Getting the hell out of town for a long weekend is one of the greatest feelings in the world. These are the trips that are free of any obligations and stress. These trips are true vacations. Short enough where you can decompress and have fun, but not long enough that the planning and costs start to nip at the heels of the benefits.
Set the tone before you even leave your place. Get your stuff in something better looking than a gym bag. Any of these should do. One should be fine for the light packers, two should do it for trips that take more than two nights.
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Frost River Flight Bag – $120 – $140
If you prefer the look of rugged over urban polish, then this is probably the best deal in weekend luggage. Made in the USA, incredible waxed canvas exterior, and leather accents that are incredibly soft for the price point. Comes in either plenty big (small) or “I might not come back” (large). Full review here.
Ted Baker Bowling Bag – $74.90
($150)
Faux leather all the way but has just enough character and a low enough price. Nice TB retro logos on the hardware. Nothing fancy here, just a simple, extended bowling bag shape.
Ernest Alexander Duffel – $180 w/ code DAPPER ($225)
Available through Bonobos so you know the shipping (free and fast) and return policies. If only all barrel style duffels looked this good. Could be less if you bought one of those half price deals Bonobos ran recently.
Bellino Voyager Duffel – $92.99 ($116)
The costs stay low thanks to the brushed twill exterior that sort of resembles suede. Leather accents on there too. Contrast stitching and a real good reputation over at eBags. Get it through buy.com and you get the lower price.
Lands’ End Canvas 1963 Trip Bag – $140.00
Could be more like $110 if you were able to snag one of those LEC Living Social deals. Big. Not enormous, but at 18x12x15 it’s big enough to get you through an extra long weekend. Waxed canvas feels great in your hands, leather accents, and it appears to be built for the long haul. Rugged side grab handle pays homage to true duffels.
Fossil Jackson – $165.99 ($198)
Finding an all leather duffel under $200 is not the easiest thing in the world, and Fossil’s Jackson weekend bag is one of the few worth considering. The leather quality won’t blow your mind, but many guys swear by it and it does stand out from the crowd.
L.L. Bean Signature Medium Zipper Duffel – $150.00
Also comes in a small and much larger size. Waxed canvas exterior, leather bottom and handles, and plenty of room on the interior. Unless you’re gunning for the navy or black color, or you’ve got some kind of L.L. Bean credit card that gets you points or something, you might want to get the Frost River instead.
Ossington Houston Duffel – $159.99
($239)
If memory serves, these have been floating around on JackThreads for awhile. Jackthreads might have it for around this $160 price or it might be a little less (can’t recall). Some waxed canvas, some leather, and nice stripes.
Ben Sherman Small Duffel – $25.00 ($79.00)
This one is a little on the smaller side (1200 cubic inches) so it’s probably best to be used as a second bag and not your primary. But if you pack light? Can’t beat the price. Looks and feels just fine for $25.
Banana Republic Weekender – $198.00 (but can be had for $138 at 30% off)
Unlike their shoes, the BR weekender has had nothing but glowing reviews online, and if you’ve seen and held one in-store you know it’s not half bad. Large too. 22x15x10. Available in black as well. Always on sale.
Seil Marschall Tote – $175.00
The “in good company” stuff on J. Crew can be over-priced and/or an eye roller. This might be one of those. Unlike most tote bags, this one comes with a zippered top. Tough as hell looking sides and handles. Made in Germany by a heritage brand. Expensive, and small at around 1400 cubic inches.
The monster splurge: Saddelback Duffel – $537.00
Damn. I mean… damn.
And you? What’s your preferred luggage for a quick trip out of town? Your personal pick goes in the comments.