Top 16 Best Men’s Weekender Bags & Duffels for 2023

In this article, we’ll discuss what we think are the best weekender and duffel bags that men can buy.

The concept of a weekend getaway does a lot of good for the soul. A quick, uncomplicated jaunt to some new scenery and unfamiliar faces can be exciting, refreshing, and relaxing — all at the same time.

Whether it’s a weekend in the mountains for some hiking and fly fishing or an urban escape for culture and nightlife, a great weekender bag is an absolute necessity. You need a stylish bag that embodies the sense of adventure a last-minute trip thrives on.

This guide will help you choose the best bag for your style, budget, and the types of trips you’re most likely to embark upon. You’ll find classy weekenders and rugged duffels, all with an unapologetically masculine look. 

Quick Take

Short on time? Here are our top three picks for the best weekender bags you can buy right now:

Read on for more info and the complete list…

What to Consider When Shopping for a Men’s Weekender Bag

Before we jump right into the best weekender bags, it’s worth taking a few paragraphs to discuss what you should look for while shopping. Take a look at these important features or considerations before you land on a bag so you’ll be sure it meets your needs.

Leather vs. Nylon vs. Canvas

By and large, the three most popular materials for men’s weekender bags are leather, nylon, and canvas. They each have their pros and cons and unique looks, so be sure to consider this carefully.

Leather weekender bags are tough and durable. They often look classy and rugged at the same time. Leather is much heavier than other materials, and you might need to maintain it from time to time with a leather conditioner.

However, leather bags look better with age as they earn a weathered, patinated look that you simply can’t replicate without years of use.

Nylon weekender bags have a sporty appearance. In fact, most gym bags are made from nylon since it’s lightweight, moisture resistant, and easy to clean.

Common nylon bags also tend to be the most affordable option, though they may lack the mature, sophisticated, and rugged look of other materials like leather and canvas. However, high-end nylon bags can be just as classy and sophisticated as the other materials.

Canvas and Twill are great meet-in-the-middle options between leather and nylon. Canvas is a robust and durable fabric used for making sails, tents, heavy-duty backpacks, and other tough fabric items.

Waxed canvas, or tin cloth, is even better, as it offers a bit of resistance from rain and inclement weather. Twill is similar to canvas, but with a different weave pattern.

Canvas and twill bags are lighter than leather, durable, and have a rugged, field-going spirit that’s perfect for weekend trips.

Carrying Capacity and Size

Sure, a great weekender bag doesn’t need to carry your entire wardrobe, but it does need to carry enough to get you through a fun-filled weekend. You need a bag that can fit a couple of outfits, an additional pair of shoes, all your undergarments, and any grooming products you need to bring along.

You also need room for some EDC items, cash, a phone charger, and a passport (should your weekend trip take you over a border).

Small bags look great, but they can really handcuff you if you’re going for anything longer than an overnight getaway. Big bags will hold everything and then some, but you have to carry them and manipulate them through hotels, ski lodges, and chateau lobbies.

There’s certainly a balance you need to strike — luckily, all of the bags in this guide do just that.

Style Aesthetic or “Vibe”

As I mentioned earlier, weekender bags have a certain adventurous spirit sewed right into their seams. With that said, there are a few different styles that you need to shop through to find the one that fits your style the best.

If you’re a minimalist, you’ll want to look for a subdued bag without big, bulky exterior pockets. If you’re more at home on a trout stream than the boardroom, a canvas duffle-style bag with rugged styling might be just the ticket.

A nylon bag might check the boxes if you’re the type that prefers nightlife or high-rise hotels to cabins in valleys. It comes down to matching your weekender bag with your weekend style.

The Best Leather Weekender Bags

There are some really incredible leather weekender bags available, and they offer plenty of function and style. While these bags tend to be more expensive than the other categories, they’re durable and look outstanding — especially over time.

Saddleback Leather Three Strap Leather Duffle Bag a.k.a The Baby Beast

If you want a leather duffle that’ll last a lifetime, the Three Strap Leather Duffle Bag from Saddleback is probably your best bet.

It’s simple, rugged, and so durable that it literally has a 100-year warranty! This version of the bag is also carry-on friendly which makes it perfect for short trips.

Pros:

• Extremely high-quality
• Rugged aesthetic

Cons:

• Too expensive for some guys

One of our team members here at The Modest Man has personally tested this bag, and they rant and rave about it.

