The 12 Best Weekender Bags We Tested for Every Style and Budget

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Conor Ralph

People / Conor Ralph

A weekender bag is the ideal solution when alarge suitcaseseems unmanageable for a weekend escape.Whether you’re someone who jetsets frequently or takes a road trip here and there, it’s helpful to have a bag that bridges the gap between suitcase andtravel backpackfor trips that require just a few days of outfit changes. Celebrities like actressShay Mitchellhave evencome out with luggage linesto accommodate this type of travel (and do it in style).The ideal weekender bag has many features such as customizable compartments and laptop sleeves. And with so many types of weekender bags on the market, we decided to put a handful of them to the test. Evaluating 34 bags based on capacity, design, portability, and more, we found 12 winners worthy of being taken on your next weekend away.Here are the best weekender bags that PEOPLE Tested.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Away Everywhere Bag at Awaytravel.com$245Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Cheaper):Calpak Luka Duffel Bag at Calpaktravel.comJump to ReviewBest Budget:HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Durability:Bagsmart Carry on Weekender Overnight Bag at Amazon$34Jump to ReviewBest Compartments:Béis The Weekender at Nordstrom$108Jump to ReviewMost Spacious:Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag at Amazon$140Jump to ReviewBest Convertible:Beis The Convertible Weekender at Beistravel.comJump to ReviewBest Design:Nex Adventure Duffel at Meetnex.comJump to ReviewBest Carry-On:Bellroy Weekender Plus at Amazon$192Jump to ReviewBest Leather:Leatherology Kessler Large Duffle at Amazon$430Jump to Review

A weekender bag is the ideal solution when alarge suitcaseseems unmanageable for a weekend escape.

Whether you’re someone who jetsets frequently or takes a road trip here and there, it’s helpful to have a bag that bridges the gap between suitcase andtravel backpackfor trips that require just a few days of outfit changes. Celebrities like actressShay Mitchellhave evencome out with luggage linesto accommodate this type of travel (and do it in style).

The ideal weekender bag has many features such as customizable compartments and laptop sleeves. And with so many types of weekender bags on the market, we decided to put a handful of them to the test. Evaluating 34 bags based on capacity, design, portability, and more, we found 12 winners worthy of being taken on your next weekend away.

Here are the best weekender bags that PEOPLE Tested.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Away Everywhere Bag at Awaytravel.com$245Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Cheaper):Calpak Luka Duffel Bag at Calpaktravel.comJump to ReviewBest Budget:HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Durability:Bagsmart Carry on Weekender Overnight Bag at Amazon$34Jump to ReviewBest Compartments:Béis The Weekender at Nordstrom$108Jump to ReviewMost Spacious:Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag at Amazon$140Jump to ReviewBest Convertible:Beis The Convertible Weekender at Beistravel.comJump to ReviewBest Design:Nex Adventure Duffel at Meetnex.comJump to ReviewBest Carry-On:Bellroy Weekender Plus at Amazon$192Jump to ReviewBest Leather:Leatherology Kessler Large Duffle at Amazon$430Jump to Review

Best Overall:Away Everywhere Bag at Awaytravel.com$245Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Cheaper):Calpak Luka Duffel Bag at Calpaktravel.comJump to ReviewBest Budget:HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Durability:Bagsmart Carry on Weekender Overnight Bag at Amazon$34Jump to ReviewBest Compartments:Béis The Weekender at Nordstrom$108Jump to ReviewMost Spacious:Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag at Amazon$140Jump to ReviewBest Convertible:Beis The Convertible Weekender at Beistravel.comJump to ReviewBest Design:Nex Adventure Duffel at Meetnex.comJump to ReviewBest Carry-On:Bellroy Weekender Plus at Amazon$192Jump to ReviewBest Leather:Leatherology Kessler Large Duffle at Amazon$430Jump to Review

Best Overall:Away Everywhere Bag at Awaytravel.com$245Jump to Review

Best Overall:Away Everywhere Bag at Awaytravel.com$245

Best Overall:

Best Overall (Cheaper):Calpak Luka Duffel Bag at Calpaktravel.comJump to Review

Best Overall (Cheaper):Calpak Luka Duffel Bag at Calpaktravel.com

Best Overall (Cheaper):

Best Budget:HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag at Amazon$17Jump to Review

Best Budget:HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag at Amazon$17

Best Budget:

Best Durability:Bagsmart Carry on Weekender Overnight Bag at Amazon$34Jump to Review

Best Durability:Bagsmart Carry on Weekender Overnight Bag at Amazon$34

Best Durability:

