It might be tempting to skimp on luggage purchases, especially if you are a sporadic traveler. But before you make that decision, think of a dependable travel bag as investing in your peace of mind as you hop from paradise to paradise. Essentially, the hard plastic or nylon is the only barrier between your valuables and the conveyor belt, belly of the airliner, and trunk of the cab.
So, ensure you find a bag that gives you peace of mind throughout the transit process. Depending on the length of your trip, you will have to decide if you only need a weekender bag (duffel bag) or a carry-on (suitcase). Weekender bags are ideal for short jaunts (up to three days) whereas carry-ons are perfect for extended trips.
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So many travel bags offer exceptional organization perks and remarkable features. In this guide, we look at the best travel bags to help you make your decision.
Best weekender bags for Men
A good duffel bag should just be good at holding things. However, when it comes to the best duffel bags for men, they should also be able to do a few more things. A top-notch duffel bag should carry your clothes, shoes, chargers, toiletries, and all your stuff in a way that saves space and makes it easy to find them. Here is our pick of the top six weekender bags for men;
1. Herschel Sutton Duffel Mid-Volume
Material: Polyester
Dimensions: 10.25x 20.25x 10.25 inches
Item weight: 1.85 Pounds
Price: $64.99
This budget-friendly 3-day travel bag doesn’t compromise on quality and is a great choice for your collection of accessories. The Herschel Mid-Volume Duffle is designed to easily fit in overhead compartments or car trunks, and its round shape makes your travel feel effortless.
The duffel bag also has a detachable shoulder strap to make lifting much easier and has plenty of space for a weekend getaway.
Pros
- Detachable and adjustable shoulder strap
- Has multiple colors
- Cost-friendly
Cons
- Not as durable as other weekender bags on this list
2. Herschel Novel Duffel Bag
Material: Polyester
Dimensions: 9.5 x 20.5 x 11 inches
Item weight: 1.04 Pounds
Price: $63.03
Every shoe lover knows the frustration of not having enough room for an extra pair. The Herschel weekender duffel bag has a fantastic shoe compartment. Travel smart and well-prepared with this top-notch road trip bag.
It also has strong handles, a shoulder strap, a waterproof zipper, and a handy mesh pocket inside to make your travels worry-free. It’s made from 100% recycled EcoSystem™ materials and fits easily in the overhead bin or your car’s trunk.
Pros
- Has a shoe compartment
- Made from sustainable materials
- Cost-friendly
- Has shoulder strap
Cons
- Thin material
- Not-so-sturdy strap clips
3. Harber London Leather Weekender Bag
Material: Leather
Dimensions: 19.69 x 10.63 x 10.24 inches
Item weight: 1.41 Pounds
Price: $1,390
Crafted in Spain using premium full-grain leather, this weekender bag has everything you need. On the outside, it offers easy access with seven pockets, a comfy handle, and a removable leather strap.
This bag has a spot for all your city or travel essentials. It includes two spacious zippered pockets in the front, roomy space behind them, and a large zippered pocket at the back. Its relaxed, classic style won’t go unnoticed, featuring luxurious veg-tan leather and soft German microsuede lining.
It’s designed for people on the move who want to carry their items effortlessly. The Harber London Leather Weekender Bag is just the right size. It’s roomy enough for your stuff and fits within airline cabin size limits.
Pros
- Durable leather
- Roomy interior
- Several exterior pockets
Cons
- It is quite expensive, especially for sporadic travelers
4. Cenzo Duffle Vecchio Brown Italian Leather Weekender Travel Bag
Material: Leather
Dimensions: 21 x 10 x 11 inches
Item weight: 8 ounces
Price: $269
The Cenzo Duffle, crafted in Italy since 2003, is designed to last a lifetime. This leather travel bag is constructed using high-quality calfskin leather that gains richer colors and improves with age. Its natural tanning process produces deep brown and red hues, and the semi-gloss finish helps resist stains.
As time passes, the leather will become softer and develop a lovely sheen. Inside, the beige canvas lining is tough, and resistant to tears and stains, ensuring long-lasting durability.
You don’t need flashy things to enjoy luxury. Simple and elegant items are the ones that stay stylish over time. This spacious designer weekend bag is made from high-quality Italian leather. It has two smooth handles and a removable shoulder strap. The duffle bag is a subtle choice for those who prefer a low-key yet stylish look.
Pros
- Durable leather which improves with time
- Simplistic design for the modern traveler
Cons
- Limited pockets
- No shoe compartment
5. FRYE Men’s Logan Overnight Duffle Bag
Material: Leather
Dimensions: 10 x 18 x 12 inches
Item weight: 1 Pound
Price: $598
With a single touch, you will sense the dedication poured into the FRYE Men’s Logan Overnight Duffle Bag. This leather bag, sourced from Italy, is bound to age beautifully.
Skilled craftsmen create these men’s leather travel bags, equipping them with handy interior zip and slip pockets to keep your belongings tidy. It also features an adjustable leather shoulder strap. The FRYE Men’s Weekender is a reliable choice that will endure for years to come.
Pros
- Has an adjustable shoulder strap
- Strong leather
- Multiple interior pockets
Cons
- No exterior pockets
6. Kenneth Cole REACTION Port Stanley Duffel bag
Material: Pebbled Vegan Leather
Dimensions: 20 x 9 x 12 inches
Item weight: 2.6 Pounds
Price: $200
This big and fashionable leather duffel bag is made from smooth pebbled faux leather. It’s tough on the outside, resistant to water, and has a strong interior lining that won’t tear easily. Inside the Kenneth Cole, you will find a main compartment with a zipper pocket and two open slip pockets to keep your stuff organized.
