If there’s one travel habit I’m breaking this year, it’s opting for heavy wheeled suitcases over smart travel bags for short weekend getaways. After all, there’s no quicker way to dull the thrill of a vacation than having to wrestle a clunky bag up a flight of stairs (or trying to squeeze a hard-shell suitcase into an already packed boot).
Having always been an over-packer, ditching my beloved suitcase wasn’t an easy decision. But after spending more than 8 months travelling over the last three years, my ultimate packing takeaway is this: for short trips, a great weekender bag or travel backpack will always be more practical and much less cumbersome than a full-sized suitcase. I do, however, have strict guidelines for finding the perfect travel bag.
Whether you’re planning a fast-paced weekend in an unfamiliar city, escaping to a quiet country cabin, or roughing it on an outback camping trip, the right bag should feel like the perfect travel companion. It needs to be comfortable enough to carry while you’re strolling to your accommodation or hiking to a new camping site, but stylish enough that you actually feel put-together carrying it.
To help you lighten the load without breaking the bank (or sacrificing a great outfit), I’ve rounded up the best travel bags for every type of weekend escape.
The best travel bags for your next weekend away
During a recent trip, my own poorly chosen carry-on bag let me down. Big time. Filled with my laptop, book, headphones, and skincare minis, I found my shoulder aching from the combination of weight and the travel tote’s rigid straps. During the final hours of my vacation, marked by a deep, red imprint on my left shoulder, I decided that only the most comfortable, stylish, and practical travel bags would be coming with me on future adventures. And if you read on, you’ll make the same commitment too.
Find your perfect travel bag at a glance:
- Best for active escapes: Faro Light Backpack 0.4, $112
- Best for coastal getaways: Everyday Vacation Tote, $195
- Best for city adventures: Peta and Jain Reagan Weekender Bag, $90.96
- Best for farm stays: Blast Pro Roller Backpack, $255
- Best work bag / weekender hybrid: Antler Heritage Overnight Bag, $295
The following 5 travel bags have been carefully selected for a variety of weekend trips. From country escapes to city adventures, your packing is about to get a lot easier.
01
Everyday Vacation Tote
$195 at July
Best washable travel tote for coastal getaways
If a weekender could embody a European coastal holiday, it’s the July Everyday Vacation Tote in the ever-cheerful Lido pattern.
Why I love it: This is the ultimate transition bag for coastal road trips or short fly-away weekends. Crafted from 100% recycled material with a water-resistant exterior and lining, it handles everything from unexpected coffee spills to damp beach towels with total ease. A secure top zip keeps your belongings tucked away, while internal hanging pockets keep your keys and lip balm easy to grab. The cherry on top, however, is the subtle rear trolley sleeve that slides right over your wheelie suitcase handle if you do bring extra luggage. And the entire bag is machine washable, so it always stays looking crisp.
If the blue and orange stripe isn’t quite working for you, however, make sure to check out the 5 alternative colourways too.
02
Blast Pro Roller Backpack, 43L
$255 at Bagsmart
Best convertible wheeled backpack for extended trips
If, like me, you can never decide between a rolling suitcase and a backpack, the Bagsmart Blast Pro Roller Backpack gives you the best of both worlds.
Why I love it: This is a total game-changer for weekends away or active road trips where the terrain keeps changing. It glides effortlessly through city streets on smooth wheels, but the second you hit grass, stairs, or a gravel driveway, you can zip out the stowable shoulder straps and carry it on your back. Bagsmart even included a clever built-in wheel cover so dirty wheels never rub against your clothes. Upgraded with a waterproof TPU exterior and YKK zippers, it’s practically indestructible, opens flat like a suitcase for easy packing, and easily holds a week’s worth of outfits within domestic carry-on limits.
03
Peta and Jain Reagan Weekender Bag
$90.96 ($129.95) at THE ICONIC
Best affordable vegan leather weekender for city adventures
If you want a weekender that could easily pass as a stylish work bag, the Peta and Jain Reagan Weekender Bag is the travel bag for you.
Why I love it: This weekender is my top recommendation for an affordable, minimalist bag that seamlessly transitions from desk to getaway. Crafted from grained vegan leather with gold-toned hardware, it has a polished structure that holds its shape and never looks saggy. Inside, internal slip pockets keep small items organised, while the external zip-pocket keeps your keys and phone within quick reach. It also features metal stud feet at the base; a thoughtful detail that protects the bottom of the bag when you set it down on hotel lobby floors.
04
Antler Heritage Overnight Bag
$295 at Antler
Best stylish weekender for country & farm stays
If you’re aiming for an elevated approach to rest and relaxation, the Antler Heritage Overnight Bag will set the perfect mood from the moment you start packing.