Hook & Albert Leather Garment Weekender

Guys looking for a high-quality leather weekender with a great design and plenty of functionality should check out the Hook & Albert Leather Garment Weekender. This sharp bag has two rolled leather handles and a shoulder strap for easy carrying.

The Leather Garment Weekender has an awesome design. The sides unzip and fold flat, allowing you to lay the bag completely flat. It has a built-in suit bag and two compartments for individual shoes.

Pros: 

• Fold-Flat Design
• Comfortably Fits a Suit

Cons:

• Not Full-Grain Leather

This design allows you to take formal or business wear on a weekend trip, and you can hang the bag from a hanger like a traditional suit bag.

The only actual complaint is that the leather isn’t full-grain. While the top grain leather is very nice, full-grain is more durable. 

Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend

If you don’t mind spending a bit extra to get an incredible bag, the Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend is worth a look. Carl Friedrik makes these bags from Italian Vachetta full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, ensuring quality and a great future patina.

The Palissy Weekend has some truly handsome looks. It has a simple, minimalist design with just one exterior pocket. It has two small fabric pockets inside for a wallet or a passport, and the upright construction keeps this bag standing while loading, unloading, or simply sitting.

Pros: 

• Full-Grain Veg-Tanned Leather
• Handsome looks

Cons:

• Expensive
• No Extra Compartments

It has two rolled leather handles as well as a leather shoulder strap.

The issues with the Palissy Weekend are that it doesn’t have any extra compartments for shoes or dirty clothes. Also, it’s an expensive bag, but the quality is second to none.

Beckett Simonon Davis Weekender

Beckett Simonon’s Davis Weekender is a sturdy option. Not only is it built with full-grain Italian leather, but it’s fully fortified with lock-stitching, the kind used to join two pieces of fabric together. This firmness is actually executed on every single stitch.

Even the interior is lined with cotton twill, which is strong, provides architecture from within, but won’t rough up your laptop.

Also, the pebbled leather looks sophisticated and allows scruffs to blend in easier. 

Pros

• Three expressive yet neutral and versatile colorways
• Durable full-grain leather, waxed and shea buttered so it ages beautifully

Cons

• Made to order items sometimes have irregular wait times

Another plus is that Beckett Simonon uses calfskin leather from a tannery in Italy that’s Gold-Rated by the Leather Working Group, meaning they employ practices that focus on reducing their impact on the environment.

Tecovas Duffle

Naturally, famed purveyor of cowboy boots Tecovas, serves up a weekender with a handsome Western style about it. From the bourbon hue to the brass hardware, this bag is both rugged and sophisticatedly structured.

Details like the two-way zipper, comfortable padded strap, and pocketed canvas interior up the functionality factor. The bottom even has feet to elevate it from dirty surfaces.

The entire bag is made out of Presidio leather, which is commonly used in furniture because of its durable comfort. Of course, the grain-forward finish allows it to patinate as it ages.

Pros

• Attractive bourbon color gets deeper as it patinates
• Propped bottom helps keep it from wearing as quickly

Cons

• The borderline cowboy style is distinct, but not for everyone

Basically, if you’re looking for a bag for a long weekend, this guy’s 52-liter capabilities could even store enough for almost a week if you’re a creative packer.

Satchel & Page Weekender

The Satchel & Page Weekender looks like it’s right out of the golden age of travel. The flat top carries on to the sides, giving it a solid and formal framework.

Still, it features all of the necessary modern creature comforts, like a laptop compartment and a convenient phone pocket for quick grabbing and storing.

The leather is truly exquisite. I’m talking French shoulder cowhide, which is stable but still flexible and attractively textured. It’s deep conditioned with oil and wax, and aniline dyed, which means the color stays vibrant and the surface stays strong.

Pros

• Classy, well-structured build
• Strong high-class leather with a soft feel

Cons

• Might be a bit formal for some people

I also love the tobacco suede lining. It makes the inside just as refined-looking as the outside.

Harber London Weekender

Harber London’s Weekender, with its multi-pocket utilitarian look, is an effective example of a bag that’s relaxed-looking, but still clearly well-built and refined.

The two outer zip pockets on the outside are super beneficial, while also adding to the style. I always feel a bit insecure about putting passports or wallets in an outer pocket without a zipper. This design combines convenience with protection.

This bag is made completely with full-grain leather, and looks as supple as it feels.  

