Now travel is back on the cards, it seems most of this summer will be spent in transit from weddings, to birthdays, to spontaneous city breaks, to family get-togethers, to stag-dos.
For someone who hates packing, investing in a quality holdall is the first step towards making the almost weekly chore enjoyable.
Forget using your old gym bag or needing a suitcase wherever you go, a carry-all will not only make your life easier, but will elevate your outfit at the same time.
Whether you go for a black that can be paired with any outfit, a classic monogram for a timeless look, or a collegiate vintage sports style, we’ve pulled together a selection to suit every taste. Take your inspiration from the king of the holdall, David Beckham (below), who is routinely spotted carrying his own Louis Vuitton or Bottega.
When choosing a bag it needs to be roomy enough for a few days’ clothing, shoes and toiletries (even if you’re a light packer, we all want options), whilst being compact enough to stow away easily on a train or flight. Multiple compartments are a bonus for the dreaded organisation that comes with packing, and a shoulder strap can come in handy for a hefty load.
As well as a holdall, a handy wash bag and packing cubes will make your life easier. Luggage brand Away have a set of six cubes for £65, as well as a hanging toiletry bag that can hold all of the essentials.
Shop our edit of travel companions below.
Best lightweight luggage, from cabin bags to larger cases
Best sandals for men for style and comfort on holidays or summer walks
Best travel wallets to keep your passport and documents in order
Best men’s underwear brands: Boxers, briefs and more from designer brands
Best men’s wallets and card holders from designer to classics
Best men’s swim shorts for summer 2022
Best luxury luggage brands: Stylish suitcases for weekends away or longer trips
Acne Studios Oilcloth Tote
Constructed from oilcloth, a type of cotton or linen that has been coated to make it waterproof and glossy, this Acne Studios tote will store all of your essentials in style. Just make sure to use the inside pocket for any precious valuables as there’s no zip closure for the main compartment.
Buy now £390.00, Acne Studios
Gant Archive Shield Duffle Bag
This sporty bag has vintage appeal thanks to Gant’s ‘Archive Shield’ logo from the 80s. Made using cotton canvas, and featuring an adjustable shoulder strap and inside pocket, it’s the perfect collegiate weekender.
Buy now £90.00, Gant
Paul Smith X Porter & Yoshida Co Boston Holdall Bag
Crafted in Japan by luxury heavyweight luggage label Porter & Yoshida Co., this ‘Boston’ holdall is part of an exclusive collaboration with Paul Smith this season. Inspired by vintage tent fabrics, the nylon twill and contrast stripes give the bag a unique appeal.
Buy now £675.00, Paul Smith
Rains Weekend Bag
Cut from Rains’ signature waterproof PU coated fabric, the Weekend Bag will see you through all of the seasons. Available in eight colours, it features a main compartment, detachable shoulder strap, and a handle wrap for extra comfort. Great for mini breaks throughout the year.
Buy now £65.00, Rains
John Lewis & Partners Made In Italy Large Leather Holdall, Brown
Handcrafted in Italy using pure leather, this John Lewis holdall is a sophisticated option for a city break. Complete with an internal zip-up pocket for the essentials and a detachable shoulder strap, this leather bag will develop character over time and become even more beautiful.
Buy now £249.00, John Lewis
Nike Gym Club Training Bag
Whilst this bag is pitched for sport, its vintage style logo and contrast straps give it a retro 80s aesthetic that works well outside of the gym. Made using 65 per cent recycled materials, it’s a more sustainable choice that won’t break the bank.
Buy now £32.95, Nike
Moschino Allover Tiger Nylon Duffle Bag
As the most statement bag in the edit, Moschino’s Tiger Nylon Duffle is for those who want to stand out. The roll top feature allows you to adjust the capacity (great for an overpacker), and the four interior pockets are ideal for organisation.
Buy now £1335.00, Moschino
Ally Capellino Hoff Packable Holdall
The Hoff is a standard size duffle that virtually disappears into the external mesh pocket when you pack it away, so it also makes for a great overspill bag. Created from all recycled fabric, it’s extremely lightweight, and the leather trim adds an element of luxury.
Buy now £125.00, Parade World
Carhartt WIP Medley organic-cotton canvas tote bag
Slightly smaller than the other bags in this edit, this Carhartt tote would be great for a light packer. The canvas/corduroy combo gives a textural feel, whilst the pockets at the side and front allow extra space to organise your belongings.
Buy now £120.00, Selfridges
Briggs & Riley Weekender Duffle
For a hassle-free trip, go for Briggs & Riley’s Weekender Duffle. It’s sleek, spacious, and has useful storage features, as well as the option for a monogram for a personal touch. In a versatile khaki, this bag will never go out of style.
Buy now £219.00, Briggs & Riley
Reiss Bellingham Suede Sporty Holdall
Another classic style, the Bellingham by Reiss will stand the test of time. The sporty design is elevated in a premium suede, and the additional compartments and zip-around top closure will make packing that bit easier.
Buy now £328.00, Reiss
Gucci Beige Jumbo GG-canvas holdall
As the most expensive bag in our selection, the jumbo GG motif and signature red and green stripe exude luxury. Perfect for a chic weekend city break or stay at a luxury hotel, this holdall is an investment that will last you a lifetime.
Buy now £1740.00, MatchesFashion
Garbstore x Porter Yoshida & Co Sacoche Day Black
Notting Hill-based brand, Garbstore, has collaborated with Porter-Yoshida & Co to create this Sacoche style bag - a Japanese-inspired silhouette. Featuring triple layer bonded nylon, asymmetrical exterior pockets and a space-dye lining, this is an understated bag that offers both style and substance. It can be worn across the body or over the shoulder.
Buy now £350.00, Couverture and the Garbstore
Ted Baker Cayo Leather Trimmed Canvas Tote Bag
For a bag that would look at home on the French Riviera, go for the Cayo by Ted Baker. This tote is a versatile, space-savvy companion, with zip pockets and shoulder handles, that will meet your needs whilst on the move.
Buy now £82.00, Ted Baker
Horizn Studios SoFo Weekender L
Made using recycled and weatherproof fabrics, the Weekender bag by Horizn is the perfect sustainable cabin-friendly companion. It’s lightweight and durable, has a sleek finish, and features a back strap to secure to luggage (try this case out so you have a matching set).
Buy now £215.00, Horizn Studios
Tommy Hilfiger Large Canvas Duffle Bag
For more of a brighter option, go for this colour-blocked style by Tommy Hilfiger. From the organic cotton canvas to the leather trims, this bag would look great when paired with light neutrals and indigo denim for a tonal look.
Buy now £160.00, Tommy Hilfiger
