Trip booked? Whether you’re planning a staycation or heading further afield, you’ll want one of the best weekend bags for women to comfortably and securely hold all your items.
The phrase "weekend bag" can mean different things depending on how light you like to travel. If you’re content with just your favorite jeans and a sweater, you might be able to get away with one of the best backpacks. But if you're the kind of person who likes to take their whole capsule wardrobe with them for an overnight stay, a small suitcase might be a better fit. A holdall offers a good middle ground. Roomier than the best tote bags, there’s more than enough space to fit two days' worth of outfits, plus toiletries.
Weekend bags can also vary wildly in price depending on how much you're willing to pay. The best designer bags and luggage can cost upwards of £1,000, whereas a straight-to-market weekend bag could be just $20/£20 or less. It's good to think about how often you will use your weekend bag. If you're someone who really maximizes a weekend getaway opportunity, invest in an item that will last. Leather iterations will be hardwearing and make sure to look at zips and strap stitching to get a feel of the longevity and quality of the bag.
What to look for in the best weekend bags for women
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The best weekend bags for women boast thoughtful features that will make your life easier. “A weekend bag needs to be practical but also look great when you’re traveling,” explains celebrity stylist and founder of P.S. Online Styling, Ella-Louise Gaskell. “I like to have one with wheels and a shoulder strap, because sometimes it’s handy to throw your bag over your shoulder, but also they can be pretty heavy—especially when traveling with lots of shoes! The wheels and pulling function helps with functionality. They should also have lots of inside pockets, preferably in the lining, so you can sort your items. It’s also important to have front pockets for easy access. I always keep a book in the front pocket for the inevitable waiting around.”
As for fabric, that’s ultimately down to personal style, but to stand the test of time, it needs to be hard-wearing. “Leather or coated leather is durable and doesn’t get marked easily,” says Rachel Ingram, Editor in Chief at Threads Styling. “I like to be able to trust my luggage in an overhead compartment!”
“Canvas (ideally cotton so it is breathable) or nylon are my go-to every time for durability, weatherproofing, and the ability to wipe clean,” adds style consultant Charlotte Verdeyen. And it’s not just the fabric of the body of your bag you need to consider, the straps are just as important. “A leather or strong webbing handle are also essential to carry the weight of everything you need."
Best weekend bags for women—according to our fashion team
Get ready for your next getaway in style with our edit of go-to brands for the best weekend bags.
Hopefully you'll be getting a lot of wear out of your weekend bag, so it's important that you love how it looks. Everlane's designs have been built with style in mind as much as practicality, with the end result being classic bags that are smart enough for work trips and girls' weekends alike.
- Browse all Everlane weekend bags from $68 / £64 (opens in new tab)
Everlane weekend bags–Fashion editor's picks
RRP: $85 / £87 | The ReNew Transit Weekender already has a waitlist in the cream hue, so make sure to slide on over and grab yourself the black version before it sells out. Made from 100% recycled polyester, it also has a water-resistant finish.
RRP: $90 / £92 | With a secure drawstring and hook closure, this medium sized backpack can fit items for a weekend away but can double up as a work bag as it fits most 15'' laptops. It also has external zip pockets that can fit a standard water bottle.
RRP: $115 / £117 | If you consult the handbag trends 2022, then you'll know that quilting this year is a big deal. This gorgeous travel tote comes in a camel and a khaki hue that will remain stylish all year through. Soft and squishy they're ideal for those on the go.
Away was dreamt up to make travel easy. No more scrambling for your passport at checkout or sitting on your suitcase to wrestle everything in. With an Away weekend bag, the packing process is simple and streamlined thanks to a multitude of carefully considered pockets, hardwearing fabrics and sleek designs. Even better, Away offer a 100 day trial, so you can put your new buy through it's paces before committing.
- Browse all Away weekend bags from $75 / £65 (opens in new tab)
Away weekend bags–Fashion editor's picks
RRP: $75 / £65 | A lightweight tote that packs flat, this on-trend, Dopamine Dressing tote is ideal as a carry-on and for weekends away. Made with water-resistant nylon it expands, ready to help you get sorted and organized, anytime, anywhere.
RRP: $165 / £145 | Thoughtful compartments for your laptop, purse, stationary and even umbrella, this bag will keep even the most chaotic packers in check. In a stylish dark green hue, this bag is a timeless piece to add to your capsule wardrobe.
RRP: $245 / £225 | Designed to keep the items most important to you when you travel safe, with a secure spot for boarding passes and a 13" laptop sleeve. It also includes unique interior storage details like a removable three-compartment accordion.
Luxury French clothing brand Longchamp has been making travel infinitely more glamorous since their launch in 1948. They make some of the best bags, and their carry-all totes make room for far more than your toothbrush, with the option to expand some versions for extra space. These are an investment purchase, especially if you're opting for a wheeled or leather handheld version. And you can gleefully turn to it year after year, safe in the knowledge it won't have dated since your last trip.
- Browse all Longchamp weekend bags from $145 / £95 (opens in new tab)
Longchamp weekend bags–Fashion editor's picks
RRP: $265 / £160 | The classic Le Pliage drew its inspiration from origami, allowing it to fold away. The bag, which now has worldwide cult status has been updated here with green credentials using recycled polyamide canvas.
