As someone who loves to travel, having the right equipment is important, so it’s essential to find the perfect weekend bag or suitcase. While I always rely on Nere and Away when it comes to suitcases, I’m yet to find the right overnight bag that’ll come with me on trips back home to see my family, spontaneous UK staycations and European city breaks, so I went on the search to find the ones worth taking. Turns out, there are so many incredible styles to choose from, each with different people and plans in mind. I’m here to show you the ones that I, a self-confessed globetrotter, found to be not only chic, but also practical.
If you’re extra organised and even like your toothbrush to have its own place in your bag, Antler’s overnight bag is one to trust with your belongings thanks to the multi-zips and endless compartments. If you travel a lot for work purposes and prefer to splurge on luxury luggage that’ll have promised longevity, Carl Friedrik’s or July’s weekender bags will be strong contenders. For a personalised touch, Katie Loxton’s initial-adorned style may be for you, and if you love a statement “look-at-me” bag then look no further than Damson Madder’s compact polka dot style or the Nobody’s Child gingham iteration you’ll end up taking for a mini break then also to work with your laptop in.
I put lots of weekend travel bags to the test by using them for different trips, and while all very different, I consider these 12 to be the best ones around for 2026, and beyond – because these are the keepers that’ll stick around for years to come.
Read more: Best suitcases for 2026
The best weekend bags for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Katie Loxton Soho weekend bag: £94.99, Katieloxton.com
- Best budget buy – Adanola quilted nylon bag: £46, Adanola.com
- Best luxury – Carl Friedrik compact weekender: £475, Carlfriedrik.com
- Best lightweight – Longchamp Le Pliage one: £145, Longchamp.com
- Best organised – Antler overnight bag: £125, Antler.com
Read more: Best backpacks with wheels 2026
Katie Loxton Soho weekend bag
Best: weekend bag overall
Why we love it
- Top handle and crossbody strap
- Extra roomy
- Can be personalised with initials
Take note
- No inner compartments
I own a couple of Katie Loxton travel bags already, and every time I’m carrying one I get compliments. My response is always to recommend the brand as, over the years, it has become one of my all-time favourites. With this in mind, of course I was more than happy to try the Soho style. It’s roomy, yet lightweight for the size, has a leather-look finish while being vegan-friendly and it has golden hardware that makes it look way more expensive than it is.
The big bag has one large zip, so if you’re a fan of lots of compartments and pockets, this may not be the one for you, but I actually like when all the room inside is free for you to pack as you please. I used it for a weekend away and it carried trainers, ballet flats, a pair of heels, extra handbags and lots of outfits. I like that you can carry it as a handheld but it also has a comfy material strap so you can use it as a crossbody. Even after filling it with all the essentials, it didn’t feel too heavy to hold. The bottom also has studs on so your bag will be slightly elevated off the floor when you put it down to keep it clean. The best part? The supersize style is under-£95 and comes in a choice of seven different colours. For an extra £4.99 you can also get it personalised with embroidered initials, so it makes a great gift, too.
Key specifications
Buy now £94.99, Katieloxton.com
Adanola quilted nylon bag
Best: budget weekend bag
Why we love it
- Comfy straps
- Zip inside and out
- Really lightweight
Take note
- Best for those who travel light
If you love a sporty vibe when you’re at the airport or an athleisure look when you’re travelling in general, you’ll appreciate the Adanola style. In the colour of the season (chocolate brown) the padded style is soft to touch, super lightweight and the thick logo-adorned straps are so comfortable when on your shoulder, even after walking around with it for a few hours.
This is one of the smaller styles I tried, so if you’re an overpacker, it may not work for you. With an inner zip for a passport and an outer zip to keep everything safe inside, this is one of those overnight bags that could also double up as a gym bag or even a work style to keep your laptop in. I liked that I could fit an extra pair of shoes in it along with my hair straighteners but it would be a bit on the small side if you like to pack a hairdryer and full size toiletries with you. For under-£50, I know I would wear this on heavy rotation for all types of plans as well as getaways.
