Weekends are made for adventure, whether a city escape packed with museums and trendy cafes or a nature retreat filled with fresh air and mountain hikes. But before you hit the road, rail, or sky, there’s one important thing you need to consider: your trusty weekend bag.
Unlike their bulkier suitcase counterparts, weekend bags are designed for mobility and style. They bridge the gap between luggage and purse, offering just enough space for a quick trip without weighing you down.
But with so many options on the market, finding the perfect weekend bag can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you find the ideal bag for your next weekend adventure. We’ve curated a list of top picks for just about every traveler.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission.
Top Picks for Weekend Bags
1. Cotopaxi Viaje 35 L Weekender Tote Bag
Perfect for weekend excursions to the beach or mini vacations to the mountains, the Cotopaxi Viaje 35 L Weekender Tote Bag makes it easy to pack all the gear you need for a short getaway.
This bag functions as both a tote bag for easy access and a weekend bag with enough space for a short trip. It’s got a relaxed and casual look, is comfortable to carry around, and holds enough for a quick getaway. The separate laundry compartment at the bottom keeps dirty clothes isolated, and the exterior pockets offer quick access to essentials like your phone or wallet. This compartmentalization helps you stay organized and avoid digging through your entire bag.
The 35L capacity provides enough space for a weekend’s worth of clothes, toiletries, and maybe even a small camera or book. Plus, the tote handles and adjustable shoulder straps offer comfortable carrying options depending on your preference and how much you’ve packed.
2. Pacsafe GO 44L Carry-On Travel Pack
With a generous 44-liter capacity, the soft-sided Pacsafe GO 44L Carry-On pack fits a week’s work of essentials to maximize your travel space. Sturdy side handles let you carry it like a suitcase.
The Pacsafe GO 44L Carry-On Travel Pack finds the perfect balance between size and versatility for weekend trips that need more packing muscle. Clocking at 44 liters, it offers ample space for a few days’ worth of clothes, toiletries, and even some extras like a light jacket or a small camera. The key here is the efficient use of space—the bag opens suitcase-style, making packing and unpacking a breeze. Plus, it adheres to most airline carry-on restrictions, saving you time and checked baggage fees.
But the Pacsafe GO 44L isn’t just about space. Built with security in mind, it incorporates Pacsafe’s anti-theft features like lockable zippers and slash-proof materials. This ensures your belongings stay safe, whether navigating crowded train stations or exploring unfamiliar streets. So, you can focus on creating lasting weekend memories with peace of mind knowing your gear is protected.
3. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40 L
Perfect for small loads and long weekends, the 40-liter Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is sized to meet most airline and train carry-on requirements. Plus, it’s made with recycled polyester.
For several reasons, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L makes a fantastic weekender bag. First, it offers a great balance between size and versatility. At 40 liters, it’s roomy enough for a few days’ worth of clothes, toiletries, and even a small camera or guidebook. But unlike bulkier suitcases, it’s still comfortable to carry as a duffel with its removable shoulder straps.
Another major perk is its durability. Crafted from weather-resistant recycled materials, the Black Hole shrugs off weekend travel mishaps, whether a surprise downpour or a bumpy taxi ride. Its simple design with a secure zip closure ensures your belongings stay safe and organized throughout your trip.
4. The Garment Duffel 45L
The Garment Duffel 45L (or 40L) is another great pick for a weekend bag. First, its convertible design offers ultimate versatility. Unzip it to transform it into a spacious garment bag, perfect for keeping your clothes wrinkle-free, whether you’re packing a suit for a business trip or dressier outfits for a city break. When zipped up, it functions as a traditional duffel, ideal for throwing in casual clothes and everyday essentials. This 2-in-1 functionality makes it a great all-rounder for any weekend adventure.
Secondly, the Garment Duffel prioritizes both functionality and convenience. Its spacious interior lets you pack enough for a short trip and often features organizational features like interior pockets for shoes or toiletries. Additionally, it likely comes with a detachable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying, making navigating airports, train stations, or weekend getaways a breeze.
5. Herschel Novel Duffle – 43L
The Herschel Novel Duffle 43L offers enough space for a few days’ worth of clothes and toiletries. It even has a dedicated compartment to keep shoes separate from clean garments.
The duffel’s versatility extends beyond its compartments. Its thoughtful design ensures both functionality and organization, eliminating the need for overpacking. Comfortable carrying options make navigating the airport or train station a breeze.
The sturdy shoulder strap allows for hands-free travel, while the option to remove it lets you switch to tote bag mode if that better suits your style. Whether you prefer a classic over-the-shoulder look or a convenient carry-by-your-side option, this bag definitely adapts to your needs.
6. Thule Aion Duffel Bag – 35 L
Making travel easier, the 35-liter waxed-canvas Thule Aion Duffel offers split packing to separate clean and dirty, provides dedicated laptop and tablet storage, and easily secures rolling luggage.
