Stylish Jet-Setters Swear By These 19 Surprisingly Chic Weekender Bags
In case you need another reason to get excited about your trip.
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Short getaways like a one-night work trip or a romantic weekend away don't warrant the big guns of your luggage collection. You reach for the best weekender bags on these occasions—the small yet mighty packable alternatives to cumbersome carry-on suitcases and hard-shell rollers. That said, not all overnight bags are created equal. To find the hardest-working weekenders that can withstand a wide range of packing needs, Marie Claire tapped travel experts and stylish jet-setters for their insight and all-time favorites.
Jacey Duprie, the writer behind the fashion and travel blog Damsel in Dior, found her hero weekender in a time of need. "When my luggage got lost on my way to Turks and Caicos, I learned the hard way to always travel with a bag you don't have to check," she says. "From then on, I never travel without my weekender, always packed with a day or two of clothes and necessities as a precaution against lost baggage."
As a frequent traveler, Duprie notes that the best weekender bags should double as work carryalls, with features like laptop-friendly pockets and hidden shoe compartments to help professionals on the go.
While function is paramount with an overnight bag, you don't have to sacrifice style. Paris-based writer and travel content creator Anna Kloots says that two of her three go-to styles aren't in a typical duffel bag shape: “Which is why I actually love them!”
Kloots adds that, when packing, she keeps the destination at the forefront of her mind. “I think of what I’m going to need to pack, and then what will be best to pack it in," she says.
Ahead, you'll find Marie Claire's definitive list of the best weekender and travel bags suitable for just about every kind of trip.
- Shop Marie Claire's Favorite Weekender and Overnight Bags
- What to Look For in The Best Weekender and Overnight Bags
- Meet The Experts
Our Shortlist of Best Weekender Bags
- Best Overall Weekender Bag: Away Travel Featherlight Weekender in Jet Black, $148
- Best Nylon Weekender Bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Original Travel Bag XL, $230
- Best Affordable Weekender Bag: Sinaliy Large Travel Backpack for Women, $35.99
- Best Versatile Weekender Bag: Everlane The ReNew Transit Weekender, $118
- Best Weekender Bag For Wrinkle-Free Travel: Hudson + Bleecker Bon Voyage Garment Bag, $99
- Best Sturdy Weekender Bag: L.L. Bean's Hunter's Tote Bag, Open-Top, $59.95
MC's Favorite Weekender and Overnight Bags
Like its colorful roller luggage, Away's Featherlight Weekender is a viral hit among customers for its compact yet effective design. "This bag has been everywhere with me—most recently, on a weekend away for a music festival out of state," says Julia Marzovilla, Marie Claire's Fashion E-Commerce Editor. "I fit two outfits (complete with another pair of shoes!), two bags full of makeup and skincare products, and a smaller crossbody bag inside." As senior fashion news editor Halie LeSavage wrote in her review of Away's Weekender Bag: "It easily slots into car trunks, train luggage areas, and plane bag storage—even the time I was in the final boarding group for a flight to a wedding."
Material: Water-resistant polyester twill | Dimensions 20.9" x 9.4" x 13.8"
What We Love: It's water-resistant; has a trolley sleeve and a padded 16" laptop pocket; and comes in several colorways.
What We Don't: Some reviewers say the strap for attaching to roller luggage is hard to use.
You're likely already familiar with Longchamp's Le Pliage bag, perhaps as a tote for your college textbooks or a hardworking work bag. Fashion Features Editor Emma Childs encourages you to consider a supersized version of the cult-classic nylon bag for your weekends away, too.
"I carried Longchamp's Le Pliage Travel Bag, a larger, 21.7-inch iteration of the famous tote, for a weekend in upstate New York," she says. "I fit my laptop, two spare outfits, PJs, my cosmetics, and even a pair of cowboy boots. I loved that it was an oversized version of a bag I've loved for all my life; it felt like going on a trip with a longtime friend."
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 21.7" x 15.7" x 9.1"
What We Love: It has a removable shoulder strap; comes in eight colors; is lightweight; and has a zipper and a snap closure.
What We Don't Live: While it has two interior side pockets, it has no other separate compartments. It also tends to rip at the corners with frequent use and time (which the brand will repair).
Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity Editor, Kristin Contino, swears by this pink backpack from Sinaliy, available for less than $50 on Amazon. "It's not just perfect for an overnight or weekend trip—I packed for ten days in Europe this summer using just this and a carry-on suitcase," she says. Its secret? It "unzips all the way and folds open like a suitcase."
