– Major Alan “Dutch” Schaefer
There’s something satisfying about having the ability to pack up a bag and go on a moment’s notice. And weekender bags help facilitate that. It should have ample space (2000 cubic inches is a bare minimum), but not so much space that you’re suckered into overpacking. They should look good when new (travel & vacations should feel like a luxury, not a chore) yet look better after getting dinged up. They’ve got to be easy enough to carry. Wield-able even. Bonus points if they sneak perfectly into the trunk of a fast car or in the overhead bin of regional jet, since these things were made for the glory that is the 3 or 4 day weekend. Here’s a few that fit that bill… for not so many bills. Travel safe.
Bespoke Post Weekender – $45.00
A dead simple, stonemason-bag-style made from canvas w/ leather accents and a metal framed top. While that metal frame adds a bit of stability, it does make it a little less maneuverable than a completely soft sided bag. Just a hair over 2000 cubic inches, so not the biggest thing. This is the 2nd generation of these bags, and you can see a full review of the first over here. Bonus points if you go through the mess of waxing it. Does tend to come and go in terms of availability.
Frost River Flight Bag – $180 – $255
Been on lists like these for years, and for really good reason. Made in the USA from incredibly durable feeling waxed canvas and super-soft leather. The “Carry on” size is getting close to three thousand cubic inches (2800″ to be exact) and has plenty of room inside. Full in-person review over here.
Beckel Canvas War Bag – $75.00
Made in Oregon and stunningly inexpensive. Not a lot of frills, but still a handsome bag. Made in four different colors. Leather reinforcements at stress points. Know that if you want the shoulder strap, you need to shell out an extra $10.
Filson Medium Duffel – $325.00
“Might as well have the best” is Filson’s slogan, but if you can wait, you might as well hang out for a sale at Brooks Brothers. BB doesn’t always exclude their 3rd party stuff, so their sales are a good time to land a piece from Filson. If memory serves, a few of these were available during the F&F 25% off sale from not that far back. Pretty good deal if you can get it on this Made in the USA duffel. Sizeable at over 4500 cubic inches.
J. Crew Abingdon Weekender – $114.00 w/ LONGWEEKEND ($198)
Also a big one. Over 4000 cubic inches (17 1/2″H x 26″W x 9 1/4″D) and available in three different shades. Wondering how stable that shoulder strap is going to be (attached to the side of the bag) under heavy loads. But an awfully nice price now, thanks to the 40% off sale items code LONGWEEEKEND.
Duluth Pack Medium Sportsman’s Duffel – $325
Not cheap, but a real looker. That, and it’s guaranteed for life. Made in the USA, a boatload of different color options to choose from, and has a classic design that’s been used for a century if not more. Full review here.
Herschel Supply Co. Canvas “Novel” Duffel – $110.00
Sneaky sizeable but still not huge. Has a separate compartment for a pair of shoes. This one is their cotton canvas option. The poly sided bags run cheaper at $80. Was just on sale via MaxtonMen, so keep an eye out for more codes.
Everlane Suede Weekender – $135
Man… there’s just something about suede luggage. Simplicity, a bit of luxury, and a medium to deep red garnet color (it’s not as dark in person). Also available in “Coal” or dark brown in suede… and plenty of other color options in twill for $95. 2160 cubic inches and fits in an overhead compartment. Shown at the top of the post.
Gustin Waxed Canvas Duffel – $145.00
24″L x 9″H x 11″W (2360 cubic inches). 20 oz, heavy duty waxed canvas that’s sourced from the USA. Made in California. Gorgeous looking oil-tanned, full-grain leather accents. Classic cylindrical duffel shape, but they’ve got pockets on either end for quick access.
The Reminder: Go check your local Army/Navy surplus store
Lots of good stuff there… for real cheap. Bags might/probably could be one of those items.
The Bespoke Post Weekener hits a lot of Dappered-approved points: classic style, great price. But a white travel bag is going to look filthy after just a few trips.
Frost River bags are the best value out there, IMO. Comparable in price to the JCrew and LL Bean, but made in the USA. And I can’t imagine a better made bag for the price. Maybe the Gustin if it comes around again, but you can order the Frost River anytime. I have the Medium flight bag. I’ve packed for a week in warm weather and 4 days in cooler weather without stuffing it full. The carry-on should be plenty big for any weekend. And grab a couple accessory bags when you order. They’re inexpensive and great for organizing your small stuff.
Want dead simple? Wear like iron? Black? try http://www.redoxx.com/Aviator-Duffel-Bags/150/150/dept The extra small is a great overnight bag and the small is a perfect weekend bag. I have one in each size and two of the smalls. One is a permanent resident in my roll-aboard so I can bring home my finds…or dirty laundry!
