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Béis knows how to make a great piece of luggage. Case in point: The Béis Weekender Bag, my new go-to for overnights and weekend trips. I recently brought it along on a three-day trip to Boston, and was able to fit a ton inside—bulky winter items like sweaters, jeans, and a scarf included.
The $98 bag was Béis’s first product, back from when the luggage and travel accessory brand launched in 2018. It is thoughtfully designed, from the overall look to the smart features: A trolley sleeve on the bag has a zipper on the bottom, so you can use it as an exterior pocket when you’re not traveling with a suitcase, or unzip it to secure the weekender to your luggage when needed. The zipper is a small tweak, but an added functionality that really should be incorporated into every trolley sleeve. A second exterior pocket is on the opposite side of the bag; both are large enough to fit my phone (an iPhone 13 Pro Max), plus any small essentials I wanted handy on the train to Boston, like my AirPods and lip balm.
There’s a separate bottom compartment to keep shoes and dirty clothes separate, or to store wet clothes when you want to squeeze in one last dip in the pool or ocean before heading home. I was able to fit a pair of winter boots and a small purse in that compartment on my recent trip. I’ve already started packing for upcoming holiday travel, and fit in a pair of sneakers and two pairs of sandals this time around.
The other big perk: It’s easy to pack. Framing in the bag means it stands up straight when empty, and the wide opening makes it simple to drop in a stack of clothes without having to use your other hand to prop open the bag (and to later find what you’re looking for without much rummaging).
There really is a ton of space inside, yet when you zip it closed, the bag doesn't feel overwhelmingly large to carry. Also helpful for carrying: The thick padded top handles. My previous weekender, a fabric duffel bag I purchased in college, had thin straps that left my hands red after carrying it through train stations. This one, with its smooth strap, doesn't have that problem. There’s also a removable and adjustable shoulder strap, so you can carry the bag across your body or on your shoulder.
Inside, organizational features are abundant: a padded laptop sleeve in case you’re toting your electronics, a wide zip pocket, and two smaller sleeve pockets (I used these for cords, socks, and undergarments). A water-resistant lining makes cleaning up any toiletry or water bottle spills easy, and a key-ring strap means you won’t be digging around at your door when you return home.
Plus, there’s the fact that the bag just looks good. There is minimal branding, a personal preference of mine, and a faux patent trim on the bottom that is easy to wipe clean after a weekend of setting it down on various surfaces. I own it in black, but it also comes in beige, gray, and, for a limited time, plaid.
When it’s time to upgrade your weekender, this is the one to get.