The brand says it will safely and securely hold several different laptop sizes in one of its many dedicated compartments. It's made from lightweight and water-resistant polyester. It also comes complete with an anti-theft clasp across the front and a trolley sleeve—and if you travel by plane a lot, you'll be happy to hear that it fits both in the overhead compartment and underneath the seat in front of you.
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 17.32" x 12.2" x 6.7"+ 1.57" when expanded
What We Love: It unzips to lay flat, comes in several colors, fits underneath the airplane seat, and is water-resistant.
What We Don't: Some reviewers found it too heavy.
Customer Review: “The style of this bag is amazing, it’s waterproof and padded to perfection. I appreciate the...many storage possibilities and pockets including a hidden pocket against your back. The value is great.”
This bag comes from Everlane's ReNew collection, which includes one of Marie Claire's favorite laptop-friendly backpacks. The Renew Transit Weekender, however, pulls triple duty and can be carried three ways: as a crossbody, as a shoulder bag, or in-hand. It's our pick for the most versatile option on this list because of its adaptability; it can seamlessly take you from the office to the airport or train station. It also comes in five neutral colors, including olive green, a chalky white, and classic black. It has several internal and external pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders, and a luggage handle pass-through that doubles as a pocket.
Material: 100 percent recycled polyester | Dimensions: 14.2″ x 7.3″ x 19.5″
What We Love: It can be carried three ways; has a laptop sleeve and several internal pockets; comes in three colors; and is machine-washable.
What We Don't: It doesn't have a dedicated shoe compartment.
Don’t be fooled by the “garment bag” title—according to Kloots, this piece holds a lot and is great for when you want to avoid folding or getting clothes wrinkled in transit.
“If it’s summer, then I’m traveling with mostly lightweight dresses; I don’t want to arrive and dedicate the first hour of my trip to ironing. Rather than fold everything in a duffel, I can pack for a whole weekend in this garment bag,” she says. “Clothes go in on hangers, a zip pocket holds jewelry, a belt, and extra sunglasses. Once the inside compartment is zipped, I can put one or two pairs of shoes, a small packing cube with undergarments, my travel toiletry bag, and a makeup bag before folding it over. Then I zip it shut, and even use the crossbody strap to wear it on my shoulder like a duffel bag. I usually attach a hat clip to the handles too.”
Material: Vegan leather | Dimensions: 24" x 20" (folded); 24" x 40" (open)
What We Love: In addition to keeping clothes wrinkle-free—great for wedding weekend trips that may involve a formal wedding guest gown or a bridesmaid dress—Kloots loves that, due to the garment bag shape of this styles, airlines will often count it as a personal item. This means that it’s unlikely to get weighed or checked in by airlines when overhead space is limited.
What We Don’t: It only works well with clothing that can drop from a flat hanger.
Customer Review: “I travel a decent amount for work and have gone through my fair share of garment bags. The construction of this garment bag is solid, and the way it's designed makes the bag feel lightweight and easy to carry. Top notch and gives me peace of mind during my weekly travels.”
Ashley Afriyie, a stylist who has worked on the fashion teams of Anne Hathaway and Selena Gomez, found an option at L.L. Bean that balances durability with style. This weekender bag is spacious enough to hold a change of clothes, spare shoes, and her handheld steamer, which she keeps on hand for photo calls, press junkets, and photo shoots. "When I tell you this bag is the best thing ever, and I get so many compliments when I wear it, I mean it," she tells Marie Claire.
Available in three sizes and five colors, it's the sturdiest overnight bag on our list. (Think of it as the travel-ready version of L.L. Bean's iconic Boat and Tote.) This one is open on top, which might be better for car journeys, but the brand also has a weekender with a zipper if you prefer extra security. The interior is coated in a wax that's equally durable and easy to clean. You can also add your monogram to the side.
Material: Canvas | Dimensions: 17" x 19" x 10"
What We Love: It comes in three sizes and five colors; and is monogrammable.
What We Don't: It doesn't have pockets, a zipper, or a crossbody strap.
Customer Review: “The perfect tote for travel. Easily cleaned. The size works for so many things.”
Other Weekender Bags We Love
This all-black canvas duffel bag from Herschel Supply Co. has more to it than meets the eye. It comes with exterior, zipper-closed shoe storage and interior mesh pockets to keep you organized. This well-reviewed duffel also features a waterproof zipper that zips in two directions, which will come in handy during hectic travel moments when you're moving quickly on the go. Another bonus is that it comes with an adjustable, removable shoulder strap.