Best Compartments:Béis The Weekender at Nordstrom$108Jump to Review

Best Compartments:Béis The Weekender at Nordstrom$108

Best Compartments:

Most Spacious:Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag at Amazon$140Jump to Review

Most Spacious:Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag at Amazon$140

Most Spacious:

Best Convertible:Beis The Convertible Weekender at Beistravel.comJump to Review

Best Convertible:Beis The Convertible Weekender at Beistravel.com

Best Convertible:

Best Design:Nex Adventure Duffel at Meetnex.comJump to Review

Best Design:Nex Adventure Duffel at Meetnex.com

Best Design:

Best Carry-On:Bellroy Weekender Plus at Amazon$192Jump to Review

Best Carry-On:Bellroy Weekender Plus at Amazon$192

Best Carry-On:

Best Leather:Leatherology Kessler Large Duffle at Amazon$430Jump to Review

Best Leather:Leatherology Kessler Large Duffle at Amazon$430

Best Leather:

Best OverallAway Everywhere BagPHOTO: Away$245 at Awaytravel.com

Best OverallAway Everywhere Bag

Best Overall

Away Everywhere Bag

PHOTO: Away

$245 at Awaytravel.com

Star QualitiesFull of pockets and compartmentsCan fit enough clothing for four to five daysRed FlagsThe shoulder strap was a bit hard to situate

Star QualitiesFull of pockets and compartmentsCan fit enough clothing for four to five days

Full of pockets and compartments

Can fit enough clothing for four to five days

Red FlagsThe shoulder strap was a bit hard to situate

The shoulder strap was a bit hard to situate

If you’re looking forAway luggage, this sleek bag from Away earned a perfect score through all of our testing. The luxurious nylon and leather bag is outfitted with a detachable shoulder strap, interior and exterior pockets, and a trolley sleeve to easily slide over your suitcase handles and glide through the airport.

We loved the wrap-around zipper that allows the bag to fall open when packing. The clamshell style resembles a suitcase and helps keep things organized. Its basic yet stylish design allows this bag to be used for much more than travel. We think you could bring this into the office or on your next vacation, and no one would even know it’s a suitcase.

Sizes:Medium, large| Material:Nylon, leather |Dimensions:20.9 x 11.8 x 9.4 inches |Capacity:38 liters |Weight:3.8 pounds with shoulder strap / 3.3 pounds without |Water-Resistant:Yes |Laptop Sleeve:Yes, 15 inch |Trolley Sleeve:Yes

PHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Conor Ralph

Best Overall (Cheaper)Calpak Luka Duffel BagPHOTO: CalpakView on Calpaktravel.com$158 at The Container Store

Best Overall (Cheaper)Calpak Luka Duffel Bag

Best Overall (Cheaper)

Calpak Luka Duffel Bag

PHOTO: Calpak

View on Calpaktravel.com$158 at The Container Store

Star QualitiesWater-resistant and scratch-resistant materialBottom zippered section that can hold shoes and bulky itemsRed FlagsOverstuffing the bag can affect the ease of the trolley strap

Star QualitiesWater-resistant and scratch-resistant materialBottom zippered section that can hold shoes and bulky items

Water-resistant and scratch-resistant material

Bottom zippered section that can hold shoes and bulky items

Red FlagsOverstuffing the bag can affect the ease of the trolley strap

Overstuffing the bag can affect the ease of the trolley strap

The Calpak Luka Duffel can seamlessly serve as a work, gym, travel, or everyday bag, with versatile color options and sizes — so you can tailor it perfectly to complement your lifestyle. It’s spacious, with multiple inner compartments, but the real star is the bottom zippered section that holds shoes, books, and other bulky items (like thatDyson Airwrapthat didn’t make the cut in your last backpack). Beyond the inner pockets, we also found a hidden zippered compartment, ideal for protecting your passport and valuables.

The bag has a shoulder strap and handles for carrying, along with a trolley sleeve that easily attaches to the back of your rolling suitcase for convenience. The bag has proven durable and comfortable on over eight trips, including two international journeys. Its buttery smooth, water-resistant material resists dirt and wipes clean with ease.

