Latest news with #TheWeekender
News24
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
26 April 2025
No one is coming to save us, no one is eating your pets, and someone spent a Sunday in Zurich – it's all in this edition of News24's The Weekender! This week, Nickolaus Bauer reminds us that no one is coming to save us, Jozi my Jozi's Bea Swanepoel talks to Anneliese Burgess about their a non-profit "coalition of the willing" working to rejuvenate Johannesburg's inner city, Nokuthula Manyathi gives tips for spending a Sunday in Zurich, Andrew Thompson has some reassurance for paranoid pet owners, and Janine van der Post talks cars with Suidooster's Dean Smith. Happy reading, and share your feedback with us! - Hanlie Gouws THIS WEEK IN THE South Africans, we are on our own. No one is coming to save us We've spent so long waiting for another political Messiah that we've forgotten the only way he succeeded was through the will of the people. But Nickolaus Bauer says no one is coming to save us. This is it. It's us. We are the plan. The only thing left to believe in is us. And the best way forward is radical communal self-reliance. Read 'The Weekend Essay' here Bea Swanepoel on saving Jozi, downtown jazz, and why she's 'the champagne lady' Bea Swanepoel is the CEO of Jozi My Jozi, a non-profit "coalition of the willing" working to rejuvenate Johannesburg's inner city. Anneliese Burgess speaks to her about what has been achieved, why she likes to get lost in "weird precincts", and why your eyes need to be "on your feet" when you hit the city streets. Read the exclusive interview here THIS WEEK IN THE While AI sucks power and robots run races, Mzansi wins the misery World Cup From polite AI users funding eco-disasters to Finland's smug happiness and twins in sync, Jonathan Ancer's weekly news to share around the braai proves the world's as tjatjarag as ever - especially here at home. Read this week's Braai Briefing here Zurich pickings: How to spend a Sunday - and R2 000 - in Switzerland Nokuthula Manyathi recently spent time in Zurich, Switzerland, and decided to see how much of the capital she could soak up in one day for R2 000 (or just under 100 euros). Read here THIS WEEK IN Not fur real: Homeless people in Cape Town are NOT stealing and eating your pets A Facebook post circulating in Cape Town pet groups claims that homeless people are stealing, killing, and eating pets. It may sound like a throwback to 2024, when Donald Trump made similar allegations about immigrants in the United States - but it fits into a longstanding, unsubstantiated narrative common to the darker corners of South African neighbourhood watch groups, writes Andrew Thompson. Read the story here Vance, Mashatile, the Pope, Shivambu and Bushiri walk into a... This week, we focus on the lying of politicians, the essence of praying, and how our leaders are all singing kumbaya for VAT. Read here THIS WEEK IN THE BITE CLUB | Cape Town's newest Mexican eatery brings the fiesta, but not all the flavours Cape Town's newest Mexican Eatery Chingadas may not have blown Hannah Littlewood away with bold, unforgettable flavours just yet, but its magnetic energy is impossible to deny. Read the review here Suidooster's Dean Smith is madly in love with his sporty (if slightly messy) car Dean Smith is quite the character in the much-loved local soapie, Suidooster, as Wade. But, the young actor and creative from Malmesbury who spends his days pretending to be someone else also comes across as a calm, cool and collected adult in real life, and he's just naturally hilarious without even trying. He talks to Janine van der Post about his beloved VW Polo. Take a peek at his wheels here THIS WEEK IN All the Other Mothers Hate Me: Sarah Harman on her much-anticipated debut novel The implosion of Sarah Harman's career in broadcast television paid out more dividends than the "recovering journalist" could ever have imagined. Turns out that the author's career derailment had her penning one of the most anticipated reads of 2025 – a sardonic ode to modern motherhood, writes Samantha Herbst. Read more here THIS WEEK IN Scions of Sinai: The anatomy of a single-vineyard wine Bernhard Bredell channels seven generations of Helderberg farming heritage into some of South Africa's most distinctive wines. Daléne Fourie takes a look at seven of their vintage releases from 2024. Read more here From Oklou, Internet Girl and Weed420... to prog rock by Pope Francis Joel Ontong returns with his Weekender playlist which takes a look at the biggest hits from April and music that colours outside the lines. Listen here Are celebs making marriage an attractive option for women again? For a long time, it seemed like women around the world, and in South Africa too, were put off by the idea of sharing their lives with men. But now, it appears celebrities are making marriage, or at least lifelong partnerships, attractive again, writes Nthabi Nhlapo. Read 'This life with Nthabi Nhlapo' here THIS WEEK IN These must-see movies and series are on our radar this week. Read here PODCAST | Catch up with The Lead Missed out on some of the biggest stories of the week? Join The Lead host Graeme Raubenheimer in candid and honest conversations with News24's leading journalists. In each 20-minute edition, you'll gain insight into what they saw, heard and uncovered in the pursuit of the big story. This week, we spoke to investigative journalist Jeff Wicks about a dodgy SAPS tender involving a businessman known only as "The Cat", turned to the News24 Disinformation Desk to debunk Malema and Trump's populist rhetoric, and waded into the alleged attempt on the life of Deputy President Paul Mashatile that never was. Recap this week's podcasts on The Lead here More Cartoons by Carlos Our subscribers are not just supporters; they are our partners in delivering in-depth journalism. By subscribing, you empower us to delve deeper into every facet of South African life. Dive in and join us on this journey. Subscribe to News24 News24 editor-in-chief: Adriaan Basson Production Editor: Hanlie Gouws Design: Mihle Mdashe & Sharlene Rood Sub-editor: Glenn Bownes Image credits: Drew Beamer | Unsplash; nickolausbauer | Instagram; Deaan Vivier | Beeld | Gallo Images; Felix Dlangamandla | Foto24 | Getty Images via Gallo Images; Jekesai Njikizana | AFP; Sharon Seretlo | Gallo Images; Rosetta Msimango | News24; Storm Simpson | News24; artKaisen | Canva; @formatoriginalphotos | Canva; Alfonso Nqunjana | News24; Anadolu | Getty Images; Boris Breytman | Getty Images; lkpro | Getty Images; Janoka82 | Getty Images; Ricky Deacon | Getty Images; Manfred Gottschalk | Getty Images; Nokuthula Manyathi | News24; Wong Yu Liang | Getty Images; Frennez | Canva; Humblino | Canva; Grafinka | Canva; Kvasvector | Canva; Ralfschmitzer | Canva; Salbine B | Amaré Creative | Canva; MiroNovak | Getty Images; sparklestroke | Canva; Zainadria | Canva; Lana Veter | Canva; Arthur Campanholo | Pexels | Canva; Bite Club | Kelly Anderson; | Instagram; Hannah Littlewood | News24 contributor; Dean Smith | Supplied; Scions of Sinai Wine | Instagram; Bertram Malgas | News24; Lita from Lali | Canva; @sviridenko-anna | Canva; ibreakstock | Canva; Billion Photos | Canva; Annie Spratt | Unsplash; Mike Setchell | Unsplash; Wolf Zimmermann | Unsplash; Alona Horkova | Getty Images; Ksenia Chernaya | Pexels | Canva; Billion Photos | Canva; BooBoo Studio | Canva; Fani Mahuntsi | Gallo Images. 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Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
