12 Best Overnight Travel Bags for Men, From Leather Weekenders to Everyday Duffels

If you’re still using the same overnight bag that saw you through your early 20s, it might be time for an upgrade. You’re a grown man now, with a grown-up sense of style, and your luggage should probably reflect that.

Whether you’re heading away for the weekend, travelling for work or squeezing in a spontaneous overnight stay, a good overnight bag should fit all your essentials, be comfortable to carry and, perhaps most importantly, it should look the part.

From classic leather weekenders to lightweight duffels built for adventure, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best overnight bags for men worth investing in, with a focus on style, practicality, and price. 

Best Men’s Overnight Travel Bags at a Glance

If you need a TLDR list of our favourite overnight bags, here’s what we’d recommend: 

• Best Overall: July Carry All Split Weekender
• Best Lightweight: Bellroy Lite Duffel
• Best for Adventure: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L
• Best Affordable: Herschel Heritage Duffle
• Best for Work Travel: Aer Travel Weekender
• Best Luxury: Republic of Florence Weekender Bag

If you want more of a deep dive into the best overnight travel bags on the market, read on for the full list. 

12 Best Overnight Bags for Men

1. July Carry All Split Weekender

The Australian luggage brand July has built a cult-like following for its stylish yet functional travel gear, and its Carry All Split Weekender is no exception.

Unlike a traditional duffel (which usually involves rummaging through a single compartment to find what you need), this overnight bag opens up like a suitcase, so you can actually see what you’ve packed. A small detail, sure, but a pretty handy one when you’re trying to find a clean shirt and pair of underwear without unpacking everything else.

There’s also a padded laptop compartment, luggage pass-through and comfortable shoulder strap, making it a good all-rounder for work trips and weekend escapes. At 28 litres, it’s compact enough for a quick overnight stay, although anyone who likes to pack a few extra outfit options might find themselves wishing for a little more space.

• Price: $325.00
• Capacity: 28L
• Features: Suitcase-style opening, padded laptop compartment, luggage pass-through, padded shoulder strap
• What we like: Easy to organise, smart design and suitable for both business and leisure travel
• What to consider: Limited space if you’re not a light packer 

2. Bellroy Lite Duffel

If you prefer to travel light, check out Melbourne-born accessories brand Bellroy’s Lite Duffel. Designed to keep weight and bulk to a minimum, this bag is a great option for overnight stays and weekends when you’re packing just the essentials. It’s also made from a lightweight, durable fabric, so you don’t have to worry too much about adding unnecessary weight before you’ve even started packing.

The organisation features are relatively simple, however, so if you’re someone who likes a separate pocket for every charger, cable and pair of socks, a more structured bag might be worth considering.

• Price: $219.00
• Capacity: Approximately 30L
• Features: Lightweight fabric, zipped main compartment, internal pockets, shoulder strap
• What we like: Lightweight, versatile and easy to use beyond travel
• What to consider: Less structured than some travel-focused alternatives

3. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Not every weekend away involves a fancy hotel and a late checkout. If your plans are more likely to include camping, hiking or throwing your gear into the back of a 4WD, take a look at the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel. 

The Black Hole range is something of a favourite among frequent travellers and outdoorsy men, mostly thanks to its durable construction and very simple design. The 40-litre version offers plenty of room for clothes, shoes and your gear, while the weather-resistant fabric helps protect your belongings if conditions turn sour. It also comes with removable backpack-style straps, which are definitely handy when you’re carrying your gear further than the distance between your car and accommodation.

It’s probably more bag than you need for a single night away, but if you regularly head off on longer weekends or outdoor adventures, that extra space sure is handy. 

• Price: $249.95
• Capacity: 40L
• Features: Weather-resistant fabric, removable backpack straps, large main compartment, internal organisation
• What we like: Durable, versatile and well suited to outdoor travel
• What to consider: Larger than a typical overnight bag and less suited to formal travel

4. Herschel Heritage Duffle

You don’t need to spend several hundred dollars to find a good-looking overnight bag, and Herschel’s Heritage Duffle is an excellent example of why. With its classic shape and simple design, it’s a travel bag that works for pretty much anything, from a weekend away with mates to a quick overnight work trip.

There’s enough room for your clothing and essentials, and the minimal design means you won’t spend half your trip figuring out which pocket you’ve put something in. Of course, it doesn’t have the same technical features or premium materials as some of the more expensive bags on this list. But if you’re after something practical, good-looking and relatively affordable, it’s a great option.

• Price: $91.24
• Capacity: 40L
• Features: Main zipped compartment, carry handles, removable shoulder strap, classic duffel design
• What we like: Affordable, versatile and timeless styling
• What to consider: Fewer travel-specific features than premium alternatives

5. Peak Design Travel Duffel

If your ideal weekend involves jumping in the car and heading somewhere new, the Peak Design Travel Duffel 35L is a great travel companion. Best known for its photography gear, Peak Design has taken the same practical approach to its travel range, creating a duffel that’s designed to make packing and accessing your belongings as straightforward as possible.