Material: 100 percent polyester with vegan leather trim | Dimensions: 10.75" x 17" x 9.75"
What We Love: It has a separate shoe compartment, a convertible shoulder strap, and waterproof zippers.
What We Don't: Some reviewers say the handles aren't flexible.
Customer Review: "Stylish and durable, it’s the perfect size for a carry-on with lots of useful pockets so you can find things. This bag carries more than you think, and has become indispensable for weekend trips and longer ones."
This sleek bag with gold hardware, hailing from top luggage brand Tumi, is a fan favorite for a reason: Thanks to details like a double-zip entry and a padded laptop compartment, it effectively tag-teams as a work bag if you have a lot of stuff to carry on your commute. It also comes equipped with travel-friendly features such as a dedicated shoe compartment, a water bottle pocket, and five bottom feet. Tumi's Voyageur weekender bag has easy-to-reach internal and external pockets to keep your phone and wallet handy, too.
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 12.5" x 17.3" x 7.0"
What We Love: It has a dedicated shoe compartment and a laptop sleeve; is made from a water-resistant material; and comes in four colors.
What We Don't: Some reviewers say the laptop pocket is too shallow and that the bottom compartment is difficult to arrange.
Customer Review: "My primary carry-on all through Europe. [It] fits under seats in a plane. I can pack for three days at a time with clothes, shoes, and personal items. The inside compartments are well thought out, and I like the inside water bottle holder and the outside zip for phone and other often needed items."
You've probably seen this weekender bag from Shay Mitchell’s brand all over TikTok and Instagram. Available in four colors, including beige and bubblegum pink, the Béis Weekender Travel Bag has all the features of a backpack but without the two-strap, sometimes bulky look. This bag has a dedicated shoe compartment at the base and adjustable, removable shoulder straps. Slim exterior pockets make packing and accessing essentials easy, while the long shoulder straps keep it snugly tucked under your arm. The waterproof fabrication and metal feet are the small details that matter.
Material: Poly Canvas | Dimensions: 18 1/2" x 16" x 9 1/2"
What We Love: It has a dedicated shoe compartment; comes in several colors; has an adjustable, removable shoulder strap, interior and exterior pockets, and a trolley sleeve.
What We Don't: Some reviewers said it's heavy.
Customer Review: "I don't know what took so many companies so long to understand that something can be aesthetically pleasing, efficient, and well-made. Béis took the steps to make a functional carry-on that actually looks nice. I packed my son's and my clothes for a four-day trip in this bag, with space to spare. The space in the bottom fits four pairs of shoes."
When Kloots does reach for a more traditional duffel style, it’s this carryall bag from Dagne Dover that comes in four sizes, ranging from small to extra large.
“When I’m packing for a weekend adventure that calls for bulkier things—sweaters, jeans, boots, workout clothes—I want a bag that can stretch to the limits and is easy to clean,” says Kloots, adding that she also loves that this style comes out “looking new” after she throws it in the washing machine. “This bag’s built-in amenities are like a 5-star hotel: a padded laptop sleeve, an Air Mesh pouch for essentials, a water bottle pocket, a stretch key leash, a shoe bag, tons of extra interior pockets, and a little secret pocket on the back exterior to hold your phone.”
Material: Neoprene | Dimensions: 16.5” x 9” x 11”
What We Love: In addition to being easy to clean and water-resistant, it’s spacious; comes with a shoe bag; has multiple pockets and compartments; and is available in a multitude of colors.
What We Don’t: Some reviewers note that this bag is on the heavier side.
Customer Review: “This bag is a game changer and worth the purchase! Very sturdy and fits a lot for long haul travel.”
This duffel from Calpak might look small, but it can hold a surprising amount. A soft shell at the top combines with a more rigid bottom compartment, perfect for storing shoes or liquids prone to leaking during travel. That hardshell design at the bottom is just one of many compartments on this bag—others include zipped pockets on the inside and the outside and a trolley sleeve at the back. It also comes in black, light gray, and a soft off-white.
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 19" x 14.5" x 10.5"
What We Love: It has a trolley sleeve, a dedicated shoe compartment at the base, a removable shoulder strap, interior and exterior pockets; and comes in three colors.
What We Don't: Reviewers say it can feel bulky.
Customer Review: "LOVE this duffle! So much room that it took the place of two bags I used to carry. Quality made to last, I am so happy with this purchase."
