Editors Pick Weekender Bags for Every Kind of Trip
Months of testing produced a lineup spanning lightweight duffels, leather carryalls and highly organized travel bags.
Condé Nast Traveler editors tested weekender bags across planes, trains, cars, buses and cruises before choosing their favorites. They weighed each model’s heft, storage, design, cost and staying power. The resulting lineup includes newer designs alongside dependable choices from established luggage makers, with options suited to different packing habits and trip lengths.
Calpak’s Luka duffel earned the top recommendation. It weighs 1.95 pounds, holds 22 liters and includes nine pockets, including a separate space for shoes. A trolley sleeve lets it ride on top of a rolling suitcase, while water-resistant fabric can be cleaned with a damp cloth. A larger version is available for trips lasting three or four days.
MZ Wallace’s Nik duffel weighs 2.1 pounds and carries 24 liters. It has exterior zip pockets, a laptop compartment, a removable pouch and two interior slip pockets, but no shoe section. Monos’ Metro duffel uses vegan materials, including material equivalent to 16 recycled plastic bottles, and adds water- and scratch-resistant fabric, a removable shoulder strap and interchangeable front kits.
- Calpak’s Luka has a one-year limited warranty.
- The Luka includes a dedicated shoe compartment.
- MZ Wallace’s Nik has no separate shoe compartment.
- Monos’ Metro bags use vegan materials.
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