The 7 Best Weekender Bags in 2023 | Our Top Picks

Choosing from the best weekender bags on the market should include a mix of form and function. We’ve selected some of our favorites so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

What Are the Best Weekender Bags?

There are several factors to consider when picking the perfect accessory. When it comes to weekender bags, you’ll need to consider what you want to carry in it as well as what personal style you want to portray.

No matter what you’re looking for in a bag, keep reading to find an option from our list of top picks that includes everything you need.

Our Top 7 Picks for the Best Weekender Bags:

1. Best Overall: Frye Melissa Zip Weekender Bag
2. Best for Tight Spaces: Vera Bradley Performance Twill Lay Flat Bag
3. Best for Fashionistas: Michael Kors Large Travel Bag 
4. Best for Your Budget: Sucipi Oversized Weekend Carry-On Bag
5. Best for Parents: Bago Rolling Foldable Weekender Bag
6. Best for Active Lifestyles: The North Face Medium Berkeley Duffel
7. Best for Long Trips: Seyfocnia Oversized Weekender Travel Bag

Whether you want something sleek and stylish or you need plenty of room to pack all the essentials for several days away from home, there’s sure to be a weekender bag that fits the bill.

Before you make your decision, however, let’s take a look at what these small suitcases have to offer.

Why You Need a Weekender Bag

There are many types of bags to choose from when considering what to use for your belongings. When you’re heading out for just a few days, however, a weekend bag is probably the perfect size.

These accessories are similar to a duffel bag and sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. Nevertheless, a weekender tends to be more fashionable and can often be made of higher-quality material.

Furthermore, they come in different sizes with compartments to hold a variety of items for easy access. Depending on how you prefer to carry your bag, there’s likely an option that will suit your desires.

Many come with a shoulder strap as well as an option to carry them on your back. Pick the style that is most comfortable and convenient to take with you wherever you plan to travel.

Weekender bags truly hit the sweet spot between a typical canvas gym bag and a larger, more rigid suitcase. While they are typically more durable than the former, they are easier to fit into various compartments than the latter.

For most short outings, one of these bags will most likely offer everything you need without wasting any space. Based on your specifications, consider one of the 7 options that we’ve selected as our top picks.

Best Weekender Bags: Our Top 7 Picks

Our selection of top contenders is listed below, but first we’ll briefly explain how we narrowed down the choices.

Although each one has unique attributes, we researched relevant details of each one to ensure high-quality construction, easy-to-use designs, and value for the money. Here’s what we found.

1. Frye Melissa Zip Weekender Bag: Best Overall

If you’re in the market for a timeless look that will complement any style, this might be the weekender bag for you. It’s made of 100% imported leather that is soft, beautiful, and built to last. 

One of the most innovative features of this design is a pocket that can unzip to fit snugly over your luggage’s extendable handle. This will allow you to affix your bag onto any rolling suitcase for easy transportation if you want to take it along with you on a longer trip.

Its measurements are a bit smaller than some other entries on our list. This bag is 14 inches high and 20 inches long, which might not be big enough for every outing.

That size gives it the ability to fit into a trunk, the overhead bin of an airplane, or many other small spaces, though. The more compact size makes this a compelling choice for short trips or as part of the luggage you take with you on a longer vacation.

2. Vera Bradley Twill Lay Flat Bag: Best for Tight Spaces

Sometimes storage space is in short supply during a weekend getaway. Whether you’re traveling in a small car or there’s a lot of other luggage fighting for a spot in your vehicle, this bag offers a clear solution.

Not only does it take up less room than other options when it’s full, but the entire bag unzips to a flat surface to allow for easier packing.

While its dimensions aren’t as big as other weekender bags on this list, the design attempts to make the best use of the space. It’s also got a pair of shoulder straps that can be adjusted to fit whoever is carrying it.

One benefit of the lightweight performance twill material is that you’ll be able to carry it out confidently no matter what the weather forecast might be. Of course, not everyone will be in love with the polyester fabric and stitching.

Additionally, it includes only a couple of pockets, so most of your stuff will have to go in the main interior compartment. If you like the look and can manage without a variety of zipper pockets and pouches, however, this is a great bag to consider.

