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Most of us aren’t usually planning year-long trips around the world, but rather short weekend getaways to somewhere close to home. For these trips, you don’t need an extensive packing list with every potential item, but just a few pieces you can throw in a bag and be on your way.
The bag you pack for your trip should be small enough to carry on but still fit everything you need. So here are our picks for the best bags for weekend travel, all under $200.
Scout Weekender, $59.50
Scout bags are made out of a water-resistant material, which means they won’t stain when you spill coffee on the outside. They’re durably made and come in lots of cute patterns.
This bag is the perfect carry-on size (and TSA approved!), as it will fit all your beach travel reading as well as clothes. The zippered top means you can close it for security and it folds flat when you aren’t using it.
You can even get it monogrammed for a personalized touch.
L.L. Bean Adventure Duffle, $49.95+
L.L. Bean makes great bags for travel and their Adventure Duffles are no exception. These ever-popular bags come in a variety of sizes and colors. There are even some options with wheels!
Their products are well tested, so you can be sure that the bag you get is of the highest quality.Â
Baggu Weekend Bag, $78
Baggu makes some useful packing aids and bags, and the Travel Cloud Bag follows suit. It comes in several fun colors and is made of recycled nylon.
It has short handles for you to carry in your hand and long straps to throw over your shoulder. The bag even packs into a detachable interior pouch for easy storage when not in use. The top is zippered for privacy.
Lands’ End Canvas Weekender Duffle Bag, $69.95
The Canvas Weekender Duffle Bag has a classic look, with interior and exterior pockets to help you stay organized. It will stand up to whatever you stuff in it—it can hold up to 200 lbs!
It’s also great for longer trips since it has a trolley sleeve to slide over the handle of your suitcase. You can even personalize your bag with a monogram.Â
Eddie Bauer Bygone Backpack Tote, $70
The Bygone Backpack Tote is an excellent option for a short getaway. It has a padded laptop sleeve, plus a variety of pockets inside and out. It’s made of a durable polyester fabric.
Best of all, it has adjustable shoulder straps that convert it to a backpack, but can also be tucked away when not in use.Â
Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe, $158+
The Catalina collection by Lo & Sons offers totes and weekenders in several sizes for every occasion. They say the small Catalina Deluxe is ideal for two to four days away.
It’s available in eco-friendly, sustainable materials, including a polyester made from recycled water bottles. There’s a zippered bottom pocket with a removable padded insert that’s great for shoes!
Everlane ReNew Transit Weekender, $88
The ReNew Transit Weekender is just the right size for a weekend away. It’s water-resistant and made from recycled materials. It features an exterior zip pocket, two water bottle holders, a padded laptop sleeve, and more.
Carry it in-hand, on your shoulder, or across your body. It looks great no matter how you carry it!
If you’re willing to carry a backpack– I’d suggest Volcom’s Anywhere Laptop Backpack. It’s 23L, has a ton of extra pockets and is generally super handy for that type of thing. 🙂 I’ve used it on a trip to the Philippines and stuffed 4 or 5 days worth of clothing it (obviously reused and washed some), with more stuff to boot, including a laptop.