This quilted weekender from MZ Wallace is a favorite for its lightweight, durable design. It has padded handles, plus a whopping seven exterior pockets, a laptop sleeve, a trolley sleeve, and a dainty key ring inside so you won't lose track of your set while in transit. Classic details like a removable, adjustable shoulder strap are also built in.
Material: Recycled polyester and nylon | Dimensions: 15" x 19.75" x 9.5"
What We Love: It has a lightweight, stylish quilted design; seven exterior pockets; a key ring; and a dedicated phone pocket.
What We Don't: It doesn't have a shoe compartment.
Customer Review: "Excellent bag! Used for the first time on a flight, and it was so handy having the outside zip pockets and the two small hidden pockets. I have a big collection of MZ Wallace bags, and this tote is definitely one of my favorites!"
As the name suggests, this bag from athletic favorite Lululemon is two-in-one: Depending on the way you place the straps, it can be used as a duffel bag or a backpack. In addition to being versatile, it comes in water-repellent fabric, is extremely spacious (reviewers note that it can fit enough for a week-long trip rather than just a weekend), and has multiple exterior and interior pockets.
Material: Nylon and polyester | Dimensions: 20.5" x 12.6" x 9.3"
What We Love: It has backpack straps in addition to handles, and can fit a lot.
What We Don't: According to reviews, it can look bulky when worn horizontally as a duffle.
Customer Review: “Absolutely love this versatile bag. Holds a ton while still being lightweight and easy to carry as either a duffle or backpack.”
If you've ever dealt with shampoo or foundation leaking all over (and staining) your travel bag, this weekender from Cuyana is for you. It's machine-washable and, even better, made from a recycled plastic knit woven. It features two exterior zip pockets (big enough to fit a laptop or a book) and three interior ones for phone, wallet, or passport storage. It also makes the perfect companion to your carry-on suitcase with a trolley sleeve at the back.
Material: Knit made from recycled plastic | Dimensions: 14.5" x 22.5" x 7"
What We Love: It's made from machine-washable fabric; has a trolley sleeve, a removable and adjustable crossbody strap, protective metal feet, and multiple pockets.
What We Don't: It doesn't have a shoe compartment.
This weekender bag from Alex Mill (you might know the brand for its wardrobe essentials and preppy shirting) is a popular option among the style set, from Jenna Lyons to Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Nikki Ogunnaike. Available in five colors and with a custom monogrammed design on the front, it's easy to see why it's a lasting favorite.
"I took it as my carry-on to Japan, London, and France this year, and it also served as my weekender for a trip to Big Sur recently," says Damsel in Dior's Duprie. "It's versatile, fits perfectly on a roll-on bag, and fits everything inside, from a few days of clothes to my laptop."
Material: 100 percent cotton | Dimensions: 13" x 17" x 9.5"
What We Love: It has double handles with (tuckable) shoulder straps; and is spacious, easy to clean, and monogrammable.
What We Don't: It only has two interior pockets, and doesn’t zip closed.
Customer Review: "This bag is giving life to my return-to-office, five days a week world. It’s ruggedly cool and unassumingly stylish. Looks effortless in my Citi Bike basket. Besides, who doesn’t need another reason to monogram something?"
There was a time when you couldn't scroll on TikTok without seeing a bag from Baboon to the Moon. Its famous Go-Bag range has become a must-have for travelers, and for good reason: The brand says this duffle can fit up to five days of outfits and accessories, unzips to lay completely flat, and has four pockets. It's also machine-washable and made from a waterproof outer shell. Removable, adjustable, and ergonomic shoulder pads also mean you won't feel shoulder or back pain after carrying it all day. You can shop the bag in two additional sizes, a mini 32-liter option and a larger 60-liter version.
Material: Phthalate-free PVC fabric | Dimensions: 10.5in x 20.5in x 12.5in
What We Love: It's machine-washable; unzips to lay flat; comes in four colors; and has interior and exterior pockets.
What We Don't: It can be bulky when packed.
Customer Review: "Love it! Worth it! Amazing! I had my eye on these bags for a while and finally decided to pull the trigger. I cannot believe the quality of these bags. They truly do feel indestructible."
This sporty, lightweight pick from FP Movement—the workout brand Marie Claire editors love—is the perfect way to lean into your inner athlete. It comes in six shades, from tangerine to hot pink. It features a slouchy, roomy interior (ideal for filling with your weekend getaway essentials) and zip-close interior pockets, so valuables stay securely tucked away. Plus, it has zipper shoe compartments and a sleeve to secure it onto roll-away luggage.
