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We’ve all been there.
Friday is finishing up and you can’t wait to get away for the weekend. You’ve got your trench coat, you’ve got your driving shoes, now if only you had the perfect bag…
The Duffel bag – which is named after the town of Duffel in Belgium and sometimes spelled ‘Duffle”, which is an English corruption of the word – were originally large canvas bags that were closed with a drawstring. Use in the military and in sports was their traditional setting, but in recent years the terminology has become a bit cloudy. Most people nowadays would think of a Duffel bag as a gym bag or holdall; one of those semi-structured bags in leather or canvas with hooped carry handles.
Whatever you want to call them, Weekender bags are united in all their forms by a purpose – to carry possessions for the weekend. That’s the only criteria that matters in terms of their classification, but when it comes to purchasing a weekender bag for yourself there are plenty of things to consider. Like we just mentioned, weekender duffel bags usually come in leather or maybe a waxed canvas, but are also available in nylon and polyester. It all comes down to the individual at the end of the day, but you’ll want to look out for features like extra pockets, adjustable straps and types of closure. We’ve compiled a short list of the ten best weekender bags for men. Enjoy.
1. Barbour Wax Holdall – Olive
When it comes to timeless style, Barbour are top of the game. This waxed canvas and vegetable tanned leather weekender is no exception to that rule, coming in as our first choice with a durable, heavyweight bag to last you a lifetime. The high quality brass hardware, leather panelling and tartan lining attest to the fact that no corners were cut when they designed this, also including two separate inside pockets for added capacity.
2. Acne Studios Large Messenger Bag – Black
The Swedish masters of minimalism provide our next suggestion in the form of this large and boxy messenger style weekender bag. This duffel bag is made from a thick polyester that’s been used with raw edges for a deconstructed appearance that sits next to quality woven branding and contrast stitch detailing. A huge main compartment and internal pockets will give you plenty of space for all your possessions, keeping you organised across all kinds of errands.
3. Noah NYC Multicolor Colorblocked Duffle Bag
If you’re after a pop of colour when it comes to weekenders bags, then sartorial streetwear brand Noah have got your back. With purple, navy and brown webbing and canvas complimenting the black backdrop, this duffel bag has twin carry handles, an adjustable and removable shoulder strap as well as top quality logo embroidery. Made in the United States with a tonal black zip opening and completely made from cotton, this one is a great choice.
4. Fred Perry Authentic Classic Barrel Bag – Black & Ecru
You’ve seen this one before haven’t you? Fred Perry are the kings of authenticity and so is this weekend bag. The total retro sportsman appearance is a favourite of ours, and this weekender encapsulates that more than anything we’ve seen for a while. Some men prefer a more casual aesthetic in fabric choice, so the polyurethane used here boasts a tough yet lightweight existence compared to a real leather. The front, side and main zip openings give you loads of space while the timeless black and white colours scheme is easily matched to any outfit, any time.
5. Prada Weekender Bag – Black
What did you expect? We couldn’t draw up a list of the best weekender bags without including this iconic offering from Italian masters Prada. Coming in at the upper end of the price scale, the weekender bag is a sleek, no-nonsense choice that features a leather trim and a tonal branded lining with inside pocket for some extra space for your small bits. The simple and classy enamel branding provides a perfect finish. Pure luxury.
6. Snow Peak Packable Shoulder Bag – Black
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Snow Peak, they’re essentially a Japanese North Face but a million times cooler. As you’d expect from the outdoor equipment experts, this messenger bag is both functional and beautiful in equal measure, packing down into its own small bag for ease of transport. Resembling a small travel duffel bag, the durable and water resistant Cordura fabric will keep your belongings safe and dry at all times, whether you’re on your daily commute or going hiking for a weekend.
7. Cote & Ciel Black Amper Holdall
Next up is this black duffel bag from the Cote & Ciel Parisian Studio. The water resistant nylon canvas is elevated by small leather branding, a zippered compartment and two thick carry handles. Space isn’t on the short side either, with a reinforced bottom section with base studs that the soft main compartment rests above. With tonal hardware and a black lightweight lining, this is about as minimal as you’ll get with a weekender bag.
8. Porter-Yoshida & Co. 2-Way Overnighter Bag – Black
We know that leather isn’t for everyone, so the absolute champions of nylon are coming in hot with our eighth choice of weekend bag. Porter-Yoshida have been producing top quality bags for over 50 years now and the experience definitely shows. The bag has two main zip compartments as well as two front pockets and Porter’s signature orange interior lining. It’s made in Japan with super-high quality hardwear so let’s be honest – it’s much better than anything you’ll find from Herschel Supply Co.
Rapha Weekend Holdall Bag – Black
Our penultimate offering is one for the cycling fans among you. Made from a premium lightweight nylon, it features a main zip compartment with two side pockets and comes in a moody brushed Black colourway. Top carrying handles and an adjustable shoulder strap allow for a mix of uses, while an internal webbed pocket is the perfect place for valuables. When it comes to affordable, quality, minimal choices of duffel bags for men, Rapha have got you covered.
10. Diesel Black F-Bold Duffle Bag
If you’re after a heavy duty technical look, then this last one might just be for you. Diesel provide us with a thick rubberized satin duffel bag that simply isn’t messing around. The tough webbing shoulder strap, the magnetic pockets, the tonal press stud fastenings. Seriously serious – and the ‘successful living’ motif that oozes self-confidence is the perfect way to round off our list of the best weekender bags on the market.
The Best Men’s Weekender Bags – Ranked By Us
- 1 – Barbour Wax Leather Holdall – Olive
- 2 – Acne Studios Large Messenger Bag – Black
- 3 – Noah NYC Multicolor Colorblocked Duffle Bag
- 4 – Fred Perry Authentic Classic Barrel Bag – Black & Ecru
- 5 – Prada Weekender Bag – Black
- 6 – Snow Peak Packable Shoulder Bag – Black
- 7 – Cote & Ciel Black Amper Holdall
- 8 – Porter-Yoshida & Co. 2-Way Overnighter Bag – Black
- 9 – Rapha Weekend Holdall Bag – Black
- 10 – Diesel Black F-Bold Duffle Bag
Feature image: Erol Ahmed via Unsplash