The 15 Best Bags for a Weekend Away

This luxurious leather backpack is designed to elevate almost any outfit with its minimalist aesthetic. It can be folded over when packing light or extended when you simply must bring that spare pair of shoes. The adjustable straps ensure a tailored, comfy fit, while cleverly wrapping over the main opening to enclose any valuables. For added security, there’s a drawstring closure to keep things from spilling out.

Sections of all sizes give Monos’s sleek Weekender an internal packing cubes feel, which is excellent for those who like things compartmentalised. There are two internal pockets that can comfortably fit both a novel and a diary and an outer sleeve for your laptop. But the real drawcard is the lower pouch, sectioned off from the main storage area. It's lined with a water-resistant TPU-interior so you can stash your shoes or separate any dirty laundry. There are two styles to choose from, a nylon finish with ultra-microfibre vegan leather accents as well as a vegan leather finish.

Roll straight out of work and into the weekend with Yu Mei's large duffle, designed to tick both style and practicality boxes. Made from durable natural canvas with black leather handles, it expands easily to fit those “just-in-case” pieces, while being sturdy enough to comfortably store your laptop or heavier-duty items. An internal pocket ensures small items such as keys and your phone are within easy reach, while a zip seals any overflow in place. You can also give the canvas a spritz with the Japanese label’s waterproofing spray to protect it from any humid environments.

Is it possible to fit a full suitcase worth of belongings into a weekender? July’s Volume+ Weekender comes pretty close. Located at its base is a hidden expansion zipper that transforms the sellout product from a standard-sized carrier into something almost as spacious as a full-sized carry-on. Though there’s ample room, you can still easily organise your belongings with the interior dividers and a front pouch, which can double as a toiletry bag.

Best known for making premium leather boots, R.M. Williams’ commitment to quality and craftsmanship extends seamlessly to other accessories, too. Crafted from water-resistant canvas, the Ute hold-all is a go-to for outdoor excursions or camping trips and its cylindrical shape will conveniently match your swag. The water-resistant canvas protects it from dewy mornings or evenings and it comes in two colours, navy and dark green.

Water bottle pocket? Check. Passport sleeve? Check. AirTag slip? Check. With the array of compartments in Bellroy’s Venture Ready Pack, there’s room for all your travel gadgets. Buckle up for your next adventurous outing with adjustable harness and sternum straps that allow you to customise the fit for maximum comfort. With so many outer pockets, it’s easy to reach your gear on the go without opening the main zip. (When you do, the drop-down panel helps you find exactly what you’re looking for).

A good tote bag will stay with you long after the trip is over (and do double duty as a day bag once you’ve unpacked it). State of Escape’s Escape™ Tote is the ideal size and shape for carrying everyday essentials as well as everything you need for a quick jaunt away. It’s also super easy to clean – crafted from neoprene, it can be hand washed with the rest of your clothes. There’s a detachable zip-up pouch so your keys and phone are within reach, plus a mesh dust bag to store it in when not in transit.

As the name suggests, Antler’s Soft Stripe Underseat is tailormade for your next plane ride. This miniature suitcase lets you enjoy the convenience of wheels while the soft-shell exterior, made from fully recycled polyester, offers a generous amount of stretch. (It’s also compact enough to rest by your feet in a car footwell or in the overhead bin). Three sleek dark shade options help to minimise light wear and scuffs.

There’s packing for a beach holiday solo… then there’s packing for a beach break with your kids in tow. The Sande Kids Beach Hauler™ helps get all your gear from the holiday house to the shore. Crucially, you won’t be bringing the beach back home thanks to its sand-repellent mesh material. The generous 110-litre capacity (roughly the size of a mini fridge) makes it perfect for a spontaneous weekend getaway to any type of destination.

With an easily accessible crossbody bag, all the necessary items to remove for security or pull out at check-in are close to hand. This oversized quilted edition not only has space in abundance, it also has the added benefit of being super comfy to wear – why keep snacks in an under seat carry-on when you can keep them right in your lap? This cushy number’s lack of structure also gives it the flexibility to fill out to the size of a pillow (or be easily stashed away if need be).

There are duffel bags and then there’s Patagonia’s Black Hole® Matte Wheeled Duffel. Life on the move becomes effortless when you can carry your belongings however you like – whether that’s by top handles, a shoulder strap or by utilising the smooth-rolling wheels. Unlike standard suitcases, this one’s soft matte finish means you can slip it under a bed when it’s not in use, striking just the right balance between versatility and practicality.

Designed in the French brand’s signature style, Longchamp’s Le Pliage Original Expandable Travel Bag features smooth leather handles and a sturdy nylon base so you can dress it up if you’re heading out for the day. Plus, the detachable crossbody strap works as a security tool and the fold-down structure makes it a cinch to store.

There’s no need to play car or cabin tetris with Patagonia’s Black Hole® Cube. Made from 100% recycled fabric, its compressible clamshell opening works to reduce both size and environmental impact. Inside you'll find two dividers, one mesh and one taffeta, so your items are always visible. With just a side handle, this packing favourite could easily be mistaken for – and possibly used as – a pillow, depending on how tight your packing restrictions are. 

Buying a Bennett Winch Leather Weekender is a real investment. Handcrafted in England from full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather, this bag ages beautifully, transitioning from a rich chocolate hue to a deeper brown over time. The brass hardware adds an elegant touch, while golden studs protect the base. It’s also as practical as it is attractive, featuring internal compartments on both sides to keep shoes and towels separate from clean clothes. Thanks to the natural oils in the leather, no conditioners are needed to maintain its look, making it a smart choice for low maintenance travellers.

Versatility is the selling point of this barrel-shaped duffle. Fully washable and crafted from plastic bottles, it’s named for its ability to be carried in four ways, most notably as a standard weekender (over the shoulder, crossbody and by shorter handles) and backpack style. Thanks to removable straps and cleverly placed external pockets – one on each side – quick access to essentials is easy from any carrying position.