Pros

• Handmade construction gives it an artisanal quality
• Comfortable handles

Cons

• Handmade quality is great, but the measurements given (24 x 22 x 50 cm) aren’t exact
• High cost 

The black looks slightly dressier than the chestnut, but neither look formal by any means. Regardless, all of these bags are hand-made by craftsmen in Spain.

The Best Canvas and Twill Weekender Bags

If you’re looking for a great, durable bag that can take a beating on an adventurous weekend trip, any of these canvas or twill weekenders will do the trick.

L.L. Bean Waxed Canvas Duffle

Guys looking for a rugged, classically designed waxed canvas bag should definitely consider the L.L. Bean Waxed Canvas Duffle. This bag has L.L. Bean’s adventurous spirit infused in its design, with two rolled leather handles, cotton webbing, and a water-resistant waxed canvas body.

This bag has two external zip pockets for smaller items as well as a zippered pocket inside. It has plenty of storage space inside, and the reinforced bottom helps ensure you won’t wear it out.

Pros:

• Classic Rugged Styling
• Full-Grain Leather Handles

Cons:

• No Padding on Shoulder Strap

There are really no downsides to this bag other than the fact that the shoulder strap has no pad. It’s not a big deal, but it’s something that L.L. Bean could possibly improve upon.

Filson 48-Hour Tin Cloth Duffle Bag

When it comes to the best in premium Canvas Weekenders, the Filson 48-Hour Tin Cloth Duffle Bag is at the top of the heap. This bag features bridle leather handles and body tabs, two leather strap handles with a button-closure grip, and an adjustable shoulder strap.

Filson does waxed canvas like no other brand. This bag is weather-resistant and nearly indestructible, plus it has some rugged good looks. It features several large exterior pockets and plenty of interior storage — and it’s lined with Filson’s Cover Cloth to protect your clothes and gear.

Pros:

• Basically Indestructible
• Lots of Storage Pockets

Cons:

• It’s an investment

The 48-Hour Tin Cloth Duffle Bag is expensive for a canvas bag. However, you get the timeless look of a Filson product and the company’s legendary durability.

Bespoke Post x Line of Trade Weekender Bag

If you’re shopping for a good bag at a great price, the Bespoke Post x Line of Trader Weekender is pretty much unbeatable. This bag features two leather handles, a removable shoulder strap, and a dual-buckle closure system.

Bespoke Post and Line of Trade used a classic stone mason’s bag as the inspiration for this weekender. This gives it a classic, tried-and-true design that inspires confidence and a do-all attitude. This bag opens wide with a steel-reinforced opening, and it features a 15-inch laptop pocket.

Pros:

• Great Price
• Plenty of Storage Space

Cons:

• Not Many Pockets
• Need the Subscription for the Best Price

Other than the laptop pocket, you won’t find any pockets for storage. Also, the price is excellent, but to get the best possible price, you’ll have to sign up for Bespoke Post’s subscription service.

Filson Medium Rugged Twill Duffle Bag

The Filson Medium Rugged Twill Duffle Bag is the perfect choice for weekend trips to the cabin or ski lodge. This twill bag features two bridle leather strap handles, a leather adjustable shoulder strap, and a storm-flap top closure.

The Medium Rugged Twill Duffle Bag has a truly rugged design. The handles wrap around the entire bag to support heavy loads, and the storm-flap closure keeps inclement weather from working its way into your bag. The twill fabric is also weather and abrasion-resistant.

Pros:

• Rugged Construction
• Bridle Leather Handles and Straps

Cons:

• Not Waxed

This bag isn’t waxed, so it might not be as durable and easy to clean as a tin cloth bag. Other than that, this bag is outstanding.

Stubble & Co Weekender

This Weekender from Stubble & Co. is unique in that it’s definitely as tactile and sporty as a canvas bag should be, but it has such sound, sophisticated structure. Compare this to so many canvas bags that look and store things like a giant toiletry keeper.

The canvas is extra strong, wildly water-resistant (so you don’t have to worry about any technology in there on a rainy travel day), and comes courtesy of British Millerain (aka the original makers of waxed cotton).

There are four cool colorways, each accented with tan leather. The blue looks fun and stylish, while the green has a military aesthetic — just to describe a few.

Pros

• Comes in a 40-liter or 60-liter capacity
• Waterproof and durable

Cons

• A bit heavy for a canvas bag

With its athletic and flexible build, this guy is what I’d call a classy beater.