The Thule Aion Duffel Bag—35L is a cleverly designed weekender that combines functionality and style. It’s crafted with sustainability in mind, using recycled materials and a water-repellent coating to protect your gear from the elements. But its eco-conscious design doesn’t compromise on practicality. With its thoughtful design and comfortable features, the Thule Aion Duffel Bag—35L is a perfect companion for weekend adventures.
The 35L capacity offers ample space for a weekend getaway’s essentials while the internal organization keeps things tidy. The removable, padded shoulder strap allows for comfortable carrying, and it can be converted from a duffel style to a crossbody carry, depending on your preference. The external stretch pockets provide easy access to frequently needed items, and the dedicated laptop and tablet compartments ensure your tech stays safe and secure during your travels. This duffel even features a pass-through panel to secure it to your rolling luggage for effortless airport navigation.
7. REI Co-Op Roadtripper 40 Print Duffel
If you always seem to bring home more than you take, stash this REI Co-op Roadtripper 40 duffel (in its own cube) in your luggage. It fits easily in an overhead bin or your car trunk on the trip home.
The REI Co-op Roadtripper 40L Printed Duffel is a beast for weekend adventures. With its durable, recycled polyester construction, this bag can withstand the rigors of travel while keeping your belongings safe. It’s also water-resistant, so you can confidently navigate unexpected showers or light spills. This practical duffel goes beyond just protection—it’s also designed for comfort and convenience.
The Roadtripper 40L features a comfortable luggage handle and a detachable shoulder strap, offering you carrying options to suit your needs. Whether you prefer a classic carry-on style or a hands-free shoulder strap, this duffel adapts. Plus, the daisy chain loops on the sides allow you to secure additional gear, like a jacket, to the outside of the bag, maximizing your packing space. When you’re not using it, the duffel even packs into its own cube, making storage a breeze. By the way, the color for this bag is Sunset Vista Flint Blue.
8. Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L
An ideal travel companion, the carry-on Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L is made with recycled materials and offers 3 carry options, lots of internal organization and an external laptop sleeve.
The Global Travel Bag 30L isn’t just a weekend bag. It’s a meticulously designed travel companion built for comfort and organization. This bag considers every detail to make your weekend escape smooth and stress-free. Its 30-liter capacity is a sweet spot, allowing you to pack efficiently for a long weekend getaway without sacrificing comfort. Forget overstuffed and awkward bags – the U-shaped entry to the main compartment lets you see everything at a glance and pack strategically.
But it’s the thoughtful features that truly elevate this bag. Internal mesh pockets keep smaller items organized, while a dedicated laptop compartment with easy access ensures your tech is protected. Hydration is a breeze with expandable water bottle pockets and the dynamic, padded shoulder straps convert it from a backpack to a convenient carry-on in seconds.
9. Nemo Vantage 30 L Pack
Built with abrasion- and water-resistant fabrics and a cushy, sweat-wicking foam alternative, the multipurpose NEMO Vantage 30-liter pack goes from work to play with ease.
The Nemo Vantage 30L Pack is a fantastic option for eco-conscious weekenders who value both sustainability and comfort. This backpack is part of Nemo’s Endless Promise collection, meaning it’s designed to minimize environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. Made from recycled and recyclable materials, the Vantage is built to last and can be returned to Nemo for complete recycling at the end of its useful life.
Beyond its eco-friendly features, the Vantage 30L offers functionality and comfort for weekend adventures. The body-mapped CCubed™ back panel and straps provide excellent ventilation and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and comfortable, even on hot days. The pack is also designed for efficient organization, with a spacious main compartment, a dedicated tech compartment for your laptop and tablet, and a hidden security pocket for valuables.
10. Nemo Double Haul 30 L Convertible Duffel and Tote
Whether packing for a big excursion, shuttling gear from the car to camp or preparing for a day at the beach, the water-repellent NEMO Double Haul 30-liter bag corrals it all in duffel or tote mode.
The Nemo Double Haul 30L Convertible Duffel and Tote Bag isn’t your average weekend carrier. It’s a shape-shifting marvel that transforms from a duffel to a tote in seconds, thanks to its clever design with side-release buckles and hidden handles. This makes it ideal for weekend getaways with lots of activities.
The Double Haul has impressive capacity – it can handle everything from weekend essentials to groceries or even a full campsite setup. With built-in organization through internal and external mesh pockets and a bonus carrying case that doubles as a packing cube, staying organized on the go is a breeze. Plus, the bag’s commitment to sustainability with recycled materials and a lifetime warranty ensures it’s a responsible and long-lasting travel companion.
Save and Unlock More with REI Co-op Membership
REI Co-op members can enjoy exclusive discounts on top outdoor brands, including many of the bags featured on this list. Plus, a membership gets you access to year-round gear rentals, expert advice, and special member-only events – all for a one-time $30 fee with lifetime benefits! Anyone can join and everyone belongs.
Editor’s Note: Sign up for the TravelSpender newsletter for exclusive travel hacks, destination guides, and deals delivered straight to your inbox! Travel more, spend less.
