We’re traveling more this year. We’ve already committed to it.
That means we need the right gear to go with.
And while there are endless articles about the best carry-on bag and the best big luggage, I find myself rarely having the right bag to take on weekend trips—one that’s not too small or too big, stylish but not overpriced, convenient but still cute, and most importantly, doesn’t rely on a too-short handle to carry a not-always-light load.
So, I did some digging and here’s what I found. Happy weekending.
1. Lo & Sons: The Catalina Deluxe
Anything that says “deluxe” and doesn’t come with the deluxe price tag to match, has my attention.
Best for: This bag sort of wins at everything. The 100 percent organic cotton canvas it’s made from makes it both light and less impactful on the environment. It has a separate, well-sized bottom pocket that can keep shoes and dirty clothes away from things you wouldn’t want them touching, like underwear, and it’s spacious enough to fit three pairs of pants, three tops, two sweaters, four pairs of socks, a scarf, undergarments and toiletries. Maybe even more if you’re really good at packing. It’s not an under-the-seat bag if your weekend getaway involves an airplane, but it’s a good sub for a wheely carry-on.
The Catalina Deluxe, from $128 (depending on the size), Lo & Sons
2. Away: The Everywhere Bag
Not that we’re choosing the best weekend bags by name, but Away kind of nailed it here.
Best for: This sleek option is great for weekend work trips or writing retreats, since it’s big enough for a few outfits, has a designated space for a laptop and notebooks, plus a convenient compartment for an umbrella at the bottom. Just in case.
The Everywhere Bag, $195, Away
3. Pakt: The Pakt One
This bag, according to Pakt, should really be the only weekend bag you’ll ever need. And, let’s face it, they get a point for the clever company name.
Best for: A little pricier, this weekend bag may give you an extra jolt to really take the trip and stop talking about it. Made by travelers, the bag zips open in half like a hard side suitcase, making it easy to keep things organized in the separate mesh compartments. The company says “pack it like a suitcase, carry it like a duffel.” It fits more clothes than you could wear in a weekend and comes with a zippered laundry bag that can be used for dirty clothes or as a tote if you need it for that. There’s a separate slot for a laptop, and the strap is long enough to carry it cross body to better distribute the weight as needed. This one does fit under the airplane seat if you’re flying with it.
Pakt One, $325, Pakt
4. Caraa: The Studio Bag
If you’re into versatility and style, this may be your bag.
Best for: This ‘transformer’ weekend bag can convert from a satchel to a backpack to a crossbody with a simple change of the straps. Easy grab side pockets can hold things like phones and passports, while the main compartment can handle a few outfits, your laptop, and it comes with both a wet bag if your weekend escape requires a bathing suit plus a waterproof shoe bag if your weekend escape requires hiking through creeks or something.
Studio Bag, $395, Caraa
5. Paravel: The Fold-Up Bag
This one is one of my favorite’s. Also Oprah’s.
Best for: Firstly, you can beat $60 for a sturdy, handy weekend bag. Secondly, you may be wondering why you’d ever need a weekend bag to fold up since you’ll be leaving with it full and, I’m almost positive, returning it the same way. Here’s why: If you’re really clever about your travels and have built a weekend getaway into a bigger trip (like you went to stay with a friend in Rome and built in a weekend jaunt to Venice), you could pack this little gem almost flat in its folded state in your suitcase, then take it out and fill it with just what you need for the trip within your trip. You’d be really winning at that point.
Fold-Up Bag, $60, Paravel