The Best Weekender Bags For Men, Tested By Our Team Of Editors
The best weekender bags for men are spacious, easy to carry and compact enough to fit in a plane's ... More overhead bin. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
When shopping for a new weekender bag, dimensions and capacity are undoubtedly two of the most important considerations to keep in mind. If you're packing for an overnight, a smaller weekender bag like the Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender will do the trick; for an extended stay, opt for a larger bag like the Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L. 'The ideal weekender should be spacious enough to fit clothing, toiletries and a few extras for two to three days, but compact enough to comply with carry-on restrictions for most airlines,' says Ally Gibson, a travel content creator who has visited over 30 countries. Ahead, the best weekender bags for men in 2025. Our Top Recommendations
Most Organized Weekender Bag For Men: Away The Weekender
Best Large Weekender Bag For Men: Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L
Best Compact Weekender Bag For Men: Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender
Best Affordable Weekender Bag For Men: Béis The Weekender
Best Structured Weekender Bag For Men: Antler Icon Overnight Bag
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Dimensions: 31 x 10.5 x 17.5 | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Materials: Canvas, leather | Colors: 5 total, including Army Green and Navy
Best for: Stylish appearance
Personalization options
Spacious main compartment
Skip if: You want a bag with more pockets
Mark & Graham's canvas and leather weekender bag earned the top spot on our list thanks to its stylish design, high-quality materials and spacious interior. It comes in two sizes, but we recommend the larger size for weekend trips, as the main compartment holds enough for trips lasting up to three or four days (depending on your packing style). The spacious main compartment features one zippered pocket, which helps store a passport and other important items, and there's also an exterior pocket. 'This bag has a very understated but classic look that could fit anyone's aesthetic,' says our tester, who traveled with this bag on a weekend lake trip this summer. 'The canvas felt tough and sturdy, especially around the handle. The leather on the bottom proved durable as well.'
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Dimensions: 20.9 x 11.8 x 9.4 inches | Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Materials: Nylon, leather | Colors: 5 total, including Jet Black and Coast Blue
Best for: Clamshell opening for easy access to belongings
Multiple zippered interior pockets
Separate padded laptop pocket
Skip if: You're looking for a lighter bag
Away is an editor-approved brand known for its modern, streamlined luggage with excellent organizational features (we've reviewed the brand's most popular suitcases in our guides to the best luggage and best checked luggage ). The weekender bag offers many of the same organizational features as suitcases, like a clamshell opening with two separate compartments, an exterior padded laptop pocket and multiple handles. Our tester took this bag on a recent trip to Montréal, and it was more than spacious enough for a three-day stay: 'I was able to squeeze in two pairs of pants, four shirts, a blazer, a sweater and a toiletry bag, and I used its shoe compartment to store a pair of flats," she says. However, our tester notes that it feels a bit heavy, despite its nylon construction, so it's not ideal for travelers who will be carrying heavy equipment in it, such as cameras or tech. It would be great for a road trip, though.
Bellroy Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Editor's note: We tested the 35-liter weekender bag, which was recently discontinued. We included product information below for the 45-liter version.
Dimensions: 14.6 × 26 × 11.8 inches | Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Materials: Recycled polyester, nylon | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Slate
Best for: Extra space for packing
Sturdy, rolled-edge handles and polyester construction
Internal Apple AirTag pocket
Skip if: You want a bag with a separate laptop sleeve
If you're looking for a larger weekender for trips that might turn into an extended stay, we highly recommend the Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L. Bellroy utilizes fabrics from recycled sources, including fishing nets and plastic bottles, resulting in a sturdy, textured polyester that withstands frequent use and rough handling. Despite its simple, uncluttered exterior, it's packed with helpful features, including a detachable, padded shoulder strap, luggage pass-through and an internal AirTag pouch. 'It also offers excellent organization—I especially liked the raised mesh pockets inside, which allowed me to secure items I didn't want squished, and the side-slip pockets made it easy to grab things on the go,' says our tester, who traveled with this bag on a three-day trip to Germany. 'Plus, this bag conveniently fits into a car trunk, overhead compartment or under an airplane seat.'
