best weekender backpack

We had a hell of a time getting this bag. All rights reserved. With its clean lines and thick, water-resistant nylon and leather finish, its no wonder that Aways weekender has hundreds of five-star reviews. When Im not working, Im usually reading, cooking (or, more likely, eating), and hanging out with my dog, a Libra named Gordo. Does it fit within airline carry-on size limits? Handle on all sides of this bag make it easy to transport from you car to your tent! The duffel bag has an expandable design, so you can upgrade from an overnight stay to a long weekend. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Ive used it for about six weekends packed full and heavy (winter clothes and multiple pairs of shoes) and have not had problems, wrote one five-star reviewer. Inside, it has six large mesh pockets, a smaller zippered pocket, and two removable sleeves: a nylon pocket that I used for my sandals and a mesh pocket for my Kindle. The bag has only a handful of pockets: one on each exterior side of the bag, for a phone, a tablet, or a paperback (a water bottle will fit, though because the pocket is short and spans the width of the bag, half the water bottle will be exposed and may tilt awkwardly in one direction), and an interior zipped pocket for a wallet or passport. It is soft, supple, and conforms well to the items on the inside. The top handle is made from thick, sturdy-looking rolled leather, but the handle is short and will not fit easily over most adult shoulders. To that end, weve categorized our favorites according to their strengthswith one that (pretty much) has it all. Like all CR evaluations of products and services, our Outside the Labs reviews are independent and free from advertising. It should be made from a fabric that is resistant to tearing, and it should be able to withstand some moisture, in case you get caught in the rain or have a spill inside the bag. The Vernon Weekend Bag is made with ripstop nylon, plus a blend of recycled polyester. With a padded laptop sleeve, roomy interior, two water bottle holders, and an exterior pocket (that also turns into a pass through to fit on roller luggage handles), this bag is fit for any mini getaway. Price: $129Where to buy: Patagonia, REISize: 19x9x10 inchesPrimary material: Recycled polyester ripstop. But its lazy approach to internal structure makes us unable to recommend it for serious weekend travelers. If youre in the market for a duffel with a splash of pattern (so you can easily find it), this functional, floral duffel is a good buy. Post-consumer polyester rip-stop fabric and waterproof material allow it to withstand the toughest wear and tear from travel. for people who like a but of style an organization all in one. The bag slips easily onto any suitcase, works well as a gym bag or overnight bag, and has a separate shoe compartment. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. With straps and handles on all sides, this bag is easy to transport. Ad Choices, The 29 Best Weekender Bags for Last-Minute Getaways, This KN95 Protective Mask Is Cute, Comfy, and the Best I've Found, I Was Diagnosed With Monkeypox and the Symptoms Are Pretty Brutal, The Best Hyaluronic Acid Products for Weightless Hydration. Part tote, part duffel, this Madewell weekend bag comes with a laptop sleeve and many little pockets. Herschel also has a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects, which may alleviate some worries about quality. But thats a good problem to haveespecially if you tend to overpack. Built with high-density nylon, the Gregory Supply Duffel is a durable duffel bag for rugged adventure. My packing list consisted of what I would typically take on a long weekend trip in the spring or summer. Perfectly sized for a long weekend yet still lightweight, it has exceedingly comfortable, padded handles, a highly adjustable removable crossbody strap (with much gratitude from yours truly, a shorty who often finds that bag straps are far too long) with leather trim secured to sturdy metal hardware, and a big, supersmooth plastic zipper that didnt catch. Best for: Camera-heavy trips like an Oregon photography locations tour. Though a weekender bag may be often deployed on weekend trips powered by cars, a good weekender bag should play double duty as a carry-onwhich means it needs to fit within airlines particular sizing metrics. The bag itself was a bit long for me to carry it comfortablyIm not very tall and the bag bends in the middle because of the lack of space between my shoulder and waist. Anyone taller than 5 feet, 3 inches need not concern themselves with this. It can be worn comfortably through transit