“I never have enough good things to say about the Calpak Luka Duffel. This bag is stylish, highly functional, and built to last. It’s traveled with me to Greece, Iceland, and many weekend destinations in the U.S., and it never disappoints.”—Madison Yauger, shopping editor

Material:Polyester|Dimensions:12 x 16 x 8 inches |Capacity:25 liters |Weight:2 pounds |Water-Resistant:Yes |Laptop Sleeve:Yes |Trolley Sleeve:Yes

PHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best BudgetHYC00 Travel Duffel BagPHOTO: Amazon$17$16 at AmazonStar QualitiesHas the perks of a more expensive bag at a much more attractive priceBuilt-in zippered wet pouchRed FlagsSlightly smaller than the others on this listThis duffel from Amazon has all you could want in a weekender bag. Complete with weather-resistant fabric, a wet pouch for toiletries or bathing suits, a crossbody strap, a trolley sleeve, and more, this budget-friendly bag is a one-stop shop for all your travel needs. We were able to fit two pairs of pants, multiple shirts, a jacket, shoes, andtoiletry baginside with just enough room to spare.Throughout the testing process, the outer snap closures did tend to pop open, but luckily these just cover the exterior zippers, so you don’t have to worry about losing precious cargo. In all, we would recommend this product to anyone looking for a moderately priced and attractive bag that’s great for a quick trip.Material:Nylon |Dimensions:10.63 x 21.65 x 7.09 inches |Capacity:30 liters |Weight:1.5 pounds |Water-Resistant:Yes |Laptop Sleeve:Yes, size not found |Trolley Sleeve:YesPeople / Conor Ralph

Best BudgetHYC00 Travel Duffel BagPHOTO: Amazon$17$16 at Amazon

Best BudgetHYC00 Travel Duffel Bag

Best Budget

HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag

PHOTO: Amazon

$17$16 at Amazon

Star QualitiesHas the perks of a more expensive bag at a much more attractive priceBuilt-in zippered wet pouchRed FlagsSlightly smaller than the others on this list

Star QualitiesHas the perks of a more expensive bag at a much more attractive priceBuilt-in zippered wet pouch

Has the perks of a more expensive bag at a much more attractive price

Built-in zippered wet pouch

Red FlagsSlightly smaller than the others on this list

Slightly smaller than the others on this list

This duffel from Amazon has all you could want in a weekender bag. Complete with weather-resistant fabric, a wet pouch for toiletries or bathing suits, a crossbody strap, a trolley sleeve, and more, this budget-friendly bag is a one-stop shop for all your travel needs. We were able to fit two pairs of pants, multiple shirts, a jacket, shoes, andtoiletry baginside with just enough room to spare.

Throughout the testing process, the outer snap closures did tend to pop open, but luckily these just cover the exterior zippers, so you don’t have to worry about losing precious cargo. In all, we would recommend this product to anyone looking for a moderately priced and attractive bag that’s great for a quick trip.

Material:Nylon |Dimensions:10.63 x 21.65 x 7.09 inches |Capacity:30 liters |Weight:1.5 pounds |Water-Resistant:Yes |Laptop Sleeve:Yes, size not found |Trolley Sleeve:Yes

Best DurabilityBagsmart Carry on Weekender Overnight BagPHOTO: Amazon$34 at Amazon

Best DurabilityBagsmart Carry on Weekender Overnight Bag

Best Durability

Bagsmart Carry on Weekender Overnight Bag

$34 at Amazon

Star QualitiesExtensive pockets help you stay organizedCan easily be thrown in the washRed FlagsDiagonal placement of the shoulder straps makes it slightly uncomfortable and awkward to carry when not using the handles

Star QualitiesExtensive pockets help you stay organizedCan easily be thrown in the wash

Extensive pockets help you stay organized

Can easily be thrown in the wash

Red FlagsDiagonal placement of the shoulder straps makes it slightly uncomfortable and awkward to carry when not using the handles

Diagonal placement of the shoulder straps makes it slightly uncomfortable and awkward to carry when not using the handles

When you’re commuting via airports, cars, and subways, you want a bag that can endure daily wear and unpredictable conditions. That’s exactlywhat we found in the Bagsmart Weekender, which proved its durability time and time again, even after nine months of use. Made with tough nylon fabric, the Bagsmart Weekender easily withstands wear and tear. Plus, if it gets dirty from sitting on an airport floor, you can simply toss it in the wash (just hang it to dry).

In addition to its durable exterior, the utility of this bag also sets it apart from its peers. With extensive pockets — including three external, four internal, and a laptop sleeve — it easily keeps items sorted through all of the travel chaos. These pockets conveniently have an elastic strap tucked inside which kept our water bottle securely in place during airport sprints. And if you’re using it as a gym bag, it also has a removable Velcro strap that can secure a yoga mat. Bonus: It’s one of the cheapest bags we’ve found.