Key specifications
Buy now £46, Adanola.com
Carl Friedrik compact weekender
Best: luxury weekend bag
Why we love it
- Premium design
- Has a crossbody strap and strap to slot onto suitcase
- Silver hardware
Take note
- Could potentially mark over time
Travelling in style is pretty much guaranteed with London-label Carl Friedrik. The luggage brand is the epitome of quiet luxury, and I loved trying out the minimalist compact weekender bag. The nubuck leather style with napped texture feels like buttery soft suede to the touch, and I loved how it contrasts with the smooth bovine leather detailing at the front (also used to define the zip and handles) and is adorned with the brand’s logo. The brushed silver hardware helps to make it look even more premium, too.
It feels sturdy to carry but still has the softest thanks to the suede exterior and the outer zip is very secure. The inner zip pocket has quite a lot of room for essentials and the two inner pockets were perfect for storing my make up palettes. It also comes with a longer strap and I found this great to use at the airport to be hands-free. My boyfriend also used it for a weekend away on a stag do, so the unisex style is most certainly one of the most versatile out of all the ones I tried.
Key specifications
Buy now £475, Carlfriedrik.com
Longchamp Le Pliage one
Best: lightweight weekend bag
Why we love it
- Folds up so easy to transport and store
- Lightweight yet roomy
- Iconic shape
Take note
- Doesn’t come with long strap
When it arrived looking like a tiny bag, I was confused how such a big bag could be folded up so small, but it’s basically the bag version of a fold-up raincoat. With a popper fastening on the front and back, it’s easy to fold in on itself to make it a quarter of the size when you’re not using it – perfect if you’re short of storage for bulkier weekend bags at home. The recycled canvas material means it’s also extra lightweight, so I actually carried it around in another weekend bag on one occasion to use as an extra shopping bag once I got to my destination.
The iconic Longchamp logo can be found on the leather detailing on the front (also on the sturdy handles) along with on the popper design and the silver zipper. When it comes to the inner pockets, they’re large enough to store smaller essentials, but I do wish they zipped up to stop things from falling out. With that being said, though, the big zip at the top was very secure so my belongings felt safe and secure when I was on-the-go.
Key specifications
Buy now £145, Longchamp.com
Antler overnight bag
Best: organised weekend bag
Why we love it
- Meets airline underseat requirements
- Lots of compartments to be organised
- Fits on suitcase
Take note
- Light colour could get dirty on plane
I used to be a throw-it-all-in type of traveller, but since discovering packing cubes, I quite like knowing where everything is. Sometimes when you’re just going for a weekend away, though, you want to leave the packing cubes at home and this is where the Antler overnight bag comes in. Best for those who like to be super-organised with everything in its place, it has four individual zip compartments with the main one zipping all the way down to the sides to make it easier to see your belongings. I also appreciated all the mini compartments that have considered everything you may take away with you – from a laptop slot to a toothbrush holder, this really is the bag that thinks about where you’re going and what you need.
Fitting over your suitcase thanks to the slots at the back, it also meets the airline size requirements to go under seats so I used it as my hand luggage on a flight to Portugal. The studs at the bottom keep it raised off the floor (to keep clean), there’s a top handle and crossbody strap and I found it easy to carry even though it is one of the more bulky, structured styles that I tried.
Key specifications
Buy now £125, Antler.co.uk
Damson Madder quilted weekender bag
Best: statement weekend bag
Why we love it
- On trend print
- Matching swimwear and clothes in the same print
- Can wash at 30 degrees
Take note
- Small compared to others
This Damson Madder bag is the smallest one I tried, but after being determined to travel lighter (I’m done with paying those excess baggage fees on the plane) I wanted to put myself to the test. But I’m not going to fool you, of course the main reason I picked this one is because of the cute polka dot print design that’s a key trend this season. Damson Madder has also created a whole collection in this print, so if you like to plan your travel outfit, you could go matchy-matchy with the dress, too. But back to the bag.
