This is the year of travel. After the pandemic lost us several summers of travel, we’re ready to get back to ticking off our bucket list. Before you can start booking AirBnBs or stalking Skyscanner, you need to sort your luggage out.
While we all love a two-week all-inclusive break, most traveling is done over a weekend. If you’re city-hopping or escaping to the country, you don’t want to be lugging around oversized luggage.
Having a weekender bag is a must for your staycations and quick getaways (Credit: onebit / Shutterstock)
Enter the weekender bag – the ultimate plus one for your staycations or city getaways. This bag is designed to be the little sister of your favorite luggage sets.
It’s big enough to hold everything you’ll need for the weekend but is easy to throw over your shoulder and carry through an airport. This overnight bag is the perfect all-in-one that works as an airplane carry-on or even a gym bag.
If your resolution for this year is to see the world or get some all-important ‘me’ time, you want to invest in a weekender bag. We’re covering everything you need to know about this travel-friendly bag and why it deserves a spot in your closet.
What is a weekender bag?
A weekender bag is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a travel bag designed to hold just enough to see you through the weekend.
These bags have a similar shape to a gym bag and often feature a large shoulder strap for easy carrying. Your weekender bag will usually hold a few pairs of clothes, your toiletries, and a few extras.
A weekender bag is a travel bag that can carry your clothes, essentials, and a few extras for a weekend trip (Credit: Aakash Bgc / Shutterstock)
You’ll often see a weekender bag being called an “overnight bag”. While most of these bags are similar in shape to a duffle bag, you’ll often find styles that resemble an extendable tote.
No two weekender bags are the same. They come in different shapes, styles, and sizes to help you find the perfect one for your travel style.
Weekender bags come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes and often resemble an extendable tote (Credit: phototiara / Shutterstock)
If you travel light or need to bring the contents of your vanity, there’s a weekender bag out there for you. Most of the weekender bags on the market are also an ideal size to use as a carry-on when traveling, making them an ideal investment for frequent flyers.
Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, a weekender bag is your perfect plus one. Not sure which one to buy? We’ve got an in-depth guide on what to look for when shopping for an overnight bag and which ones to look out for.
Weekender vs. Duffle Bag
When you’re shopping for a weekender bag, you might be wondering what the difference between a weekender vs. a duffle bag is. The difference is in the practicalities and finer details.
A weekender bag is more structured compared to a duffle bag that’s more like a gym bag (Credit: Nataliia Sokolovskaia / New Africa / Shutterstock)
Duffle bags are more versatile than their weekender counterpart. They tend to have a less-structured silhouette that makes them appear more like a gym bag than a weekender. Most weekender bags are made using leather or a high-quality structured material that gives the bag a more elevated look.
You can expect to pay a little more for a weekender bag over a duffle bag. While a duffle bag is one that you could use every day, a weekender bag is your dedicated travel companion. Although you can use the two interchangeably, a weekender is easier to pack for a multi-day trip.
What makes a good weekend bag
What makes a good weekend bag is the features that’ll work for you. The material will usually determine the price of your weekender bag, as well as the size.
Although lightweight fabrics are often the easiest to carry, you want to choose one that can withstand regular traveling. You never know when you might get caught in a rainstorm or have to store your bag in a luggage room at a hotel.
Leather is usually the go-to choice for a weekender bag, but you’ll find lots of sustainable options on the market right now.
Choose a weekender bag that’s made of durable material and can withstand regular traveling (Credit: Masson / Shutterstock)
You’ll want to consider organization and how you might pack your overnight bag. Many weekender bags come with an interior pocket and exterior slots for easy access to your essentials.
Weekender bags will typically have a large zip opening on the top to make it easy to get your items out. You’ll want to consider how you might pack your things inside – and whether it’s big enough to hold what you’ll need for two to three days.
Make sure your overnight bag is big enough to hold what you’ll need for a weekend getaway (Credit: Yusia Samsonova / Shutterstock)
If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ll want to double-check that your weekender bag is a suitable carry-on size. While it’s easy to assume it will fit, larger weekender bags may not make the cut for budget airlines.
