition to gaining a ton of buzz on social media for its “cool girl” aesthetic, the Béis Weekender is also a favorite among Traveler 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.
Pros: Removable shoulder strap; trolley sleeve; separate shoe compartment; padded laptop sleeve
Cons: You can fit a lot, which means it can get heavy when packed to the brimRead a full review of this bag here.
Paravel Fold-Up Bag
Weight: 1 lb.
Dimensions: 18" × 11" × 11.5"
Separate shoe compartment: NoThis lightweight fold-up duffel, which packs down to next to nothing is associate articles director Megan Spurrell's go-to for overnighters. Spurrell says it fits as much as her other duffels, and has held up over the years; she 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. A major plus: At just one pound, it's the lightest duffel on our list, yet still holds plenty.
Pros: Trolley sleeve; folds completely flat; can be personalized
Cons: It's not as durable or sturdy as a bag with more structureRead a full review of this bag here.
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall
Weight: 2 lb.
Dimensions: 16.5" x 9" x 11"
Capacity: 29L
Separate shoe compartment: NoDon’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. Former Traveler editor Alex Erdekian calls it a “beautiful, keep-forever bag." Dagne Dover's Landon carryall comes in a few different sizes, but the large and extra-large sizes are your best bet for weekend's away. “Because the bag itself is so lightweight, it’s really easy to throw over your head into a bin even if you’ve packed it with a carry-on level amount of stuff,” says Erdekian. She's been able to fit four to five days' worth of clothes inside. And as far as aesthetics, “I adore the look of this bag. It honestly improves any outfit I’m wearing and makes for a chic, classic summer vacation look—we all know that effortlessly glam duffel-bag-slung-over-your-shoulder pose as you’re walking up the driveway of your friend’s lake house.”
Pros: 16" laptop sleeve; trolley sleeve; comes with a shoe bag and dust bag; super-soft exterior
Cons: No dedicated shoe compartment
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 70L
Weight: 3.28 lb.
Dimensions: 28" × 13" × 17.5"
Capacity: 70L
Separate shoe compartment: NoMade from 100 percent recycled fabric, Patagonia's weather- and abrasion-resistant duffel is one of the most durable on our list. It's also is one of our largest options, holding 70 liters of gear. The padded and removable ergonomic shoulder straps let you carry this duffel like a backpack and detach them when not in use. 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 wicks water, 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. “I don't worry about throwing it in the back of the car with my skis—scratching or tearing isn't 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.”
Pros: Ergonomic shoulder straps; weather-resistant material; padded base
Cons: Best suited for outdoorsy trips, so it probably wouldn't be your go-to weekenderHerschel Supply Co. Tech Novel duffel
Weight: 3 lb. (nylon); 3.6 lb. (vegan leather)
Dimensions: 20.5" × 11" × 12.75"
Capacity: 45L
Separate shoe compartment: YesAvailable in classic colors like black, navy, green, and light and dark gray, this sleek weekender from Herschel is made with 100 percent recycled materials. It features a long, padded adjustable strap, a shoe compartment, a trolley sleeve, and a slew of organizers to help keep devices from getting jumbled. This spacious duffel was tested by Kenny, who says this: “It's versatile enough to take you from the gym to a camping trip to a weekend stay down the shore. The bag’s design is simple yet elevated enough to work for any type of traveler 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. Kenny recommends this to travelers planning to bring their laptops with them—"I usually don't bring my laptop with me on weekend trips, but if I'm traveling for work or want to bring it just in case, I leave my Luka duffel at home and travel with this more protective option instead," she says. Travelers can easily fit three days of clothing in this duffel, making it a great option for extended weekend trips away. And at $160, it's well priced and will be a great travel companion for years to come.
Pros: 16" laptop compartment; removable padded shoulder strap; trolley sleeve,
Cons: Trolley sleeve is very slim
Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe
Weight: 2.6 lb. (canvas), 2.26 lb. (recycled poly)
Dimensions: 18" x 8.5" x 6"
Separate shoe compartment: YesThis travel-friendly tote is a bestseller for accessories brand Lo & Sons, and it’s not hard to see why. The overnight bag features several interior and exterior pockets sized for everything from iPads to sanitizing wipes to sunglasses, a long removable strap with memory foam padding, and a trolley sleeve that converts into a zipper pocket. It was tested by Traveler's former global director of audience development Lara Kramer; she brought it on an overnight staycation in Brooklyn and a four-night stay at the hospital for the birth of her baby. “You can easily fit a long weekend’s worth of clothes (and shoes!) in this bag. And, in our case, an abundance of pajamas, towels, and home comforts—think portable fan, slippers, a sound machine, and framed photos of family and our pet cat—for a long hospital stay,” she says. There's a handy bottom compartment that can hold two to three pairs of shoes (or your dirty clothes) that also features a removable padded tray that can be washed as needed. Kramer did note that because of its generous size and ample storage, this bag can hold a lot of weight. However, the padded messenger strap made of memory foam does take the comfort level up a notch.
Pros: Trolley sleeve; padded removable strap; available in several colorways; can be folded or rolled to store away nicely
Cons: It's on the heavy side when fullLululemon City Adventurer large duffel bag
Dimensions: 18" x 9" x 12"
Capacity: 29L
Separate shoe compartment: YesIf you're a fan of Lululemon's ultra-popular fanny pack, 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 favorite of 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 outfits and a pair of shoes without becoming too heavy or bulky to carry around. Plus, it fits under the seat on an airplane, making it a great personal item" she says. “Its main compartment is a little smaller than other weekenders I've tested, but I didn't totally mind this—it meant the bag has never felt too heavy for me to carry and isn't too large for a one-night stay.” This lightweight duffel 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. “It's also a great size and style to double as a gym bag—I've taken it with me to workout classes and to the gym on several occasions” says Kenny. Another plus: It can be folded up nearly flat to store away when not in use.
Pros: Trolley sleeve; detachable strap; padded laptop pocket; doubles as a gym bag
Cons: Main compartment is smaller than other duffels I've tried
Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Small (40L)
Weight: 3.5 lb.
Dimensions: 20.5" x 12.5" x 10.5"
Capacity: 40L
Separate shoe compartment: NoWe'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. 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 colors with fun interior patterns, it'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.
Pros: Backpack straps and removable shoulder strap; waterproof shell; easy to clean
Cons: Too large for a true weekend trip, more ideal for extended getawaysArlo Skye The Weekender
Dimensions: 20.5" × 9" × 11"
Capacity: 31L
Separate shoe compartment: YesArlo Skye's sleek weekender is lightweight and made of a scratch-resistant nylon with full-grain Italian leather trim, with an antimicrobial lining. It was tested by Flager, who says you can squeeze a lot in here—use it for long weekends, or as a carry-on to fill with odds and ends when heading out on longer trips. “It's a little too big for an under-the-seat item, but has tons of pockets and separate compartments to keep you organized,” Flager says. “If you pack lightly, it could be your main carry-on on short trips.” There's a separate shoe or dirty clothes compartment, a trolley sleeve if you're rolling it on top of a checked bag, and an exterior slip pocket that's the right size for your phone, passport, and keys.
Pros: Trolley sleeve; laptop sleeve; anti-microbial lining
Cons: A little too large to fit under the seat in front of you on the plane