Plus if you want to spend more, their full range is awesome. Heavier by degrees than Tom Binh bags, they also have a wider range of colors. I’m a Henry Ford-type, so basic black suits me fine.
Am I missing something? I agree these bags look nice, but they seem to be inconvenient for carrying stuff through an airport terminal, given that most of them don’t have straps. Even if it did have a shoulder strap, it seems for convenience’s sake, a suitcase or a backpack wins in every single situation. But these do like nice. Correct me if I’m wrong!
You raise a good point — most of the bags have attachable shoulder straps, but “for the look” are photographed mostly without them (some exceptions above).
The “weekender” bag is conceptualized not just for airport travel, but also throwing it in the back of the trunk for a weekend drive to the beach or to visit a friend. Backpack works great for that, but a rolling carry-on suitcase, I think not so well.
Sadly, this is true no matter what fabric you’re dealing with, a blue patch on one side from your jeans rubbing up against it..and a black one from everything else…
Bingo…ideally, you’re throwing the bag in the back like Steve McQueen….and the Lady in the front like….Steve McQueen.
I was born in the wrong era. People don’t even look decent at the airport anymore.
I just received Navali’s Weekender bag (on sale for $75 with S/H) and it seems pretty solid.
Run from that zara bag….run I tell you. Bought a similar version around Christmas when they did a 50% off sale…and I couldn’t respect myself afterwards: bad wear in, squeakiness, über-stiff, and cracked after two flights (not sexy leather cracking either).
Any other bag on this list would be better.
Absolutely right, but one company, ‘nau’ increased the size of their handles to make for a decent shoulder/hand transition….allows you to look less like a woman holding her purse.
Gotta throw in my vote for the weekend bag from H&M:
http://www.hm.com/us/product/21583?article=21583-A
Faux leather but still great looking and inexpensive as hell
I think a suitcase is bulkier, heavier and, if you got the wheelie, slower. When I’m in an airport and I just have a weekender, I’m zipping around the terminal, dodging kids and stuffing my bag in the overhead compartment in record time while the guy in front of me is still trying to pop his handle back and heft his suitcase up.
Now a backpack is just as faster and maneuverable but will ruin your outfit. If you are wearing anything nicer than jeans and a t-shirt, you will look like a dingus.
That said, a weekend bag isn’t for a month-long trip to Europe. It’s for jamming it with clothes at the last moment, throwing it in the trunk of you car and driving to the beach for a couple days. You can do that with a suitcase, sure, but why?
I allow myself to a dappered ‘splurge’ a couple times a year, and I’ve been eying this Ernest Alexander overnight/weekender since last fall. http://www.ernestalexander.com/bags/overnight/bedford-wax-overnight-bag?product=45
$50 off first purchase over $200 if you sign up for email list.
What about the blue claw weekender, which has also been a common item on Bespoke Post? For $45 it’s classy as hell https://www.bespokepost.com/box/sweat#
This is what I came here to post. Red Oxx bags are fantastic. I have an Air Boss in charcoal (actually a light grey). I’ve taken that thing all over the world and it’s held up perfectly. Trains in India, dunked in the Gulf of Thailand, hundreds of flights and it just never quits.
That + a leather satchel from Copper River is my go-to combo.
Love this one from Wood & Faulk. Waxed canvas and leather. Made in the USA. Multiple sizes/colors available.
http://shop.woodandfaulk.com/collections/northwesterner/products/northwesterner-20-olive-and-brown
I’ve got that one, as well as the canvas mason’s bag up there. Both really nice and seem to be quite solid (I’ve been using the mason’s bag for an actual tool bag, and it’s performed very well). Only issue is that they might be a bit small for a weekend.
Actually I’m about to hit out on a 3 1/2 trip to Croatia/Bosnia/Montenegro and am looking at doing it with my LL Bean Weekender. I hate the idea of lugging a big bag around, and bags with wheels generally run about 6-8lbs before you even put anything in them.
I have a washer/dryer everywhere I’m staying insuite so that helps. Plus I’ve got the packing fairly down pat over the years on maximizing clothes pairings.
OK, yall have talked me into getting one
I bought the Everlane bag a few months ago. It has been one of my favorite purchases. I bought one my girlfriend, too. I’m thinking of getting another one for myself that I can rotate. For anyone considering the Frost River bag and would like to know about the quality, I bought a simple brief from them a few months ago. Solid construction, durable, and high quality materials used (e.g. buckles, leather, canvas, etc)
Frank & Oak’s Watch Dogs duffle looks sweet!
https://www.frankandoak.com/product/15574#!shopid=
If you happen to look vaguely military, as in fit and short-haired, these look…manly: http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/FLIEGERDUFFEL-ADVENTURE-BAG-p920.htm. I love mine.
