The Best Weekender Travel Bag for Your Next Getaway & Every Day

The Best Weekender Travel Bag for Your Next Getaway & Every Day


Discover expert tips and recommendations for choosing the best weekender travel bag for your next adventure. We’ll discuss the benefits of using a weekender bag, what to look for when choosing one, and provide great packing tips for your next weekend adventure.
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The perfect weekender travel bag can make all the difference on your next adventure, whether it's a planned trip or a spontaneous getaway. With the right bag, you can pack light and travel right, keeping your essentials organized and easily accessible. A typical weekender bag comes with a minimalist approach to packing and is designed to carry all your necessities for a short trip. But what makes a great weekender travel bag? In this article, we'll explore the different types of bags, what to look for in a weekender bag, and give you some tips on packing efficiently for your next trip.

best weekender travel bag

The buzz of excitement hangs in the air as your next adventure approaches. Whether it's a planned weekend away or a spontaneous jaunt to a nearby city, you're crossing the threshold into the unknown – and you're going to need to pack for it. The right weekender travel bag can mean the difference between a smooth path or a bumpy road and will be your best ally on the journey ahead, keeping your essentials organized so you can pack light and travel right. 

Meet the Weekender Bag

A typical weekender travel bag comes with a certain minimalist approach to packing and is designed to carry all your essentials for a short trip, typically one to three days. Lightweight and compact, they're made to be carried by hand, over the shoulder, on the back, or, in the case of the Knack Pack Convertible Duffel, all three. A good weekender bag should be equipped to hold your clothes, toiletries, water bottle, and laptop or tablet – because, let's face it, the last time you went away without your technology you wished you had brought it.

 

What Makes a Great Weekender Travel Bag?

best weekender travel bag

You want a weekender bag for your next trip but you don’t know where to start. First, let’s answer the question "What characteristics make for a great weekender travel bag?"

  • The Right Size: The right weekender bag is compact but spacious enough to carry all your personal items for a short trip. It should be able to be carried on an airplane which means that the sum of all its dimensions (L + H  + W) cannot exceed 45”. Look for a bag that is no larger than 45 cubic liters.
  • Durable: Look for durable materials such as nylon, polyester, canvas, or leather that will withstand the wear and tear of travel. Realize that while they look beautiful, leather and canvas weekender bags will be materially heavier than bags made from nylon or polyester. Also, look for high-quality component parts made by companies such as YKK® and Duraflex®.
  • Stylish: A classic, stylish design ensures that your weekender bag can be used for everyday uses like the gym or even for short business trips. And if you don’t want to buy a new weekender bag every time fashion changes, avoid aggressive logos and bright colors.
  • Organized: A great weekender bag should have multiple pockets for organization so you can easily find everything you need. Look for internal sidewall pockets made from see-through mesh for those quick-access items like your phone, wallet or passport.
  • Comfortable: Comfort is a function of weight as well as design. On the design side, look for removable over-the-shoulder straps as well as comfortable carry handles. Over-the-shoulder straps should be adjustable and should have a shoulder pad where the strap goes against your shoulder. Shoulder strap pads should be amply padded as well as curved to fit your shoulder so they don’t slip off quite as easily when the weekender is loaded. Carry handles should also be amply padded and should have enough room between the bag and the bottom of the handle to fit a gloved hand. 
  • Lightweight: A 45 liter weekender bag could hold 20 or more pounds of clothes and toiletries for a 2-3 day trip. With that kind of load, you want to look for the lightest bag possible (that is still durable and offers organization). Target bags under 4 pounds and ideally look for bags around 3 pounds empty.
  • Versatile: It’s ideal to find a weekender bag that is suitable for other uses (see point 3 above). A more multi-functional weekender bag that is not just luggage is an investment worth making.

     

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    MORE >> Duffel Vs. Travel Backpack. What is Right for You?

    Bonus Weekender Travel Bag Packing Tip

    best weekender travel bag

    Now that we know what to look for in a weekender bag, how do we get the best use out of it once we find the perfect one for us? We think a great way is to use Knack Expandable Packing Cubes. They have a zip-around feature that expands or compresses the Cube size by 67%, not only organizing your items but massively saving space. That's a game-changer when it comes to travel, particularly airline travel. With three sizes, you're bound to find the perfect fit for your weekender bag. The Packing Cubes can carry toiletries, cords, and tech accessories, and even save you space by compressing your socks, underwear, or tees. They have a handle, too, so you can easily carry them when needed.

    MORE >> Packing Cube Tips & Travel Hacks: Optimize Business Travel

     

    The Story on the Knack Convertible Duffel - The Perfect Weekender

    best weekender travel bag

    Knack's Convertible Duffel is a great weekender bag. First, it can be carried three different ways: with a top or side handle, with a detachable over-over-the-shoulder strap, or with tuck-away backpack straps. This versatility allows you to carry based on the load you've packed and the environment your journey takes you.

    Another unique feature of the Convertible Duffel is that it can be used as an everyday 24 liter work backpack, complete with a padded laptop pocket and internal organizational pockets or it can be expanded to increase its capacity by up to 67% for a really spacious weekender. Made from water-resistant high-density nylon, it's lightweight no matter which form you choose.

    In its weekender form, this bag can hold up to a week's worth of clothes – so bring that extra pair of shoes if you like! There’s tons of internal organization, and a compression packing panel to keep everything in place. Since we know you want to stay hydrated at all times, there's also an internal side zip water bottle pocket that keeps you from looking like a hiker. It’s carry-on compliant but, if you need to bring wheeled luggage on your trip, it also has a hidden trolley sleeve so you can slip your Convertible Duffel over the handle of your luggage. Its 420 denier, water-resistant, high-twist nylon fabric in cool Midnight Black will keep you looking sharp and creates a bag that’s the perfect companion for just about any journey.

    The Last Weekender Travel Bag You'll Ever Need

    There are many beautiful weekender travel bags on the market, all with their own merits. Many of them hit the mark with what it takes to be a good, even great, weekender bag – but the best weekender bag is one that you're excited to use, one that gives you everything you need, and then delivers more. The Knack Convertible Duffel certainly delivers more by providing a great option for your next weekend adventure or business trip, as well as being a functional work backpack you can use every day. It’s the newest addition to Knack’s collection of true One Bag Life products.

    FAQ

    Can a weekender bag be a personal item?

    Yes. A weekender bag or duffel can be used as a carry-on if it is within the airline's size requirements. The Knack Convertible Duffel is carry-on compliant.

    How big should a weekender bag be?

    30-45 liters. Also consider the shape of the bag, as rectangular bags are more space-efficient than rounded or cylindrical bags and usually offer easier access.

    What is the best way to pack a weekender bag?

    Packing a weekender bag is all about being strategic and efficient, so start with a list of the essentials you'll need for your trip. Consider the weather and your activities, while resisting the urge to overpack. If you choose outfits that can be mixed and matched, you'll have an easier time with this. Begin packing with the heaviest items on the bottom, like shoes and toiletries, to create a solid foundation for the rest of your items to go on top of. Roll your clothing rather than fold to save space and consider using Packing Cubes, to group similar items together. Make use of all your weekender bag's pockets for organization and leave extra room for purchases you make on the trip to bring home.

    We’d love to hear from you. You can reach out to us at support@knackbags.com. Also, please tag @knackbags and use #knackbags on social media when you take your Knack on your journeys!

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