The Best Nylon Weekender Bags

Nylon and synthetic materials are a popular option for weekender bags, but these aren’t your standard nylon gym duffle. These bags are sturdy, stylish, and capable.

The Monaco Weekender from Stuart & Lau

Check out the Monaco Weekender from Stuart & Lau if you’re looking for a lightweight nylon bag with plenty of features. This bag features two adjustable full-grain rolled leather handles, an adjustable shoulder strap, and two straps for a travel umbrella.

The Monaco has a lot going for it. It features nylon DuraLite fabric, which makes it both waterproof and lightweight. It has two end pockets, a center external pocket, a zippered interior pocket, and storage for headphones, wires and cash.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Weatherproof
• Handsome Design

Cons:

• Nothing (it’s a great bag)

There aren’t any actual complaints about The Monaco. Yes, it’s a bit expensive, but it’s still a great value.  

Tumi Double Expansion Travel Satchel

If you’re not afraid to spend a little extra on a nylon bag, the Tumi Double Expansion Travel Satchel might be the bag for you. This bag features a full nylon construction body, nylon webbing handles with a button-closure grip, a nylon shoulder strap, and plenty of storage.

The Double Expansion Travel Satchel has two zippered collapsible sections that unzip to expand the bag for plenty of storage. It also features a center pocket with several smaller organizer pockets for all your gear, tech, and travel documents.

Pros:

• Expandable Design
• Plenty of Pockets

Cons:

• Contrasting Pocket

In all black, this is a great looking bag. The gray and blue versions have a contrasting center pocket, which distracts a bit from its simple design. Otherwise, it’s an excellent bag.

Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle

The Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle Bag is an excellent choice for a weekend traveler on a budget. This nylon bag provides plenty of storage for a two or three-day trip.

One feature you’ll enjoy about the Novel Duffle is its external shoe storage pocket, allowing you to bring an extra pair of shoes or boots on your weekend trip without dirtying your clean clothes. It also features an interior mesh pocket for storing smaller items.

Pros:

• Great Price
• External Storage for Shoes

Cons:

• Faux Leather Straps

The Novel comes in several color variations, several of which have faux leather straps. These straps are a little cheesy so some guys may choose to steer clear of those bags. You can see our full review of the Herschel Novel here.

Bellroy Weekender

The Bellroy Weekender is casual but slick, making it perfect for travel and even as a bigger everyday bag.

Inside, there’s a belt style design, Bellroy calls it an “organizational tool belt”, which makes sure all of your things are at the same height. This makes it easy to keep things coordinated and at hand’s length.

This bag is so lightweight that I can see myself using it to travel from my office to a client’s office. It has more storage space than an average briefcase, so I can keep extra presentation materials in it that I don’t always need to carry around.

Pros

• Smart organizational construction
• Three-year warranty

Cons

• Only two colorways

Another plus about nylon bags is that they’re easy to clean and maintain. This adds a sense of security too, since it can bang around in any storage unit without consequence.

Everlane ReNew Transit Weekender

The Everlane Renew Transit Weekender is an easy buy: It’s simple, really spacious, and affordable. Unless you’re offended by minimalism, basically anyone can use this weekender.

Everlane products can fall anywhere on the spectrum between green-washed and truly sustainable. This bag, however, is pretty good. It’s made from 36.6 recycled plastic bottles, fluorine-free, and dyed using environmentally safe materials.

Pros

• Bang-for-buck at around ~$100
• Five fun and versatile colorways

Cons

• Metal adjustable piece on strap could land uncomfortably on your shoulder

If you’re looking for a last-minute weekender, go for this bag. It’s affordable and convenient, and is no sweat off your back if you’re just using it as a place-holder so you can save up for a higher-end weekender

Final Thoughts

A great weekender bag can call to you from inside your closet, begging you to fill it up and hit the road. Choosing a bag off of this list will ensure your bag’s up for the journey.

The Monaco from Stuart & Lau is an incredible bag, and it can do a bit of everything. If you’re looking for an indestructible bag for your trips and adventures, check out the Filson 48-Hour Tin Cloth Duffle Bag.

If you’d prefer a truly classic design, you might be looking for something like the Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend bag. If it’s all about saving cash, the Bespoke Post x Line of Trader Weekender or Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle could do the trick.

Whichever bag you choose from this guide, you’re sure to have a trusty travel companion for many weekends to come.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!