RRP: $430 / £360 | Working as both a travel bag and a wheeled suitcase, this expandable item is ideal for long journeys. Part of the classic lines at Longchamp, this bag is elegant and smart for work or casual weekend getaways.
RRP: $840 / £595 | Le Pliage is one of Longchamp's most classic bag silhouettes. This gorgeous blue color makes this leather weekend bag stand out from the crowd and as with all the Le Pliage series, it can be folded for easy storing.
Next time you're shopping for Lululemon leggings, give their accessories a browse too. Their weekend bags are just like their clothing offering, sleek, sophisticated and sporty. For those that like to go hands-free, there are a variety of different backpacks and totes on offer, in a range of shapes and sizes. Totes and duffles offer maximum storage space. Look out for bags with space to store your sweaty kit post-workout too.
- Browse all Lululemon weekend bags from $98 / £88 (opens in new tab)
Lululemon weekend bags–Fashion editor's picks
RRP: $98 / £88 | The back straps have been reinforced to carry a heavy load without fraying, with an expandable pocket for stashing any last minute additions. Great for work or adventure.
RRP: $158 / £148 | With padded handles for easy carrying and protective water repellent fabric, this bag is as good for every day as it is for travel, an interior pocket can fit a 16" laptop.
RRP: $168 / £148 | Made with water-repellent fabric, this is designed for people on the move. With plenty of space to fit the essentials, the quilting gives a nod to the fashion trends 2022 too.
We hope our trips come with a side helping of a rain-free forecast, but unfortunately, that's not always the case. Enter Rains, already making some of the best waterproof jackets, they inject this waterproofing knowledge into their bags too. Their signature PU rubber fabric is impressively durable and looks good too, with a chic matte finish. For extra peace of mind, each Rains purchase comes with a 2-year product warranty.
- Browse all Rains weekend bags from $95 / £65 (opens in new tab)
Rains weekend bags–Fashion editor's picks
RRP: $95 / £65 | Chic and understated, this bag will seamlessly coordinate with any outfit, and your other luggage too. Cut from Rains’ signature waterproof PU-coated fabric. This waterproof duffel bag is finished with coated zip and matte hardware.
RRP: $125 / £95 | Designed to take a lot of weight, this waterproof bag combines the functionality of a duffel fastening with a practical roll-top for when you need more space. Finished with a detachable shoulder strap, this bag has been created with durability in mind.
RRP: $225 / £159 | Half hard shell suitcase, half soft holdall, this bag has great capacity. Featuring a telescopic handle, as well as top-side handles for easy transportation, the front zipper pocket is ideal for passports, keys and other essentials.
All Katie Loxton designs have been created in-house by Katie and her team, so attention to detail comes as standard. Expect stand-out hardware and a range of colorways. There's the option for personalization too, so you'll always know which bag is yours when rummaging in the overhead compartment.
- Browse all Katie Loxton weekend bags from $99 / £69.99 (opens in new tab)
Katie Loxton weekend bags–Fashion editor's picks
RRP: $150 / £84.99 | In a timeless taupe, this weekender bag features both a long shoulder strap and two handhold options. Includes a sweet "and so the adventure begins" luggage tag.
RRP: $160 / £94.99 | Offering affordable luxury, this faux leather cognac weekend bag can be personalized, making an ideal gift for frequent travelers.
RRP: $150 / £94.99 | The classic Katie Loxton weekender bag, now in a sustainable style. Created using RPET-based PU and RPET polyester lining, made with plastic bottles.
If your idea of a weekend away is more camping than glamping, listen up. What The North Face doesn't know about technical clothing and accessories isn't worth knowing, and their bags are brimming with impressive features. Just don't forget to pack your walking boots.
- Browse all The North Face weekend bags from $99 / £70 (opens in new tab)
The North Face weekend bags–Fashion editor's picks
RRP: $149 / £115 | Water-repellent and packed with sustainable credentials, this Base Camp duffel bag holds 42 liters of product, making it ideal for big adventures.
RRP: $190 / £140 | Available in two sizes and several colorways this 55-liter backpack is ideal for those who love to hike. Water-repellent and durable this bag is packed with functionality.
RRP: $300 / £290 | For the heavy packers, this 80 liter bag holds enough for a two-week holiday. Made of water-repellent material it's super practical too.
If you're looking for something stylish but casual that also packs in a load of practical features then Stubble & Co fits the bill. It offers a limited range of bags that are each designed for different needs but that all come with the practical features you might want for that occasion. Waterproof fabrics and clever design details are a plus!
- Browse all Stubble & Co weekend bags from $135 / £95 (opens in new tab)
Stubble & Co weekend bags–Fashion editor's picks
RRP: $135 / £95 | Multiple easy-access compartments for essentials and side pockets for drinks bottles or an umbrella make this a practical everyday purchase.
RRP: $185 / £135 | The detachable strap offers the option to be carried as a duffle or a cross-body with an outside zip pocket for essentials.
RRP: $215 / £155 | With multiple strap options, a reinforced base with studded feet for protection and multiple pockets for your essentials.
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