12 Great Overnight Bags For A Summer Getaway

The Review: I think this is the perfect size for a weekend bag; it's not an unwieldy duffel, but I was still able to pack a couple days' worth of warm-weather clothes, shoes, and toiletries inside. The bag's most unique feature is a main compartment with two snap-out panels that allow the inside to be split into two or three sections—great for keeping dirty clothes separate from clean ones. This is a very durable, waterproof bag, so I liked not having to worry about keeping it out of the rain. I felt like I could take it anywhere with me, even to the beach. I liked the bag's materials: high-end leather, sturdy twill, and strong brass zippers.

The Catch: Though admittedly a handsome bag, its style is very "urban woodsman," which is not necessarily a look for everyone.

The Verdict: With the high-quality construction Filson is known for, it feels like this bag would last a lifetime, so I'd definitely recommend it given its price point.

The Price: $360

The Review: You won't find many bags more stylish than the Ghurka, and this roomy model means packing won't require many hard decisions. I really liked how many pockets this bag had; the main compartment is large and uncluttered, but the end pocket and exterior zippered compartments come in handy when packing shoes, magazines and papers, and small electronics. The leather and twill are both beautiful and extremely high quality, and I think this is the kind of bag that will only get better the more you break it in.

The Catch: The closures on the two outside pockets are not at all easy to open and close. The light color of the twill is not ideal, but the material is sturdy enough I don't think it would show stains that easily. It's also pretty heavy, even when empty.

The Verdict: If you're looking for no-frills functionality, this is not the bag for you. Style trumps everything with the Ghurka and it delivers in spades on that front. This is undoubtedly an investment; I wouldn't (couldn't) buy this bag for myself, but the gorgeous design coupled with its durability help to justify its hefty price tag.

The Price: $1,295

The Review: I love this chic leather bag! Size-wise, I think many women would use this as a large purse, but I'm a light packer and if you're just going to the beach this holds plenty of (small) clothes. I fit two bikinis, a sarong, a pair of shorts, two t-shirts, a sweatshirt, a summer dress, a pair of flip flops, a book, two different kinds of sunscreen, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a couple other small essentials, without it being stuffed. I like that you can carry this bag by its handles, or put it over your shoulder, and I adore the bright colors. It also folds up with a snap so you can stow it away in a larger bag. The leather is to-die-for soft, though I'd definitely use some sort of leather protector/waterproofing spray on it. I do think it's the kind of bag that would get better the more you use it. There are two smallish pockets inside, one zippered and one not. Neither are large, but I think that's fine for just a weekend tote.

The Catch: I worried about ruining the supple, expensive leather. It would probably be better as just a small overnight bag for the city, rather than taking it to the beach, but you'd have to pack light. The other catch is that it's expensive.

The Verdict: This bag is a real splurge in leather, so I wouldn't buy it for myself, but it would make a fabulous present. It comes in a lightweight nylon canvas, as well, which is very reasonably priced but, unfortunately, less stylish.  

The Price: $790 (large size)