stations, bus stops and walking through towns. ), 11 Best Camping Stoves For Backpacking and Car Camping. To its credit, this bag is expandable, so if you take it on a short weekend trip and end up going on a shopping spree, there will be some additional space for your new additions (though its expandable form is larger than airline carry-on dimensions and, thus, is too large to be carried onto a flight). Cuyanas bags have a two-year warranty (outside of normal wear and tear), and the company will repair items (for a fee) that are outside the warranty. It has a 90-day return policy. She's also passionate about environmental justice, sustainability, nutrition, the internet, and fiction. How about simply embarking on a long and epic route, like the Pacific Coast Highway road trip? The fabric is made out of machine washable and water-resistant nylon, so you can take it just about anywhere without worry. The barrel-shaped bag with tidy leather trim has a helpful compartment on the outside thats just for your shoes, so they dont dirty up the rest of your belongings. While almost every other bag we tried came with metal clasps that connect the crossbody strap to the body of the bag, the Herschel has lightweight plastic connectors that feel flimsy. Heres an on-trend checkered option from eco-conscious brand Cleobella that puts in the work aesthetically and functionally. This duffel, being on the littler side, could do double duty as a large work bag or even a diaper bag. It doesnt have the most pockets of all the bags we tried, but the pockets it does have are thoughtful and practical. It has plenty of pockets, a laptop sleeve, and a bottom compartment just for your shoes. It isnt quite as high-quality as the other weekender bags we tried, though. Keep scrolling for tons of ideas! Best for: An Eastern Oregon road trip thats rugged, dusty, and full of backcountry camping. If necessary, step it up with a mild, nondetergent soap. Nothing is superfluous when it comes to pockets, says Lynch. The collapsible bag (which can work as a backpack) is made to withstand off-the-beaten-path travel, with its tough, water-resistant shell and bottom made of thick ballistic nylon (a material developed for flak jackets worn by airmen during World War II). Indeed, this weekender bag is in the true L.L.Bean tradition: It has minimal features but hardy materials and a rugged look, and would be right at home thrown in the back of a Jeep en route from a camping trip. For this reason, the Away The Everywhere Bag is a better fit for true weekend trips or light packers. A high-quality bag should come with some kind of promise that if the bag craps out on you after six months of ownership, the company should step in and either replace or repair the bag. Price: $98Where to buy: Bis, Nordstrom, RevolveSize: 19x9x15 inchesPrimary material: Cotton canvas (beige and gray) or polyester (black). This bag is also, simply, beautiful. It has gold-colored zippers with leather pulls that slide smoothly and match prettily to the dark camel canvas colorway, which the company calls sand/chestnut, that we ordered (the bag also comes in black and a soft gray). Built with the toughest fabic they have (1000D Cordura nylon), this is one of the best medium duffel bags for camping. For weekends or just the home-to-gym-to-work rush, grab this 25-liter bag from Lululemon to carry you through itliterally. Photo: Angela Lashbrook/Consumer Reports The WANDRD HEDAX Duffel is one of the best weekend bags for organization and efficiency. Its the largest weekender bag we tried (with the exception of the Longchamp, which is expandable), so its a good option for slightly longer trips or cooler-weather travel. Including versatile jackets, pants, and plenty of accessories. Suitcases are too big and bulky, backpacks never fit all of the shoes, toiletries, and travel gifts you pick up on the go. Tote it solo for your two-day escapes, or bring it as a personal item for a larger trip, as it meets airline requirements. On the off chance that you are attacked by an animal that tears through the hardy bags material, Patagonia will repair almost anything. The streamlined design has external pockets for your water bottle and phone, plus internal pockets that fit a standard laptop, sweaty gym clothes, and little tchotchkes that would otherwise get lost at the bottom. For those who plan to spend a lot of their vacation on their feet, traipsing through the literal or urban jungle in the mud and rain with their belongings on their back, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is the bag for you. We were impressed with a celebrity duffel, while a heritage classic had room for improvement.

