Elevate Your Travel Game With These Chic Weekender Bags
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As you start to plan your summer weekend getaways, it’s likely you’ve already started mentally packing. From a quick overnight to a holiday weekend to a whole week of automatic “Out of Office” replies, you’ll need a weekender bag to accompany you (and all of your essentials, including the most comfortable travel shoes) on your adventures, regardless of how long you’re away.
The best weekender bags for women are the ones that successfully balance style, functionality, and durability to make your travel plans go as smoothly as possible—with or without stylish designer luggage. Think scratch- and water-resistant materials, separate shoe compartments, and adjustable crossbody straps to go completely hands-free. Co-founder and chief creative officer at Dagne Dover, Jessy Dover, shares some essential features to look out for. “When shopping for a weekender bag, prioritize features like performance material, ample storage space, comfortable handles or straps for carrying, and of course, compartments for organization,” Dover suggests, “I also recommend going with a color that will make you happy when you use it.” Planning a staycation instead? Most of these bags include elements that make them great gym, work, or even diaper bags—a great Mother’s Day gift for the moms-to-be.
Whether you need an air travel-appropriate personal bag or a weekender with comfortable straps to sling over your shoulder, shop the 20 best and most versatile weekender bags below.
All About Duffle
When your flight lands at 8 A.M., and you have a yoga class at 9 A.M. —this one’s for you.
Dimensions: Length: 18 inches; width: 8 inches; height: 12 inches
Colors: Black
Material: 69% Polyester, 31% Recycled Polyester
Customer review: “Perfect bag! Not too big, not too small. And the best part is the section for a laptop. In addition to bringing this to the gym, it will be a carry-on on my next flight.”
All About Duffle
athleta.gap.com
$119.00
Weekender Bag
A bag that will support all of your “just in case” outfits for the long weekend.
Dimensions: Length: 18.5 inches; width: 8.7 inches; height: 11 inches
Colors: 6 options
Material: Nylon
Customer review: “I love this bag. Overall it’s got a nice weight and feel to the fabric, with quality zippers, many pockets, Velcro where needed, just a super thoughtfully designed bag. I highly recommend it. I haven’t used it much yet but I know it will give me years of use, high quality.”
Weekender Bag
amazon.com
$31.33
The Weekender
Traveling might not always be glamorous, but your weekender bag can be.
Dimensions: Length: 19 inches; width: 9.8 inches; height: 15.7 inches
Colors: 9 options
Material: Canvas, vegan leather, polyester
Customer review: “This weekend bag is just what I needed for all my trips it’s so roomy and spacious I can fit so much. I am so happy that I made this purchase, I highly recommend it for my fellow travelers.”
The Weekender
beistravel.com
$108.00
Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag
A hot summer color combo for a hot summer getaway.
Dimensions: Length:16.5 inches; width: 9 inches; height: 11 inches
Colors: 13 options
Material: Neoprene, Recycled REPREVE® Lining
Customer review: “I used my large Dagne Landon bag for the first time traveling to Napa for a long weekend. I love it! The amount of space and the pocket organization was the best bag I’ve ever used! Very stylish! I bought a bag for my daughter too. We love our matching bags! I’ve have so many bags. This is it! This replaces them all forever!”
Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag
$215.00
Lightweight Large Weekender
Make the most of your 50 lb limit by minimizing the haul with this lightweight bag from Kipling.
Dimensions: Length: 22.8 inches; width: 7.8 inches; height: 12.5 inches
Colors: 8 options
Material: Nylon
Customer review: “Just the right size. I love how lightweight it is. Also has a crossbody strap.”
Lightweight Large Weekender
amazon.com
$117.80
Virtuosa Weekender Duffel Overnight Bag
Top-tier organization, hassle-free, and no distractions—just like your weekend itinerary should be.
Dimensions: Length: 17.72 inches; width: 7.28 inches; height: 12.8 inches
Colors: Off-White, Navy, Pine Green
Material: Recycled RPET polyester & cotton blend
Customer Review: “You cannot beat Samsonite for quality travel items. I absolutely love this chic looking bag. Very sturdy and looks super expensive. Holds all my items in an organized way. Zippers are smooth. Very pleased!”
Virtuosa Weekender Duffel Overnight Bag
amazon.com
$99.99
Palissy Weekend
This one is for sure up to first-class standards—after all, the brand has been featured in Succession.