I often spill my make-up or mini toiletries in my luggage so I appreciate that this organic cotton style can be slung into my washing machine with my clothes. The bow zipper makes it extra easy to open and there’s a big inner zip along with an outer pocket that I used for my essentials. I could only really pack a spare pair of sandals in this bag along with my two days of outfits but it was actually enough, so now I have no excuse to ever overpack again.
Key specifications
Buy now £65, Damsonmadder.com
Barneys Originals holdall bag
Best: classic weekend bag
Why we love it
- Unisex design
- Classic shape
- Three separate compartments
Take note
- Only two colours
If you prefer to keep your travel essentials classic, then this holdall from Barneys Originals is the one for you. The brown leather unisex design is one for all the family, so no doubt you could keep it somewhere in your house for everyone to use when they need it. And I believe that like a great leather handbag, it’ll look even better over time when it’s a bit worn over the years.
In a timeless shape, the outer compartment with a popper to close was perfect for keeping my fan and water bottle within easy reach. The big zip at the top kept everything secure and I appreciated the inner zipper and pockets to keep some of my travel items separate. Like a lot of the styles I tried, it has a top handle to grab-and-go along with a crossbody bag which makes it more comfortable to carry once I filled it to the top with multiple pairs of shoes, hair tools and even my laptop so I could work on my travels. Overall, I rate this bag and it kind of looks like a vintage thrift find or one that could have passed down through the years.
Key specifications
Buy now £120, Barneysoriginals.com
Nobody’s Child gingham cotton holdall
Best: weekend to work bag
Why we love it
- Fun print
- Two inner and outer pockets
Take note
- Doesn't zip up
From work to weekend to everything else in between, this is one of those bags you buy with multiple purposes in mind. And there’s no ignoring how adorable it looks. In a large gingham print with two ruched side pockets and drawstring side detail through golden eyelets, it’s one that refuses to go unnoticed. If you prefer more statement pieces, or you just like to be able to spot your bag in a crown easily then I would recommend this Nobody’s Child style.
The only detail I wish it had was a top zip to make sure nothing slipped out, but it does have a popper to close and the drawstrings can be tightened – but this does mean less room in the bag. I liked the handy front pocket along with the two inner pockets and there was enough room for my trainers, a rolled up jacket, jeans and a few outfit options for a spa weekend away. Although I would take it for a weekend away in the car, it may not be best for the airport where you have to slot your bag under the seat or in an overhead compartment as items could potentially slip out.
Key specifications
Buy now £69, Nobodyschild.com
July Juliette frame weekender
Best: structured weekend bag
Why we love it
- Great for corporate travel
- Structured silhouette
- Roomy
Take note
- Heavier than others
This luxurious bag is one that made me feel like I meant business as soon as I arrived at the airport on a work trip. The structured croc print leather looks very chic, and when combined with the extra sturdy handles and sleek gold ‘July’ logo on the front, it looks very luxe from all angles. So much so, one lady stopped me to ask where I got it from when it was slotted over my suitcase thanks to the handy back loop.
Fastened using two strong magnets on either side instead of a zip it could be considered slightly tricker to open compared to other styles as you have to hold them in place to get out your belongings. Once inside, though, you’ll find a large inner zip pocket in the canvas lining as well as another popper pocket that allows for my tablet to slot in perfectly. Looking similar to a large briefcase, the style is definitely more premium than a lot I tried and the structured shape, although heavier than others, felt comfy to carry around as I roamed around duty-free.
Key specifications
Buy now £425, July.com
Oliver Bonas Olivia dusty pink weekend bag
Best: colourful weekend bag
Why we love it
- Fun colour
- Two outer zips and three inner pockets
- Soft silhouette
Take note
- Colour may not be everyone’s taste
Not just for fun outfits and quirky homeware accessories, Oliver Bonas has also pulled through with statement weekend bags. Available in a whole host of colours, I liked this standout pink shade to brighten up the task of having to pack (my least favourite part about travelling). My initial thoughts were how light it was, which was surprising considering it’s a generously sized bag. Also, how soft and flexible the faux leather iteration is, especially compared to more structured styles like the July weekender or Antler’s overnight bag.
