When it comes to packing for any kind of trip, having the right bag is key. No amount of neatly folded clothes or well-organized toiletries can overcome a piece of luggage that doesn’t fit your needs.
And if you’re just taking a quick weekend trip, the right bag matters even more. You need a weekender bag that matches the type of trip you’re taking — and one that lets you pack enough without losing track of all your small items.
If you’re in the market for a new weekender, check out these TPG staff favorites:
Dagne Dover Indi Neoprene Diaper Backpack
Pros:
- Stylish and versatile: I love all the color options, and it’s cute enough that I didn’t feel self-conscious carrying it around Vancouver as a daytime backpack.
- Lots of organizational features — in part because it’s meant to be a diaper bag, so it comes with a lot of inserts and features that help keep things organized.
- Water resistant: I tested this out on a trip to Vancouver in June, and the fact that the bag is water-resistant was a game-changer during afternoon showers.
Cons:
- Size: While it was perfect as a personal item for my trip, I don’t think I would be able to fit everything I’d need for a trip longer than a single-night stay somewhere. (I am a chronic overpacker, though, so keep that in mind.)
- Price: At $250, it’s a little pricey for a backpack.
I tested this out on a recent trip to Vancouver, and I loved it. This is the first time I’ve ever used a backpack with a luggage sleeve, and I don’t think I can ever go back now. It made both of my travel days so much easier. I love the discreet (but still easy-access) pocket at the back for my passport, too. And it being water-resistant was a lifesaver while I was out and about in the rain.
I’m a chronic overpacker, so I likely wouldn’t be able to use this bag on its own for more than an overnight trip, but it’s perfect as a personal item for flights. It easily fit my toiletries, makeup, electronics, chargers, water bottle and essentials like my wallet, passport and more.
Plus, it comes in a lot of different colors — including my favorite: olive green.
— Madison Blancaflor, managing editor
The Dagne Dover Indi Neoprene Diaper Backpack is available here for $250 for the large size.
Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Weekender
Pros:
- Style: Some weekenders feel a little rugged, but this bag’s Italian leather feels and looks luxe, making it ideal for an elevated girls’ trip or romantic getaway.
- Spacious pockets: Each side of the bag has a large zipper — tailor-made for stashing laptops and other tech items without adding bulk. Plus, the interior has another zipper pocket for smaller items and three open ones perfect for shoes, hair tools, or anything else you want to keep organized.
- Versatility: With a trolley sleeve and removable shoulder strap, this bag easily works with any packing strategy.
Cons:
- Price: While I fully believe this bag is worth its $240 price tag, that may be a little more than some are expecting to spend for a weekend bag.
- Size: Even with the multitude of pockets, I have to keep my packing to a minimum if this is my only bag for a weekend. If I’m going for more than a night or two, I definitely need more space than this bag provides.
I’m the queen of weekend trips, so I love testing out different bags to make the most of my trips. I tend to default to throwing my stuff into basic tote bags, but I reach for this gorgeous bag when I want to feel more elevated.
With this bag’s large side pockets for my laptop and interior pockets for shoes and hairspray, finding what I need while away is a breeze — no complicated sections to zip off or rummaging around for pouches at the bottom of the bag.
— Emily Thompson, editor
The Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Weekender is available here for $240.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L
Pros:
- Material: This bag features Patagonia’s signature Black Hole material made of 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing — sustainability is always a plus in my book. Additionally, I’ve found the material to be really durable (it’s both weather resistant and ripstop) and it wears well over time.
- Removable shoulder straps: I love that you can convert this into a backpack (with padded straps) when needed — this especially comes in handy when rushing through an airport!
- Space: At 55 liters, this bag has plenty of space for everything I need for a two-three day trip. I often take it for long weekends and find that it fits everything, whether I’m headed to a bachelorette party or a long cabin weekend. There are a few mesh pockets on the interior, too, which I appreciate for smaller items.
- Price: I think that $179 is a very fair price given the durable material, space and longevity of this bag.
- Colorways: I have the birch white color and I love it, but there are so many good ones to choose from — and for those who like to keep things simple (and avoid stains/marks that can accumulate with time), all black is always a safe bet.
Cons:
- Style: I personally don’t have any cons for this bag; I love the style, and I think I’ll have it for decades given how often I use it and how durable it is. But for those looking for a more elevated, chic look might find this bag a bit too outdoorsy.
This is the weekender bag that I reach for the most frequently. I could be heading on a short overnight or a multi-day trip; either way, I know this bag will fit what I need for a few days (sometimes even longer) and it holds up against everything: weather, being tossed around at an airport, etc. There is a reason Patagonia calls it a workhorse — you really can’t go wrong, and it’s also nice that it comes in multiple sizes (though I find the 55 liter ideal for weekend trips).
— Ellie Nan Storck, managing editor
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L is available here for $179.
Longchamp Le Pliage Original XL Travel Bag
Pros:
- Style: Chic, elevated, goes with everything.
- Size: Fits enough for one-two days, can fold up small when you’re not using it.
- Material: Recycled canvas and cowhide trimming is water resistant and durable to scratches and rips.
Cons:
- Price: It’s a bit on the pricy side, depending on your budget.
This bag has really stood the test of time for me. My mom and I have actually shared one for years — I think over a decade! — and we’ve traveled all over the globe with it. I find that it fits everything I need for a two-three day trip, and sometimes I even fold it up and put it in my suitcase when I know I’ll be coming home with more than I packed (ahem, Europe trips). It’s a bit on the pricey side, but given how much use I’ve gotten out of mine — and how timeless and elevated it feels, looks-wise — I think it’s worth it.
— Ellie Nan Storck, managing editor
The Longchamp Le Pliage Original XL Travel Bag is available here for $230.
July Carry All Garment Duffle
Pros:
- Wrinkle-free capability: This bag full unzips into a hanging garment bag so that you can hang longer clothing items without wrinkling them during travel.
- Pockets: Plenty of pockets on the front and sides for smaller items.
- Easily attaches to luggage: There’s a pass-through band on the back of the bag so that you can easily pop it on your roller suitcase.
- Waterproof: Crafted from weighted twill nylon, the exterior is waterproof and the interior lining is water resistant, so you can rest assured your belongings stay dry.
Cons:
- Colors: There are only two color options.
- Price: This bag is on the pricier size.
When it comes to traveling smart, it’s pretty hard to beat the capabilities of this weekender bag from July — especially if you’re going to an event like a wedding where you need to hang garments so that they don’t wrinkle. I personally think this bag is worth the price; $315 is on the steeper side, but considering that you can hang clothings in the fold-out garment compartment while still having space for folded items, special pockets for your shoes (two pairs!) and compartments for things like water bottles or toiletries, you’re getting your money’s worth. I’ll also note that I now have four pieces of July luggage and they’ve all stayed in really good shape — the materials hold up against frequent travel. If you need a convertible garment bag for long weekends with dressier events, this bag is the ticket.
— Ellie Nan Storck, managing editor
The July Carry All Garment Duffle is available here for $315.
Bottom line
No matter what type of weekend trip you have ahead of you, one of these bags can be your trusty companion.
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