Terrence Kennedy
The weekender bag is ideal for nipping to the gym or going for a lovely weekend trip to the countryside with your family. It combines style and functionality to give you some real tangible value.
Before we actually get to the bags, one must consider what to look for when choosing such a bag:
- One of the most important aspects to consider is the size of the bag; how big do you need it to be? Is anyone else’s stuff going inside?
- Secondly, the look; this is important to consider, especially if you are going to use it for work purposes. A clean cut, structured leather bag would be advisable over a slouched duffle for a more corporate lifestyle.
- Finally, the factor which irritates most people, the price. The prices of some of these bags are quite high and as such are only accessible to a few....
With this in mind, it is vital to consider how often you will be using the bag. If you intend to use it a few times a week, then it would be better to opt for a higher-quality bag. However, if this is something you will use sparingly, you can choose something more affordable. Whatever your needs, we have you covered. Take a look at the best of the best.
The Best Weekender Bag for Men
For the Stylish Rich Man: Mulberry- Medium Clipper Leather Holdall ($2,300)
This classic and suave looking weekender is made out of black vegetable-tanned leather, perfect for the business trip over the weekend or a little getaway with the family.
The rather large interior makes for an easy pack; with room for a little more than you’d probably need for a business trip. The simplicity of the black leather combined with expert craftsmanship produces a pretty awesome bag.
All you have to decide is whether the price is worth the bag? It’s a tough one; looks awesome but $2,300 is a lot of money.
For The Preppy Gentleman: Miansai- Leather Trimmed Coated-Canvas Holdall ($680)
This wonderfully simplistic holdall is great for the more casual getaway or simply as a holdall in its own right. The bag is constructed from a durable coated-canvas developed in the classic holdall cylindrical shape.
Miansai have produced something so understated yet oozing with quality you will struggle to find a better high-end bag for the price. The blue and brown bag is quite a preppy-styled number, but ideal if you love a good Ralphie and some beige chinos.
This holdall is the best option to take to the tennis courts or on a trip to your house in the country (if you are so fortunate). If not, then you can always use it as a nice carry-on for your trips away.
For The Eco Friendly:PATAGONIA ARBOR DUFFEL ($79)
Eco-friendly people rejoice! This bag suits your deep seated feeling of ecological responsibility. Patagonia have produced a duffel made out of 100% recycled polyester.
Just run down the list of pros; it’s cool, durable, quite big and eco-friendly, that sounds like a win to me. So if you want a funky looking bag which will reduce your carbon footprint, give this bad boy a go.
For The Robust Man: Frost River Flight Bag ($125)
This is for the men who like some style but want to remain at least touting some whisper of ruggedness. The waxed canvas bag comes in four sizes, from carry-on to large, and boasts lots of room and a strong exterior for the more boisterous travellers.
For the quality and longevity of this bag the price is actually quite fair. Whether you are going on a trip or just want something to carry your gear in, this one could be for you. One of the criteria we established above was the price, and more specifically, whether you would get your money’s worth.
With this bag you will certainly be getting your money’s worth; the robustness alone will ensure that it lasts a few years (as long as you don’t hack it to pieces or anything like that), and just look at the design. For $125 dollars, you’re getting a pretty decent design.
For The Classic Gentleman: DuluthPack Leather Sportsman Duffel ($475)
An exquisite heritage brand which has been around since 1882 has brought you a thick leather holdall, with all kinds of room for your clothes, shoes and toiletries.
The American made duffel is not only made with exceptional materials, but it has a lifetime guarantee to back it up.
Just by looking at the image you can see the manliness of the bag; the slightly dishevelled appearance, the tough leather and the big metal clasps all portray a proper bloke’s bag. The only question is; are you man enough to buy it?
For the Suave Man: Ted Baker Contrast Holdall ($179)
Ted Baker is often known for its classic British design combined with eccentric and colourful infusions. However, this stalwart of fashion has produced this rather understated travel bag, ideal for the fashionista or businessman.
For $179 I challenge you find a more elegantly designed piece of luxury, honestly go find one if you can, because this is a steal.
Men, if you like quirky English excellence and reasonably priced designers, then this bag is for you, if you’re not that into designers, but love clean lines and high quality materials, this bag is for you. Basically, this bag is for everyone, they just don’t know it yet.
For the Fashionista: Givenchy Dotted Calf Leather holdall ($2,395)
Now onto the more outrageously priced bag; Givenchy is certainly known for both its quality and cost, and this bag is no different.
The detail put into the holdall is like no other on this list; from the tiny little pattern to the tightly stitched seems.
The brand which creates some of the most exquisite pieces of sartorial excellence have used their six decades of fashion knowledge to develop a high-end wonder, a bag which would be perfect for the dapper suited gentleman off on his jollies to a luxurious location, a drink on one side and a beautiful lady on the other.
If you are looking for sexy sophistication, look no further.
For The Corporate Man: Club Monaco Leather-Trimmed Canvas Duffle Bag ($330)
A Mr Porter exclusive, designed specifically for the global fashion platform.