“Gone are the days of searching for my headphones and chapstick at the bottom of an unorganized bag!”—Genevieve Cepeda, shopping writer

Material:Nylon |Dimensions:18.5 x 8.7 x 11 inches |Weight:1.8 pounds|Water-Resistant:Yes |Laptop Sleeve:Yes, 15.6 inch |Trolley Sleeve:Yes

PHOTO: People / Genevieve CepedaPHOTO: People / Genevieve CepedaPHOTO: People / Genevieve CepedaPHOTO: People / Genevieve CepedaPHOTO: People / Genevieve Cepeda

Best CompartmentsBéis The WeekenderPHOTO: Beis$108 at NordstromView on Beistravel.comView on BloomingdalesStar QualitiesThe bottom compartment is a shoe lover’s dreamStands on its own for easy packingRed FlagsCan dent and scuff if you drop itWe’re always a fan of celebrity brands here at PEOPLE, but Shay Mitchell’s luggage brand, BÉIS, is truly something else. Aside from its celebrity owner, the famous Weekender is known for its many handy compartments on the interior, such as a laptop sleeve and several side pockets, as well as zippers on the outside that are subtly placed and even double as a trolley sleeve. But the best part yet is the innovative bottom compartment, a separate part of the bag that zips open to unearth a shoe holder for all of the footwear lovers out there.We loved so much about this bag: It’s spacious, stands on its own, and has tons of pockets. Though the bag did scuff easily during the drop test, we still felt that the bag was worth the money due to its innovative design and major organizational functions.Material:Polyester with vegan leather trim |Dimensions:19 x 10 x 16 inches |Capacity:49 liters |Weight:3.86 pounds |Water-Resistant:No |Laptop Sleeve:Yes, 13 inch |Trolley Sleeve:YesPHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best CompartmentsBéis The WeekenderPHOTO: Beis$108 at NordstromView on Beistravel.comView on Bloomingdales

Best CompartmentsBéis The Weekender

Best Compartments

Béis The Weekender

PHOTO: Beis

$108 at NordstromView on Beistravel.comView on Bloomingdales

Star QualitiesThe bottom compartment is a shoe lover’s dreamStands on its own for easy packingRed FlagsCan dent and scuff if you drop it

Star QualitiesThe bottom compartment is a shoe lover’s dreamStands on its own for easy packing

The bottom compartment is a shoe lover’s dream

Stands on its own for easy packing

Red FlagsCan dent and scuff if you drop it

Can dent and scuff if you drop it

We’re always a fan of celebrity brands here at PEOPLE, but Shay Mitchell’s luggage brand, BÉIS, is truly something else. Aside from its celebrity owner, the famous Weekender is known for its many handy compartments on the interior, such as a laptop sleeve and several side pockets, as well as zippers on the outside that are subtly placed and even double as a trolley sleeve. But the best part yet is the innovative bottom compartment, a separate part of the bag that zips open to unearth a shoe holder for all of the footwear lovers out there.

We loved so much about this bag: It’s spacious, stands on its own, and has tons of pockets. Though the bag did scuff easily during the drop test, we still felt that the bag was worth the money due to its innovative design and major organizational functions.

Material:Polyester with vegan leather trim |Dimensions:19 x 10 x 16 inches |Capacity:49 liters |Weight:3.86 pounds |Water-Resistant:No |Laptop Sleeve:Yes, 13 inch |Trolley Sleeve:Yes

PHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Most SpaciousPatagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel BagPHOTO: Patagonia$140 at AmazonView on Patagonia.com$159 at REI

Most SpaciousPatagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag

Most Spacious

Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag

PHOTO: Patagonia

$140 at AmazonView on Patagonia.com$159 at REI

Star QualitiesPadded, removable shoulder straps let you carry it like a backpackDurable and weather-resistantRed FlagsCouldn’t find any

Star QualitiesPadded, removable shoulder straps let you carry it like a backpackDurable and weather-resistant

Padded, removable shoulder straps let you carry it like a backpack

Durable and weather-resistant

Red FlagsCouldn’t find any

Couldn’t find any

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel has traveled with our editor for over eight months, and with its seemingly limitless capacity, it lives up to its name. It’s ideal when you’re short on bag space and need to maximize the capacity of your weekender. Despite its impressive expandability, the duffel folds into its own pocket for neat, space-saving storage in your closet.

Removable shoulder straps instantly convert it into a backpack, ideal for both quick weekend getaways and extended hiking trips. It also proved durable, thanks to its padded base that protects the continents of the duffel from rough terrain and harsh impacts.