The wide opening is particularly handy, allowing you to see what’s inside without digging through layers of clothes, while the removable shoulder strap and padded handles give you a few different ways to carry it.

There’s also enough space for a couple of days’ worth of clothing, toiletries and other essentials, making it a good option for road trips and weekends away. And if you’re already a fan of Peak Design’s packing cubes, they’re designed to work together. It’s a little more technical-looking than your classic leather weekender, but for travellers who value functionality over formality, that’s not going to be a dealbreaker.

• Price: $299.95
• Capacity: 35L
• Features: Wide main opening, removable shoulder strap, padded handles, internal and external pockets
• What we like: Comes in four colours, easy to pack, versatile carrying options and practical storage
• What to consider: Some organisational accessories are sold separately

6. The North Face Base Camp Duffel

The North Face Base Camp Duffel has been a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts for yonks. Designed to handle everything from camping trips to more demanding adventures, it’s a tough, practical bag that’s designed to take a beating.

The extra-small version offers 31 litres of storage, which is a much more manageable size for an overnight stay than some of the enormous expedition bags in the range.

It’s made from durable, water-resistant materials and comes with backpack-style straps, making it easier to carry when you’re on the move. It’s not necessarily the bag you’d take to a fancy hotel for a romantic weekend away, but for camping trips, hiking adventures and casual travel, it’s the best option on this list.

• Price: $200.00
• Capacity: 31L
• Features: Water-resistant construction, removable backpack straps, large main compartment, compression straps
• What we like: Durable, practical and a good size for outdoor weekends
• What to consider: Sporty styling and limited internal organisation

7. Antler Urban Light Overnight Bag

For men who regularly jump on a plane for a night or two, the Antler Urban Light Overnight Bag is a reliable pick. The British luggage brand has been around for more than a century, and its Urban Light range takes a very functional, contemporary approach to short-haul travel.

With a 25-litre capacity, it’s small enough to carry comfortably but still offers enough room for a change of clothes, toiletries and a few extra bits and bobs. Made from recycled polyester, it has a fairly understated design, and at just $169, it’s a very affordable option for both work and leisure travel.

• Price: $169.00
• Capacity: 25L
• Features: Recycled polyester construction, wide opening, luggage pass-through, removable shoulder strap
• What we like: Compact, lightweight and practical for air travel
• What to consider: Limited space for bulky clothing

8. Oroton Paxton Suede Weekender

If you’re after something a little more sophisticated than a canvas duffel, Oroton’s Paxton Suede Weekender is a very, very good-looking option.

Made from soft cow suede in a rich husk brown, it’s an overnight bag for when style is your main consideration. That’s not to say there aren’t great features behind the good looks, too. It has a roomy main compartment, internal pockets and enough space for a 16-inch MacBook Pro.

At 33 litres, it’s a great size for a couple of nights away, while the removable shoulder strap gives you the option to carry it by hand or over your shoulder. The main consideration is the suede itself. It’s a beautiful material, but it requires a little more care than nylon or coated canvas, particularly if the weather turns.

• Price: $899.00
• Capacity: 33L
• Features: Cow suede exterior, cotton canvas lining, internal zip and slip pockets, removable adjustable shoulder strap, fits a 16-inch MacBook Pro
• What we like: Beautiful suede finish, generous capacity and sophisticated styling
• What to consider: Premium price and suede requires extra care

9. Status Anxiety Everything I Wanted Overnight Bag

Australian accessories brand Status Anxiety makes some seriously good-looking leather wares, and we particularly love its Everything I Wanted bag. Made from soft, pebbled leather, this spacious duffel has a relaxed shape that makes it suitable for a weekend away or a quick overnight trip. There’s a wide main opening, plenty of pockets for keeping smaller essentials organised and adjustable straps for comfortable carrying.

It’s also designed with cabin luggage in mind (although you’ll still want to check your airline’s requirements before travelling). At just under $400, it’s certainly not the cheapest option, but for anyone looking to upgrade to a leather weekender without spending close to $1,000, it’s worth considering

• Price: $399.95
• Capacity: Roughly 25L based on exterior dimensions
• Features: Soft pebbled leather, external zipped and magnetic pockets, internal compartments, adjustable straps, expandable side-button detail
• What we like: Quality leather, practical pockets and versatile styling
• What to consider: Heavier than lightweight synthetic alternatives

10. Maverick & Co. Vista Waterproof Weekender

If your overnight trips often involve heading straight from the office to the airport, take a look at Maverick & Co.’s Vista Waterproof Weekender

With its sleek exterior and relatively compact 25.5-litre capacity, it’s designed to carry your work essentials and look professional while doing so. The waterproof vegan leather exterior offers protection from rain and everyday messes of life, while a padded compartment accommodates laptops up to 16 inches.