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Dimensions: 18.1 x 11 x 7.3 inches | Capacity: 24 liters | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Materials: Nubuck leather | Colors: 4 total, including Charcoal and Chocolate
Best for: Comfortable handling thanks to the 1.5-inch-wide shoulder strap
Luxe material and finishes
Skip if: You're looking for a budget-friendly option
Surface can reveal minor scratches, so this bag will need to be occasionally brushed
Although this bag is more expensive than other options on our list, its luxurious materials and beautiful design are worth the investment. The nubuck leather exterior is brushed for a suede-like finish and will stand the test of time since it's made from the toughest part of the hide. The streamlined size is easy to haul in and out of a car, train, or plane, and it features a total of four pockets (three on the inside and one on the outside). 'This is a very compact bag, akin to a small gym bag, and it slipped effortlessly into the cramped overhead bin on my flight,' says our tester, who used this bag on a weekend trip from Michigan to New York City. 'Its material also stands out for its ruggedness. The surface takes on some minor scratches and imperfections, but I found these came right out with a little brushing.'
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Dimensions: 16 x 19 x 10 inches | Capacity: 49 liters | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Materials: Poly canvas, vegan leather | Colors: 5 total, including Black and Beige
Best for: Budget-friendly price
Easy access opening
Separate bottom compartment for shoes
Skip if: You're worried about lighter colors staining
For travelers who want a quality weekender that doesn't compromise on quality, our tester gave this bag high marks for its durable outer canvas and plethora of easy-access pockets. 'The material withstood multiple subway rides and trips without any wear and tear," says our tester, who now uses this bag frequently. "I also appreciate the durable, hard outer shell of the footwear compartment.' The wire-frame top completely opens to make packing and unpacking a breeze, and there's a padded laptop pocket to keep your tech safe during transit. The zipper pocket in the back unzips to become a trolley sleeve, and the bottom compartment helps store shoes or toiletries that you might want to keep separate.
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Dimensions: 16.3 x 11 x 5.9 inches | Capacity: 27 liters | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Materials: Recycled polyester | Colors: 1 total, including
Best for: Lightweight construction
Water-resistant exterior is easy to care for
Structured shape for easy packing and unpacking
Skip if: You want a padded shoulder strap
Having a structured bag helps when it comes to packing and unpacking, as it stands up on its own and won't topple over in an airport or train station. This well-designed weekender is also extremely lightweight, so even when it's fully packed, it's easy to carry and transport. 'I love its minimalist profile, not to mention its storage pockets,' says our tester. 'I especially appreciated how some of the inside pockets are mesh so you can easily see their contents, a really helpful feature if you're prone to losing important documents during travel. And while this is a small bag, I still managed to fit a whole weekend's worth of outfits—and a pair of shoes.' Other useful features include two water bottle pockets, a laptop sleeve and an adjustable shoulder strap.
The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on luggage , including the best carry-on backpacks , the best underseat luggage and the best weekender bags . Katherine Louie , the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel and lifestyle topics. She has worked on multiple tested travel product guides, including the best softside luggage and the best carry-on backpacks.
, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel and lifestyle topics. She has worked on multiple tested travel product guides, including the best softside luggage and the best carry-on backpacks. The travel section is overseen by Forbes Vetted's senior travel editor, Astrid Taran , an eight-year industry veteran who has visited over 40 countries. Some of her recent work includes the best carry-on luggage and the best luggage .
, an eight-year industry veteran who has visited over 40 countries. Some of her recent work includes the and the . For this story, Louie gathered key insights and guidance from Ally Gibson , a travel content creator who has visited over 30 countries.
We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to select our top recommendations for the best weekender bags for men. Our travel editorial team evaluated ten different bags for this review. Our winners were evaluated based on their materials, dimensions, capacity, interior organization and durability.
We researched all the brands featured on this list to ensure each has a strong reputation and positive reviews, focusing on models with an average rating of at least four stars and a negligible number of concerning reviews, if any.