“The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel truly feels like a Mary Poppins bag — the capacity feels endless.”—Kayla Kitts, shopping editor

Material:Polyester |Dimensions:19.7 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches |Capacity:40 liters |Weight:2.1 pounds| Water-Resistant:Yes |Laptop Sleeve:No |Trolley Sleeve:No

PHOTO: People / Nick KovaPHOTO: People / Nick Kova

Best ConvertibleBeis The Convertible WeekenderPHOTO: BéisView on Beistravel.comStar QualitiesBottom compartment zips off and becomes a separate smaller bag, which we think is the perfect place to store dirty laundry during a tripMain compartment is large and well organized with plenty of pockets to sort your itemsRed FlagsSlightly difficult to zip the removable compartment back onto the bag, especially if it’s fullIf you loved the original Weekender bag from Beis as much as we did, then you’ll love the latest iteration. The interior of this bag is large and impressive. We could easily fit our entire packing list in the Convertible Weekender, and stored a pair of shoes and a toiletry bag in the bottom compartment.The bottom compartment can be entirely removed and used as a separate small bag (a great way to store dirty clothes mid vacay). The bag also comes with a removable laptop sleeve and multiple internal and external pockets that helped us stay organized. As easy as it was to unzip the bottom compartment, we had a challenging time reattaching the compartment after we were done, but we did eventually get it zipped back in place. But, for a comparably reasonable price, this bag still manages to feel luxurious and versatile.Material:Polyester with vegan leather trim |Dimensions:19 x 10 x 16 inches |Capacity:49 liters |Weight:3.86 pounds |Water-Resistant:No |Laptop Sleeve:Yes, 15 inch |Trolley Sleeve:YesPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: Travel + Leisure

Best ConvertibleBeis The Convertible WeekenderPHOTO: BéisView on Beistravel.com

Best ConvertibleBeis The Convertible Weekender

Best Convertible

Beis The Convertible Weekender

PHOTO: Béis

View on Beistravel.com

Star QualitiesBottom compartment zips off and becomes a separate smaller bag, which we think is the perfect place to store dirty laundry during a tripMain compartment is large and well organized with plenty of pockets to sort your itemsRed FlagsSlightly difficult to zip the removable compartment back onto the bag, especially if it’s full

Star QualitiesBottom compartment zips off and becomes a separate smaller bag, which we think is the perfect place to store dirty laundry during a tripMain compartment is large and well organized with plenty of pockets to sort your items

Bottom compartment zips off and becomes a separate smaller bag, which we think is the perfect place to store dirty laundry during a trip

Main compartment is large and well organized with plenty of pockets to sort your items

Red FlagsSlightly difficult to zip the removable compartment back onto the bag, especially if it’s full

Slightly difficult to zip the removable compartment back onto the bag, especially if it’s full

If you loved the original Weekender bag from Beis as much as we did, then you’ll love the latest iteration. The interior of this bag is large and impressive. We could easily fit our entire packing list in the Convertible Weekender, and stored a pair of shoes and a toiletry bag in the bottom compartment.

The bottom compartment can be entirely removed and used as a separate small bag (a great way to store dirty clothes mid vacay). The bag also comes with a removable laptop sleeve and multiple internal and external pockets that helped us stay organized. As easy as it was to unzip the bottom compartment, we had a challenging time reattaching the compartment after we were done, but we did eventually get it zipped back in place. But, for a comparably reasonable price, this bag still manages to feel luxurious and versatile.

Material:Polyester with vegan leather trim |Dimensions:19 x 10 x 16 inches |Capacity:49 liters |Weight:3.86 pounds |Water-Resistant:No |Laptop Sleeve:Yes, 15 inch |Trolley Sleeve:Yes

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: Travel + Leisure

Best DesignNex Adventure DuffelPHOTO: NexView on Meetnex.com

Best DesignNex Adventure Duffel

Best Design

Nex Adventure Duffel

PHOTO: Nex

View on Meetnex.com

Star QualitiesMicrofiber leather is water- and dirt-resistantPadded handles for easy and comfortable carryingRed FlagsLimited external pockets

Star QualitiesMicrofiber leather is water- and dirt-resistantPadded handles for easy and comfortable carrying

Microfiber leather is water- and dirt-resistant

Padded handles for easy and comfortable carrying

Red FlagsLimited external pockets

Limited external pockets

The Nex Adventure Duffel offers durability without compromising on style. Its microfiber leather construction resists water and dirt while maintaining its sleek appearance. It has no visible external pockets which helps it exude the minimalist elegance we dream of in any accessory.

The duffel has functional interior pockets, including adedicated AirTag compartment, and discrete exterior pockets for quick access to essentials like your wallet and keys. We easily packed our laptop, travel-size toiletries, a pair of shoes, and a few outfits before slinging the bag over our shoulder and heading out the door. (The bag earned numerous compliments on our journey, too.)

