Whether you’re off on a business trip, a couples getaway or an outdoorsy adventure, a reliable, functional, and possibly fashionable weekend travel bag is a must for any man. A good overnight bag should be big enough to accommodate all you’ll need for your time away, but not be so cumbersome that if you’re stuck carrying it for half the day, it’s a pain.
As with many fashion items, there's plenty of choice, from luxury leather to canvas duffel bags, a large part of which will come down to the style you like. However, there are some other features to consider, which we'll highlight in this guide. We’ll also share our favourites to buy from Amazon, John Lewis and more from both designer and cheaper brands including Ted Baker, Herschel and Berghaus.
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Table of Contents
Without a doubt, the most significant feature to consider when buying any bag is the size. This is usually given to you in the form of dimensions, volume capacity, or both.
There’s a balance to be had when buying a weekend bag. On the one hand, you’ll want it to have the space to accommodate all your clothes, toiletries, gadgets and whatever other accessories you plan on taking. On the other hand, you might be required to carry it around with you on city trips or other excursions.
Therefore, the bag mustn’t be too clunky. We’ve found options that range between 20 and a massive 71 litres, however, an ideal size would be somewhere between 30 and 50 L, depending on your physical size and how comfortable you are carting a heavier bag around all day.
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Sure, it’s lovely having a spacious bag that will fit the kitchen sink in. But one of the most annoying things with luggage is that it’s so easy to lose things in there! Their internal depths can swallow toothbrushes, bookmarks and other small accessories and keep them hidden until you empty the whole bag when you make it back home.
For that reason, compartments can be very handy. With most weekend bags, you’ll likely have your one large main compartment and one inside pocket. However, if you like to be particularly organised or you want to carry as much as possible, it's a good idea to look for more than this.
It tends to be that certain types of bags have more compartments than others. For example, sporty duffel bags may have a separate space for shoes, while bags by outdoor brands will have several smaller exterior pockets that are easier to access. Again, it’s about finding a bag that suits your needs.
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Lastly, you will want to consider the material. The traditional material for a weekend bag is leather, owing to its durability, its smart looks and the fact that it will keep the rain out should you get caught in a downpour. Its sturdiness will also help to protect your belongings if they're bashed during transit.
However, nowadays, there are many synthetic and cotton options as well. Fabric bags are better if you want something more casual or you'd prefer not to buy animal products, but they also tend to be lighter, meaning they're easier to ferry around.
While the synthetic options will usually be waterproof, or, at the very least, water-repellent, you don’t have that same reassurance from a cotton bag. As a result, it’s worth thinking about where and how you tend to travel and what type of weather you can expect in order to keep the contents safe.
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£31.93
Herschel Supply Co.'s bags are ubiquitous. They have a timeless design that will not seem out of place in any situation, plus they're incredibly well made, with heated seams to prevent any splitting and high-quality polyester as the main material. Of course, you can also expect the classic striped lining that gives the bag an extra dose of style.
At 28 litres, this bag is a little smaller than some, but this just makes it all the more how versatile. Wedding? Check. Weekend in Rome? Check. Nipping to the gym? Check. If you're looking to make just one purchase that you are guaranteed to get good use from, we'd back the Herschel.
£37.20
The trefoil logo from the Adidas Originals range is one of the most iconic brand logos in the world. When compared to their three stripes, which focuses on traditional sports products, the trefoil represents the more casual, fashion-first side of the brand – the perfect combination for a weekend bag.
Although we've marked it as sporty, we wouldn't say this bag sits in the same sphere as most other active duffles, in fact, it's much cooler. With regards to the bag itself, it's made from polyester with a decent capacity and has an inside slip pocket. An affordable choice with multiple potential uses.
£32.58
Before we dive into the specs of this bag, we wanted to mention that it is available in other 30 L and 50 L sizes, should you want a little more room. We chose the 20 L as an option for the many adventurers who like to pack light, and if there's one way of ensuring you do that, it's by buying a bag that keeps the space to a minimum.
This is a simple and straightforward weekend bag with a few extra pockets and a detachable strap. We particularly like the added shoulder support on the strap, ensuring comfort during wear. With regards to the design, it's not showy by any means, so it's ideal for people who like to keep a low profile.
£225.00
With its stylish smooth leather, contrasting with vibrant printed lining, this weekend bag from Ted Baker is incredibly elegant – which is probably something you'd expect from the company as they've been up there as one of the top men's lifestyle brands for some time now.
The bag is fashioned from fine grain oxblood tanned leather, so it's perfect for a classic sophisticated look. Furthermore, there is a large main compartment and two inside pockets for any accessories you don't want to lose. It's certainly not cheap, but then again, sometimes it's nice to treat yourself.
£29.99
Featuring one large main compartment, a large vented section for shoes, internal slips for organisation and more front zipped pockets for valuables, this bag is ideal for those who like to keep everything arranged. Moreover, the bag is made from 100% water-resistant polyester that will protect your belongings from the elements.
This bag certainly epitomises the sporty style, so it might not be perfect for a fancy or formal trip. But, other than that, it will work a charm. Plus, it's one of the more economical options, which is a pleasant surprise given there are so many appealing functions and features.
£43.99
This PU leather holdall is about as traditional a bag that one will ever find. The versatile black colouring makes it ideal for both business trips or a weekend away. Plus there are plenty of pockets, including a shoes compartment, ensuring that you can stay organised no matter how many boarding cards or train tickets you have.
It comes with short and shoulder carry handles and a huge capacity, so it's great for long weekends or activity packed trips. However, with its larger style, it may not be right for light travellers!
£108.00
The North Face's Base Camp duffle is iconic for a reason – it's super reliable. The bag is completely water-resistant, and the type of synthetic nylon used is known for its durability and ruggedness. This 71-litre is the medium from the range, and can pack down into its own compact carry bag.
Another great feature is that the top opens up completely, much like a suitcase, which makes it easier to organise. It can be worn as a backpack, too. Granted, this might be a bit overkill for those who prefer city breaks over mountain expeditions, but it still has a certain style that wouldn't look out of place on the streets of Barcelona.
£65.00
This classic weekend bag from Kin Malmo absolutely hits that nail on the head. The fabric is 100% lightweight Cordura, which is a synthetic fabric specifically designed to not only alleviate the wight of your baggage, but also resist damage from general wear and tear.
There are two different carry options, handles and a shoulder strap, both of which are thick and comfortable. Plus, the large main compartment has smaller inside pockets for your valuables. The design is pretty minima listing, so that could be a pro or a con depending on your style!
£15.00
This wipe-clean tote from South Beach offers a unique twist on the traditional tote design. The polyester exterior is water repellent, and the black design makes it easy to style with any outfit.
The brand has unfortunately not published any size or capacity specifications, but totes are famous for being deceptively large styles of bags! If you need a specific capacity, it may be best to shop elsewhere to avoid disappointment in the event that this bag doesn't fit your needs.
£39.99
This fusion between a duffle bag and a suitcase is very practical. It's casual but it also has the usability of a wheel-along case, which would be particularly handy for those who may struggle to carry a full, heavy pack. It's also extendable, so can be used at a 45 or 55 litre capacity!
There are an unfortunate lack of compartments, so if you're travelling long distance and expect to be carrying a lot of luggage, it can make things harder to organise. However, for ease and convenience, this bag can't be beat!
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