15 Best Weekender Bags for Short Trips Under $50

Summer has come and gone, and perhaps so have the two-week-long European adventures. But that doesn’t mean this year’s travel is coming to an end; we’re just transitioning into shorter trips, like the three- to five-day kind. For those long weekends or quick adventures, a full-on suitcase isn’t always necessary, so having a reliable weekender bag or travel backpack that can fit everything you need is a must. 

With structured weekend bags, easy-to-store duffel bags, and carry-on backpacks that open like luggage, there are a ton of great options out there that are perfect for short trips when you need a few days’ worth of clothes and toiletry. Some of these bags have useful bonus features, too, like separate shoe compartments and external USB chargers for a full phone battery.

Here are 15 best weekender bags worth adding to your cart — and they’re all under $50.

Etronik Travel Duffel Bag With USB Charging Port

This weekender is the full package, with features like a separate compartment for shoes, a cute matching makeup bag, and a special pocket for wet clothing if needed (in case you’re taking a last-minute dip into the hot tub or sauna). Available in a ton of colors, it has interior pockets for organization and two exterior pockets perfect for storing a water bottle or anything you might need to grab quickly — no wonder it has over 7,600 five-star ratings. Right now, you can score this bag for just $26 which is a total steal.

Hxlgmd Personal Item Travel Backpack

This isn’t your ordinary backpack: it actually opens like luggage, making it ideal for packing everything you need for a short trip. With interior straps to help with compression, this bag makes it easy to pack several outfits and travel accessories. One shopper called it “great for short trips,” sharing that they packed everything they needed for a five day vacation in this backpack. There’s even an elastic strap on the bottom for storing an extra sweater, towel, or even a pair of strategically placed shoes. While it seems like it might be large, it’s designed to fit nicely under the seat in front of you on an airplane, making it a game-changing personal item.

Oeihuvit Weekender Bags With Shoe Compartment

This durable bag is a dream for a weekend getaway (I especially love it in the pink colorway, because it matches the rest of my luggage) with its six pockets and tons of space. There are rivets on the bottom so your bag isn’t subjected to friction from being directly on the floor, and the detachable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry on travel days. The exterior pocket is perfect for storing items you might need to keep handy like a passport, wallet, and keys. Plus, the matching toiletry bag is a fun bonus, especially for $35 total. 

Beraily Travel Backpack

If you’re looking for a backpack that’s as ready for adventure as you are, then you’ve found it in the Beraily Travel Backpack. With the ability to fit several days of clothes, this backpack opens like luggage and has several compartments that make it easy to stay organized. Think you might be doing some work on your trip? There’s a shock-resistant laptop sleeve that will keep your laptop protected while you’re on the go. Available in colors like black, gray, peacock blue, and mint green, it’s stylish and fits within the personal bag regulations for most airlines, even the budget ones.

Narwey Store Foldable Travel Duffel Bag 

At just $10, this bag seems too good to be true, but shoppers swear that it’s durable and can fit a surprising amount. There are over 16,500 five-star ratings for this bag, with many reviewers raving about how it’s the perfect size for flying budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier and using it as your personal item. Although there’s no structure to the bag (or interior pockets), one reviewer said it adds to the appeal because it allows you to fit more stuff inside — they packed it for a five-day trip, noting they bought one for each member of their family. And since it’s available in over 40 colors, you can get everyone their own hue.

Bagsmart Duffel Bag

This Bagsmart duffel bag is essentially the puffer jacket of short-trip travel bags. It’s so stylish and cute that it’s impossible to not feel chic while carrying it. While it might be listed as more of a gym bag, shoppers say it’s perfect for short trips, too. One reviewer called it “luxurious and spacious” saying it fit all of their necessities. Available in seven pretty colors, add it to your cart now and use it for everything from the office to your next long weekend getaway.

Coowoz Large Travel Carry On Backpack

Designed for travel, this backpack has a chest buckle and straps that are designed to relieve stress on your shoulders. With nearly 13,000 five-star ratings, it comes highly recommended by shoppers who say it’s the “best backpack for travel,” sharing that it’s durable, fits everything, and is easy to travel with. One reviewer noted that it got them through four-day trips with no issue, while another mentioned it was great for a cross-country motorcycle trip. Available in a few sizes and dozens of colors, there’s definitely one perfect for you.