Forbes Vetted editors and staffers tested our top six selections for several months. They provided detailed feedback on the bags, scoring each piece on a scale of 1 to 5. We narrowed our final selections by focusing on the weekenders that scored higher than 3.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
When packing for a weekend trip, it's essential to find a bag that can withstand frequent handling, accommodate all your essentials and be compact enough to fit in a plane's overhead bin. Here are three key factors to consider before making a purchase. Capacity
'The ideal weekender should be spacious enough to fit clothing, toiletries, and a few extras for two to three days, but compact enough to comply with carry-on restrictions for most airlines,' says Ally Gibson, a travel content creator who has visited over 30 countries. 'A capacity of 30 to 40 liters is generally ideal for a weekend's worth of clothing and gear.' However, consider how long you will be traveling and whether you might need extra space for bulky camera gear or oddly shaped items, such as a hair dryer. For a spacious bag that can accommodate more clothing, we recommend the Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L. Materials
Weekender bags are available in a variety of materials, including leather, nylon and canvas. Canvas bags, such as the Mark & Graham Canvas And Leather Weekender, may show marks more easily, especially with lighter colors. Opt for darker hues like black, navy and dark olive instead. Nylon, polyester and leather bags (such as the Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender and Away's The Weekender) are excellent choices that are both durable and easy to clean. 'If you prefer a classic style that ages beautifully, full-grain or top-grain leather is my favorite (though it's heavier),' says Gibson. She also recommends polyester for its lightweight construction and affordability. Extra Features
Look for features that can make your overall travel experience more seamless, such as external pockets for quick-access items like your phone or wallet. 'One of the first things I look for is a removable padded shoulder strap, since it offers flexibility and comfort. I also appreciate a separate shoe compartment for keeping shoes or dirty laundry away from clean clothes,' says Gibson. She also recommends water-resistant linings or zippers, as well as a padded laptop sleeve, if you travel with electronics. 'Having a trolley sleeve is invaluable for slipping the bag over your suitcase handle, especially if you're like me and don't enjoy carrying heavy bags on your shoulder for extended periods.'
Who Makes The Best Weekender Bag?
After extensive research and testing, we recommend the Mark & Graham Canvas And Leather Weekender thanks to its durable materials, classic good looks and spacious main compartment. For an extra $15, you can personalize the bag (choose between laser engraving and embroidery), making it a great gift as well.
What Type Of Bag Is Best For A Weekend Trip?
'Ultimately, the best weekender bag is one that matches your travel style, organizational needs and personal taste,' says Gibson. 'Investing in quality materials and thoughtful features is also a must if you want to ensure your bag lasts for years of adventures.' All the bags highlighted in this guide are well-suited for weekend trips, whether you prefer something ultra-compact, like the Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender, or an option with plenty of internal pockets to keep you organized (we recommend Away's The Weekender).
What Is The Difference Between A Weekender And A Duffle Bag?
Typically, weekender bags can fit enough clothing for a weekend trip (one to three days), whereas a duffle bag is slightly larger. Duffle bags usually have one large main compartment with little to no interior organization. However, both types of bags are soft-sided and feature carry handles or straps that enhance portability.
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Unlike my top pick, it comes with a hip belt, which helps redistribute your fur baby's weight, as well as a back panel that unzips and unfolds into a very spacious mesh annex. This affords your cat a bit more space (and a better view) when you're at the vet's office, at an airport or on a plane. The latter is an incredibly considerate feature to throw in, as most animals don't enjoy being caged, yet it's not all that common with cat backpacks, which is surprising since it doesn't add that much bulk — and, as Pecute has proven, won't cost manufacturers as much to add. The only other model in my testing pool that boasts this feature is the pricier Pidan Expandable Cat Backpack, which doesn't do as elegant a job implementing the idea. The Pecute Cat Carrier Backpack's build quality is the most obvious sign of its low cost. It doesn't feel flimsy, but it also doesn't feel as robust as the winner, and its XL version tops out at 24 pounds in terms of load capacity. 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Breathability: Especially when it's too hot outside, you want to make sure a cat backpack offers enough airflow for your kitty to breathe and not overheat. Cats love warm places, but you also don't want to keep them in oppressive conditions. Some cat backpacks have mesh windows, others have air slits and some have a combination of both. Safety: Unless you have an adventurous cat that can be comfortable in unfamiliar places, you want to make sure the cat backpack you're using comes with safety measures that prevent their escape. Comfort: A cat backpack not only has to be comfortable for your kitty but also comfortable for you to wear on your back. Imagine those straps digging into your skin or the bottom edge bruising your lower back during a long day of layovers. Design Build quality: A cat backpack doesn't have to be robust enough to withstand everyday wear and tear but should provide a few solid years of use. 