“I’ve received compliments every time I’ve traveled with this bag, which is always nice, too.”—Erin Johnson, associate shopping director

Material:Microfiber leather |Dimensions:17.7 x 7.6 x 12.2 inches |Weight:3.11 pounds |Water-Resistant:Yes |Laptop Sleeve:Yes, 15 inch |Trolley Sleeve:Yes

PHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin Johnson

Best Carry-OnBellroy Weekender PlusPHOTO: Amazon$192 at AmazonView on Publiclands.comStar QualitiesCould fit twice the amount of clothes that we tested withAbundance of smart pockets to keep things organizedRed FlagsLeather straps make it uncomfortable to have on your shoulder for too longAnother one of our favorites was the Bellroy Weekender Plus, a spacious bag made from eco-friendly materials. With multiple interior and exterior compartments, it’s easy to store toiletries in the deep outer pockets of the bag to allow for maximum packing room on the inside. A few unique features: an inner water bottle holder, an internal ‘tool belt’ for miscellaneous supplies, and a padded laptop case for a 13-inch computer or tablet. We could fit twice the amount of clothes we had on our test packing list — a solid option if you only want to travel with a carry-on bag.The Bellroy bag is admired for having a durable exterior, but this can also cause some discomfort when carrying the bag for too long. The carry handles are leather and not padded, so they may feel a little uncomfortable over time if your bag is fully packed and heavy. But we still think this bag is well worth the price, as this product will stand the test of time.Material:Recycled nylon, leather |Dimensions:15.75 x 24.8 x 9.45 inches |Capacity:45 liters |Weight:3.1 pounds |Water-resistant:Yes |Laptop sleeve:Yes, 13 inch |Trolley sleeve:YesPHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Conor Ralph

Best Carry-OnBellroy Weekender PlusPHOTO: Amazon$192 at AmazonView on Publiclands.com

Best Carry-OnBellroy Weekender Plus

Best Carry-On

Bellroy Weekender Plus

$192 at AmazonView on Publiclands.com

Star QualitiesCould fit twice the amount of clothes that we tested withAbundance of smart pockets to keep things organizedRed FlagsLeather straps make it uncomfortable to have on your shoulder for too long

Star QualitiesCould fit twice the amount of clothes that we tested withAbundance of smart pockets to keep things organized

Could fit twice the amount of clothes that we tested with

Abundance of smart pockets to keep things organized

Red FlagsLeather straps make it uncomfortable to have on your shoulder for too long

Leather straps make it uncomfortable to have on your shoulder for too long

Another one of our favorites was the Bellroy Weekender Plus, a spacious bag made from eco-friendly materials. With multiple interior and exterior compartments, it’s easy to store toiletries in the deep outer pockets of the bag to allow for maximum packing room on the inside. A few unique features: an inner water bottle holder, an internal ‘tool belt’ for miscellaneous supplies, and a padded laptop case for a 13-inch computer or tablet. We could fit twice the amount of clothes we had on our test packing list — a solid option if you only want to travel with a carry-on bag.

The Bellroy bag is admired for having a durable exterior, but this can also cause some discomfort when carrying the bag for too long. The carry handles are leather and not padded, so they may feel a little uncomfortable over time if your bag is fully packed and heavy. But we still think this bag is well worth the price, as this product will stand the test of time.

Material:Recycled nylon, leather |Dimensions:15.75 x 24.8 x 9.45 inches |Capacity:45 liters |Weight:3.1 pounds |Water-resistant:Yes |Laptop sleeve:Yes, 13 inch |Trolley sleeve:Yes

PHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Conor Ralph

Best LeatherLeatherology Kessler Large Duffle$430 at AmazonView on Leatherology.comStar QualitiesWill never go out of style thanks to its timeless genuine leather fabricA hand-painted or debossed monogram can be added to the bagRed FlagsCan get very big when overpacked, potentially making it hard to walk around withComplete with three interior pockets plus a large exterior pocket, an adjustable shoulder strap, and nickel hardware, this Leatherology bag was made with premium leather and sustainable cotton to ensure that it will last for years to come. Our first impression when getting to know this bag was that it can hold much more than it appears to. It held everything on the packing list with room for more, especially if you’re a tidy packer or usepacking cubes.The only problem with being able to pack a lot is having a bigger bag which can feel cumbersome to carry for long distances, especially if the bag is full. Overall, we love the look and feel of this bag, and we think it’s moderately priced for the luxury leather finishes compared to other premium weekenders.Material:Full grain leather |Dimensions:14.2 x 25.6 x 12 inches |Capacity:30 liters |Weight:‎8.36 pounds |Water-Resistant:No |Laptop Sleeve:No |Trolley Sleeve:NoPHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Nick Kova

