The Luka duffel has all the bells and whistles you expect of a great weekender bag, including a separate shoe compartment, an exterior pocket for small essentials like your passport and wallet, a trolley sleeve, water bottle pocket, and lots of interior compartments to keep clothes and toiletries organized. I’m able to fit a few pairs of clothes, a change of shoes, a makeup bag, Dopp kit, and my bulky noise-canceling headphones inside. And somehow, it’s still pretty small—it can even fit underneath the seat on the plane and rest nicely on top of a normal size carry-on.
Kenny’s favorite carry-on has enough room for up to five days’ worth of clothes and accessories.
Andrew Bui
The travel backpacks
When I want a lightweight laptop backpack for an overnight stay or to bring as a personal item, MZ Wallace’s Metro backpack is my first choice. The super-soft, quilted material of this backpack is gentle on my shoulders and back—even when it’s full with a laptop, Kindle, and makeup bag. I’ve been carrying this to the office, airport, and on overnight trips for the last year and it still looks good as new, thanks to its durable fabric that can handle some spills well. There’s a laptop sleeve, hidden interior pockets for your wallet or passport, and an front zippered pocket for your phone, AirPods, and lip balm. I’m able to fit a change of clothes and a toiletry bag inside, but not much more than that, keeping the backpack lightweight and easy to carry in transit.
If you’re headed out for a weekend or want to travel hands-free, I recommend Bagsmart’s under-$40 backpack. It opens in a unique clamshell design that allows it to be packed like a suitcase, but still zipped up and carried on your back. It fits a ton—and while I typically reach for a duffel bag for a two- or three-day trip, it’s nice to have a smaller, easy-to-carry option when I need it. I’m always surprised that it can hold two daytime outfits, a pair of pajamas, a bathing suit, and some socks and underwear. It’s a great weekender option for those who travel light or need a little extra room in addition to their carry-on.
MZ Wallace
Metro Backpack Deluxe
The tote bag
The best tote bag I’ve ever used also comes from MZ Wallace. Soft quilted straps, a roomy interior, and its lightweight feel have made the Metro tote a long-time favorite of mine for city commutes, day trips, and flights when I want a slightly smaller personal item than Calpak’s Luka duffel. From the outside, it’s pretty simple in design and classic-looking, so you don’t need to worry about it going out of style. Where this bag really stands out, though, is the pockets. It almost has too many pockets—if that’s even possible. Type-A travelers like me will appreciate the thoughtful compartments that keep you organized on the go, giving everything from your laptop, Kindle, water bottle, cosmetic pouch, snacks, and sunglasses a home. It can also be laid nearly flat when empty in a carry-on if you want to pack a tote just in case.
-
Mercedes Bleth
-
Mercedes Bleth
MZ Wallace
Medium Metro Tote Deluxe
The makeup bag
Rounding out my list of luggage favorites is the makeup bag of all makeup bags. Meet Parallelle’s Carry-On makeup bag—a traveler’s dream cosmetic case with a genius design that allows your products to stand in an upright position, minimizing the risk of accidental spills and saving you from spending precious vacation time rummaging through a disorganized pouch. After you unzip the bag, each side can be pulled down to lie flat, allowing you to see all of your products at once. It has saved me so much time when I’m getting ready in a hotel bathroom or an Airbnb. My brushes, foundation, lipstick, and everything in between are right there where I can see them—there really is a place for everything. The exterior is sturdy while still being lightweight, so products stay protected without it weighing down your suitcase or backpack. Its one con is the price: At $105, it’s not cheap—but if you’re looking for something that’s a smart upgrade from the traditional makeup pouch, this will definitely impress you.
Parallelle