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I hate cleaning cat carriers, so having a model that's easy to clean — I like the soap and hose-down approach with minimal scrubbing — is a plus. Value Price: Accounting for all the aforementioned criteria, I compared each cat backpack's overall performance during testing to its price as well as to the price of the competition to gauge if it's a better value. As with any other product, choosing a cat backpack depends on your (and, of course, your cat's) personal preferences and needs. So, in addition to my testing criteria above, consider the following metrics before committing to a cat backpack. Type of cat backpack: There are different types of cat backpacks, the most common of which are bubble and soft-sided with mesh windows. However, there are expandable models and models made for hiking as well. Before you hit buy, make sure you've done your research on the different types so you know which one is most ideal for your needs. 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And finally, unless you have the included litter box tucked in the bottom pocket to moonlight as padding, the bottom isn't padded enough to minimize sink. Roverlund Ready-For-Adventure Pet Backpack The Roverlund Ready-For-Adventure Pet Backpack is made of sturdier materials than the other cat backpacks in my testing pool, including my top pick. It has thick walls, water-resistant lining and a thick leash clip and handle. It also has robust back and bottom pads, both of which are removable if your pet doesn't need the extra protection and you don't want the added bulk. This pack is very clearly built for adventure, as its name suggests, and to ensure your pet isn't overheating inside while you're on a wilderness trek, it has two big zippered mesh windows on each side as well as a zippered mesh top panel. Unzip those, and your fur baby can stick their head out and enjoy some fresh mountain air. Unfortunately, for something made for adventure and boasting a 25-pound capacity, it feels bulky and, ironically, tight in the main compartment. If you have a cat that likes small, dark spaces, they may take to this cat backpack; otherwise, there are more spacious options for your feline. Fat Cat Backpack Carrier The Fat Cat Backpack Carrier is, in my opinion, the most adorable cat backpack of the bunch. Beyond its good looks, it's spacious and has a few good features as well, namely the two decently sized mesh pockets on its sides, a rollable top and a leash clip. What sets this pack apart from the rest is that it blends the best elements of the two most common cat backpack types. It's what I would recommend if you want a bubble type but don't necessarily trust that it has enough airflow inside. Because its front panel is swappable, you can replace the preinstalled mesh plastic with the included transparent dome window, which allows your kitty to stick its tiny face out and enjoy the scenery. Meanwhile, the side mesh windows and mesh top, along with the air holes on the dome and front panel, provide ample airflow. The thing I don't like about it, however, is that its bottom edge sits directly on my hip bone, regardless of its straps' length. This might not matter if you have a longer torso, but if you have a similar body structure to mine and have a heavier passenger in the pack, you may feel it digging into your hip, which is not ideal. Petkit Cat Backpack Carrier I can't confirm if it was Taylor Swift who popularized the bubble cat backpack. All I know is I've wanted one since I saw her using it during one of her tours a few years back, so I'm sad to say the novelty has already worn off. I appreciate the bubble type's hard-shell approach. There are benefits to it, including added protection and more structure. However, as appealing as the Petkit Cat Backpack Carrier is, its design is plagued with potential complications. For example, it has several vents as well as two small mesh windows on the side, but it doesn't feel breathable in there. Petkit must have realized this, because the brand included a small fan. Unfortunately, the fan isn't strong enough, makes a bit of noise that might startle an already stressed-out cat and doesn't come with a built-in battery. Meanwhile, the main compartment is not only tight but also hard to manage when you're trying to put an unwilling cat inside. If you've ever handled a kitty that will scratch, bite and claw its way out of being placed in a carrier, you know the way this backpack is designed to open and close is not conducive to that scenario. The backpack straps also need more padding and adjustability so the backpack won't sit too low on your back. I really want to like this cat backpack, and if you've read my self-cleaning litter box guide, you know I'm a fan of Petkit, but sadly I feel like it needs to go back to the drawing board with this one. Are cat backpacks safe for cats? Are cat backpacks safe for cats? Absolutely. Many cat owners use a cat backpack for trips to the vet, hikes and even cross-country road trips. When choosing a cat backpack, make sure it's spacious enough for your kitty. Can you bring a cat backpack onto a flight? Can you bring a cat backpack onto a flight? Airlines typically require a pet carrier to fit under the seat in front of you. As long as a cat backpack meets that requirement, you should be able to bring it on board just like a regular carrier. Before your flight, however, make sure to double-check your airline's specific pet carrier requirements to ensure you're meeting them. When is it better to use a cat backpack over a cat carrier? When is it better to use a cat backpack over a cat carrier? That largely depends on your preference as well as your cat's needs and comfort level. Some say cat backpacks are better for short trips, while carriers are ideal for longer trips since they're bigger, but I've used small carriers and tested expandable cat backpacks, so that's not a hard-and-fast rule. The one situation where a hard-shell carrier is most ideal is if you have to check your pet. However, checking a pet means they'll end up in the cargo hold, which is risky. Unless you absolutely must, I would avoid this scenario. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors with many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we test each product accurately and only recommend the best products while considering the pros and cons of each item. Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy has years of experience covering pet gear and writing pet product reviews. She's written several pet-specific guides, including the best automatic cat feeders and the best pet water fountains. She's a devoted cat mom to Arrow, Bow and Isla.