Best LeatherLeatherology Kessler Large Duffle$430 at AmazonView on Leatherology.com

Best LeatherLeatherology Kessler Large Duffle

Best Leather

Leatherology Kessler Large Duffle

$430 at AmazonView on Leatherology.com

Star QualitiesWill never go out of style thanks to its timeless genuine leather fabricA hand-painted or debossed monogram can be added to the bagRed FlagsCan get very big when overpacked, potentially making it hard to walk around with

Star QualitiesWill never go out of style thanks to its timeless genuine leather fabricA hand-painted or debossed monogram can be added to the bag

Will never go out of style thanks to its timeless genuine leather fabric

A hand-painted or debossed monogram can be added to the bag

Red FlagsCan get very big when overpacked, potentially making it hard to walk around with

Can get very big when overpacked, potentially making it hard to walk around with

Complete with three interior pockets plus a large exterior pocket, an adjustable shoulder strap, and nickel hardware, this Leatherology bag was made with premium leather and sustainable cotton to ensure that it will last for years to come. Our first impression when getting to know this bag was that it can hold much more than it appears to. It held everything on the packing list with room for more, especially if you’re a tidy packer or usepacking cubes.

The only problem with being able to pack a lot is having a bigger bag which can feel cumbersome to carry for long distances, especially if the bag is full. Overall, we love the look and feel of this bag, and we think it’s moderately priced for the luxury leather finishes compared to other premium weekenders.

Material:Full grain leather |Dimensions:14.2 x 25.6 x 12 inches |Capacity:30 liters |Weight:‎8.36 pounds |Water-Resistant:No |Laptop Sleeve:No |Trolley Sleeve:No

PHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Nick Kova

Best WeatherproofPeak Design Travel Duffel$150 at AmazonView on Peakdesign.com$98 at REIStar QualitiesVersatile straps allow you to carry it several waysWide opening makes it easy to packRed FlagsNo organizational componentsIf you’re someone who loves to camp or take outdoorsy trips, then this weatherproof Peak Design duffel could be your new favorite travel companion. This rip and weatherproof bag protects the contents inside from the elements while also having multi-wear straps, so you can carry the bag over the shoulder, crossbody, in your hand or even as a backpack. This bag could be for athletic activities as well, with handy external hooks that can hold bottles or other miscellaneous items.This bag is a great value for people looking for a very lightweight, weatherproof, and easy-to-carry bag that will last a long time. Our only grievance was that there were not any organizational qualities to the bag outside of a few interior pockets, but the other features of this bag greatly outweighed this minor flaw.Material:Recycled nylon canvas |Dimensions:22 x 13.39 x 10.24 inches |Capacity:35 liters |Weight:2 pounds |Water-Resistant:Yes |Laptop Sleeve:No |Trolley Sleeve:NoPeople / Conor Ralph

Best WeatherproofPeak Design Travel Duffel$150 at AmazonView on Peakdesign.com$98 at REI

Best WeatherproofPeak Design Travel Duffel

Best Weatherproof

Peak Design Travel Duffel

$150 at AmazonView on Peakdesign.com$98 at REI

Star QualitiesVersatile straps allow you to carry it several waysWide opening makes it easy to packRed FlagsNo organizational components

Star QualitiesVersatile straps allow you to carry it several waysWide opening makes it easy to pack

Versatile straps allow you to carry it several ways

Wide opening makes it easy to pack

Red FlagsNo organizational components

No organizational components

If you’re someone who loves to camp or take outdoorsy trips, then this weatherproof Peak Design duffel could be your new favorite travel companion. This rip and weatherproof bag protects the contents inside from the elements while also having multi-wear straps, so you can carry the bag over the shoulder, crossbody, in your hand or even as a backpack. This bag could be for athletic activities as well, with handy external hooks that can hold bottles or other miscellaneous items.

This bag is a great value for people looking for a very lightweight, weatherproof, and easy-to-carry bag that will last a long time. Our only grievance was that there were not any organizational qualities to the bag outside of a few interior pockets, but the other features of this bag greatly outweighed this minor flaw.