First-ever Northeast PA RV Show coming to PNC Field
Apr. 24—SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE — Colton RV & Marine announced it will host the first-ever Northeast PA RV Show at PNC Field in Moosic between May 1 and May 4. The Northeast PA RV Show will take place Thursday, May 1, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the final day on Sunday, May 4, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free event features 100+ new and pre-owned recreational vehicles (RVs) on display. Campers are also welcome to bring their own RVs for free roof inspections and trade evaluations. Start your next adventure at The Northeast Pennsylvania RV Show! Attendees will explore new and pre-owned RVs, travel trailers, fifth wheel campers, toy haulers and motorhomes. "The Northeast PA RV Show will celebrate the open road, outdoor adventures—and getting there in style," said Sarah Colton-Muneer, Director of Marketing and Customer Support, Colton RV & Marine in a press release shared with The Weekender. "Whether purchasing their first travel trailer or considering something new, this show will allow adventurers to get ready for the spring, summer, and fall seasons." Every purchaser of an RV during the show will receive one year of free camping with Harvest Hosts as well as 21 nights of free camping with Travel Resorts of America, and on-site RV brand representatives will be available to provide information on various models and facilitate show-only pricing for purchases, with discounts up to 45% off. Colton RV & Marine will display RV models from brands including Tiffin, Entegra, Montana, KZ RV and Keystone. Parking and admission is free but registration is encouraged. Pre-registrants will automatically be entered for the chance to win two New York Yankees tickets.
CNN
16-03-2025
- CNN
The best weekender bags, tried and tested
The best weekender bags we tested Best weekender bag: Away The Weekender Best budget weekender bag: Bagsmart Weekender Best weekender backpack: Adventurist Backpack Co. Carry-On Duffel The best weekender bags are the most versatile of all travel bags. As a luggage enthusiast and a travel expert, I've always favored weekender bags over others. They're typically smaller and more compact than duffel bags and, therefore, easier to lug around. But they're also spacious enough to fit a few days' worth of clothes and travel accessories, depending on their capacity and the type of packer you are. And their compartments are usually more accessible than backpacks. They are, in other words, perfect for pretty much every travel need: quick getaways, weeklong trips as your main luggage or two-week holidays to complement your hardshell carry-on or checked luggage. For years, I traveled the world with only a carry-on and a weekender, even during my months-long trips around Europe. So, it's more than fair to say that I'm somewhat of an expert when it comes to weekender bags. I got my hands on 27 of the most highly rated ones and took each one for a spin — or rather a jaunt — to help you find the best one for your needs. Away The Weekender Travelers cannot deny the amount of detail Away pours into its travel bags. It's no surprise that this weekender bag tops our list, thanks to its build quality, features and versatility. Bagsmart Weekender If you're looking for a cheap weekender, you can't go wrong with this great value option from Bagsmart. It comes with many features, giving you a lot of bang for your buck. Adventurist Backpack Co. Carry-On Duffel Need a bigger weekender to carry on your back? Then you should get this robust, large-capacity one from Adventurist Backpack Co. It boasts so many features, it's almost hard to believe it's as affordable as it is. Choosing just one weekender bag out of all the options I tested was not easy, simply because most of the options in my testing pool were fantastic in their own rights. Many of them I would recommend for specific needs: the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe weekender, for example, feels perfect for beach holidays, while the Monos Metro Weekender with its large capacity is fantastic for a luxurious vacation if you were to bring just one travel bag but don't want a carry-on suitcase. However, if you were to invest in just one weekender bag that will satisfy most of your packing and travel needs, then Away's The Weekender is the most versatile choice. I used it as a personal item to complement my carry-on on a week-long trip and as my only bag for quick getaways, and it served me well on both occasions. Its 38-liter capacity is a huge factor here. This weekender bag is big enough to pack five or more days' worth of clothes (unless you're packing for the winter) but not so big that it's too heavy to sling over your shoulder or stuff under the seat in front of you. It's certainly bigger than a typical personal item, at least by airline size restrictions, but I've flown to New York and back with it as my personal item and no one batted an eye. It just took a little finagling to fit it in smaller under-seat spaces. It's also incredibly sturdy. It took a lot of abuse during my NYC trip, and I have yet to see a scratch on it. That's likely due to its scratch-resistant nylon material, which also proved to have a high level of water resistance. It kept my clothes and laptop dry despite sitting out in the snow for about 30 minutes. The Away also wins for compactness and convenience, especially with its suitcase-style interior. At 20.9 by 11.8 by 9.4 inches, it's neither too big nor too small, and its separate laptop compartment makes it easy