Any excuse for a vacation, right?
With the days getting longer and the weather finally (somewhat) taking a warmer turn, the travel daydreams have gotten intense. Instead of staring longingly at flights and hotels, do yourself a favor and just book that trip. Then, treat yourself to a new duffel or tote to bring along.
Except, finding a weekender bag that works for all occasions—a family road trip, a relaxing girls' getaway, or a winter escape—is quite the challenge. It's important that the bag is just the right size to fit in overhead compartments, under your plane seat, or in the backseat of a car, but style and functionality go a long way, too. The most useful designs are big enough to hold a few day’s worth of clothing (hint: try packing cubes for all the organization), and offer a plethora of organizational pockets to store your portable hair dryer, tech items, and other travel accessories. A separate shoe compartment to keep your favorite white sneakers looking fresh wouldn’t hurt, either. For something slightly more compact, an overnight bag is just the right size for a change of clothes plus toiletries. If you’re using the bag as a carry-on, a trolley sleeve is another convenient feature that will make your life on-the-go easier.
To take the stress out of selecting a cute weekender bag that will go the distance, we’ve done the vetting and found the best of the best travel-friendly duffels, totes, wheelie bags, and backpacks from Amazon and beyond. Bon voyage!
Don't let its attractive leather finishes fool you: This weekender was made for wear and tear. The cotton-lined canvas design is durable, and its "heavy-duty" zippers promise dependability over time.
With a spacious interior and separate bottom compartment for shoes (or 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 colored canvas.
Think of this as the Goldilocks of travel duffles: "Not too big, not too small—this weekender is just right," mused Oprah this year when she selected the vegan snake-embossed bags as a Favorite Thing. When she surprised the founders on Zoom, Oprah pointed out the convenient bottom feet on the bag that provide structure and protection.
With thousands of 5-star Amazon reviews, customers point to this canvas bag's vintage appeal and sturdy leather trim as its main selling points. Oh, and the room for storage feels endless.
Whether you use this no-frills tote as a work bag or weekender, you'll appreciate the padded laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, and adjustable straps.
With 11 different colors and patterns to choose from, this sturdy duffel is perfect for a short journey. Plus, it comes with a back side sleeve that conveniently slides over a rolling suitcase handle.
Employ this soft, ultra-light nylon bag as an overnighter or a gym bag. Not only does it have straps for your yoga mat, it's also spacious enough for your trip essentials.
This spacious and water-resistant neoprene duffel makes storage easy, thanks to a water bottle holder, shoe duster, mesh pouch, and a padded 15" laptop pocket. It also comes in a variety of neutrals.
If you prefer an understated approach to style, this minimalist nylon carry-on with leather detail is ideal. It fits perfectly under the seat and in addition to the requisite laptop sleeve, it even has a separate zippered compartment for your umbrella.
Constructed from the same material as parachutes, this floral print duffle is waterproof and durable. Plus, it folds into itself, making it a great addition to your suitcase—souvenirs, anyone?
A handsome leather weekender is meant to live a life well-traveled. This buttery soft style is perfect for an overnighter and will only get better with wear.
With pockets aplenty (both inside and out), this roomy yet lightweight recycled cotton weekender is practically made for overpackers. And, of course, it comes in the brand's signature colorful prints.
Available in four sizes, 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. Pick from over a dozen color options.
The best part of this duffel? It features a special bottom compartment for your shoes so staying organized is a breeze.
This bag does double: Use the shoulder straps to wear it like a backpack, or use the short handles to carry it as a duffel. It also has plenty of exterior and interior pockets, including one for your water bottle.
It's a good idea to have an easy, no-frills duffle for impromptu trips—and this affordable option from Walmart fits the bill.
Throw everything you need into an extra-roomy, oversize tote bag. The coated cotton twill material is durable yet flexible so you can stuff it under the plane seat or car trunk.
If you're going on a weekend hiking trip, this sturdy duffel also converts to a backpack with comfortable padded straps.
When you're going somewhere for one night and want to pack light, use this super-sustainable bag. It's made from recycled polyester and has clever design tidbits like interior and exterior water bottle pockets, an exterior laptop sleeve, and a magnetic closure.
Wheels certainly make everything a little more convenient. This compact roller case fits both under the seat and in overhead bins—and the fun novelty print doesn't hurt, either.
Travel smarter with this functional and fabulous canvas weekender. Three main compartments keep things in place, while slip pockets are perfect for stashing tech and other accessories.
Puffy never looked so good: This super-lightweight, cloud-like nylon tote boasts tons of pockets including ones for your water bottle, laptop, phone and power bank. It even comes with a separate pouch for shoes or wet bathing suits.
This nylon tote is very lightweight but fits a gazillion things—and when it's not in use, it can fold it up into teeny pouch.
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.
Designed for efficiency, this convertible duffel has a detachable waist bag that zips off when you need to keep your essentials close to you.
Invest in a quality leather bag and you'll have it for many years to come. This classic style works equally well for business travel and last minute overnighters.
For your weekend trips to the shore, this preppy canvas tote (with a zip top!) will fit your clothes and toiletries, plus double as a beach bag as well.
This bag has all the functional features: exterior laptop sleeve, a fully opening main pocket (no more digging around at the bottom of your bag!), and a detachable bag for toiletries and essentials.
Here's another great option that has the nifty shoe compartment. Why not pack that extra pair?
We love this zip-around expandable bag that allows you increased carrying capacity at a moments notice. Plus, when not in use, the Longchamp bag folds flat for storage.
If you love a minimalist style, this bag is for you. It's also got a padded laptop sleeve and a handy exterior phone pocket.
Get away in style with this unique duffel from a Black-woman-owned shop. It has an internal zipped pocket and mesh side pocket to help you keep your belongings organized. Plus, the weekender is sized just right so that you can use it as a carry-on.
If you'd like your weekender to come with a bit of sentiment, head to Etsy for this personalized monogrammed option that comes in over 10 different color options.