Material:Recycled nylon canvas |Dimensions:22 x 13.39 x 10.24 inches |Capacity:35 liters |Weight:2 pounds |Water-Resistant:Yes |Laptop Sleeve:No |Trolley Sleeve:No

Most ColorsVera Bradley Weekender Travel BagPHOTO: Amazon$135 at Amazon$135 at WalmartView on Belk.comStar QualitiesComes in 25 patterns and colorsFabric is machine washableRed FlagsSmall compared to others we tried, so you’d need to pack lightMost shoppers know Vera Bradley for their signature patterns and colors, which is why this product earned its recognition for the most colors. But aside from its 25 colorful and kaleidoscopic pattern options, this bag was built to be a trustworthy weekender. Featuring five mesh pockets, one slip and two zip pockets plus a trolley sleeve, this product is decked out in compartments to organize your belongings. We were happy with the fabric being machine-washable, as this will help prolong the life of the bag.This colorful bag passed the packing test, but we felt like it wouldn’t be able to fit too much more than we’d need for a two or three-day trip. The Vera Bradley weekender will definitely fit under the airplane seat, but it may not be the bag for long weekend escapades.Material:Recycled cotton |Dimensions:19 x 13 x 8 inches |Capacity:30 liters |Weight:1.81 pounds |Water-Resistant:No |Laptop Sleeve:No |Trolley Sleeve:YesPHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Conor Ralph

Most ColorsVera Bradley Weekender Travel BagPHOTO: Amazon$135 at Amazon$135 at WalmartView on Belk.com

Most ColorsVera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag

Most Colors

Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag

$135 at Amazon$135 at WalmartView on Belk.com

Star QualitiesComes in 25 patterns and colorsFabric is machine washableRed FlagsSmall compared to others we tried, so you’d need to pack light

Star QualitiesComes in 25 patterns and colorsFabric is machine washable

Comes in 25 patterns and colors

Fabric is machine washable

Red FlagsSmall compared to others we tried, so you’d need to pack light

Small compared to others we tried, so you’d need to pack light

Most shoppers know Vera Bradley for their signature patterns and colors, which is why this product earned its recognition for the most colors. But aside from its 25 colorful and kaleidoscopic pattern options, this bag was built to be a trustworthy weekender. Featuring five mesh pockets, one slip and two zip pockets plus a trolley sleeve, this product is decked out in compartments to organize your belongings. We were happy with the fabric being machine-washable, as this will help prolong the life of the bag.

This colorful bag passed the packing test, but we felt like it wouldn’t be able to fit too much more than we’d need for a two or three-day trip. The Vera Bradley weekender will definitely fit under the airplane seat, but it may not be the bag for long weekend escapades.

Material:Recycled cotton |Dimensions:19 x 13 x 8 inches |Capacity:30 liters |Weight:1.81 pounds |Water-Resistant:No |Laptop Sleeve:No |Trolley Sleeve:Yes

What to Know About Weekender Bags

Organization

Packing can get easily overwhelming, especially when you have a specific volume of items to bring with you. Organizational elements are very important when it comes to shopping for a weekender bag, as you want to be able to bring as much as you need without compromising a system. Having multiple pockets and compartments (like theBéis Weekender) will help save space and aid you in packing smartly for your next weekend getaway.

Purpose

Evaluating the purpose for which you are buying a weekender bag is another crucial step in the buying process. If you’re someone who travels often, then it may be worth it to invest in a durable bag like theBagsmart Weekenderthat can withstand several car rides, baggage claims, and carry-on compartment scuffs. On the other hand, if weekend trips are not commonplace in your life, then you could go for a more budget-friendly bag like theHYC00 Travel Duffel Bagfrom Amazon, which will get you through the weekend and look stylish while doing so.

Style

Your individual style should not be compromised for your luggage; in fact, it should accentuate it. Just liketravel makeup bagsand larger luggage, weekender bags are available in various materials from recycled canvas to genuine leather to assimilate with your personal style and ensure that you look pulled-together while on the go.

We put 34 bags through various tests to see which ones werereallyup for the job. We considered the capacity, design, portability, durability, and value. We also tapped editors to provide picks that they’ve used personally over many months of travel — and across many cities.

After all was said and done, the testers finally got to look at the price of each bag and deem whether or not they were worth it, rating each carry-on bag on a scale from one to five based on its performance. Based on those factors, theAway Everywhere Bagimpressed us in every category and earned our top pick for best overall weekender bag.

Alyssa Brasciais a staff shopping writer whose work covers beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle products. Her writing has appeared in InStyle, Shape, Southern Living, and many other outlets. To compile this article, she consulted our Testing Labs about aspects of dozens of weekender bags, including capacity, design, portability, durability, and value.

Jordana Comiteris a contributing writer who most recently updated this story to feature some new winning weekender bags. In her pursuit of the best, she tapped shopping writers and editors to gain insights into how these bags held up in the real world.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com