It’s a smart option for business travel, although its compact capacity means you’ll need to pack quite selectively if you’re heading away for more than a night or two.

• Price: $279.00
• Capacity: 25.5L
• Features: Waterproof vegan leather exterior, padded 16-inch laptop compartment, separate organisational sections
• What we like: Sleek styling, weather protection and laptop storage
• What to consider: Synthetic leather won’t appeal to everyone

11. Monos Metro Carry-All Duffel

For those who prefer a place for everything (and everything in its place), the Monos Metro Carry-All Duffel has plenty going for it. The 29.9-litre bag is designed with short trips in mind, offering enough room for clothing, toiletries and everyday essentials, along with dedicated pockets for your tech, water bottle and smaller items.

It’s also made from vegan leather, giving it a more luxe appearance than your typical nylon duffel. One thing worth considering, however, is the weight. At 1.85kg empty, it’s heavier than many synthetic alternatives, so you might want something lighter if you’re regularly carrying your bag for long distances.

• Price: $340 (regularly $400, depending on colour)
• Capacity: 29.9L
• Features: Vegan leather exterior, 16-inch laptop compartment, internal water bottle pockets, external magnetic pockets, trolley sleeve, padded shoulder strap
• What we like: Several colours to choose from, excellent organisation, and practical travel features
• What to consider: Relatively heavy at 1.85kg

12. Republic of Florence Weekender Bag

If style is your main priority when choosing an overnight travel bag, you cannot go past the stunning Republic of Florence’s Beltrami Weekender. Handcrafted in Italy from full-grain leather, this classic holdall comes in a variety of colours, including blue, red and, of course, your classic chocolate and black. 

It’s a sophisticated and timeless bag made for the stylish travelling man. But it doesn’t just rely on its good looks. With approximately 38 litres of space, there’s plenty of room for a few days’ worth of clothing and essentials, while the reinforced leather handles and detachable shoulder strap make it easy to carry. The leather is also designed to develop a natural patina over time, so it should only get better with age.

• Price: $589.00
• Capacity: Approximately 38L
• Features: Full-grain Italian leather, handmade construction, internal zipped pocket, detachable adjustable shoulder strap, protective metal feet
• What we like: Distinctive colour options, timeless styling and premium Italian craftsmanship
• What to consider: At 1.5kg empty, it’s heavier than many synthetic alternatives, and leather requires some maintenance

What to Look for When Buying an Overnight Bag

An overnight travel bag might seem like a pretty straightforward purchase, but there are a few things worth thinking about before you make your pick. After all, there’s not much point in buying a beautiful leather weekender if you’re planning to take it camping every second weekend.

• Size and capacity: For most overnight trips, a bag between 20 and 30 litres should do the trick. If you’re heading away for a few nights or need extra room for shoes and clothing, consider something between 30 and 40 litres.
• Material: Leather is a stylish, timeless option, but it’s generally heavier and requires more care. Canvas is durable and casual, while nylon and polyester are typically lighter, easier to clean and better suited to outdoor adventures.
• Compartments: Think about how you like to pack. A separate shoe compartment, laptop sleeve and a few internal pockets can be handy, particularly if you’re travelling for work. If you prefer to throw everything into one big compartment, a traditional duffel might be more your style.
• Comfort: Padded shoulder straps and sturdy handles make a big difference, especially if you’re carrying your bag through an airport or around the city. A luggage pass-through is also useful if you’re travelling with a suitcase.
• Price: You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a decent overnight bag. There are plenty of great options under $150, while premium leather bags and more technical designs can cost upwards of $400. Just think about how often you’ll use it before investing.
• Carry-on compatibility: Planning to take your bag on a flight? Check its dimensions against your airline’s cabin baggage restrictions. Not every overnight bag will qualify as carry-on luggage.

How We Chose This List of Men’s Overnight Travel Bags

With so many overnight bags on the market, narrowing down the best options isn’t as simple as choosing the 12 best-looking designs. For this guide, we considered a range of factors, including capacity, materials, durability, organisation, carrying comfort, price and Australian availability.

We also looked at feedback from existing owners, including discussions across Reddit communities such as r/onebag, r/ManyBaggers and r/BuyItForLife, to get a better understanding of how different bags perform in real life.  We prioritised brands with established reputations for travel bags, while making sure our selections covered different budgets and travel styles. These recommendations are based on product research and owner feedback rather than hands-on testing of every bag.

Ally Burnie is Man of Many’s resident Melbourne writer, covering style, food, drink and retail. This list was edited and reviewed by the Man of Many team before publishing.

FAQs

Related Travel Articles

• Best Carry-On Luggage
• Best Work Backpacks for Men
• Tips to Carry Items & Travel with Ease
• Best Backpacking Backpacks
• Best Travel Gifts
• Best Travel Suits that Hold Their Form
• Men’s Must-Have Travel Essentials