to take out your electronics when going through airport security. The zippers are not particularly special, but they slide smoothly and I never had any issues, even when I was overstuffing the bag with treats to take home. One thing to note, though, is that the inner main compartment flap is made of mesh, which makes it a little trickier to zip up when the compartment is brimming with clothes. I do wish there were more internal pockets, but the two medium-sized pockets in the main compartment and the small zippered pocket in the front were enough to keep my accessories organized. And while it could have been lighter, the long handles made it easier to carry when it wasn't attached to my suitcase. Finally, though this Away weekender isn't what I would call a budget purchase, I've owned, used and knocked around seven Away bags and suitcases since the brand launched, and not a single one has failed me yet. So, I'm positive that this will last you for years, ensuring you're getting your money's worth. Really, the only thing missing here is a water bottle compartment, which is kind of a big omission because proper hydration is key to staying healthy while traveling. If your weekender bag budget is only $50, you're in luck. The polyester Bagsmart Weekender has proven to be a worthy contender when it comes to functionality and build, even though it doesn't look and feel as premium as many of the other bags in my testing pool. Personally, I would go for a slightly higher-priced choice like the sub-$100 Halfday Double Decker Weekender, which feels like it should cost more considering its capacity, design and quality, or the $100 Samsonite Virtuosa Weekender, which has been my go-to lately because it's just so easy to use. But if money is tight, this one from Bagsmart is a fantastic value. Two of the best things about this bag are its lightweight design at only 1.74 pounds, and the abundance of pockets. Seriously, for something so inexpensive, it has so many pockets: three mesh pockets and a waterproof one in the main compartment, two more mesh pockets in the laptop compartment, two front pockets, a zipped back pocket and two side pockets. In a weekender bag that's only 19.5 by 8.2 by 11.5 inches in size, that's pretty impressive and makes it a fantastic option for travelers who are obsessive about their packing organization. Bagsmart even throws in a shoe bag for good measure. Next to the Away The Weekender, it's clearly on the smaller side with only a 31-liter capacity in the Medium size I tested (the Large is 37 liters), but you can still get away with packing up to five days' worth of stuff, if you only pack one pair of jeans or two pairs of yoga pants. I did; it can be done. You need not worry about lugging around a heavy, overstuffed bag either. The bag's handles are long enough to sling it over your shoulder instead of using the strap to make it easier to carry. You wouldn't want to use the shoulder strap anyway. Even with just my yoga mat, yoga mat towel and 40-ounce Owala water bottle inside, its plastic strap rings squeaked under that weight the whole walk from my house to the yoga studio. I live in a quiet neighborhood; it was a little embarrassing. Another disappointing thing here is that during my water test, water seeped into the main compartment through the zipper and pooled inside. Though, to be fair, while the zippers didn't do diddly-squat to keep the water out, they did slide effortlessly during testing. If you want to save a lot of money and get this bag, just be mindful not to get it drenched when you're traveling. When you're opting for the budget option, you naturally have to expect compromises, so the Bagsmart Weekender's flaws aren't surprising. However, for a sub-$50 option, you're still getting a lot of bang for your buck. The first time I used the Adventurist Backpack Co. Carry-On Duffel was when I had to leave my apartment and temporarily relocate during the Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025. I had three chonky cats — and a big cooler — in tow, so I could only bring one bag for my clothes and electronics. Luckily, this 21.5-by-14-by-9.5-inch suitcase-style travel bag is up to the task, thanks in part to its huge 45-liter capacity that allowed me to pack a week's worth of clothing, plus my laptop, chargers, two cameras, a bag of coffee beans and a water bottle. That's a lot of stuff, which makes this weekender backpack a worthy carry-on contender as well. It has a similar design to the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack, which was my go-to bag for solo trips around Europe at one point. Only, the Adventurist Backpack Co. duffel has a bigger capacity, a bigger water bottle compartment and is almost half the price at only $125, which makes it a better value. Speaking of compartments, the fact that this bag has eight compartments, excluding the main compartment, helped bring some semblance of order to a very chaotic and stressful time. If you want to organize your clothes even further, it also comes with a removable divider for the main compartment. It has good water resistance and feels incredibly robust as well. Though I do not doubt that the polyester material will wear out with long-term use and abuse, this bag feels durable enough that you'll get a lot of use out of it long before that happens. Its backpack straps are also solid yet comfortable, and they make it easy for a small person like me to carry all that weight around on my back. And if you get tired of carrying it on your back, you can stow those backpack straps and attach the shoulder strap. Though, sadly, it doesn't come with a trolley sleeve for attaching it to your suitcase handle. Because of its size, I wouldn't recommend using this as your personal item when traveling. This one is purely for the overhead bins. However, the two padded side handles do make it easy to stow away and retrieve, even if you're on the shorter side like me. There's another compelling reason to go for this weekender bag: The brand donates 25 meals to families in need across the US for every bag it sells. I had to see firsthand how each weekender bag would perform in real-world scenarios. So, to properly test them, I made the ultimate sacrifice of going on a few trips. It wasn't easy, but someone had to do it. Smug jokes aside, I tested each weekender bag in our product pool by taking them on short weekend trips around Southern California and weeklong trips to New York, Yosemite and other places. That's alongside using them as my gym and work bags when grounded in LA. Because my time