Any excuse for a vacation, right?
Let’s be real—who isn’t constantly planning their next vacation? Whether you’re staring longingly at friends’ travel photos or you’ve got a getaway already marked on the calendar, there’s one easy way to be sure you’re ready for that next trip: Buy yourself the perfect luggage. Below, we’ve compiled a selection of the best bags for weekend trips. (Looking for something bigger? Check out our favorite luggage sets here and carry-on bags here. Or grab a great tote bag here.) Folding Luggage Cart
These weekender bags are a mix of duffels, totes, and backpacks that are easy to carry and fit all your essentials for just a few days. Several of them have pockets galore—think shoe compartments, dedicated laptop sleeves, water bottle slips, and convenient exterior pockets for phones or IDs. Plenty also have trolley sleeves, aka the open-bottom slot that allows you to slide the bag onto suitcase handles (genius for seamlessly moving through an airport with a roller bag and a personal item). Oh, and that’s the best part—the majority of these weekender bags work for short excursions but also double as smart carry-ons for trips of any length.
Once you’ve picked your new go-to bag, you can grab a toiletry bag to keep yourself organized or add some hardworking travel accessories (like a mini hair dryer and jewelry case). Comfortable clothes are ideal, too—try a pair of fabulous travel pants or one of these outfits on for size.
Now all that’s left is to pick your destination—and actually see the world.
This weekender was made for wear and tear. The cotton-lined canvas design is durable, and its “heavy-duty” zippers promise dependability over time. One insider reveals it is especially useful to bring to the hospital for deliveries.
Trust us: The most talked-about weekender on the internet lives up to the hype. It has everything you need in one place: zippered shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, and a roomy interior with pockets for organization. Plus, it comes in six different hues, from timeless neutrals to delightful brights.
Employ this soft, ultra-light nylon bag as an overnighter or a gym bag. Not only does it have straps for your yoga mat, a zipped shoe compartment, and trolley sleeve, but it’s also spacious enough for your trip essentials. Some even note it as a solid dupe for trendy (and super-pricey) gym bags, with plenty calling out its versatility as a work bag (thanks to a handy laptop sleeve), sports bag, travel bag, and even a diaper bag.
Are you traveling for a wedding or important business meeting? This bag will be your holy grail—it has a built-in garment bag and side pockets for shoes, plus a healthy amount of space for everything else you’ll need for the weekend.
This bag has a roomy main upper with plenty of interior pockets and a large shoe compartment at the bottom—meaning you can stay super organized and stylish. Plus, there's a handy trolley sleeve for easy traveling.
For a sleek option, look no further than this water-resistant design from Lululemon. Every detail is considered, from the padded handles for easy carrying to the mix of small pockets for devices and travel essentials and bigger ones for your storage. There’s even an interior padded pocket for your laptop and a designated spot for your water bottle so you can easily access it. Finally, there’s a back-zippered pocket with a hidden trolley-compatible strap for when you have a suitcase with you.
This convertible travel bag can be worn on the shoulder or stacked on top of luggage ,thanks to a handy trolley strap. It has plenty of interior and exterior pockets to keep you organized throughout your travels.
If you prefer an understated approach to style, this minimalist nylon carry-on with leather detail is ideal. It fits perfectly under a seat, and in addition to the requisite laptop sleeve, it even has a compartment for a water bottle or umbrella. This size is great for one or two nights away, but for more packing room, try the large size, and for an everyday bag, try the smaller version. Plus, it has a laptop and trolley sleeve to make multi-carry travel a breeze.
Everlane's travel offerings continue to impress us. This weekender is made from recycled materials, is roomy enough to carry a pair of shoes, an outfit or two, toiletries, your water bottle, and your laptop. What more could you need?
With a spacious interior and separate bottom compartment—which can fit two to three pairs of shoes or your dirty laundry—this camo weekender will be a favorite for frequent travelers. In addition to the recycled poly material shown here, it also comes in a variety of eco-friendly canvas shades.
This is an essential do-it-all weekender, with sturdy materials and construction that leave no room for worry. What more could you ask for?
With a handful of different colors to choose from, this multipurpose sturdy duffel is perfect for a short journey. Plus, it comes with a toiletry bag, a shoe compartment, and a designated “wet” pocket. It's clear this bag works for all occasions: as a hospital bag to bring baby home, a camp bag for teenage adventurers, and an airport bag for business and leisure travelers alike.
This canvas bag’s vintage appeal and durable, sturdy leather trim are undoubtedly its main selling points. While it's considered a fantastic overnight bag, the room for storage seems endless.
A handsome leather weekender is meant to live a life well-traveled. Inside, plenty of roomy pockets help to keep you organized. This buttery-soft style is perfect for an overnighter and will only get better with wear. If black is not your thing, it also comes in a beautiful saddle shade.
This extra-large, spacious, water-resistant neoprene duffel makes storage easy, thanks to a water bottle holder, a shoe duster, a mesh pouch, and a padded laptop pocket.
We love that this adorable overnight bag's recycled nylon exterior is super-lightweight and water-repellent. Did we mention that it's personalizable as well?
Travel like an old-school jetsetter with this chic, vintage-inspired carryall (which is also monogrammable). Not only is it made from a stain-repellent coated canvas, but light packers could stash up to five days’ worth of clothing inside.
Don’t let the gorgeous camel-and-black exterior fool you—this roomy bag is made with roughly 1,794 grams of ocean-bound plastic. Beyond that, it has a detachable strap and multiple zippered compartments (and a laundry bag), and it's fully machine-washable. (P.S. You’ll want the matching overnight bag, tote, and wristlet, too.)
We love this zip-around expandable bag that allows you increased carrying capacity at a moment’s notice. Plus, when not in use, the Longchamp bag folds flat for storage so you don’t have to worry about needing extra space in your closet.
Several reviewers praise its light weight, which means you won't be bogged down when you're on the go. One person snagged it for a quick business trip, writing, "Bought this for a 1 night work trip and it was perfect! Super lightweight, sleek, and the ability to expand if need be. Highly recommend!"
Travel smarter with this functional and fabulous weekender—made from recycled plastics. Three main interior compartments keep things in place, while the outside has laptop-sized pockets and a trolley sleeve, too. Also available in black and pebbled leather, as well as an overnight size.
Available in four sizes (see small, large, and extra-large options, as well as a nifty wheeled version), this popular L.L.Bean duffel is made with durable nylon that has been tested to withstand water, rough abrasion, and freezing temps. The reinforced bottom also assists with easy packing. Insiders agree that this bag is built to last.
Cassie Hurwitz (she/her) is an assistant editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers everything from culture to entertainment to lifestyle. She can typically be found in the middle of multiple books and TV shows all at once. Previously, Cassie worked at Parents, Rachael Ray In Season, and Reveal. Her love language is pizza (New York slices, Chicago deep dish, and otherwise).
Pooja Shah is a freelance writer and lawyer based in New York. She writes on commerce, culture, lifestyle, and travel. More of her work is at www.pooja-shah.com.
Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily.
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