Weekend getaways are a perfect escape from the daily grind. Whether a road trip or a flight, the right backpack can make all the difference. A weekender backpack is an ideal size for a short trip, providing enough space for essentials without being too bulky.

There are a few things to consider when looking for the best weekender backpack. Firstly, the size should be just right – not too big or small. The material should be durable and waterproof to protect your belongings from the elements. Additionally, the bag should be comfortable to carry, especially if you plan on walking around with it for extended periods.

After researching and testing multiple weekender backpacks, we have identified the perfect combination of size, durability, and comfort. These backpacks are versatile and can be used for various activities, from a weekend trip to an overnight camping adventure.

This article will take a closer look at the best weekender backpacks available. We have considered various factors, such as size, material, comfort, and style, to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or a weekend warrior, our recommendations will ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip.

Best Weekender Backpacks

We know the importance of having the right gear when planning a weekend getaway. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best weekender backpacks on the market. Whether looking for something stylish, functional, or both, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed each backpack on this list to ensure that they meet our high standards for quality and performance. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best weekender backpacks.

Vancropak Weekender Backpack (US $49)

If you’re looking for a spacious and versatile backpack for your next weekend getaway, the Vancropak Weekender Backpack may be worth considering.

Pros

• The expandable feature provides extra packing space for longer trips.
• The backpack can be converted into a carry-on bag for hands-free transportation.
• The backpack is designed with compression straps to reduce bounce and reinforce the weight load.

Cons

• The backpack may be too large for shorter trips or for those who prefer to pack light.
• The backpack may not fit under the seat in front of you on certain airlines.
• The backpack may be too bulky for everyday use.

We recently used the Vancropak Weekender Backpack on a 4-day trip and found it spacious and easy to carry. The expandable feature provided extra packing space when needed, and the built-in elastic bands helped keep our items organized. The front compartment with many pockets made it easy to find our smaller items.

We also appreciated the backpack’s versatility. We could easily convert it into a carry-on bag for our flight, and the backpack’s 180-degree opening made it easy to pass through airport security. The compression straps helped reduce bounce and reinforced the weight load, making it more comfortable to carry.

However, we found that the backpack may be too large for shorter trips or those who prefer to pack light. It also may not fit under the seat in front of you on certain airlines, so be sure to check with your airline’s carry-on requirements. Additionally, the backpack may be too bulky for everyday use.

Overall, we recommend the Vancropak Weekender Backpack for those who need a spacious and versatile backpack for their weekend getaways.

BANGE Weekender Backpack (US $59)

The BANGE Weekender Backpack is a great option if you’re looking for a durable and spacious weekender backpack.

Pros

• The expandable design allows for more packing space when needed.
• Multiple compartments and pockets make organization easy.
• The backpack is water-resistant and has anti-theft features.

Cons

• The backpack may feel heavy when fully packed.
• The laptop compartment may not fit all laptop sizes.
• The backpack does not have a dedicated shoe compartment.

We recently used the BANGE Weekender Backpack on a 3-day trip and were impressed with its durability and functionality. The expandable design allowed us to pack more items when needed, and the multiple compartments and pockets made it easy to stay organized. The backpack also has a water-resistant PVC material and anti-theft features, giving us peace of mind during our travels.

However, when fully packed, the backpack did feel heavy on our shoulders. Additionally, the laptop compartment may not fit all laptop sizes, so checking the dimensions before purchasing is important. Lastly, the backpack does not have a dedicated shoe compartment, which may be inconvenient for some travelers.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and spacious weekender backpack, the BANGE Weekender Backpack is a great choice.

BAOSHA Canvas Weekender Travel Duffel Backpack (US $36)

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable weekender backpack, the BAOSHA Canvas Weekender Travel Duffel Backpack Hybrid Hiking Rucksack Laptop Backpack for Outdoor Sports Gym HB-26(Black) is a great choice.

Pros

• The bag is made of top-quality, dense, and durable washed canvas, which makes it sturdy and long-lasting.
• With its 3-in-1 multi-purpose design, the bag is convertible for use as a travel duffel bag, tote bag, or laptop backpack, depending on your needs and carrying preference.
• The bag has soft straps that offer comfort when carrying heavy loads, making it perfect for carrying your gym gear.