3. Michael Kors Large Travel Bag: Best for Fashionistas

If you’re packing for a trip of any length, it’s important not to put style over substance when choosing the right type of suitcase. Despite the luxury look of this weekender bag, however, it’s got plenty of functionality to match its designer appearance.

Anyone who has a Michael Kors purse or any other product from this designer understands the attention to detail that every piece receives.

That’s definitely the case with this stunningly beautiful bag. The straps are made of the finest material and every stitch is firmly in place to guarantee it’ll remain intact for years to come. All of that luxury comes at a premium price, though.

Some travelers might not see the need in spending this much on a weekender bag.

Those people might not be the targeted market for such a product, however. Anyone concerned with a mix of beauty and capability will surely find plenty to love about this beautiful bag.

4. Sucipi Oversized Weekend Carry-On Bag: Best for Your Budget

For those who aren’t interested in a designer name brand, value is probably a top concern. In such cases, an item like this bag can provide just what you need.

It’s got a unisex design that will look great with any outfit and in all environments. The vintage look belies its rock-bottom price tag. As for the accessories it comes with, there’s no shortage of details to mention.

In addition to a separate bag for toiletries, this bag comes with a detachable strap to carry it easily over your shoulder and pockets that securely zip close, keeping your items safely tucked away.

The roomy interior is large enough to hold a wide range of items, including electronics, clothes, shoes, and much more. The bottom line is that almost anyone heading out for a weekend trip can fit all the necessities in this innovative and inexpensive bag.

Sturdy metal studs are put in place to ensure that the sides remain rigid and in the proper place even after many successful trips. Despite its benefits, there are some inherent downsides based largely on its bargain price.

For the low cost of this bag, you’ll have to be comfortable living with a material that is not nearly as soft and supple as the leather it attempts to mimic. The walls are stiffer than most competitors and some users have complained of wrinkles that appear in the material.

If you believe that everything doesn’t have to be perfect as long as you get the storage you need for a weekend trip, this is a highly recommended way to get the biggest bang for your buck.

5. Bago Rolling Foldable Weekender Bag: Best for Parents

Anyone who’s tried to travel with children knows the difficulty of keeping track of the young ones while carrying bags packed with all the necessary belongings.

Fortunately, there are bags like this one that can help make that process a bit less daunting. A combination of easy portability and lots of storage compartments makes this a great option for those planning a trip with kids in tow.

Plenty of zippered pockets and other hiding spots will allow you to tuck away snacks, toys, and other items that will help keep children occupied during long trips.

When you arrive at your destination, it’s easier to roll this bag along than to carry a traditional weekender bag over your shoulder.

Since everything can be put in a designated place, it takes less time to find what you’re looking for even if there are kids clamoring all around you. Since this is a relatively inexpensive option, you can probably afford to be a bit less concerned about the occasional spill or stain.

Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the material this item is made of is less durable than that of other items on our list of the best weekender bags.

Some online reviews indicate that the fabric can become snagged and even tear with heavy use. The soft sides of the bag can also lead to it losing its shape after it’s been packed with an array of clothes and other items.

One upside of its malleable construction, however, is that it can be compressed to a very small shape when empty so you can store it almost anywhere when it’s not in use.

Going on a weekend trip with your kids can be a rewarding and memorable experience, but it comes with some trade-offs. Finding the right bag to tote all of your stuff can go a long way toward ironing out some of the wrinkles that can come with a family outing.

6. The North Face Berkeley Duffel: Best for Active Lifestyles

Sometimes the perfect weekend getaway includes getting active. Whether you’re headed to the great outdoors or you want to spend some time playing your favorite sport, almost any active lifestyle requires plenty of storage for all the accessories you’ll need.

This large and durable design is manufactured by The North Face, which has long been a trusted brand among people on the move.

Although this product is more like a traditional duffel bag than many of the modern weekenders on our list, its excellent materials and thoughtful design make it a compelling choice when reliability is a priority.

The polyester exterior is resistant to water and dirt, plus it is made of recycled material that is both strong and environmentally friendly. Use this product in virtually all situations and be confident that it will arrive in one piece when you return to your final destination.

You’ll feel comfortable in almost any situation with this sleek and rugged bag. Finding what you’ve packed away is also a breeze, thanks to the large openings and side pockets that zip closed for secure storage and easy access.