was limited, and I still needed to find out how each bag would perform under pressure, I also used them for schlepping heavy things to and from work (like camera equipment and small appliances, for example), and I exposed them to the elements, including rain (heavy rains in LA arrived just in time!). I then evaluated each weekender bag using the following criteria. Performance Functionality: You may think, 'A bag is a bag. As long as it fits everything I need, it's good enough.' But I've traveled more than most people, especially during my stint as a travel writer, and I know it takes more than that to be a great bag for travel. Capacity is certainly important, and I factored that into my tests, but things like how long the handles are, whether or not the shoulder strap is comfortable and stays on, whether or not the zippers are robust yet glide smoothly, and the width of the openings are just as vital. Traveling, though a lot of fun, can be exhausting and chaotic, and factors like having a bag that works in your favor could mean the difference between managing the chaos just fine and having a total meltdown in the middle of Florence, Italy. Waterproofing: If you've ever been stuck in the middle of a downpour in the Andalusian region of Spain — made that mistake twice! — you'll know that some level of water resistance will go a long way. So, I tested each bag to gauge its level of waterproofing by taking them out when it rained. I also performed the same water test I used for my best garment bags guide: I sprayed copious amounts of water on each bag and let it 'soak' for 15 minutes. Design Build quality: Having a bag that will survive the typical abuses of travel is crucial, especially for overpackers. Who wants a bag that will rip while you're navigating a very touristy area to find your hotel or Airbnb? To test this, I packed each bag with heavier products like camera equipment, some of the smaller espresso machines I'm testing and other test units that I needed to transport from the office to my home. Organization: Things can get chaotic when you're traveling, so having a way to organize all those clothes and travel accessories you're lugging around is more helpful than you think, even if you're not so stringent about keeping your stuff organized. That's why I also took into account all the compartments and pockets available in each bag. Weight: For the longest time, my favorite weekender bag was this beautiful pink leather one from Away (sadly, the brand stopped making it). I loved that thing, but the longer I traveled with it, the more I realized that its heavy weight was simply not ideal, especially when I was packing a lot of gadgets like my charger, laptop, headphones and portable battery. So, I also factored weight in when choosing my top picks. Size: This is more of a personal preference and a situational criterion, but I noted each weekender bag's size and included it in my review just so you know that you're choosing the right bag for your travel needs. If you want a weekender to mostly use as a personal item, for example, bringing a massive one that won't fit under the seat might cost you the price of a checked suitcase if the airline crew flags it. Value Price: Naturally, I took price into account. I am a big believer in spending a bit more money for a better-value product, but I also don't think you should splurge if there's a more affordable, better-value product — unless, of course, you want to and have the money to spare. As with most products, choosing the best weekender bag for your needs is a matter of preference. Yes, the criteria I summarized above should be your priority, but at the end of the day, this is still not a one-size-fits-all situation. There are other things you need to take into consideration, such as the type of traveler you are, how you plan on using the bag and more. Consider your packing, carrying and travel styles Are you a light packer or an overpacker? Do you prefer to carry your bag on your back, sling it over your shoulder or secure it to the handle of your carry-on suitcase? Are you a one-bag-only type of traveler? These are some of the things you should be thinking about before you settle on one weekender travel bag and hit buy. Trust me, I've been in scenarios where I regretted the bag I'd brought with me because it simply wasn't serving my travel and personal needs. And when you're away from home and traveling for two or more weeks, you either have to endure the bag for the duration of your trip or buy a replacement, which will obviously cost you more money. Pick the right size for your needs Though weekender bags are typically (but not always) smaller than duffel travel bags, they come in sizes ranging from 20 to 48 liters. To choose the right size for your travel needs, several factors must be considered, including how much stuff you need to pack, whether or not you want to be able to stow the bag under the seat (although I have gotten away with stuffing our top pick, Away The Weekender, under the seat in front of me, it was definitely a squeeze) and how much effort you're willing to put in carrying your bag. I prefer to travel light and not be weighed down by heavy bags, and while the Away Weekender is bigger than what I typically use, I still felt like it was the perfect compromise of size and space. However, if you feel like a smaller weekender will suit you better, then you should take a look at the other bags I tested below. Choose the style you feel most comfortable with I love that weekenders come in a variety of shapes and designs. Many still have that traditional weekender design, but a handful are in backpack form, while a few others have a suitcase-style interior. Some also come with a separate compartment for shoes and other accessories or a separate padded compartment for laptops. What's more, weekender bags are also made of different materials: leather, canvas, nylon and polyester. The leather ones are usually heavier in my experience, but that's not a hard-and-fast rule. Similarly, just because a weekender bag is made of canvas, it doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't have good water resistance. So, before you add to cart, make sure to also take into consideration the style, shape and material that's most appealing to you. Halfday Double Decker Weekender One of the best value weekenders I've tested, the Halfday Double Decker is robust, well crafted and incredibly spacious. My runner-up budget pick is the Halfday Double Decker Weekender, whose $98 price tag gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Its bottom compartment fits multiple pairs of shoes, and its main compartment is ever more spacious, allowing you to fit more than a week's worth of clothes. In addition, the shoulder strap is designed so the bag doesn't swing when you're trudging through airports and train stations, both its polyester outer shell and Taslan inner lining are water-resistant, and the bag itself is lightweight for its size. I do wish it had more organizational pockets and, more specifically, a bigger internal compartment that would fit a laptop (its interior device pocket could only fit a tablet, which is strange considering its massive size). However, if you want a best-value weekender that's bigger and more robust than the Bagsmart Weekender, the Halfday Double Decker Weekender is a solid buy. Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Weekender Large and spacious yet relatively lightweight, the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Weekender is a favorite among stylish travelers. The Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Weekender has long been a travel-influencer favorite, thanks to its stylish design, beautiful colors and spacious interior. Seriously, I didn't realize how spacious this weekender was until I tested it — and I'm just talking about its small model (it comes in a larger size too). This small version really isn't appropriately classified because it's big enough to fit 10 day's worth of clothes. That bottom compartment, which comes with a padded insert for structure, can fit several pairs of shoes as well. Meanwhile, its long handles make it easier to carry on your shoulder, and its eco-friendly canvas material means you can fold the bag flat for easy storage when not in use. I only wish there were some water resistance here. The Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe is the kind of bag you'd want to bring on a tropical holiday, yet its canvas material offers no water resistance, so there's a high risk you'll end up with wet clothes. For the price, the lack of water resistance is a little disappointing. Troubadour Apex Travel Duffel A high-quality weekender for travelers with sartorial taste, the Troubadour Apex Travel Duffel is a great splurge if you want an expandable, waterproof travel bag. At first blush, the Troubadour Apex Travel Duffel may look like every other modern-minimalist men's travel bag. But a closer look will show you that this weekender is more capable than it looks. The fact that it's waterproof is impressive; no matter how much water I sprayed and poured on it, the inside stayed completely dry. It also comes with two internal magnetic water bottle pockets, a suspended padded laptop and tablet pocket, and an AirTag pocket. But what I love most about it is that it's expandable. It may look like a small bag that can only carry two to three days' worth of clothes, but unzip the bottom zippers, and it magically transforms into a 42-liter weekender. That nifty feature makes it one of the most versatile bags in this guide. All those incredible features will set you back almost $300, however, so only invest if you have the cash. Also, keep in mind that its recycled nylon material is a lint and hair magnet. Cuyana Weekender Bag The Cuyana Weekender Bag is worth the splurge, especially the leather version, if you want a minimalist travel bag and have the money to spare. If you're looking to splurge on an elegant weekender bag that looks premium, then look no further than the Cuyana Weekender Bag. Listen, I don't typically spend money on expensive stuff, but I love its elegantly curved shape and luxurious pebbled Turkish leather. And its 37.5-liter capacity means it's the perfect companion to your carry-on. It doesn't have many organizational pockets or handles that are long enough for shoulder slinging, but it is committed to keeping its design minimalist. Besides, the big external pockets, two internal pockets, one laptop sleeve, side straps and high level of water resistance do make up for those. Is it the best value here? No. But if money were no object, I would buy this bag in the leather version. It's exactly the type of bag I'd bring if I were (or could afford) to vacation in a 5-star resort on the Amalfi Coast. Away Transit Canvas Weekender If you prefer a canvas weekender from Away, consider getting this massive 48-liter-capacity travel bag ideal for longer trips. The Away Transit Canvas Weekender may be comparable to the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe in design and look. However, it's even more spacious and has better water resistance. And unlike the Catalina Deluxe, it has two shoe compartments accessible on either side of the bag instead of just one big bottom compartment. While I prefer the the Lo & Sons, as it's easier to access and put stuff in, this is more a matter of personal taste than anything else. If you're the type to completely isolate your shoes, you may like the Transit better. What I love about the Transit is that it has two sets of handles, with the shorter set for hand-carrying and the longer one perfect for slinging over your shoulder. If you're like me and hate using shoulder straps, you will love having these two options. Apart from those, however, there's nothing really special about the Away Transit Canvas Weekender, at least not by way of features. That and the fact that it doesn't really have a lot of organizational pockets for something so spacious makes it hard to justify its near-$300 price tag. Monos Metro Weekender A fantastic weekender, the Monos Metro is another crowd favorite that can carry a couple of weeks' worth of stuff. The Monos Metro Weekender is an elegant amalgamation of the Away The Weekender and Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe. It blends the double-decker design of the Lo & Sons and the rectangular design of the Away, then adds a near-48-liter capacity for good measure, making it a fantastic weekender bag for overpackers or longer trips. I also appreciate that the laptop compartment is an external one, accessible from the top to make it easier to get through airport security, as well as the long handles for easier carrying and the zippered trolley sleeve that conveniently converts into an extra external pocket. However, there's one thing Monos could have done better here. While the nylon twill material is water-resistant enough to pass my water stress test, the zippers aren't. Though water didn't pool at the bottom like it did with the Bagsmart Weekender, it still seeped into the inner lining, dampening my clothes. That's