When packed, I had some room left over for anything I might pick up while on my trip. Likely because of the structured shoe compartment, the bag is a little heavy. The sustainably minded company (it recently launched a resale initiative; the company says 96 percent of its materials have third-party sustainability certifications and its shooting for 100 percent this year) has a new winner on its hands (and our shoulders) with its beautiful, functional Triple Zipper Weekender. Best For: Nomadic travelers who hop from place to place. The zipper is critical too and is often the thing that breaks first, says Susan Sokolowski, a professor of product design at the University of Oregon. So instead, Ive committed myself to being a carry-on only traveler, and for the past few years have used a weekender as my primary travel bag. The u-shaped front compartment opens like a classic duffel bag, and the side pockets provide extra storage for things like shoes or dirty laundry! I carefully inspected each bag to ensure it had no manufacturing flaws or concerns, such as crooked stitches, sticky zippers, or flimsy hardware. Safe travels! Cuyana has been making gorgeous, practical accessories since 2011, and the handful that I havea medium-sized purse, a tote, and another weekender bag in a different stylehave never disappointed. It did not soak through. It has a bottom shoe compartment that fits two or three pairs, a trolley sleeve for easy maneuvering if you have other luggage, plus six packable pockets including two zip pockets for storing your passport and other personal items. Photos: Angela Lashbrook/Consumer Reports The glossy carryall is a great choice for outdoor adventures too, with its various loops that let you lash extra hiking or camping gear. Price: $230Where to buy: Dagne Dover, NordstromSize: 18x12x10 inchesPrimary material: Neoprene. Pack this ReNew Transit Weekender bag by Everlane for a romantic getaway in the Paific Northwest! These bags should be versatileeasy to carry by hand, cross-body, and even on your back, thanks to top handles and adjustable shoulder straps. Be sure to plan ahead when purchasing, thoughwho knows when youll actually end up getting it? Deep discounts on Ninja, Instant Pot, and Le Creuset. This same pocket can be used to (very) tightly compress the bag for storage. Weekender bags are soft-sided, so they can be squished to fit to airline dimensionsassuming theyre not completely full. Thats why its time you invest in a quality weekender bag for all your trips in 2022. Longchamp will repair damaged bags. Though maximum carry-on dimensions can vary from airline to airline, generally speaking, most airlines require that carry-on bags are no larger than 9x14x22 inches, or a total of 45 inches added up. Post Summary: The Best Weekender Backpacks and Bags For Pacific Northwest Getaways.

Price: $255Where to buy: Bloomingdales, LongchampSize: 20x13x9 inchesPrimary material: Recycled polyamide canvas. Oh, and it can be a backpack too (an excellent perk). Longchamp does sell additional straps. Because the shoe compartment is wide, as well as structured and firm, it makes the bag rather unwieldy if youre going to be sprinting across an airport terminal. All our recommended weekender bags come with their own highlights and disadvantages; when choosing the right bag for you, its important to look at each bags pros and cons and decide accordingly. Packing cubes are great, but ideally, a good weekender bag should make packing and organizing your stuff easy without them. Best For: Easy and quick weekend trips from Portland, Oregon. The adjustable crossbody strap is adjustable enough that yours truly wore the bag comfortably nestled into the small of my back. We tried 10 weekender bags, from an ultrafashionable Longchamp to a utilitarian Patagonia. If youre heading out on one of the many epic weekends trips from Seattle or Portland (or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, really! After a year, it will accept returns for items that are defective due to materials or craftsmanship. Heres another highly rated Amazon option that looks far more expensive than it actually is. Taking a solo tour around the west coast? Best For: Camping trips in the Olympic National Park. With some stipulations, MZ Wallace will repair items. See how we evaluated these weekender bags, below.

An inside pocket for either your laptop or other items and enough room to store your clothing and toiletries without fear of any spillage. Our favorite weekender bags have several clever, useful pockets for stashing shoes, a smartphone, a water bottle, dirty laundry, and so on.