I used the two front zips to store my lip balm, hand cream and my small water bottle and the large zip was for the rest of it. Luckily, the squishy style allows for you to cram a lot in (especially with the three inner pockets) and I actually took enough for a four-night stay in Italy. It also comes with a pink and white striped thick strap which was really comfy on your shoulder and I loved how it gave a slightly retro sporty feel to the bag.
Key specifications
Buy now £70, Oliverbonas.com
Elizabeth Scarlett sun goddess overnight bag
Best: unique weekend bag
Why we love it
- Matching accessories available
- Brings the holiday vibes
- Can personalise with initials
Take note
- Could mark over time
This bag just screams “take me on holiday” from every angle. From the Mediterranean orange shade to the hand-drawn sun embroidered design and velvet touch, it’s one of those bags that’ll bring you joy as soon as you put it on – especially if you’re taking it to an exotic location.
In a classic duffle bag shape, it has zip-up pockets either side, a big zip along the top and once inside, there’s another zip-up pocket along with a popper pocket – so there’s lots of ways to organise your belongings. If you like to make sure you’re co-ordinated when you’re on a weekend break or Euro trip then you’ll probably also like the fact there’s a matching glasses case, make up bag and pouch in the same design to fit in the weekend bag. Want to go one step further? I didn’t get mine personalised but for £10 extra you can add your initials. Plus, as part of the conservation collection, two per cent of all sales also goes to a wildlife charity.
Key specifications
Buy now £85, Elizabethscarlett.com
H&M sports weekend bag
Best: sporty weekend bag
Why we love it
- Top and crossbody straps
- Two pockets and one inner zip
- Looks chic
Take note
- Could get damaged on flights
If, like me, you tend to overpack, then you’ll want to see this H&M weekend bag. Looking like it could be a vintage sports bag, the cream canvas mixed with the brown faux leather detail is a classic that’ll work with all your plans. The outer zip goes all the way across the big bag so it was easy to pull out all my belongings once I got to the hotel. The straps – although faux leather – felt very sturdy and strong and it also comes with a brown matching crossbody strap.
Because of the light colour it could get dirty if used frequently but the material can be wiped and you could easily use packing cubes to make sure shoes and trainers don’t mark the inside.I’ve used this for multiple trips and found it to be comfy even though it had a lot in it thanks to the 50cm length. A high street hero, I would also use this one as a gym bag with my laptop in, too.
Key specifications
Buy now £44.99, Hm.com
What is the best weekend bag?
There are so many great weekend travel bags to choose from, and although I tested only a few of them, I believe I’ve found the best of the best. If you want to get as much room as possible for your money, Katie Loxton’s Soho weekend bag is our overall best weekend bag. If you love being organised, Antler’s overnight bag will ensure there’s a space for everything from your tooth brush to your laptop and if easy-to-sport styles are for you then Damson Madder’s polka dot style or Nobody’s Child’s gingham version will add some fun to your travel plans. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a travel bag to suit all trips, styles and packing types.
How I tested weekend bags
Between heading back to Norfolk to see my family, making any excuse for a long weekend by the seaside and saying yes to every city break, I would say I’m the perfect person to test out the best weekender bags. So, I road-tested all my favourites over the space of a couple of months to see which ones were the best, and I based this on size, shape, comfort (all about the strap) along with price point, how much you can actually fit in them and of course, aesthetic. Because unlike a suitcase, you’ll be carrying a weekend bag a lot so you want it to look as good as your handbag.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Harriet Davey is a fashion editor, stylist and writer with years of experience under her belt. A veteran of covering the latest and biggest trends, Harriet has hand-picked fashion edits on everything from the best sunglasses to the best shapewear. She’s interviewed celebrities on their style and fashion takes, while also writing about sustainability in fashion, shopping on the high street and much more. Here, she has only included spring jackets she would honestly recommend adding to your seasonal wardrobe.
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