kind of disappointing considering it's a $255 purchase. Aer Travel Weekender It's the thoughtful details that make the Aer Travel Weekender a great value, which is exactly what I've come to expect from the brand. The Aer Travel Weekender is probably one of the best-value weekenders on this pool, setting you back less than $200 for a feature-filled option, which is something that Aer seems to be really good at, as proven by my Aer Carry-On. This may look like any typical nylon weekender, but it comes with thoughtful features like its two-pocket laptop compartment, so you can separate your laptop from your tablet, and a massive front pocket that comes with several organizational pockets and key ring. It's also relatively lightweight considering its 35-liter capacity. Though the zippers don't do a great job keeping water out, the outer shell makes up for it with its high level of water resistance. Samsonite Classic Leather Weekender For a more affordable leather weekender bag, this Samsonite Classic Leather Weekender is a stylish and spacious option. Leather travel bags aren't cheap, so when you've got something like the Samsonite Classic Leather Weekender that's less than half the price of the Cuyana Weekender Bag, you pay attention. There's a lot I love about this bag. It's spacious enough to fit one to two weeks' worth of clothing, depending on how strategic you are with packing. Its front pocket is zippered for added protection. It has metal feet to protect its bottom from dirt and scratches. And it truly is a beautiful and elegant-looking weekender bag. Sadly (and perhaps unsurprisingly), it's not made of high-quality leather. In fact, I hadn't spent that much time with it before the leather got scratched. If you decide on this one, I recommend being a little precious with it — and make sure to bring a protective bag in case you're forced to check it at the gate. July Everyday Large Duffel With smart details, a large capacity and a relaxed style, the July Everyday Large Duffel is a good option for beach vacations. Touting a similar look as the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe, the July Everyday Large Duffel is another great option if you're looking for a weekender that's perfect for your beach holiday. It has that same relaxed canvas style and double-decker design, so you can separate your shoes and toiletries from your clothes. And it also has thoughtful details that set it apart from the others, such as its hanging laptop compartment and pockets, and tent-like shape. I also appreciate its 45-liter capacity. However, it misses the mark on many things. It has no external pockets where you can safely yet accessibly store things like your passport, credit cards and tickets. And while it does have two side pockets, they're too shallow for water bottles and too wide and exposed for valuables. What's more, the laptop compartment is not really properly padded — though July claims it has rib-based padding — and the main compartment zipper doesn't slide as smoothly as it should. Finally, while the canvas material offers some water resistance, its top zipper doesn't. It's a good weekender, but at $145 a pop, it's not good enough. Lojel Niru 48H Weekender This minimalist bag is a slightly better value alternative to the Longchamp Le Pliage if you want a foldable weekender with a large capacity. I was curious to test the Lojel Niru 48H Weekender because I've always found the brand's carry-on suitcase to be innovative. Sadly, its take on the weekender bag is a little weak. It has many of the bare necessities, of course. It has one internal and one external pocket, some level of water resistance, a removable packing pouch and a lot of space. In fact, that last one is probably the most special thing about it. For something so lightweight and foldable, it has a 48-liter capacity, offering you the best of the storage and packing worlds. However, that still doesn't account for its steep price. For something so minimalist, this bag will set you back $210. It's basically in the same price range as the Longchamp Le Pliage but without all the signature leather trimmings. If this were much cheaper, it would rank higher. Dagne Dover Large Landon Carryall Bag This highly expandable Landon Carryall from Dagne Dover is one of the most versatile bags of the lot. It's also brimming with pockets and solid features. It was a bit of a toss-up between this and the Away The Weekender for our top pick, even though these two bags are not really all that similar. Ultimately, the Away won because it was a better value for the money, but that doesn't mean that the Dange Dover Landon Carryall isn't impressive in its own right. Testing the large model, I fell in love with its long, 10-inch handles that made it easy to carry, the abundance of pockets, its stretchy key leash that came in very handy and its recycled polyester material that feels luxurious and boasts high water resistance. There are other things to love here as well. You can keep it compact for under-the-seat storage or expand it if you need more space to carry your items. Plus, you can use it for travel, the gym and even work. The only thing that holds this one back is that it is a little more expensive than the Away. The extra-large, 35-liter Landon carryall is $15 more than the 38-liter Away The Weekender. Samsonite Virtuosa Weekender One of my favorite versatile weekenders, the Samsonite Virtuosa can handle most of your carrying needs, including that rainy walk home from your yoga studio. Just like the Halfday Double Decker Weekender, the Samsonite Virtuosa Weekender deserves a spot in the top 10, especially with that affordable $100 price tag. This lightweight weekender bag might look plain, but there are a few things I love about it, such as its convenient side pockets that can accommodate large water bottles but are also secure enough to store your phone and other valuables, and its long handles so you can keep the bag close to your person. It also has a nice curved shape, decent water resistance and is rigid enough to stay upright even when empty. The only thing I don't like about it is the material. Its outer layer is made of a polyester and cotton blend that isn't what I would call luxurious or soft to the touch. In fact, it feels kind of rough. But if you can get past that, which I did, you'll absolutely love this bag. Away The Everywhere Bag If you prefer a smaller version of the Away The Weekender, then the brand's editor-favorite Everywhere Bag is your best bet. Personally, I prefer the way Away's The Weekender lies flat, as it offers more convenient access to the main compartment; however, if its size is a little too big for your taste, then the Away Everywhere Bag is the next best thing. Its wide zipper opening still gives you a lot of space to work with when packing, but it's also the perfect size for under-the-seat storage so you won't have to worry about the ground crew flagging it as more than a personal item. And just like the Weekender, it has a trolley sleeve, great water resistance, a padded space to store a 16-inch laptop and lots of pockets for keeping things organized. The downside of the Everywhere Bag is that it only has a 20-liter capacity, which makes it one of the smallest options in our testing pool. If that's enough for all your travel needs, then by all means, go for it. But if you think you might need a bigger bag in the future, then $195 is too high a price to pay for something so compact. Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Weekender Luxurious getaways demand a luxurious weekender, and the Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 might just be the perfect bag for that. Luxury is the first thing that comes to mind when you see this 32-liter weekender bag from Delsey Paris. The Chatelet Air 2.0 Weekender is a stunner, especially when you get it in Blush Pink or Angora, and it feels luxurious too, with its twill and vegan leather outer shell. You'll see touches of opulence everywhere: the water-resistant toiletry bag, the removable zippered pouch and the separate shoe and laundry compartment you might not notice is there until you see the bottom zipper accessible from the back. The inner lining is even treated so that it has antimicrobial properties. For a compact bag, it is on the heavier side, so I prefer it attached to my luggage handle when I'm traveling. It looks better there anyway. It's a fantastic bag, but it's definitely for more luxurious excursions, making it less versatile. It's also a tad expensive and not water-resistant. Dagne Dover Denver Convertible Duffel Great for quick getaways, trips to the gym or as a personal item bag, the Dange Dover Denver Convertible Duffel is a worthy splurge. Dange Dover seems to have a knack for designing multipurpose travel bags, and the Dagne Dover Denver Convertible Duffel is no exception. Like the Landon Carryall, this is a one-bag-for-all type of weekender bag, so while it's perfect for quick getaways, it's also fantastic for the gym. And just like the Landon Carryall, it also comes with lots of pockets — nine, to be exact, my favorite of which is the top pocket that gives me easy access to my passport, IDs and ticket. It also boasts a robust Dange Dover signature zipper, a stretchy key leash and a bag that you can use to separate your shoes or laundry. As a bonus, you can convert it into a backpack, though it feels a little clunky as one. Because it is only a 32-liter bag, it's better as a personal item and for short trips. If you want a bag that you can use as your sole carry-on for a week-long trip, this likely won't suffice. It's also pricier than our top pick. Longchamp Boxford Travel Bag This classic weekender bag from Longchamp is almost a must-have in every jet-setter's luggage collection. It's hard to argue with a classic, and while I'm sure it has evolved over the years, the Longchamp Boxford Travel Bag still evokes nostalgia in me, having envied my mom's and aunts' growing up. This weekender bag screams quality and elegance, and while it's a little minimal in features, it's still impressive with its waterproof recycled canvas and luxurious cowhide leather trim. The question is, is it truly worth the investment? From a quality perspective, absolutely. Take care of your Longchamp bag, and it'll take care of you for years and years. And for a 30-liter bag, it is very lightweight. However, if you're a more prudent buyer, you might not find a lot of value in this, especially because it only comes with one pocket inside and its shoulder strap doesn't stay put unless you wear it crossbody. Everybody loves Longchamp bags, but if you're looking for the best value option, you're better off with our top pick. Longchamp Le Pliage Original Travel Bag An "it" bag that every style influencer wants, the Longchamp Le Pliage is a great option if you want a Longchamp weekender that won't break the bank. The Longchamp Le Pliage weekender bag is made with nylon and a lot more affordable than the Longchamp Boxford — almost half the price for the same capacity, in fact. The Le Pliage, which was one of 2024's 'it' bags, is almost as minimalist but at least it comes with one extra internal pocket and is several grams lighter. It also can be folded to less than a quarter of its size for easy storage. And, of course, it's waterproof, which is truly impressive considering how thin the material is. The biggest omission here, however, is a shoulder strap or at least longer handles so you can sling it over your shoulders. Sadly, friends, this bag is purely for hand-carrying only. It doesn't even have a trolley sleeve to secure it to your carry-on. And if you've got a long walk to your gate, that's such a big turnoff. Paravel Weekender The Paravel Weekender is the bag of choice for travelers who want to evoke old-world or retro vibes. It's an absolute stunner if you're willing to splurge. Vintage lovers may find it hard to resist the old-world charms of the Paravel Weekender. I admit, I love its stylish retro design. Paravel even offers personalization so you can make it unique to you with your name or initials. It's also a high-quality travel bag, made of spillproof upcycled canvas and recycled vegan leather, which means you're still staying sustainable even though you're technically buying a new bag. If you're the type to pack super light, you'll also appreciate its incredibly compact size. My mom, who prefers to only bring a small carry-on when she travels, absolutely adores this bag. But because it's really only designed to fit two days' worth of clothes, at most, it's not the bag you can rely on for all your travel needs. Plus, its water resistance is subpar at best. That makes its $325 price tag a little too steep. But hey, if you can afford to buy one travel bag for every need, I'm not going to stop you. The Paravel Weekender is undeniably gorgeous. Stuart and Lau The Regimen Gym Bag Quality materials and thorough organization are the highlights of this expensive bag that's a bit tight with a full weekend's contents. If you want separate compartments in your bag, the Stuart and Lau Regimen Gym Bag delivers. Aside