Cons

• The bag has a capacity of 35 liters, which may not be enough for longer trips.
• The bag only has two compartments, which may not be enough for those who need to carry a lot of items.
• The bag may be a bit heavy for some users, as it weighs 2.71 pounds.

Overall, we highly recommend the BAOSHA Canvas Weekender Travel Duffel Backpack Hybrid Hiking Rucksack Laptop Backpack for Outdoor Sports Gym HB-26(Black) for its versatility, durability, and comfort. It’s a great choice for outdoor activities, travel, shopping, or the beach.

The bag is made of top-quality, dense, and durable washed canvas, which gives it a stylish and rugged look. The 3-in-1 multi-purpose design allows you to use it as a travel duffel bag, tote bag, or laptop backpack, depending on your needs and preferences. The bag’s soft straps offer comfort when carrying heavy loads, making it perfect for carrying your gym gear.

On the downside, the bag’s capacity of 35 liters may not be enough for longer trips, and the bag only has two compartments, which may not be enough for those who need to carry a lot of items. Additionally, the bag may be a bit heavy for some users, as it weighs 2.71 pounds.

Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and durable weekender backpack, the BAOSHA Canvas Weekender Travel Duffel Backpack Hybrid Hiking Rucksack Laptop Backpack for Outdoor Sports Gym HB-26(Black) is a great choice.

BAGSMART Travel Backpack (US $41)

We highly recommend the BAGSMART Travel Backpack for anyone in need of a reliable and spacious weekender backpack.

Pros

• The backpack is airline approved and fits in the overhead compartment and under the seat, making it perfect for weekend trips, business trips, hiking, camping, etc.
• The backpack comes with 2pcs clothes storage bags and 1 shoe bag, allowing you to store your clothes more conveniently and in an organized manner.
• The expandable design adds 25L-40L of travel backpack storage space to change as you wish, and the built-in elastic band compresses clothing, maximizing the use of the backpack storage space.

Cons

• The backpack may be too bulky for some users.
• The shoulder straps may not be comfortable for extended periods of time.
• The zippers may not be as durable as other backpacks.

The BAGSMART Travel Backpack is perfect for anyone who wants a spacious and organized backpack for their travels. The backpack is airline approved, allowing you to easily carry it on your flights. The 2pcs clothes storage bags and 1 shoe bag make it easy to organize your belongings, and the expandable design allows you to adjust the storage space as needed.

The backpack is made of water-resistant polyester, providing safer protection for your belongings in unexpected weather. The comfortable airflow back design with thick and soft padding provides effective back pressure relief, while the adjustable chest buckle makes hiking easier.

BAGSMART hopes to sell not just a commodity, but also a love for travel and the outdoors. If there are any quality problems, they offer a timely and satisfactory answer. Overall, the BAGSMART Travel Backpack is a great investment for anyone in need of a reliable and spacious weekender backpack.

MATEIN Weekender Backpack (US $45)

If you’re looking for a versatile travel backpack, the MATEIN Weekender Backpack is a great choice. It’s perfect for weekend trips or as a carry-on for longer journeys.

Pros

• The expandable feature gives you more packing capacity. You can easily fit packing cubes, toiletry bags, outfits, camera gear, and more.
• The adjustable shoulder straps and comfortable air-mesh ventilated back panel make it easy to carry. You can also use the two padded grab handles on the top and side of the backpack.
• The backpack is built for travel. It has an organizer compartment for little gear, external compression straps to keep contents from moving around, and a large inside pocket with internal compression elastic straps. The sternum strap can be adjusted to distribute weight evenly.

Cons

• The backpack may be too large for shorter trips.
• The front pocket can become bulky if you store a laptop inside.
• The backpack may not fit under the seat on some airplanes.

We recently used the MATEIN Weekender Backpack on a weekend trip and found it to be spacious and well-designed. The expandable feature allowed us to pack more than we thought we could, and the adjustable shoulder straps made it comfortable to carry. The backpack also held up well during travel, with no defects or issues.