Why I love it: This bag strikes the perfect balance between classic design and modern functionality. The combination of water-repellent Oxford canvas and full-grain leather trims gives it an elevated look that feels right at home in a country estate or a boutique city hotel. Inside, a padded 14-inch laptop sleeve and multiple slip pockets keep your essentials tidy, while a full-leather base with metal stud feet protects the light canvas from scuffs. It also includes a hidden rear trolley strap that stacks neatly over luggage handles if you’re pairing it with a wheelie.
05
Faro Light Backpack 0.4
$112 at Bagsmart
Best lightweight travel backpack for active adventures
At a featherlight 425 grams, the Bagsmart Faro Light Backpack 0.4 proves that you don’t need a bulky frame to pack a full weekend’s worth of gear.
Why I love it: If your holiday plans involve a mix of city commuting and trail walks, this 20-litre daypack is an absolute lifesaver. It’s made from durable Cordura nylon that shields your things from unexpected drizzles, and at under half a kilo, you barely notice you’re carrying it. My favourite detail, however, has to be the full clamshell front opening, which allows you to lay the bag flat and pack it like a suitcase rather than blindly digging down from the top. It also features a fleece-lined top pocket for your phone, a padded 14-inch laptop sleeve, and a handy trolley strap that slides over wheelie luggage.
If you might need a little more storage space, there are also 26L and 40L options in this style, as well as 3 alternative colourways.
How BHG’s best travel bags were chosen:
To keep your travels seamless, every piece on this list was vetted against a strict editorial benchmark:
- Aesthetics Meets Utility: Sleek design profiles that fit seamlessly into boutique hotel lobbies without sacrificing capacity.
- Wear & Tear Resilience: High-grade fabrics, reinforced stitching, and water-repellent linings that can handle everything from sudden coastal showers to dusty gravel driveways.
- Smart Layouts: Purposeful organisation, from pass-through trolley sleeves for effortless airport navigation to dedicated shoe compartments that keep dirty soles away from crisp linens.
City vs. country weekend escapes:
| Bag type | Features | BHG’s #1 recommendation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For city holidays (Sydney, Melbourne, etc) | Backpacks Weekender bags | Laptop pocket Lightweight Stylish design | Blast Pro Roller Backpack |
| For farm stays (Hunter Valley, Mudgee, etc) | Backpacks Duffle bags | Wipe-clean base Room for gumboots Secure closures | Antler Heritage Overnight Bag |
| For mountain escapes (Blue Mountains, High Country, etc.) | Backpacks Weekender bags | Ergonomic straps Water-resistant zippers | Reagan Weekender Bag |
| For road trips (Mornington Peninsula, South Coast, etc.) | Duffel bags Tote bags | Grab handles Tear-resistant fabric | July Everyday Vacation Tote |
| For camping trips (Jervis Bay, Wilsons Promontory, etc.) | Backpacks Duffel bags | Flexible boot structure Lightweight fabric | Faro Light Backpack 0.4 |
Our failsafe packing formula for weekend trips
Editor’s tip: Roll, don’t fold. Soft-sided weekenders compress far better when clothing is rolled tightly into packing cubes.
The trick to ditching the suitcase is using the “3-2-1 Rule” designed specifically for short 2-day trips:
- 3 Tops & 2 Bottoms: Wear your heaviest coat or jacket and your most comfortable shoes while travelling.
- 1 Pair of Extra Shoes: Pack these at the very bottom (or in a dedicated shoe compartment) to establish a solid base.
- 1 Toiletries Pouch & Tech Kit: Keep these right at the top for easy access during quick refresh stops or airport security checks.
What you need to know before buying a travel bag
Can a weekender bag be used as a carry-on on Australian airlines? Yes. Most weekender bags (typically between 25L and 40L) fall comfortably within the standard hand-luggage dimensions for Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar (56cm x 36cm x 23cm). Always check the weight limit, as Australian domestic carry-on limits are strictly capped at 7kg.
Are travel backpacks better than shoulder weekender bags? It depends on how much walking you’ll be doing! If your travel involves public transport, long airport walks, navigating campsite terrain, or walking over uneven ground, a travel backpack or convertible duffle distributes weight far more evenly. If you are driving door-to-door or want a more polished look for hotel lobbies, a shoulder weekender is ideal.
How do I clean a travel bag after a dusty camping or mountain trip? For heavy-duty TPU/laminate bags (like camping duffels), simply hose them down or wipe them with a damp cloth and warm water. For canvas and nylon bags, spot-clean immediately using warm water and a mild detergent with a soft microfiber cloth, letting them air-dry completely before storing to prevent mildew.
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