The Best Weekender Bags for a Short Trip

Best Weekender Bag

Sometimes, more is more when it comes to your weekend away. You don’t want to miss out on an activity because you left some gear behind, right? Or worse, you don’t want to be fed up with your limited outfit options, do you? To bring the extra beach towel, the camping equipment, bed sheets or even just an extra shirt (or two), you’ll need the best weekender bag to help you hold it all with ease. 

That’s where the SuperBreak® Away Duffel comes in. With a 60L extra-large capacity, this is the bag that allows you to be prepared for whatever the weekend throws at you. Its top loading design and U-shape opening means it’s not only easy to pack in the first place, but also easy to rummage through and find everything you’re looking for. Need more space? You’re in luck: This duffel also has a zippered front utility pocket for those grab-and-go items 

It’s sleek in black and couldn’t be simpler to carry, with two padded top straps and a loop handle and has side grab handles for easy maneuvering. Plus, the crossbody shoulder strap is adjustable, and comes with a sliding comfort pad so you don’t feel the weight of all the extra goods you were able to bring. 

And while it’s on the larger side in terms of capacity, it’s still soft enough to squeeze into tight spaces. So when you and your friends are loading up into one tiny car, you’ll find this weekender bag to be the perfect fit.

Best Bag for Traveling Light

Or maybe all the fuss of extras isn’t for you. Maybe you thrive on bringing as little as possible, able to fully embrace being present without being weighed down (literally). You might be perfectly content with one change of clothes and just the essentials. The good news is, there’s a great weekender bag out there for you, too. 

The Landings Pack is just the ticket to bring what you need without feeling constricted. This backpack has it all for the light traveler. There’s a super roomy main compartment to fit the small essentials, plus dual stretch side pockets for large water bottles. It also has a zippered front gear compartment, zippered stash pocket, and a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve. 

The EVA padded shoulder straps make carrying this weekender all day a breeze; plus, there’s a sternum strap with whistle buckle, an extra-soft back panel, and a padded top haul handle for even more comfortable carrying. Talk about a minimalist but cozy dream! And then there’s style. Choose from five color options to match your vibe: Deep Juniper if you’re feeling outdoorsy, Misty Rose to keep it cute, Elemental Blue if water’s on the horizon, or keep it minimalist with the Black and White options.

Finally, if you’re taking this backpack on a longer trip and plan to pair it with a rolling suitcase, it also has a trolley slip to give your back a break. Versatility is key!

Best Bag for Backpacking or Couch Surfing

If your weekend trip involves hopping from place to place, whether that’s visiting friends on different college campuses or taking a short road trip to cute summer towns, you’ll need a bag that can handle the ins and outs of a busy travel schedule.

Keep things moving with the versatile Driver 8 Backpack. This rolling backpack converts from, you guessed it, backpack to roller bag in a cinch. That way, you can give your shoulders a much-needed break, but still be able to pick the bag up with ease to go hands-free when necessary. The tuck-away shoulder straps keep everything nice and organized when switching modes. 

With a padded back panel to keep backpack mode comfortable, a padded top haul handle for easy grab-and-go carrying, and a retractable T-handle, this bag is super versatile. Plus, the skid rails on bottom offer full travel protection and the three-inch smooth-roll urethane wheels are incredibly durable for long roads and changing scenery.

Now about storage: This bag has two main compartments with a ton of space, plus a padded laptop sleeve with security buckle. And don’t forget the front utility pocket with an organizer so you can grab the important stuff quickly. There’s also a water bottle pocket for necessary hydration and a small, front stash pocket for your sunnies or lip balm, too. The Driver 8 Rolling Backpack really allows you to be the driver of your own journey.

Make Travel Easy With the Right Accessories

Even the best weekender bags can be made better with accessories! Whether you want to pair your weekender with a smaller companion bag or you’re looking for organizational aids to keep your packing job nice and tidy, there’s an accessory out there for you.

If staying hydrated is top of mind while on your travels, make it easier on yourself by wearing your water bottle like a crossbody bag with the insulated Kitsack. The adjustable string tightens to fit most water bottles and the slim pockets on the back are great for stashing spare pens and hanging your sunglasses. For your weekend trip, this accessory can help ensure that your next swig is always within reach—because holding things is so overrated.

Having essentials beyond water on hand is vital, especially if your weekend trip involves a lot of movement. You don’t want the important stuff buried under piles of clothes and your laptop. So consider the Core Crossbody Bag to solve this problem. Available in no fewer than seven fabulous colors to match any outfit, including Pink Ice, Fresh Mint, and Elemental Blue, this crossbody bag is the ticket for carrying your wallet, mask, and other frequently used items. But the best part is the hidden stash pocket on the back, which keeps your phone tucked out of sight of potential pickpockets. You can’t be too careful!

And speaking of tucking things away, keep the cavernous main compartments of your duffels or backpacks organized with the Cinch Caddy. It’s the quintessential partner for keeping the little—but important—stuff tucked away but easily accessible while you’re on the go. This bag conveniently sits at the top of your larger carrier; it has a small main compartment and multiple inner compartments for even more organization. It also has a cinch closure that makes grabbing the essentials, well, a cinch. Plus, its main body fabric is 100% recycled materials, so you can feel goodabout having it out in nature with you.

What Makes a Weekender Bag Great?

There are certain elements that go into making the best weekender bag. But remember, picking the perfect bag is a personal choice, and only your own packing habits and trips can help you determine which is right for you. To get you there, here are some things to consider:

Choosing the Right Size for Your Weekender Bag

The first thing consideration that goes into choosing best weekender bag should be the size that works best for you. Whether you need something small and compact to accompany you on shorter outings or something big that can handle every last thing you need for a wonderful trip, JanSport has a variety of size options that will ensure you find your fit. Remember: There’s no right or wrong size, only what you need to make your weekend away a success.

Selecting Materials for Durability and Style

You can pack a lot of activity into a weekend trip, and having the confidence that your bag can handle whatever you throw at it (or in it) is crucial. Luckily, JanSport bags are made from durable materials with reinforced lining and bottoms to ensure their longevity—and they’re made from various materials to suit your tastes, too. Plus, most backpacks, duffels and accessories come in so many different shades, you’ll be sure to find one that speaks to your personal style.

Organizational Features for Your Weekender Bag

There’s nothing more frustrating than rummaging around your bag for something important. So having a bag that not only holds everything, but also keeps things organized is key. All of the bags featured on this list have different organizational components that can help you keep things where they need to be for easy access. Plus, if you need even more organization within a bigger bag, there are accessories for that, too!

Comfort and Ease of Carrying Your Weekender Bag

If you’re hitting a trail or even taking a long beach walk, you don’t want to feel the weight of heavy straps digging into your shoulders. Prioritizing comfort is a good idea when you’re going to be lugging your weekender around with you (think: on and off planes and trains!). JanSport knows from experience that this is important, and so you’ll find that all bags have cushioned support everywhere it counts.

Versatility of Your Weekender Bag

Just like you can take an outfit from day to night, it’s important to have the same versatility in your backpack, too. For example, maybe you need a hands-free option for certain activities, but want to give your back a break from time to time, too. There are many convertible options at JanSport that allow you to do just that. Plus, many weekenders can be paired with rolling suitcases for longer trips, too!

With additional reporting by: Kelly Meehan Brown