3 1/2 what? Weeks! You are a better man than I am. I’m planning on a trip to Europe, later this year, and I fully plan on looking like a dingus and backpacking it. Of course, I am more of a hostel/couchsurf/cheap-ass traveller.
The problem with that is that if you’re not really tall, you’ll be dragging the thing on the ground if you carry it by the handles in your hand.
I’ll throw my vote in for H&M’s $50 imitation leather weekender: http://www.hm.com/us/product/21583?article=21583-A
I’ve had it for two years now and it still looks great and has more character with some scuffs but no rips, holes, or other defects.
I have the Everlane, and at 5’10”, it’s not a problem for me.
This is true…I’m only 5’8, so I tend to wrap the handles around my wrist before the grasp…this can get uncomfortable with heavy bags….
Before you do….I recommend a quick eBay check first.
Man, this guy knows the jets his bags fit in?
Step your game up ya’ll. we’re in the presence of a master.
Tell me great one, have you any other recommendations on weekenders(or bags in general & travel) ?
Honestly, no sarcasm…I’m googling the last three jets I flew on right now…
I’m still waiting for the Potenza to come back in stock. Just beautiful, like a Frank Clegg without the price point. Plus, it has this fantastic red inner lining that makes it pop.
http://www.beckettsimonon.com/products/potenza-weekender-bag-tan-full-grain-leather
When can we expect a similar article but for luggage? Or are you hinting that it’s a fashion no-no to be carrying around luggage with wheels?
I’m only 5’8″ and it’s a problem for me with a lot of tote bags, so I suspect it would also be a problem with these. I either spend half the time wishing the straps were longer so I could get my arm through and put the bag on my shoulder, or wishing they were shorter so I could hold the bag by my side and not have it drag on the ground.
Oh I “pursed” up the Everlane bag recently (threw it over my shoulder) and there was plenty of room. I think they designed it specifically to do that. Was pretty comfortable even though the straps are not padded.
Thanks for the timing of this post Joe. I had been looking around for a good weekender bag, and just purchased the J Crew Abingdon Weekender on sale, (though not as good as this sale!). It certainly looks nice, but is very unstructured, which makes it a bit floppy. I was a bit on the fence about it, and now with these other noted options, I feel like I might be back to the drawing board.
1100+ posts on the lightest carry-on bag for frequent flyers:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/895927-lightest-carry-bag.html
Enjoy.
tldr Red Oxx and Tom Binh are the winners.
Bought the Jack Spade bag about a year or so ago when it went on sale at Nordstrom. It looks fantastic when showing up nice hotel for a weekend away.
The leather starting to soften up and I’m sure will get better with age.
To add to the discussion on weekend bags vs rolling luggage… I look for every opportunity to use the weekend bag, but if it’s a work trip over more than one night I still grab the rolling suitcase (which is also carry on sized). I can fold pants and jackets without creasing the lapels, pocket flaps and canvassing etc and lay them flat in a rolling case. The more vertical orientation of the weekend bag means I end up with more creases in my clothes when I arrive!
What about the Target’s “Men’s Canvas Weekender Bag?” Has anyone tested this thing out yet? It looks pretty nice!
http://www.target.com/p/men-s-canvas-weekender-bag/-/A-15145197#prodSlot=medium_1_4
Surprised the Blue Claw Ezeiza Weekender isn’t on this list. It’s what I carry & love it.
http://www.blueclawco.com/collections/all/products/ezeiza-weekender-british-tan
Learned about Beckel through this post and just put in an order that will finally get me a briefcase that will fit my 17″ laptop! They’re very impressive all around so far, can’t wait to get the customized bag in my hands, which they said would be 2-3 weeks.
Nice bags, but I really bags that have more pockets and are durable. The bag below looks far cooler than anything in the article.
http://www.tanhandbags.com/product/xl-brown-leather-duffle-travel-bag-men/
How about soulful collection leather duffle bags.
Just a note of warning: my girlfriend got me a weekender last year from F&O. Within 40ft of leaving my apartment the strap’s clasp broke in two. The bag has great looks but leaves a lot to be desired in quality. F&O offered to give a refund if I sent the whole thing back; which was hard to justify given I had taken it on a trip and the clasp was easily replaceable.
Bespoke Post also has a box with a canvas duffel right now. The bag is larger at
22″ x 10.5″ x 10.5″
https://www.bespokepost.com/box/sweat
I picked up the red LL Bean Signature bag thanks to this post. Looks good in that picture, looks even better in person. Great bang for buck.