A sleek combination of canvas and leather trimmed handles work together to make a well structured and clean cut bag, ideal for the business weekend away. Club Monaco include a shoulder strap to help ease the strain on a long journey.
Club Monaco have built an empire of sophisticated fashion, using premium materials and modest designs. This bag embodies their years of European-infused style to produce a beautiful duffle.
If you are into your ABE (all black everything) days, this will fit by your side perfectly.
For The Man Who Loves Relaxing Weekends: J. Crew Harwick Weekender Bag ($148)
A lovely combination of leather and nylon form the effortlessly charming weekender. J. Crew have perfected casual style with this multi-pocketed bag.
The commuter can use its eight pockets to store anything from his charger to pens and paper, and then turn it from commute to weekend away trips.
Combining the functionality of space and the style is an aspect J. Crew have become renowned for, and yet again they have managed to succeed in this nautical themed bag.
The price isn’t too bad at just under $150, and due to the robust materials that $150 should last you quite a few years.
For The Adventurous Hard Graft 1st Edition Travel Bag ($990)
Handmade in Italy Hard Graft have been creating pieces of exceptionally luxurious leather goods for almost a decade now. This large travel bag imbues this Italian craftsmanship and gives you an ocean coloured wonder.
The London based brand exudes quality and with a price tag like that you would expect them to. The simplicity of the design works well with the ostentatious colour in a commingling of arrogant minimalism.
Whether you’re out for the weekend with your favourite lady or going to a bachelor’s party in Vegas, this bag will be there to keep you looking fresh.
For The Secret Agents: Kingsman Swaine Adeney Brigg Cambridge Leather Holdall ($2,995)
After watching Kingsman, a film depicting a slight tongue-in-cheek satire of the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), a lot of people have become infatuated with the Bond-esk suave and sartorial sophistication.
To aid yourself in that aim of looking like a clean cut English gent, take a look at this impeccably designed holdall from Kingsman. This English handmade piece is perfect for the most affluent businessman turn man-about-town; it combines a gentle English sensibility with the understated discretion needed for work.
The quality goes with the price, being a part of the Kingsman line more or less assures that.
For The Casual Man: Topo Designs X Woolrich Duffel ($198)
What you see here is a joining of two heavyweights from the fashion game and the outdoor game.
Both Topo Designs and Woolrich have worked to establish themselves in their industries, and have now used this established expertise to make this lumberjack-styled duffle. If you are a more casual bloke, this will be ideal for you. This bag would be at home at a log cabin or on a train to the city; homely yet stylish.
An added bonus for you out there who love homemade goods; all of these duffels are made in Colorado.
For The More Money Than Sense Men: Valextra Cabina Pebble-Grain Leather Holdall ($4,120)
You often hear about how amazing handcrafted Italian goods are, and how much better they are than non-Italian versions, well this Milano company are one of the reasons this old adage remains true.
This calf pebbled leather is truly an amazing piece of manufacturing, with five pockets, two of which are on the front for quick and easy access.
This bag is meant for the man who knows his fashion, the one who knows the difference between a half-Windsor and a double Windsor, a real fashionista.
If this is you, and you are willing to take the financial investment, then do it. You will not regret it.
For The Men On a Budget: Owen and Fred- Grey “Work Hard, Play Hard” Duffle ($99)
Owen and Fred have designed this one for you the hordes of bag breakers and clumsy klutz, the ones who have never had anything last long because of the wear and tear.
The “Word Hard, Play Hard” bag is designed to be affordable and long-lasting, using duck canvas and durable nylon to form the more rugged material.
Owen and Fred have not only built this bag to last, but they have put the products motivational name on the inside on a leather tan to keep you going as long as the bag.
If you are a bit rough with your bag and want something you can chuck around a bit, then this is your bag, and for such a low price, it’s not something you can really ignore
For The Simple Man: Everlane The Twill Weekender ($98)
This San Francisco based company have come a long way in six years, establishing themselves as an understated icon of stylish simplicity.
This bag is not only stylish but it is also made of 100% water-resistant cotton twill, meaning that getting caught in the rain doesn’t mean your clothes will get soaked.
If you are taking your significant other on a trip, this nifty bag will fit in any overhead compartment which is pretty handy if you are just going away for the weekend and don’t want to take a big bag.
If you’re not big on ostentation and having your accessories outshine you, then this bag is a good choice; the neutral colours and modest design lends it to the quietly fashionable man. Oh, and it’s only $98! An unbelievable steal!
CONCLUSION
There you have it, 15 of the best weekender bags on the market, from the mega expensive to the ridiculously affordable. When choosing a bag ensure that you check off the criteria we discussed at the start, you don’t want to end up with a $2,000 purchase and find out it lasts as long as a chocolate tea-pot.
Nor do you want to immediately go for the cheapest option and have to keep replacing it again and again. Do your due diligence and your will have an awesome bag to keep your things safe and stylish.