I’m not a huge traveler myself, but I do take a lot of weekend trips. Whether I’m visiting a friend, or heading to the beach, I’ve found many carryalls to act as a substitute for a weekend bag. Yes, I’ve used trash bags, reusable plastic supermarket bags, and the oldest duffel known to man.
But as the gap between my college days and “real life” grows, I’ve noticed a shift in the travel trendscape. It’s less acceptable to tote around battered old luggage and more popular to use cute travel sets. Shay Mitchell’s travel brand, Beís, went viral for The Weekender bag - said to be a sleek carry-on that fits under a seat.
With a compartment underneath for shoes and wet bathing suits, Beís changed the travel game. Now, hundreds of brands are offering similar styles - each with its own particular difference in fabric or functionality.
But I can’t help but have one simple problem: for the most part, they’re unrealistic. As a trend-follower, anthropologist, and consumer, I had to get my own Beís Weekender bag to see what all the fuss is about.
And while I wanted to love it, I found myself struggling with it because it’s not user-friendly.
The Problem With The Weekender Bag
@definelily Pls don’t come for me. This bag is cute but it just didn’t work for me unfortunately :( I will share what I’m replacing it with in my next vid! #beis #beisweekender #weekenderbag #travel #traveltiktok #travelbag ♬ original sound - definelily
First and foremost, the bag went viral for all the wrong reasons. Then people quickly realized the Beis bag was too bulky to fit underneath a plane seat. In fact, the bag is quite structured. And due to the separate shoe compartment that’s leather, you can’t really squash it.
As someone who drives a small vehicle, this quickly became a problem. With limited trunk space, my car can barely accommodate two Weekender Bags. Meanwhile, other brands like BAGGU offer a less structured weekender bag that easily fits into small spaces.
Beis has attempted to resolve the problem by making a Mini Weekender and offering a more expensive iteration of the regular Weekender with a completely detachable leather compartment…however, this means you sacrifice packing space.
The leather shoe compartment is cumbersome, but the more annoying issue is that it doesn’t hold more than one pair of shoes. You’ll have better luck fitting hair tools, any technology, or beauty products in there.
Plus, The Weekender doesn’t hold as much as I need. While Shay Mitchell may be packing less, I can’t afford to pay for excess baggage. So I’m cramming in everything I need for the weekend in one bag…and, frankly, the Beis just doesn’t do it.
And I’m not saying boycott Beis, because I actually own many of their products. They’re cutting edge and a premium brand in the industry. But The Weekender shouldn’t be their shining star.
Better Beis Products
I think a roller suitcase is worlds better than any sort of bag, especially with my back issues. The Carry On roller is perfect for the overhead compartment, and holds everything you need.
I like the Work Tote because it’s massive and can fit all of my work supplies like my laptop, portable monitors, notebooks, and more. And that water bottle sleeve cuts down on those accidental spills.
Fits literally everything in my makeup and skincare routine, which is a miracle in itself. Would recommend it to a friend, or a reader like you.
Quality Weekender Bags That Aren’t Beis
BAGGU Cloud Bag
BAGGU
While I adore Beis Travel for all things that aren’t the Weekender, there are a few brands that have more functional weekenders well worth the money.
My favorite non-Beis weekender bags are:
This bag can be folded into a square - it’s compact, and far easier to shove a bunch of clothes in.
This bag has everything: a pocket for your laptop, a sleeve for your suitcase, compartments for easy packing, and it’s water resistant. Need I say more?
If you’re more of a duffle person like myself, Quince makes some of the best. Durable, keeps you organized, and eco-conscious.