What size to look for when buying an overnight bag
There are two things to consider when deciding which size of weekender bag is right for you. You’ll want one that is big enough to hold your things while being a suitable size for you to carry. If your overnight bag is too big, you may find that it becomes difficult to carry.
Think of how much you typically pack for a weekend trip. A weekender bag will usually hold the same amount as a small cabin suitcase. If you want the option of being able to pack more, it’s worth shopping around for weekender bags that have an extendable silhouette to give you more space.
How to wear a weekender bag
While you’ll usually roll a suitcase beside you, a weekender bag is something you’ll wear. Although most come with a top handle, you’ll typically be wearing using the shoulder strap.
If the shoulder strap is long enough, you may be able to wear it as a crossbody bag to help distribute the weight of your belongings. While a weekender bag is a fashion accessory, the weight of the bag will usually determine how you wear it.
Your Guide to the Best Weekend Bags Worth Buying
Get ready to enhance your closet with a stylish weekender bag! With a plethora of options available, you’ll be spoiled for choice, as these bags come in a kaleidoscope of colors. We’ve carefully curated a selection of the top 10 weekender bags that are simply irresistible, making them an immediate ‘add to cart’ item.
Our list contains a number of overnight bags at different price points – whether you want to save your pennies or splurge on your new travel companion.
1. Steve Madden Bhue Tote Pink, $135
Do you want to make a statement with your weekender bag? The ‘Bhue Tote’ by Steve Madden has a classic silhouette with a contemporary twist.
It offers a similar style to Louis Vuitton’s iconic ‘Keepall’ weekender but at a fraction of the price.
Steve Madden’s Bhue Tote Pink is a chic weekender bag made of synthetic material in ombre color with logo monogram print and a sporty detachable strap
You’ll find a large interior pocket to store your valuables and a large interior section to organize your belongings in packing cubes.
This overnight bag has an ombre design, complete with baby pink detailing and an athleisure-inspired strap that makes it easy to carry. You’ll be taking this weekender tote with you for a trip to the country or a city getaway.
2. Michael Kors Bedford Travel Extra-Large Weekender, $398
Another alternative to the Louis Vuitton ‘Keepall’ is the Michael Kors ‘Bedford’ weekender. It’s closer in style to the Louis Vuitton weekender with its monogram canvas and dark tan leather handles.
Designed in the signature MK-logo coated canvas, the Bedford weekender is accented with center racing stripes and is accompanied by a removable strap for hands-free ease
It’s a classic overnight bag that will hold all your essentials with two convenient ways of carrying it – either with the top handles or crossbody strap.
3. Hunter Nylon Weekender Bag, $125
Do you like to explore the outdoors? If you’re a fan of escaping the country, you might want a weekender bag that can withstand the elements.
When it comes to country wear, Hunter is always our go-to choice. The British brand offers a water-resistant weekender that is the perfect size for those who can travel light.
Hunter’s Nylon Weekend Bag is a spacious water-resistance bag that has a carry-on handle and a detachable and adjustable crossbody strap
This water-resistant nylon will survive a camping trip or a girl’s staycation in the country. It has a total capacity of 41L and contains internal and external pockets for extra space.
As a lightweight overnight bag, you can carry it like a traditional shoulder bag or use the crossbody strap to help distribute the weight.
You’ll want to purchase this vegan weekender bag if you’re on the hunt for an overnight bag that is easy to store. Its nylon material means that you can pack this bag into itself. If you’re heading on vacation and want to pack an extra overnight bag, this style is perfect.
4. Tommy Hilfiger Flag Duffle, $128
A duffle bag that falls within the ‘weekender bag’ category is this sporty Tommy Hilfiger bag. It’s understated, simplistic, and incorporates the classic Tommy Hilfiger flag.