Some people who bought this bag have expressed disappointment in the comfort level of the straps included to allow you to wear it on your back.

If that’s not a great option, however, you can also make use of the padded handles for grasping it in your hands or the optional shoulder strap attachment.

Although the material itself is built to last, a few users have indicated that the stitching isn’t as sturdy as they would’ve preferred. As an all-around weekender bag, though, this is one option that should be on any busy traveler on the go.

7. Seyfocnia Oversized Weekender Bag: Best for Long Trips

When it’s important to cram as much stuff in a bag as possible, this oversized option offers plenty of room. In addition to a huge main storage compartment, it also comes with a side pocket, two inserts, a zipper container inside, and an especially handy shoe bag.

Furthermore, this bag has a padded shoulder strap that can be adjusted or removed completely depending on how you wish to carry it around. In addition to using it as a weekender bag, this is also a great choice for using at the fitness club or as a carry-on bag when taking a longer trip.

Measuring 11.7 inches high and 20.4 inches long, the design maximizes how much usable space is included inside. One possible downside is the fact that it’s made from polyurethane. And it looks nice and is much less expensive than authentic leather.

But some people might not feel that the quality is on par with some high-end alternatives. By the same token, its material means that this bag is naturally water resistant and can safely be taken with you even if it starts to rain.

Finding the Best Weekender Bag for You

No matter what you’re looking for in a bag, there are a few factors to consider. Check this list to ensure that you’re getting the best option for your specific needs.

Craftsmanship

Even if you’re buying an inexpensive bag, you’ll want to ensure that it won’t tear or rip when you’re on the move. Check reviews of any product to determine if it’s made with substandard material or is prone to excessive wear and tear.

Value 

Finding the best value when shopping for a weekender bag doesn’t necessarily mean scouring the marketplace for the most inexpensive option available. Instead, consider how long you plan to keep the bag as well as how often you expect to use it.

Find the option that will give you the longest period of reliable use, because replacing an item prematurely is going to cost you more in the long run.

Design

Different consumers require specific functionality out of their weekender bags. If you are carrying a selection of small items, you’ll probably want to pick a design that includes several zippered pockets.

By the same token, someone traveling with bulky clothes or electronics might opt for a solution with a large center compartment divided by mesh or plastic.

Style

It might not be the top priority for many travelers, but it’s also important to purchase a product you’ll be happy to carry with you in a variety of situations.

Unless you plan to invest in multiple bags for different uses, try to find one with a classic, clean look that will accentuate any outfit or setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I pay for a weekender bag?

The amount you pay for one of these products should reflect how much you hope to get in return. If you only need something for a quick trip, the right option could cost well under $50.

Those who want a reliable bag that will last for years to come, however, might consider spending more up front to achieve their goal.

What’s the difference between a weekender bag and a duffel bag?

Duffel bags are a mainstay at fitness clubs everywhere and are typically quite utilitarian in nature. AMany weekenders might resemble them in style and function.

But the segment generally provides more style and functionality. When trying to decide between a traditional suitcase and a duffel bag, the weekender bag could be the perfect compromise.

How much can a typical weekender bag hold?

As its name implies, most users can expect to put enough essentials into one of these accessories to make it through a couple of days on the go. Clothes, shoes, a laptop, and other essentials should easily fit into most popular designs.

How are weekender bags meant to be carried?

As with most duffel bags, these items are generally carried either by hand or over the shoulder. In keeping with their emphasis on versatility, however, some weekender bags provide other options such as wearing them like a backpack or rolling them along on included wheels.

Can you use a weekender bag as carry-on luggage?

When flying on a passenger jet, many travelers want to put as much as possible into a carry-on bag that will be placed in the overhead compartment.

While most weekender bags are compact enough to provide that option, it’s important to check the measurements before bringing it to the airport to ensure it’s not too big.

So, What’s the Best Weekender Bag?

As we’ve already determined, the perfect option for one traveler might not be right for another. In the end, it’s important to have a firm grasp on what you hope to accomplish by purchasing one of these products before selecting the one that you’ll be using.

No matter where you plan to travel, there’s sure to be one design that checks off all the must-have features you’re seeking.