My husband likes this bag the best. I believe shopping should be fun, safe, and sustainable, and I shape my coverage at Consumer Reports around how consumers of all ages can have better shopping experiences. The best weekender bags should be durable, functional, and stylish. 1 most important feature of any bag is that its crossbody strap is super-adjustable so I can shorten it to the point where I can comfortably carry it without it banging uncomfortably against me when I walk. Best For: Taking a trip to Glacier National Park. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. It comes with a dustbag, which is recommended when not in use to preserve color and keep it, well, dust-free. We respect your privacy. At the high end, leather is the best choice, says Ellen Lynch, a professor of accessories design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. The woven crossbody strap is adjustable but long; I wasnt able to get it short enough, and carrying it so low gave me temporary shoulder and back pain.

Neoprene creases and pills, though, so this bag requires special care to keep it in tip-top shape. Constructed from water- and abrasion-resistant recycled polyester that looks hardcore enough to stop any sharp edges short of a tigers claws, this duffel is light, packable, and comfortable. Bean to shlep essentials for all of your weekend travels and road trips.

I like that it stands up mostly on its own to make rummaging easier, and the zippers and other hardware are sturdy.. Does it seem well made and durable? Heres a preppy, nautical oversized tote from L.L. It has three large primary compartments (hence the triple-zipper name) and a deep, narrow pocket on each side, ideal for water bottles. Metal zippers are less flexible but also easier to fix in a pinch by threading through the broken tooth to shorten the zipper. In addition to handles, weekender bags should also be designed to hang from the shoulder or across the chest, so you can move quickly and comfortably across a sprawling airport terminal, and also sling it quickly over your shoulder for shorter distances, like running the bag out to your car or a taxi. It has a wax-coated finish to keep it from getting water damage, plus two handle options. This means that the Dagne Dover Landon Carryall (we evaluated the XL version) makes for an excellent pick if youre, for whatever reason, running around with your luggage in the rain. If youre traveling with older kids and teens, the Novel Duffle Mid Volume is the bag for them. The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is a perfect bag for the rough-and-tumble weekend adventurer. Were big fans of Dagne Dovers high-quality neoprene gym bags, backpacks, and fanny packsand this duffel is no different. I had long been curious about the famous Le Pliage, Longchamps iconic style of bag that can be seen on the arms of fashionable people the world over. When a plastic zipper tooth breaks, however, the zipper usually needs to be completely replaced. Though most of these bags have a lot going for themand there were none we outright hatedwe had a few that we loved so much, were planning to take them on our own much-needed vacations. Which Brands Make the Most Reliable Appliances? This blog lives to inspire outdoor adventure, inspired by our home in the rainy Pacific Northwest. The Longchamp has a luxurious look, is expandable and foldable, and is made from durable materials. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Made of a canvas upcycled from plastic bottles, the bag has a silicone coating to protect it from stains (which always seem to happen when on the go). It was comfortable to carry crossbody, and the handles have a rubber snap to hold them together. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. The interior compartment left me plenty of space after I packed it for a few extra items, such as a sweatshirt or baseball cap. A taller external pocket is ideal for a water bottle, and it has one of my personal favorite features that, in my opinion, every bag should have: a key leash (how distressing is it to get home after an exhausting flight or drive, only to spend 5 minutes digging around in your bag for your keys?). The zipper is thin and slow, requiring some effort to open. Inside, a large padded sleeve makes a safe spot for a laptop. Weekender bags have a more casual, transitional look than wheeled luggage or travel backpacks, so many weekenders (especially the smaller, overnight styles) look as at home on a commute to work as they do on the shoulder of someone waiting in the TSA checkpoint. You can carry it three ways (backpack, adjustable shoulder strap, and grab handles) but it also has a sleeve on the back that can fit onto a roller suitcae handle. The bags opening is expandable: when youre packing it, you can unsnap the zipper from where it connects near the bottom of the bag, and pin it back down when youre in transit. That means I packed a swimsuit, sunscreen, and sandals, but left behind the heavy wool sweaters and long underwear. Sarah joined the SELF team in November 2019 as the editorial assistant, and is now the team's commerce writer.