Dimensions: Length: 19.3 inches; width: 9.8 inches; height: 9.8 inches
Colors: 5 options
Material: Vachetta Leather
Customer review: “I honestly think this is such a well-built bag—and 100% worth the price. Would highly recommend to anyone that travels light or would like to elevate their look. Because it will elevate your look... no matter who you are.”
Palissy Weekend
carlfriedrik.com
$895.00
Luka Large Duffel
An editor favorite, this Calpak duffel fits all of your essentials and fits under the seat.
Dimensions: Length: 19 inches; width: 9.5 inches; height: 14.5 inches
Colors: 15 options
Material: Polyester
Customer review: “I love my Luka duffel! It fits SOOO much and has so many pockets which I love! Used it as my personal bag and it fit perfectly under the seat.”
Luka Large Duffel
$158.00
Weekender
This chic design will always stand out, but just in case, you can customize it with your initials too.
Dimensions: Length: 15 inches; width: 8 inches; height: 15 inches
Colors: Scout tan, Domino black, Glacial blue
Material: EcoCraft Canvas®, recycled vegan leather
Customer review: “It fits everything I need as an "under-the-seat" bag: laptop, other electronics and the accessories, purse, snacks ;) and it slips over the handle of my roller bag easily. I love the fact that it is made from recycled plastic and is stain-resistant. I worry about having my bag on the floor of a plane; less so with this!”
Weekender
tourparavel.com
$295.00
Featherweight Travel Bag
A black bag will always match your outfit, and this one makes traveling a breeze.
Dimensions: Length: 16 inches; width: 8.5 inches; height: 13.5 inches
Colors: 7 options
Material: Nylon
Customer review: “Vera Bradley never disappoints, and this bag is a prime example. The stitching is well done, and it works as a personal bag for a lot of airlines. I’ve used it for a diaper bag or as a weekender. I have so much heavy stuff coming back from a trip and no teardown. The classic black is a favorite but Vera Bradley makes one of the best unique designs.”
Featherweight Travel Bag
amazon.com
$108.00
Charleston Green Cabana Stripe Weekender Bag
If this design isn’t giving “OOO,” I don’t know what is.
Dimensions: Length: 19.6 inches; height: 11.8 inches
Colors: Charleston Green Cabana Stripe, Provence Blue, Antique Floral, Slate Blue
Material: Cotton
Customer review: “I just received the weekend bag for our trip to the beach. I absolutely love it! It is the perfect size for a long weekend away. The fabric is lovely, sturdy, and well made. It is sure to be my favorite bag for weekend travels.”
Charleston Green Cabana Stripe Weekender Bag
minnowswim.com
$118.00
Magnet Rec
From the makers of your favorite backpack, crossbody, and this ELLE editor-approved tote, this Weekender features classic MZ Wallace quilting, high-quality materials and nine pockets.
Dimensions: Length: 16.93 inches; width: 7.09 inches; height: 12.20 inches
Colors: 7 options
Material: REC Oxford, Italian leather
Customer review: “What a great bag! Tons of pockets just in the right places. Easily fits under seat in front of you. Light to carry and love the color magnet.”
Magnet Rec
mzwallace.com
$315.00
Hilo Weekend Bag
Forecast call for stormy weather? Even more reason to get away. This weekender will make sure your necessities stay dry.
Dimensions: Length: 15.7 inches; width: 7.9 inches; height: 9.1 inches
Colors: 5 options
Material: Polyester with polyurethane coating
Customer Review: “This bag is large enough to pack a weekend’s worth of casual (or, in my case, emergency) clothes but small enough to work as a daily tote. Extremely satisfied with this purchase.”
Hilo Weekend Bag
rains.com
$95.00
MVP Duffle Bag
A weekender that doubles as a gym bag is the perfect companion for your active lifestyle.
Dimensions: Lenght: 16 inches; width: 6 inches; height: 13 inches
Colors: 5 options
Material: Polyester
Customer review: “I will be using this for daily use and travel and the gym. It has so much space and pockets. I only wish there was one more inner zipper pocket. The bottom area could be for shoes, but in my case it fits my books well. Hello new overnight and carry on too!!”
MVP Duffle Bag
$128.00
All Day Large Duffel
This style from Baggallini takes the stress out of packing with quick-access pockets, an adjustable strap, and scratch-resistant material for long-lasting durability.
Dimensions: Length: 24 inches; width: 9 inches; height: 16 inches
Colors: 5 options
Material: Nylon
Customer Review: “I was so happy to get this bag. It has the perfect amount of pockets and I love the design. Sadly my daughter loved it too and she now has it back at school with her. Looks like I need to get another one, FOR ME.”