from its main section — which has a ventilated shoe sleeve — you get a water bottle pouch on the short end and neatly organized outer pockets on the long sides. One of those outer sections can fit a 16-inch laptop, and therein lies the purpose for which associate testing writer Joe Bloss found this bag to be best suited. The Regimen is a little overmatched as a weekender, especially if its shoe sleeve is full and takes up most of the main compartment. But deployed in a commuting role, it's a spacious bag for your tech, lunch and, as its name suggests, workout gear, all packed into a waterproof shell outfitted with leather straps. Is that worth well over $300? It's not in Bloss' budget, but those who can afford a higher priced bag likely won't be let down. Bagsmart Blast Quick Access Travel Backpack At only $70, this 28-liter backpack weekender from Bagsmart is a great value for your money if you're seeking something compact. The Bagsmart Blast Quick Access Travel Backpack feels like a much more compact, maybe slightly less robust version of the Adventurist Backpack Co. Carry-On Duffel. They have many similar elements, including a main compartment with a 180-degree zipper that opens from the top and an abundance of pockets. The aptly named Bagsmart Blast Quick Access has six organizational pockets plus a spacious water bottle compartment. Its laptop compartment even comes with a smaller pocket for your tablet and two mesh pockets for your tech accessories. What's more, it's very lightweight and offers good water resistance. That's not too shabby for a very compact travel backpack that will slip easily in that under-the-seat compartment. Combine all those features with its sub-$70 price tag, and it's an absolute steal. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack One of the best suitcase-style backpacks on the market, the Cotopaxi Allpa is great for backpacking through Europe in our review I discovered the Cotopaxi Allpa years back, and it proved incredibly reliable for backpacking through Europe without a rolling suitcase (rolling suitcases and cobblestone streets aren't exactly a good match). This pack is sturdy yet stylish and has a large capacity yet is incredibly easy to carry. It also helps you stay organized, even when you've been traveling for a while. The only thing that's missing here is a rain cover. Although it does come with good water resistance, the early iteration came with its own rain jacket, which made it completely waterproof. This is a fantastic option if you're looking for a backpack weekender. Ultimately, the Adventurist Backpack Co. Carry-On Duffel won by a hair because it's more affordable and has more pockets. But if you're sold on its design, then the Cotopaxi Allpa might just be what you're looking for, as long as you're fine paying a little more. Fjällräven Kanken Weekender Duffel Bag Fjällräven's 30-liter weekender take on its highly popular backpack takes a minimalist yet fun approach, making it a great option for kids, teens and college students. I completely understand the appeal of Fjällräven's backpacks. They're fun, lightweight and collapsible but also high quality enough to survive years of use, thanks in large part to the Fjällräven's legendary Vinylon material. And the brand's take on a weekender bag doesn't fall far from that tree. The Fjällräven Kånken Weekender is a fantastic weekender backpack, with its minimalist design and good water resistance. And while it looks compact when flat, it's actually a 30-liter-capacity weekender bag that has enough space to fit a 17-inch laptop. However, since this is designed for travel, I would have appreciated some vital additions here such as organizational pockets, a trolley sleeve and a water bottle compartment. Without those, the bag just feels a little inadequate, especially since it will set you back $180. It's good without those features, but next to the other backpack weekenders I tested, it feels middling. Editor's Note: We previously tested the July Daybreak Weekender and the July Carry All Weekender Plus, but they are no longer available and may have been discontinued. As a result, they have been removed from this article. What should you pack in a weekender bag? What should you pack in a weekender bag? Weekender bags, as their name implies, are travel bags designed for short weekend jaunts; however, their function — as well as their design and variety — has evolved, with many travelers using their weekender bags for different types of travel. As far as what you should pack in your weekender bag, that truly depends on what you'll need it for. If you're using it as your primary bag for a quick weekend getaway or a short weeklong trip, you obviously should pack everything you need in it. However, if you're using it as your carry-on or as a personal item bag, be sure to pack some essentials that may come in handy if your checked luggage gets lost. That includes extra clothes, underwear and toiletries. That's, of course, on top of everything you'll need while you're traveling to your destination. Can a weekender bag be a personal item on a plane? Can a weekender bag be a personal item on a plane? That depends on its size. Bigger weekender bags might be too big to fit under the seat in front of you, but most weekender bags should work. Please check your airline's size restrictions first. How big is a weekender bag? How big is a weekender bag? These days, weekender bags come in many shapes and sizes, with big brands like Away classifying and naming big bags with a capacity of over 40 liters as a weekender, even though they're designed to fit more than what a single person needs for one weekend. There is, therefore, no size limit to what you can classify as a weekender bag. As long as it fits whatever you need for two to three days, it's essentially a weekender bag. Here at Underscored, we make it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don't just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every product we recommend is worthy of your money. In addition to hands-on testing products, we consult top experts to understand what features, benefits and possible downsides each item offers. We seek out important considerations and advice from our experts to help give you the information you need to make smarter shopping decisions. Our testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy was a travel journalist before shifting to consumer product and service journalism, covering everything from home and kitchen appliances to travel gear. She's also an avid solo traveler.