One thing to keep in mind is that the backpack may be too large for shorter trips. If you’re just going away for a night or two, you may want to consider a smaller backpack. Additionally, storing a laptop in the front pocket can become bulky and make the backpack harder to carry. Finally, the backpack may not fit under the seat on certain airplanes, so you’ll need to check with your airline before you travel.

Overall, we highly recommend the MATEIN Weekender Backpack for anyone looking for a versatile and durable travel backpack.

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack (US $39)

We highly recommend the Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack for anyone looking for a spacious and durable weekender backpack for their travels.

Pros

• The backpack comes with 3 custom-made storage bags that help keep your clothes organized and prevent them from falling out.
• The backpack is made of high-quality, water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth material and has an explosion-proof zipper, making it durable and long-lasting.
• The backpack is designed to meet the size standards of most airlines and has a portable zipper opening that makes it easy to pass airport security checks.

Cons

• The backpack is relatively heavy, weighing in at 2.7 pounds, which may be an issue for some travelers who prefer lighter backpacks.
• The backpack lacks exterior pockets, which can make it difficult to access small items such as sunglasses or keys.
• The backpack does not have a built-in charging port, which may be inconvenient for travelers who need to charge their devices on the go.

Overall, the Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a spacious and durable weekender backpack for their travels. The backpack’s custom-made storage bags, high-quality materials, and airport-friendly design make it a reliable and convenient option for any trip.

MATEIN Travel Backpack (US $49)

If you’re looking for a reliable weekender backpack, the MATEIN Travel Backpack is worth considering.

Pros

• This backpack is expandable, making it easy to pack everything you need for a weekend trip.
• It is designed to meet the maximum size allowed by IATA flights, so you can carry it on the plane as a personal item.
• The backpack has a convenient strap on the back that can be used to secure it to the handle of a roller bag.

Cons

• The backpack has no dedicated laptop compartment, so you must pack your laptop in one of the main compartments.
• The zippers can be a bit stiff and difficult to use at times.
• The backpack is a bit heavy, so it may not be ideal for long hikes or walks.

We recently used this backpack on a weekend trip and found it to be very convenient and easy to use. The expandable design allowed us to pack everything we needed for the trip, including clothes, shoes, and toiletries. The backpack also met the maximum size requirements for IATA flights, so we were able to carry it on the plane without any issues.

One thing we did notice is that the backpack doesn’t have a dedicated laptop compartment. While this wasn’t a huge issue for us, it may be something to consider if you plan on traveling with a laptop. Additionally, the zippers can be a bit stiff and difficult to use at times, which can be frustrating.

Despite these minor issues, we still found the MATEIN Travel Backpack to be a great option for weekend trips. The backpack is well-made and durable, and the multiple compartments make it easy to stay organized while on the go. Overall, we would definitely recommend this backpack to anyone in need of a reliable weekender backpack.

LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack (US $46)

If you’re in the market for a spacious and durable weekender backpack, the LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• With an expandable design, this backpack can go from 30L to 40L, allowing you to pack more when needed.
• The anti-theft design with two lock heads and a large back zipper pocket keeps your belongings secure.
• Made from abrasion, scratch, and water-resistant materials, this backpack can withstand the elements and protect your belongings.

Cons

• At 4.07 pounds, this backpack is a bit on the heavy side.
• Some users may find the lack of an external water bottle pocket inconvenient.
• The backpack may be too large for those looking for a more compact weekender option.

We recently took the LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack on a weekend trip and were impressed with its functionality and durability. The expandable design allowed us to pack more than we initially anticipated, and the anti-theft features gave us peace of mind while traveling. The waterproof pouch inside the backpack was nice, ensuring that our belongings stayed dry even during a sudden rain shower.

The backpack’s handles and shoulder straps are comfortable and easy to adjust, making it easy to carry both vertically and horizontally. The USB port on the side of the backpack was a convenient feature, allowing us to charge our devices on the go.

Overall, the LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack is a solid choice for those in need of a spacious and durable weekender backpack. Its anti-theft and waterproof features make it a reliable option for travel, and its expandable design allows for more packing flexibility.

MATEIN Travel Backpack (US $45)

We highly recommend the MATEIN Travel Backpack for anyone searching for a durable and spacious weekender backpack.

