We all love an escape from the monotony of the work week, a chance to unwind and rejuvenate before heading back to the office – but we can’t always have weeks-long adventures, jet-setting across the globe. Which is why we are embracing the weekend away!
What do you need to ensure you have a successful weekend trip? Firstly it helps to have your itinerary planned so you can fit your must-do’s and see’s into a short time. But the ultimate key is to pack wisely, so you don’t spend your relaxing holiday hauling around a suitcase.
For weekends away, you’ll likely be driving to a nearby escape, or perhaps taking a short flight, so it helps to pack lightly and compactly which is why we suggest investing in a good quality weekend bag for all of your adventures.
A weekend bag is essentially a large tote bag that fits all of the essentials, plus some, and makes for a quick trip without having to lug around a suitcase full of outfits we promise you won’t wear.
Consider what you pack and what is your plan for the weekend. Spending it hiking? Take two changes of activewear, pyjamas, sneakers and toiletries. Perusing through vineyards? Dress up a casual daytime outfit with a change of shirt or shoes and go for a minimal but effective makeup look to save space.
But more than anything, ensure you have a weekend bag that makes packing a dream. Which is why we suggest the below picks to shop before your next adventure.
The best weekender bags for your 2024 adventures
This style from Peta and Jain is super versatile and can take you from the office to the weekend and everything in between.
This is a super sleek and fashionable option that will never go out of style.
Key features:
- Fully lined interior
- Tan finish; gold-toned hardware
- Zip-fastened main compartment
- Twin fixed handles
- Adjustable shoulder strap; detachable
- Metal stud feet to base
- Faux leather shell
- Available in four colours: tan, black, black croc and green croc
02
JULY Carry All Weekender
$295 at JULY
A weekend bag perfect to take with you on a small trip.
Spacious and elegant, you can make the most of your weekend and bring everything you need.
Key features:
- 16 inch laptop padded sleeve compartment
- A pass-through band for easy attachment to your luggage
- Two ways to carry: handle palm and adjustable shoulder strap
- Water-resistant
- Soft leather carry handles
- Front access zip pocket with two internal compartments
- Internal dividers and zipped pockets
- Gunmetal zips and hardware
- Premium leather handles and trims
03
Nere Relm 48cm Wheel Bag
$170 at The Iconic
Elevate your next adventure with this weekender bag from Nere.
This style is a soft carry-on bag with lots of storage space and two wheels for easy movement.
Key features:
- 40L capacity
- Faux leather
- Soft wheel bag (two wheels)
- Zip pockets
Also available at:
- $170 from STRAND
This weekender bag is the perfect size to pack in your weekend essentials for a few nights away.
It has a purpose-built pocket for shoes, a back sleeve to slot over a suitcase handle, and also comes with a detachable shoulder strap.
Key features:
- Durable nylon
- Water-resistant
- Premium leather details
- Zipped, padded pocket to protect a laptop up to 13 inches
- Available in five colours: mineral, taupe, woodland-green, black and navy
05
David Lawrence Nyla Weekender Bag
$159 (usually $279) at Myer
This cotton canvas weekender bag provides plenty of space to carry all your essentials.
Whether you’re packing for an overnight trip or weekend adventure, this bag has got you covered.
Key features:
- Water-resistant
- Gold detailing
- Zips at the front pocket
- Top fastening
- Short carry straps
- Removable longer shoulder strap
- 100% cotton
Also available at:
- $115 (usually $279) from David Lawrence
What is a weekender bag for?
As the name suggests, weekender bags are the perfect size bag to take on overnight or small weekend trips.
Whether you’re heading on a road trip or catching a flight, weekender bags are great for short trips as they are compact but can still fit all of your essentials inside.
Weekend bags are usually soft, water-resistant, and have shoulder straps.
What is a weekender bag vs duffle bag?
There are some slight differences between weekender bags and duffle bags which may lead you to lean towards one style more than the other.
Weekender bags are specifically created for overnight or short trips, and as such they feature more details such as compartments, dividers and multi-wear straps.
In contrast, duffle bags tend to offer larger capacity options but without as much structure.