Weekender bags are an essential part of every man’s kit. Whether you’re flying out of town on business or getting away on a weekend jaunt to the mountains, having the right size, proper style bag is a necessity for traveling light and easy.
The right weekender duffle should be large enough to store everything you need, while compact enough to go anywhere. It should be easy to grab by the handle, throw over your shoulder and take wherever you find necessary. They should also look pretty snazzy. You don’t want to show up to the board meeting with what looks like your high school backpack. Nor do you want to head for the ski lodge with your briefcase by your side.
To help you out, we put together a guide of some of the best weekender bags out there. These are some of the most attractive and versatile bags out there, and you’ll be sure to find one that fits your style.
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PATAGONIA ARBOR DUFFEL
The Arbor Duffel is a straightforward duffle bag that marks the perfect union between utility and style. Made from 100% recycled polyester and treated with a DWR coating, it is a durable, lightweight duffel, and its 30l capacity means it can handle all your belongings. It also looks grown up enough that you won’t look like just you stepped out of high-school football practice. It comes in a variety of colors, and features a padded base to protect your valuables. It’s also pretty affordable.
TIMBUK2 NAVIGATOR DUFFEL
Timbuk2 makes all their bags in the Mission District of San Francisco, designing them to be lightweight, stylish bags that are as at home commuting to work by bike as they are in the overhead bin. The Navigator duffel is a versatile, spacious bag that can be carried three ways – by the carry handles, slung over your shoulder, or on your back like a backpack. It has multiple external pockets for extra storage, and comes in three sizes, Small, Medium and Large. While the Navigator is designed more for utility than classy looks, it is sleek and smooth enough to blend in with any travel outfit.
This sleek, vintage-inspired duffel is handmade in Colorado by Topo Designs, which is made from 1000D Cordura and built to withstand any and all kinds of abuse. The outside of the bag is streamlined, with nothing but two reinforced seatbelt handles and the Top Designs logo. The inside has an interior pocket organizer, and is lined with nylon pack cloth. It’s a rugged, classic piece of baggage that imparts a bit of Indiana Jones-cool to your adventures.
RED OXX MINI BOSS
Red Oxx gear is built to last, handcrafted and manufactured in Billings, Montana from some seriously tough stuff. The Mini Boss is designed for overnight and weekend trips, and fits the exact dimensions of airline overhead bins. It is made from 400D Cordura nylon with YKK zippers, and features UV-resistant thread and stitching. A detachable non-slip shoulder for ensures grip, and a padded laptop and tablet compartment can house laptops up to 15”. Lastly, all Red Oxx products come with the company’s No Bull Guarantee, a lifetime warranty ensuring your bags will endure wherever you take them.
BARBOUR WAX HOLDALL
If you’re looking for the best in classic men’s bags, take a look at the Barbour Wax Holdall. Cut from sturdy waxed cotton and with leather trim, this bag is what you would expect from Barbour: a stylish, vintage bag that looks as good on a business trip as it does hunting in the field. With two strong leather grab handles and a detachable shoulder strap make it easy to grab our throw over your shoulder, while aged brass details add some classic flair. Sized for weekend getaways, this bag is a gorgeously classic piece of gear for any trip.
ORVIS BULLHIDE LEATHER CARRY-ON
This leather duffle bag from Orvis is a veritable ox of a bag, built from leather and large enough to easily fit a whole weekend of clothes. It has a framed, full-zip main compartment that holds itself open for easy packing, as well as multiple large side pockets – and a built-in shoe compartment. A tartan inside-lining adds some classic style. Specifically designed as a carry-on, the Bullhide looks great for any trip thanks to its classic styling and rugged leather build. It’s a man’s bag, and a bag that inspires confidence wherever you go. It can also come personalized with an embroidered or etched name.
DULUTH PACK MEDIUM SPORTMAN’S DUFFEL
Duluth Pack has been handcrafting high-quality packs and apparel in Duluth, Minnesota for 1882. Their Sportsman’s Duffel is designed in the classic style of English Sportsman’s duffels, cut from a premium 15-ounce canvas and finished with high-quality, durable leather. Thick leather handles make grabbing it simple, while a canvas shoulder strap with leather grip is perfect for slinging it over your shoulder. It also has two inside slip pockets and premium YKK zippers. Lastly, Duluth Pack guarantees their bags for life – meaning this may be the last duffel you ever need.
CENZO LEATHER DUFFEL BAG
Italians are known for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, and Cenzo puts it on display in this beautiful leather weekender. Crafted from polished Italian calfskin, it is a model piece of European luggage, classy, slim and sleek. Brass details and trim give it a bit of edge, while a leather shoulder strap makes it comfortable and easy to carry. The inside is lined with a striped canvas, and floor to floor zippers allow for easy access and packing. The Cenzo Duffel is the perfect size for carry-ons, and its simple style makes it roomy enough for everything you need on your trip. If sleek, modern and classy is your thing, the Cenzo is the perfect bag for you.
BECKEL CANVAS WAR BAG
The Beckel Canvas War Bag is another excellent, Made In America weekender bag. The largest size allowed for carry-on baggage, it provides ample packing space for a weekend trip. It’s made of thick, durable canvas in a classic military field style, with leather reinforcements and trim. It comes in White, Navy, Black and Olive Drab. The War Bag has two canvas grab straps, but if you’d like a shoulder strap, that’s an additional $13. Still, with a price this affordable, the War Bag is a fantastic piece of luggage
FILSON DUFFLE
Filson has been making bags since 1897 right here in the USA. They build bags meant to last, guaranteed to “carry anything, through everything.” Their medium duffle is made from water-resistant Rugged Twill and finished with supple, strong Bridle Leather. A storm-flap closure keeps rain out, while all the brass zippers and details are rustproof. The maximum size allowed for carry-ons, it has plenty of space for packing for your weekend getaway. It looks great and is guaranteed for life – what’s not to love?
