Photo: Courtesy of Phoebe Philo
I’ve traveled 108 days this year up to date, which tallies up to around 36% of 2026 thus far. As someone who is constantly being asked “where are you off to next?” you’d think I’d be nonchalant about the packing process. But that assumption would be wrong. I assure you, it’s often a nightmare—closet turned upside down, hours flown by, personal style identity brought into question. But once I do reach that revelatory zenith where the clothes go into the packing apparatus, I’m reminded how important investing in the right travel bag is. And as it pertains to quick trips, the best weekender bags wear many hats.
The Best Weekender Bags, According to Vogue:
I’ve found the best options tend to be crafted in either a structured canvas, durable nylon, or luxurious leather—each material has its own benefits. Alex Mill’s garment-washed canvas option—dubbed the “Perfect Weekend Tote”—is inspired by old-school military bags. (I use my monogrammed one for vacations, farmers market hauls, and yoga studio runs.) If you’re leaning toward a more refined finish, look to elegant leather styles like Lié Studio’s weekend tote or Métier’s exquisite suede carryall as lifetime investments. And if you’re in the market for a glossier appearance, consider Moncler’s quilted, down-filled duffle. These weekender bags range in appearance, yet they all possess one crucial quality: utility. Zipper closures, sturdy handles, internal pockets, removable shoulder straps, and anything else to ease the process of consolidating your items.
For those one or two day jaunts that don’t quite warrant a suitcase, a weekender is a handy alternative across the board. If you’re catching the train and a rolling carry-on doesn’t fit above the seat (been there), that means instead of getting lost in the pages of your book, you’re spending the entire trip making sure your luggage stays safe on the racks across the train car. Or perhaps you’re hopping in the car with a few friends, and realize there’s not enough room for everyone’s mid-sized checked bag in the trunk (again, been there); a duffle surely would have sufficed. When in doubt, if the getaway is quick and doesn’t require numerous layers or equipment (see: a ski trip), you’re better off with a weekender bag to hold your travel essentials.
From holiday season voyages to tropical vacations to escape the cold, as you prepare your travel plans for the months ahead, consider bringing our pick of one of the best weekender bags along for the ride.
Coach
Soft Empire carryall bag
A fashion editor favorite, Coach’s leather carryall resembles a travel duffel bag—but is far more stylish. Weighing about four pounds, it comes with a detachable strap and features inside zip and multifunction pockets. You can even get it monogrammed. (While it doesn’t have a laptop sleeve, its spacious open compartment does comfortably fit a 13-inch laptop.)
Dimensions: 19.75” D x 9” W x 11.5” H
Materials: Pebble leather, calf leather
Alex Mill
The Perfect Weekend bag
With more space than your average canvas duffle bag, Alex Mill’s customizable tote is beloved for its numerous colorways and playful monogram options. The bag features a laptop pocket and crossbody straps, plus expandable sides with snap closures. It’s remarkably spacious, but when you haven’t packed it to the gills the tote doesn’t feel overbearing, either. It’s called the Perfect Weekend bag for a reason.
Dimensions: 16.5” D x 9” W x 13.75” H
Materials: Canvas
Métier
Weekend suede tote bag
Métier's weekend bags are for travelers ready to make an investment designed to last a lifetime. The perfect carry-on size, this suede tote is handmade in Italy and is finished off with braided leather-trimmed top handles that can withstand heavy loads.
Dimensions: 8.7 “ D x 18.9” W x 12.2” H
Materials: Suede
Lié Studio
The Eva tote bag
This sleek bag is the platonic ideal of a personal item—roomy enough to hold overnight essentials but stylish enough to use at your destination. Crafted from luxurious Portuguese leather, it features tubular handles to make tossing it over your shoulder all the more effortless.
Dimensions: 9.8” D x 17.3” W x 13” H
Materials: Leather
L.L.Bean
Boat and Tote bag
Handcrafted in Maine and tested to hold up to 500 pounds, this timeless tote works all year round—and not just as a weekender carry-on, but a gym bag, too. Details like a reinforced canvas bottom and double-stitched seams ensure it can rise to any occasion.
Dimensions: 6” D x 13” W x 12” H (larger sizes available)
Materials: Cotton canvas
Massimo Dutti
duffle bag
Resembling a briefcase, this handsome bag is crafted from bovine leather with a nappa finish. The spacious design features a zip-top closure with slightly rounded sides, and includes an adjustable, detachable strap.
Dimensions: 5.71” D x 19.29” W x 12.01” H
Materials: Leather
Kallmeyer
cottage canvas tote bag
Adored by stylists, designers, and editors alike, Kallmeyer’s cottage tote bridges the gap between form and function. The canvas bag features tonal handles, magnetic fastening, and has a spacious interior—perfect for the workday or an overnight trip.
Dimensions: 7.5” D x 30.7” W x 7.5” H
Materials: Canvas, leather
Phoebe Philo
Slouch Cabas tote bag
For a carry-on bag that befits your stylish weekend getaway, this softly structured tote is just the ticket. It’s crafted in a smooth toffee-hued suede and is trimmed with supple leather. There are interior pockets for tucking things away, and the bottom is finished with metal feet.
Dimensions: 9.5” D x 19.5” W x 14” H
Materials: Leather
Moncler
Caradoc duffle bag
This water-resistant holdall features leather trim accents and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap. Crafted from nylon, the duffle is down-filled, giving the silhouette a pleasantly plush appearance (and making it perfect for loading into overstuffed overhead bins with little room to spare).
Dimensions: 9.8” D x 20.4” W x 11.8” H
Materials: Nylon, down, feather
Altuzarra
Cubetto leather shoulder bag
Bucking the weekender tradition of a rectangular shape, this oversized cube silhouette is crafted in Spain from calf leather and features a spacious interior. There are two elongated shoulder handles for ease of carry, and a zip closure to keep everything snugly inside.
Dimensions: 11.8” D x 11.8” W x 11.8” H
Materials: Leather
Sézane
Paule tote bag
This versatile travel tote is made from GOTS certified cotton and is designed with one zipped pocket and three patch pockets. The bag closes with a silver snap button, and features both top handles and shoulder straps.
Dimensions: 10.6” D x 26.4” W x 13.8” H
Materials: Cotton
The Row
Iowa duffle bag
An overnight bag that needs little introduction, The Row’s Iowa duffle bag is the ultimate luxury weekender. With its grained calfskin leather, tubular top handles, and dual zipper closure, it’s perfect through and through.
Dimensions: 8” D x 15.75” W x 14” H
Materials: Leather
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