A successful trip starts with the right luggage. Whatever you’re planning, you need a bag to suit. Organising a two week holiday to Mexico? An XL suitcase would do. Going for a day trip to Bath? You’d get away with a rucksack. Or, for a few nights away, you’ll need a holdall.
You’ll likely use them more than any other bags in your collection. Stag dos. Work trips. Family staycations. Romantic mini-breaks. Long weekends with your mates. The vast majority of trips will involve less than a handful of nights away, so you can store everything in an easy-to-carry weekend bag instead of a cumbersome case.
And, coming from someone who hates packing, the holdall you choose makes all the difference. Instead of digging out an old gym bag, a quality carryall will have some added features which makes the arduous task a little easier – and should look great, at the same time.
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 and a shoulder strap can come in handy for extra weight.
Whether you go for an ever-versatile black leather, a preppy collegiate take (duffel bags, we’re looking at you) or one with a gorpy waterproof finish, all of your long-weekend-stay needs will be taken care of.
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 favourite holdalls in the list below.
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 £79.00, 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 £215.20, John Lewis
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.
Buy now £219.00, Briggs & Riley
Carhartt WIP Otley Weekend Bag
If you’re after a brand that pretty much any guy can get on board with, Carhartt WIP is your best bet. Everyone from Austin Butler to Jaden Smith and Ben Affleck is included in the workwear-meets-fashion label’s starry fanbase.
Though the jackets are arguably the biggest grails, there’s a great range of accessories available too. Take this bag, which is constructed from black water-repellent nylon, features a padded lining, has a removable shoulder strap and multiple pockets to organise your belongings. A real crowd-pleaser.
Buy now, Carhartt WIP
Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend
An ideal companion for your one or multi-night getaway, the Palissy Weekend has enough space for all of the essentials, and then some. Plus, its elegant finish means it’s a chic travel companion that looks smart no matter the destination.
Buy now £745.00, Carl Friedrik
Mismo M/S Supply
If you’re planning a city break or a short staycation, Mismo’s a great choice. Many of the Nordic label’s bags are inspired by the classic duffle, constructed using canvas or nylon which is taken up a notch with leather strap detailing on the side.
Each high-spec design features a variety of pockets and compartments for your tech, valuables and day-to-day essentials. We want one in every size.
Buy now, Mismo
Arket 72-Hour 3-Way Duffle Bag
Functionality is at the heart of Arket’s 72-Hour Duffle. First of all, you can carry it in three different ways – it can be a backpack, a shoulder bag, or, naturally, a holdall. Then, there are several compartments designed for all the essentials you need on the go. We’re talking computers, tablets, chargers, passports and paperback books. And the tonal chocolate brown will go with nearly everything else in your wardrobe.
Buy now £159.00, Arket
Steele & Borough The Duffel Navy
Seeing as Steele & Borough spent seven years honing The Duffel, it’s no wonder it’s one of the best holdalls on the market. There’s one zipped pocket and one that’s open for easy accessibility to high-traffic items (think pens, mints or perfume). It’s water-resistant and vegan-friendly. And it even comes with its own drawstring bag.
Buy now £130.00, Steele & Borough
Gant Slouchy Leather Bag
Think about the #OldMoneyAesthetic. The Oxford shirts; the slacks; the sporty separates... One brand which does it all is Gant – and this is the bag to match.
A pure leather construction cut to a slouchy silhouette, it looks both understated and effortless. Practicalities-wise, there are two pockets – one inside and one out – separate compartments and an adjustable strap. All in all, a great weekend bag.
Buy now £450.00, Gant
Connolly Red Sports Grip Bag
If you’re into motor racing, we’re sure you’re familiar with Connolly. Well known for its signature leather which has been used in many famous cars – Aston Martin, Rolls Royce and Bentley, included. And the same upholstery leather has been used to create this sports bag.
It features palladium-plated hardware, a hidden passport pocket on the side, a padded laptop compartment as well as several internal zippered pockets. Our favourite is the racing red but if it’s a little too loud for your liking it also comes in a neutral tan.
Buy now £1700.00, Connolly
Longchamp Boxford S Travel Bag
Longchamp is well known for its bags. Though the day-to-day Pliage may be the most popular, the French maison offers many travel-friendly options, too.
Our top pick? The Boxford, which is constructed using a recycled polyester jersey with a cowhide leather trim. It has a zipped and snap closure for added security and an easily attachable shoulder strap if it’s feeling too heavy to carry by hand.
Buy now £260.00, Longchamp