Pros

• The expandable feature offers more packing capacity up to 50L, making it perfect for 3-7 days of travel.
• The separate wet bag and front compartment with various pockets make it easy to organize your belongings.
• The hideaway padded shoulder straps and padded grab handles make it easy to switch between backpack and suitcase.

Cons

• The large number of pockets can be confusing when trying to locate specific items.
• The backpack may be too large for those who prefer to travel light.
• The purple color may not be everyone’s preference.

We recently took the MATEIN Travel Backpack on a weekend trip and were impressed with its durability and spaciousness. The expandable feature allowed us to pack everything we needed for the trip without having to bring an additional bag. The separate wet bag was a great addition, as it allowed us to store our wet towels and toiletries without getting the rest of our belongings wet. The front compartment with various pockets made it easy for us to quickly access our earphones and other small items. The hideaway padded shoulder straps and padded grab handles made it easy to switch between backpack and suitcase, making it a versatile option for any type of trip.

However, the large number of pockets can be overwhelming and may take some time to get used to. Additionally, the backpack may be too large for those who prefer to travel light. Lastly, the purple color may not be everyone’s preference.

Overall, the MATEIN Travel Backpack is a great option for anyone in search of a durable and spacious weekender backpack.

Lumesner Carry on Backpack (US $46)

If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable backpack for your next weekend trip, the Lumesner Carry-on Backpack might be the perfect choice.

Pros

• The expandable feature allows you to increase the backpack’s capacity up to 40L, making it perfect for packing cubes, outfits, camera gear, and other essentials.
• The backpack has four packing cubes: a small water-resistant cube with a transparent side for toiletries, a medium cube for shirts and shorts, a large cube for jackets and pants, and a shoe pocket.
• The backpack is designed to be comfortable for hours of carrying, with multi-panel ventilated padding, adjustable and breathable straps, and an adjustable chest strap.

Cons

• The backpack might be too large for some airlines’ carry-on restrictions, so check your airline’s guidelines before packing.
• The backpack’s zippers might feel a bit flimsy, especially when the backpack is fully packed.
• The backpack’s USB port might not work with all devices, so check your device’s compatibility before using it.

We recently used the Lumesner Carry on Backpack on a weekend trip, and we were impressed with its spaciousness and comfort. The backpack’s expandable feature allowed us to pack everything we needed for the trip, including clothes, toiletries, and camera gear. The four packing cubes helped us keep our belongings organized and easy to access.

The backpack’s multi-panel ventilated padding and adjustable and breathable straps made it comfortable to wear for hours, even when fully packed. The adjustable chest strap provided extra support and stability, especially when walking long distances.

However, we noticed that the backpack’s zippers felt flimsy, especially when the backpack was fully packed. We also had some trouble using the backpack’s USB port with some of our devices, so check your device’s compatibility before using it.

Overall, we recommend the Lumesner Carry on Backpack to anyone looking for a spacious and comfortable backpack for their weekend trips. Just make sure to check your airline’s carry-on restrictions before packing.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best weekender backpack, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the right product. Here are some of the key features to look at when making your purchase.

Capacity

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a weekender backpack is its capacity. You want to make sure that the backpack is large enough to fit all your essentials, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to carry around. A capacity of around 35-45 liters is usually sufficient for a weekend trip.

Comfort

Comfort is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a weekender backpack. Look for a backpack with padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel to ensure that it is comfortable to wear for extended periods. Additionally, a backpack with a sternum strap and a waist belt can help distribute the weight evenly and reduce strain on your back.

Material

The material of the backpack is also an important factor to consider. Look for a backpack made from durable, waterproof material to ensure that it can withstand the rigors of travel and protect your belongings from the elements.

Organization

A good weekender backpack should have multiple compartments and pockets to help you stay organized. Look for a backpack with a main compartment, a front pocket, and side pockets to store your essentials such as clothes, toiletries, and electronics.

Style

Finally, consider the style of the backpack. A weekender backpack should be stylish and versatile enough to use for different occasions. Look for a backpack with a classic design and neutral color that can be paired with different outfits.

By considering these factors, you can choose a weekender backpack that will meet your needs and provide you with comfort, durability, and style.