Material: 100 percent polyester | Dimensions: 12" x 10" x 16"
What We Love: It has an adjustable padded shoulder strap, a shoe compartment, a luggage sleeve, and interior and exterior pockets; is lightweight; and comes in twelve colors.
What We Don't: Some reviewers say they wish it were larger.
Customer Review: "This bag is so cute! It has a pocket on the side for shoes, which is very nice. It’s a little small but not bad at all. It comes with a long strap and a pocket on the side. I love it, I would recommend it!"
Kloots loves stylish luggage, and says that she often uses a hat box from Steamline Luggage, known for its retro shapes and fun colors, in place of a weekender.
“This pick is the Aquarius in me, that never wants to show up with the same bag someone else has and loves thinking outside the box: If I’m doing a staycation or taking a fancy train trip, then style becomes as much my priority as packability,” she says. “The vintage design gives it the wow factor, and the best part about this bag is that it doubles as home decor. Rather than storing it away after a trip, mine is in plain sight, adding charm to my office.”
Material: Japanese fibreboard | Dimensions: 14.5” x 13.5” x 5.75”
What We Love: It has an unconventional shape, whimsical print, and removable strap.
What We Don’t: It only has one interior pocket.
"My husband has this backpack from Fjällräven, and when I borrowed it for a quick one-night trip, I found that the straps were so comfortable, and the padded design was so relaxed on my back," says Marzovilla. "It's the best option on this list if you're a light packer—I could fit a laptop, a change of shoes, a hoodie, and another T-shirt for the two-day trip. I also love the longer straps on the top—they make it easy to carry because the design is so lightweight. It's made from a waterproof material called Vinylon-F that weighs in at under a pound when it's empty."
Material: Vinylon F | Dimensions: 11.02" x 15.75" x 6.3"
What We Love: It's water-resistant; fits most 13" laptops; has a laptop sleeve and adjustable shoulder straps; and comes in several colors.
What We Don't: It's better for overnight or two-day trips, and has no separate shoe compartment.
What To Look for in the Best Weekender and Overnight Bags
- Functional Design Features: Look for design features that suit your needs. A removable shoulder strap, a trolley sleeve, a mix of interior and exterior pockets, or a dedicated shoe compartment at the base are all major pluses. They will transform a great weekend or overnight bag into the best, bar none. The bags on this list are all outfitted with combinations of must-buy features, like the ones mentioned and others you may not have considered before you started shopping.
- A Stylish Look: Function is essential, but aesthetics are valuable, too. You want a bag you'll be proud to carry and that complements your wardrobe. Many of this list's options come in neutral colors, but others tap into fashion's top color trends and playful prints.
- High-Quality Materials: You want a bag that lasts, and what it's made of matters. The options on this list use durable fabrics, like leather, canvas, or lightweight polyester. Some even come with easy-to-clean materials or a waterproof or water-resistant finish so your clothes won't get soaked.
How We Chose
Our picks come courtesy of travel pros Kloots, Duprie, Afriyie, and Marie Claire's team of well-traveled editors, who spend almost as much time on the road as at home. After speaking with experts and conducting independent research, we evaluated the products based on quality of materials, customer reviews, value, and design details.
Why Trust Us
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Experts

Duprie started Damsel in Dior in 2011 as a creative outlet after working freelance as a website designer.

Afriyie is a stylist who has worked with brands and publications, including Vogue, Teen Vogue, Saks Fifth Avenue, Marie Claire, and Gucci, and on the styling assistant team for Meryl Streep, Lupita N’yongo, Selena Gomez, Naomi Watts, and Anne Hathaway.
Anna Kloots is a New York Times Bestselling author behind My Own Magic and a creative living in Paris. Her writing reflects her trials, triumphs, dreams, and adventures, and just might inspire you to drop everything and start over in France, like she did.
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Julia Marzovilla is the Fashion E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she reviews the latest launches from fashion and beauty brands, finds the best on-sale items around the internet, and interviews experts to find the best products in any category to share with her readers. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site as an expert in everything from the best laptop bags to the best laser hair removal devices.
In her near decade of experience, Julia has both written for several top outlets in the E-Commerce space and worked at major fashion labels. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and worked as the Trending Fashion and News Writer STYLECASTER. You can find her across the internet at @JuliaMarzovilla. In real life, you can find her creating shopping guides for her friends, cooking or baking in her too-small kitchen, or buying tickets for the next time Harry Styles is in town.
Julia has a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Journalism from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. She lives in New York City, her hometown.