Hyc00 Travel Duffel Bag

This is one of those bags that is deceivingly large — on the outside, it looks like a basic weekender, but you’d be surprised at how much can fit inside. With over 26,000 five-star ratings, it’s a fan favorite at Amazon, with shoppers calling it “handy and sturdy” with the ability to carry up to a week’s worth of clothing without issue. The water-resistant nylon keeps everything inside dry and safe. and the four separate compartments make it easy to organize your belongings. When not in use, it can roll up or fold easily taking up very little storage space.

Bjlfs Weekender Bag

Airplane-friendly with a removable and adjustable shoulder strap, this bag is another all-around solid pick for a weekender. Whether you’re into a design with some flair like zebra print or want something more classic like black or beige, this bag is a popular pick with more than 12,000 five-star ratings. One traveler called it an “all purpose bag” and said it may be small, but it fits a ton of stuff, while another said it was exactly what they were looking for, calling it “roomy” and noting the pockets to keep your items organized.

Lovevook Travel Duffel Bag

I’m a sucker for a quilted bag; I love the way its stylish design makes me feel put together while I travel — which is why this Lovevook duffel bag is right up my alley. Four inner pockets help with organization (one is made specifically to keep wet clothing separate from everything else), and a hidden shoe compartment on the side adds even more packing space to the bag. It’s available in 30 colors, which almost makes me want to buy more than one — especially since there’s a coupon available right now that makes it so affordable at just $28. One traveler said it’s their go-to bag on domestic trips, noting it can easily hold three to five days’ worth of clothing. And, don’t forget the matching toiletry bag that it also comes with.

Uselike Weekender Bag

I nearly squealed when I saw this Uselike Weekender Bag. Not only does it come in my absolute favorite shade of hot pink, but it also has excellent features like a matching makeup bag, a laptop sleeve, and a separate shoe compartment for added convenience. I don’t know about you, but keeping my shoes away from my clothes when traveling is very important to me. It also looks so similar to the popular Beis weekender bag, but this one is just $44 after using the on-site coupon. One shopper said it “fits so much,” sharing that they’ve used it on multiple five-day trips and always get compliments on it. It also comes in a lime green and a bright orange, making it great for those looking for a bag that really stands out.

Ibfun Weekender Bag

Stripes, polka dots, animal prints, oh my! This Ibfun Weekender Bag not only comes in so many fun designs, but it also fits everything you could possibly need on a short trip — and it comes with a matching toiletry bag and crossbody. It’s made using a waterproof material to keep all of your belongings safe and dry, and it includes two different shoulder straps so you can customize how you want to carry it. Several shoppers share that it’s been durable, roomy, and reliable on their recent trips.

Matein Extra Large 40L Travel Backpack

Available in a handful of colors, this TSA-approved backpack has no shortage of pockets, making it great for storing all of your travel essentials. It zips open like a suitcase, and it can fit several days of clothing; plus, it includes a padded sleeve for your laptop or any other valuables. There’s even a sneaky shoe compartment hidden on the bottom as well as lots of outside pockets for items you might need to keep handy on your travel day. One shopper called it the “perfect travel companion” saying it fit everything needed for a short trip and met all of the airline requirements. And at 46 percent off, it rings up at just $30 making it quite the deal. 

Wogarl 4-piece Weekender Bag

This Wogral Weekender set looks way more expensive than it is and has everything you need to be organized and ready to go on a short trip. With a separate shoe compartment in the main bag, two different toiletry bags that can easily store makeup and skincare, and a matching crossbody purse, this set has everything you need for your next long weekend trip. Available in several colors and patterns, this will easily become your new go-to.

Taygeer Travel Backpack

Available in a large and extra-large size, this backpack is both sturdy and roomy with plenty of space for clothes, toiletries, and even your laptop. One reviewer said it was the “best purchase” they’d made “in a long time,” sharing that it fit everything needed for a five-day trip. As a carry-on only traveler, that convenience is music to my ears; since it’s currently marked down by half — getting this reliable backpack for just $24 is quite the deal.

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