Fashion

12 Stylish Weekend Bags That’ll Kick Your Carry-On To The Curb

by Ellie Nan Storck
Amazon / Bustle

Weekend trips: short, sweet, to the point, and often a great escape from reality. But what does every girl need to make it the perfect escape? To pick from a selection of the best weekender bags for women. Whether you're venturing out on a little road trip with friends for a few days or jetting off for the weekend to see family, there's a lot to be said for the magic of simple weekend vacations, and, of course, the luggage that goes with them.

When looking for a weekend bag you want to be sure to find one that is small enough to fit in an overhead compartment but big enough to carry everything you need. And since you may be toting the bag from place to place, looking for one that slings over one shoulder and is easy to carry is crucial. But what actually constitutes a "weekend bag" varies quite a bit, so it's pretty much a guarantee that you won't have to sacrifice style for utility. Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too — and usually on a budget.

Below, we've sorted through some of the best bags for weekend trips and narrowed it down to a handful of options that vary in shape, size, material, color, style, budget.

1

A Surprisingly Large Tote That's Super Durable

Madden Girl Women's Mg-3461, $43, Amazon

Durability is the name of the game with this lightweight duffel which comes in at just under two pounds. Made from a synthetic material that lends itself to getting tossed around during travel, this surprisingly large bag (21 inches by 18.5 inches) provides plenty of space both inside and out for all travel necessities, with three interior pockets and two exterior. The best part? A faux-leather bottom protects your belongings while super-strong reinforced straps and a removable shoulder strap provide a comfortable carry.

2

A Sleek And Spacious Faux-Leather Duffel Bag

Nicole Miller Sharon City Duffel Bag, $55, Amazon

Available in five colors and patterns, these trendy two-toned bags feature durable, pebble-grain imitation leather on the exterior. This spacious bag is 21 inches long, 12 inches tall with an animal-print interior. It also has a convenient detachable shoulder strap and easy-to-grasp loop handles.

3

A Low-Maintence Duffel That is Both Foldable and Machine Washable

Vera Bradley Large Duffel, $103, Amazon

It's all about convenience for both travel and storage with this Vera Bradley microfiber weekender. Measuring in at 22 inches long and 12.5 inches tall with a 15-inch strap, this bag folds up for storing just as easily as it packs full for a long weekend trip. With one exterior zip pocket and two interior pockets, the main compartment provides ample space, and the interior closure zips shut to protect packed belongings during your journey. And thanks to the cotton interior and microfiber makeup of this weekender, it's machine washable.

4

A Compact Weekend Bag That Fits Under the Seat In Front of You on a Plane

London Fog Kensington Deluxe Cabin Bag, $40, Amazon

This duffel is a little smaller than most but its compact nature doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice too much space, and it's super convenient for travel light — especially when you want to slip your carry-on under the seat in front of you on the plane! Made from durable polyester, the main compartment has a protective zip closure and features a lined interior with an interior zip pocket. There is an additional large outer zip pocket as well as an outer slip pocket, so despite slightly smaller dimensions, there's plenty of room for your weekend necessities in this stylish carry-all.

5

A Sporty, Mid-Sized Duffel That Converts to a Backpack

Patagonia Lightweight Black Hole Duffel, $143, Amazon

Mid-sized, lightweight, and versatile, this sleek number from Patagonia is perfect for the active traveler, measuring at a spacious 25.2 inches long 11.8 inches tall, and 11 inches wide. Weather-resistant and constructed from ripstop nylon, this practical duffel can be carried by the handles, across the shoulder, or on your back like a pack.

6

A Weekend Bag That Has a Special Place to Store Your Shoes

Vooray Trepic 21" Weekender Duffel Bag with Shoe Pocket, $50, Amazon

Shoe lovers, fear not, for there is a perfect weekend bag just for you. Available in five different patterns and made from 100 percent water-resistant polyester, these colorful, patterned bags from Vooray are 21 inches long and 12 inches tall, and include two zip pockets, a special pocket just for shoes and a drawstring bag found inside can be used for laundry — or another pair of shoes! This bag also features sturdy heavy-duty zippers and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap.

7

A Fun and Flirty Faux-Leather Weekender

Betsy Johnson Quilted Heart Carry On Weekender, $90, Amazon

Available in a handful of creative patterns, this faux-leather Betsy Johnson weekender features an all-over quilted pattern, interior, and exterior zip-pockets, the signature rose print interior pattern, and a cross-body strap for easy carry. Measuring in at 17 by 10 inches, this bag would fit easily in an overhead compartment.

8

A Sturdy Carry-All Made of Genuine Leather and Canvas

Blueboon Weekender Overnight Bag, $60, Amazon

This tote comes in five classic two-toned color schemes, made from soft but durable canvas with a genuine leather bottom and leather handles. The interior is spacious and can accommodate enough luggage to last a few days, thanks to the oversized capacity measuring 21.2 by 9 by 15.6 inches. With multiple zip pockets, there's space for every last travel must-have.

9

A Stylish Canvas Bag That Matches Everything

BAGGU Women's Safari Bag, $41, Amazon

This canvas, off-white tote from BAGGU is not only highly functional but also completely versatile. With sturdy, reinforced handles, a zip-top, and a spacious main compartment, you'll be able to fit all your weekend essentials without sacrificing style thanks to its trendy monochromatic look.

10

A Soft Velvet Weekender That Weds Utility and Style

Lulu Dharma Women's Velvet Weekender Bag, $50, Amazon

This oversized weekender bag from Lulu Dharma has a soft velvet feel, vegan leather handles, gold-toned hardware, and an extra spacious interior, leaving room for weekend necessities, and then some. It comes in three colors, including black, fuchsia, and light pink (shown).

11

A Striped Canvas Weekender For the Nautical Traveler

BAOSHA HB-25 Ladies Women Canvas Holdall Weekender, $35, Amazon

Blue and white and striped all-over, this canvas weekender bag has reinforced faux-leather handles and a leather cross-body strap. The interior is an attractive mint-colored cotton, which contrasts nicely with the nautical striped exterior pattern. Coming in at 18.9 by 10.6 inches, it's pretty roomy, and thanks to the soft material you should be able to stuff it full of clothes and travel necessities.

12

A Leather Weekend Bag Made For the Pocket Lover

Viosi Malibu 20 Inch Leather Duffel Travel Bag, $130, Amazon

This classic leather weekend bag is all about one thing: space. At 20 inches long, there are enough pockets to pack everything but the kitchen sink, and still fit into the overhead compartment on an airplane. Made from smooth, fine-grain cow leather, this weekender features a removable, adjustable shoulder strap and leather handles for comfortable carry, as well as a whopping seven spacious zip-close pockets.

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