On the outside, there’s a hidden zipper pocket on the front for easy access to things you use often. Plus, it comes with a shoulder strap that you can adjust for comfort, and it won’t slip off your shoulder thanks to the padded pad.
Pros
Cons
- Limited interior space
Best suitcases for men
Suitcases are an ideal way to carry all your valuables for longer jaunts. Here are our top five picks;
7. Tumi 22-Inch 19 Degrees International Expandable Spinner Carry-On
Material: Recycled polycarbonate
Dimensions: 13.98 x 9.06 x 21.65 inches
Item weight: 10.78 Pounds
Price: $750
Few suitcase brands in the world are as well-known as Tumi. It’s a popular choice for business travelers and many celebrities since it first appeared in the 1970s. Besides the basic features like reliable zippers, lots of pockets, dividers, and TSA locks, the shiny Tumi spinner suitcase is also very stylish.
It has a Lever Lock system that lets you pack a little extra, and Tumi even has a tracking system in case your luggage gets lost. These are plenty of good reasons to consider getting one.
Pros
- Has lever lock system
- Has tracking capability
- Has TSA lock
Cons
- It is quite costly when compared to other carry-ons on this list
8. Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage With Spinner Wheels
Material: Polycarbonate
Dimensions: 19.75 x 12.5 x 28 inches
Item weight: 14.3 Pounds
Price: $180
The Samsonite Winfield 2 suitcase looks stylish with its tough polycarbonate shell, available in many colors. It’s really strong – the polycarbonate can bend a bit to absorb bumps and then go back to its original shape. It can get scratched, however. This suitcase is also easy to roll on different surfaces like carpets and gravel.
Inside, it’s expandable to give you extra packing space. One side has a mesh pocket with a zipper, and the other side has straps to hold things in place. So, you can keep your clean and dirty clothes separate during your trip.
And the best part is, it’s not too expensive. So, if you’re looking for a good checked suitcase that won’t break the bank, the Samsonite Winfield is a great choice for all kinds of travelers.
Pros
- Hard exterior that absorbs bumps
- It’s expandable
- Has a separator zipper to enable you to categorize your clothes
Cons
- It’s not scratch proof
9. Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Expandable Hardside Spinner
Material: Polycarbonate
Dimensions: 18 x 13.5 x 30 inches
Item weight: 12.3 Pounds
Price: $470
The first thing you will notice about the Travelpro Platinum Elite is its eye-catching outside. Even though it’s made of tough polycarbonate, the shell looks like fancy aluminum. We like how much stuff it can hold and how sturdy it is.
What’s even more amazing is how easy it is to handle; it gets a perfect five out of five for maneuverability. It can handle quick turns and all kinds of surfaces with ease.
The only drawback is that it’s on the heavier side, weighing just over 12 pounds. Remember, heavier bags mean you can’t pack as much before hitting the weight limit.
Pros
- Sleek exterior design
- Strong hard exterior
- Moves easily
Cons
- It limits how much you can pack
10. Briggs & Riley Sympatico Hardside Luggage
Material: Polycarbonate
Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 30 inches
Item weight: 13.42 Pounds
Price: $769
The Briggs & Riley Sympatico is good for packing a week’s worth of clothes, shoes, and toiletries. It can get even bigger with its expander, giving you 25% more space. However, using the expander might be a bit confusing. Inside the bag, there are pockets and straps to keep things organized, which is great. The bag is strong and durable, and it can hold a lot.
The handle isn’t as sturdy, but you can still move the bag well on most surfaces. The zipper can be a bit tricky because it’s made to lock the suitcase. If security is a top priority, you might not mind the zipper being a bit tricky.
Pros
- Has expandable space
- Has multiple pockets and straps to keep your items intact
- Has TSA lock
Cons
- Expander hard to use
- The zipper is tricky
Briggs and Riley Sympatico $769
11. Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds 28-Inch Hardside Suitcase
Material: ABS Hard shell
Dimensions: 20.5 x 11.75 x 29.5 inches
Item weight: 9.6 Pounds
Price: $130
This suitcase is very affordable, especially for a carry-on bag offering you great value for your money. Its price aside, the suitcase offers enough space for a week’s worth of clothes, and even light packers can use it for extended trips. Plus, the handle, wheels, and outside are strong and long-lasting. The swivel wheels make it easy to travel through airports.
Aesthetically, the Kenneth Cole is a modern and sleek suitcase. And, you can make it stand out by picking a Kelly green or magenta so that you won’t miss your suitcase at the baggage claim. What’s even better is that this bag comes with a 10-year warranty, which is impressive for a budget choice.
Pros
- Great price point
- Easy to move
- Offers long-term warranty
Cons
- Scratches easily
Tips for buying a travel bag
Finding the perfect travel bag comes down to several factors such as trip duration, functionality, and durability. Here are some helpful tips to consider;
Choose what’s right for you
Should you bring checked bags or carry-ons? Checked bags have fewer rules compared to carry-on bags, but airlines typically limit the size to 62 inches in total. Weight matters more: most airlines set a 50-pound limit for checked bags for most travelers, and sometimes 70 pounds for elite frequent flyers.
Organization preferences
Travel bags offer plenty of room inside, allowing you to pack more stuff. However, to keep your suitcase neat, you must plan how to pack it. Some bags are essentially empty shells, perfect for people who like using packing cubes. Others have a built-in organization with pockets or zippered sections.
Whether you are embarking on a short weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, selecting the right travel bag can impact your travel experience. Hopefully, our guide will help ease your decision-making.