When she's not working, she's a part-time cycling instructor and full-time Plant Person. This weekender is so versatile that it can be carried around everyday! It also features a zippered pocket along the bottom of the bag specifically for umbrellas. Luxury brand Cuyanas organic cotton canvas weekender bag with leather trim is a lovely option for the stylish traveler. If youre looking for more of a Herschel-made duffel bag with an adjustable shoulder strap, of course, they have this too. The rolled, faux-leather handles are long and can fit over the shoulders, if desired. The REI Co-Op Travel RockPack 60L is the perfect solution to long-term nomadic travel. We had to place two orders, because the company inexplicably canceled the first, and check in after a lengthy delay on the second. Enjoy your short trips in style with this luxe bag that has two handles (one which can be swapped out with one of Madewells new bag straps) and gold details. Youve probably been faced with this dilemma before: You decide to go on an overnight trip or treat yourself to a weekend getaway (or just have a short business trip), but realize that none of your luggage options are quite right for this precise amount of time. I spilled a glass of water on it while writing this article, and I can say with authority that this bag is, indeed, water-resistant; most of the water slid right off the bag and directly onto my floors, while a small amount darkened the fabric for about 15 minutes before fading. If youre shopping for a weekender bag (also called a weekend bag) look for one thats made of water-resistant materials like neoprene, nylon, canvas, or twill and is just roomy enough to hold a few days worth of clothing. For a 12-hour flight, I could pack a lot in there: a change of clothes, pjs, earphones, Stephen Kings latest 700-page book, my MacBook, iPad, cords, wipes, meds, a pillow, shawl, and a toiletry kit too.. You might want another thin bag for your dirty shoes to keep the bags interior in pristine condition.

In the process of evaluating and photographing this bag, I threw it around some, kicking it out of the way when I had to take photos of another bag and, at one point, tossing it to the floor to make room on the bed for my dog. When I packed for my long weekend, my warm-weather clothes fit with plenty of room to spare. The company says that a fabric steamer will easily remove the creases, though after a few days, the wrinkles on my bag disappeared (an enviable occurrence, frankly). The Peak Design travel duffel is one of the best weekend bags (in our opinion) for people who are hopping from place to place. Photo: Angela Lashbrook/Consumer Reports, Price: $159Where to buy: L.L.BeanSize: 21x10x10 inchesPrimary material: Waxed cotton canvas. If youll be lugging around your bag, you might appreciate the padded removable strap of this duffel. It uses a nice-looking, shiny Longchamp logo for the pull, which adds a touch of glamor to an otherwise typical closure. The bag is made from water-resistant, stain-resistant recycled nylon, and in case of a spill, the company provides detailed instructions for cleaning. I take this bag with me on five- to six-day trips, and it carries a bunch of outfits, books, my purse, toiletries, medicine, and extra shoes, says one shopper of this sturdy classic, which includes a shoe compartment and phone pocket. It has no unusual or surprising features (such as a shoe compartment or an expandable size); it doesnt come in trendy vivid colors, it doesnt have a designer legacy. If youre a more average size, you might be focused on whether the bag has a pass-through, so it can sit securely on the telescoping handle of a piece of luggage, or that its super-durable, so it can be thrown around for years (or decades) without too much wear and tear. When youre spending $150-plus on a bag, it should last for yearsand if it doesnt, the company that made it should do something about that. Summer packing lists tend to be on the lighter side; if youre a big winter traveler, you might want to steer clear of some of the smaller bags on our list. This smaller, overnight style duffel is well-organized and comfortable to carry, with a padded crossbody strap, an interior laptop sleeve, a key leash, and a zippered pocket, perfect for a passport or a tablet, atop a pass-through.