This preppy-meet-casual overnight bag has sturdy handles and is an ideal choice for those who want a lightweight bag they can double up as a gym bag.
A classic Tommy Hilfiger design, this preppy-meets-practical weekend duffel bag features the label’s signature tri-color stripe flag and top zip closure
You’ll want to pick up this duffle bag if you want a weekender tote that you can use every day or when you’re not traveling.
5. BEIS The Mini Convertible Weekend Travel Bag, $88
One of our list’s most unique overnight bags is this convertible weekend travel bag by BEIS. It’s the perfect choice for commuters or those looking to create a capsule closet.
This overnight bag works as a tote bag, gym bag, or even a diaper bag.
Travel light and easy with Beis’ multi-function and convertible weekend bag, crafted from hearty canvas and faux leather
Organization is easy with its innovative layout that includes a padded laptop sleeve and dedicated shoe compartment that makes it easy to separate your belongings.
This weekender bag is the perfect choice for anyone heading straight from work to the airport or who wants to keep their dancing shoes close at hand.
6. TUMI Clearly Weekend Nylon Tote, $252
Do you like the BEIS bag but want a little extra space? Check out this nylon weekender by TUMI. Although it’s a splurge, this spacious tote is designed with commuters and frequent flyers in mind.
For daily commuters and frequent flyers, Tumi’s Clearly Weekend Nylon tote offers style and plenty of space for more than just your essentials
TUMI is one of the premium travel brands that blends business with travel. This nylon tote is an upgrade that offers durability, functionality, and style.
7. Ganni Recycled Tech Weekend Duffle Bag, $295
Sometimes, a weekender bag is too big. If you want a more compact size, check out this Ganni weekender. It’s a more laid-back look and a bag you can carry from the airport to your next gym session.
You can squeeze this overnight bag into the overhead bin on a plane or onto the seat next to you on a train.
A fuss-free travel bag, Ganni’s weekend duffle bag is made from recycled polyester and has enough space for all your weekend essentials
Its recycled polyester fabric is easy to wipe clean and ideal for those who want a fuss-free travel bag. If you’re always hitting the gym and want a bag that will work for travel, this Ganni overnight bag is worth the $295 investment.
8. Once Milano Linen Weekend Bag, $165
Another lightweight weekender bag that’s worth checking out is from Once Milano. We can picture ourselves taking this linen overnight bag on a beach vacation or a spa weekend.
Once Milano’s weekend bag is an eco-friendly bag made of lightweight linen
It folds down neatly into itself, making it an ideal backup bag to put into your suitcase in case you do any shopping on your trip! This linen weekender bag is best for those who travel light and are looking for an eco-friendly overnight bag.
9. Glossier Sunshine Yellow Duffle Bag, $20
One duffle bag that we’re adding to this list is from an unexpected brand. Glossier has a cult following for their makeup and skincare, but their lifestyle products are just as good.
Aside from makeup and skincare, Glossier surprisingly offers a spacious duffel bag that’s roomy enough for all your weekend-getaway needs
Their sunshine yellow duffle bag is part of their permanent collection and a must-have for Glossier fans with a capsule closet. You’ll never lose sight of this bright duffle bag with the brand’s signature logo.
10. Antler Chelsea Weekender, $175
For a good reason, Antler is one of the most popular luggage brands. Their ‘Chelsea’ weekender has an understated but elegant classic silhouette. It’s designed to slot over a suitcase handle to make it easy to juggle your luggage for longer trips.
Made from durable nylon with premium leather trims, the Antler Chelsea weekender has the perfect size for your weekend trip and a purpose-built pocket for your shoes
The ‘Chelsea’ is the ideal plus for a weekend getaway with its purpose-built pocket for shoes and detachable shoulder strap. You’ll even find a padded pocket that comfortably holds up to a 13” laptop.
Are you a fan of organizing? Antler offers a full collection of matching Chelsea accessories, including shoe and wash bags.
Which of these weekender bags will you be buying for your next adventure? Let us know in the comments below!