All Day Large Duffel
baggallini.com
$130.00
The Weekender
The material responsible for your most comfortable pair of ballet flats now comes as a spacious weekender bag.
Dimensions: Length: 21.5 inches; width: 8.9 inches; height:13.8 x 21.5 x 8.9 in
Colors: Camel and Black, Shadow Black, Sand Stone
Material: Knit with a combination of thread made from marine plastic, Rothy’s signature thread
Customer review: “The Weekender bag is great looking and very roomy. it is however surprisingly heavy - even while empty”
The Weekender
$549.00
XL Weekender Studded Leather Weekender Bag
A sleek black leather bag with studded details is the perfect recipe for an everyday tote. The best part? This one is big enough to carry all of your weekend essentials too!
Dimensions: Length: 19 inches; width: 5.5 inches; height: 13 inches
Colors: Black
Material: Leather
XL Weekender Studded Leather Weekender Bag
Neiman Marcus
$598.00
Remus
When it comes to travel, attention to detail is key, and Caraa has got you covered on every front. Featuring three carrying modes, turn-lock closures, and hidden breathing vents, they’ve thought of it all. The only downside? We just wish it came in more colors!
Dimensions: Length: 21 inches; width: 11 inches; height: 11.5 inches
Colors: Gold, Black
Material: Recycled Nylon
Customer review: “I love this bag so much. There are so many genius little touches added, like the zipper lock and the little vents. It’s the best carry-on bag out there for sure.”
Remus
$298.00
Medium Sunny Duffel Shoulder Bag
A bag as chic as you are, with expandable gussets to accommodate some extra souvenirs.
Dimensions: Length: 13.4 inches; width: 6.7 inches; height: 9 inches
Colors: Black
Material: Leather
Customer review: “Love this bag! It was perfect for my European trip.”
Medium Sunny Duffel Shoulder Bag
bloomingdales.com
$598.00
Zoom Shelby Weekender Quilted Duffle Bag
Take your coquette aesthetic on the road.
Dimensions: N/A
Colors: Carmine Rose
Material: Cotton
Zoom Shelby Weekender Quilted Duffle Bag
$295.00
Why Shop for a Weekender Bag?
A weekender bag is a versatile companion beyond just weekend trips; its size, material, and organizational features make it suitable for various occasions. “A weekender is perfect for short getaways, long days at the office—even a hospital bag,” Dover suggests. “It’s like having a stylish, does-everything bag companion always ready to go.”
Size and Material Considerations When Choosing a Weekender Bag
The weekender bag earned its name for good reason. It offers a spacious yet manageable size, larger than your average tote but still compact enough for personal or carry-on use. “Aim for a size that’s compliant with airline carry-on regulations,” Dover advises, “ensuring it fits comfortably in overhead compartments or under seats.” It’s also important to take into account your packing tendencies. Depending on how much you typically need for a weekend getaway, Dover recommends, “make sure the bag has enough space without being overly bulky or too heavy on your shoulder.”
When considering materials, prioritizing high-quality craftsmanship is essential in finding the ideal option, especially for frequent travelers. Tough yet lightweight fabrics are a great place to start. “Opting for high-quality materials like durable nylon or performance neoprene are great options for a weekender that keeps up with your adventures,” Dover adds. “Plus, a durable bag provides peace of mind knowing your belongings are secure and protected.”
How to Find a Weekender Bag that Balances Style, Functionality, and Durability
With numerous options available for weekender bags, finding the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. Luckily, Dover has some tips, and preparation is key. She outlines the best considerations below:
Define Your Needs: “Consider your specific travel needs and preferences. Think about the size, features, and durability you need.”
Research Brands and Read Reviews: “Look for brands known for offering a good balance of style, functionality, and affordability—and read reviews! We share reviews on our website so that customers can easily compare products and find honest feedback from other shoppers. We never pay people to do reviews, so everything is 100 percent authentic.”
Prioritize Features: “Determine which features are most important to you. Whether it’s organizational pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, or a detachable shoulder strap, prioritize the features that will enhance your personal experience.”
Consider Versatility: “Look for a weekender bag that can serve multiple purposes, such as doubling as a gym bag or carry-on luggage. Versatility adds value and makes the bag more cost-effective. You literally use bags every single day, so opt for something that you can use for whatever life throws your way!”
Meet the Expert
Jessy Dover is the co-founder and chief creative officer at Dagne Dover.
Why Trust ELLE
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
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