Reader Ted recently wrote:

Hey Brad, I was wondering if you can do a search on weekender bags? Thanks!

I sure can Ted. My top picks are after the jump.

Parrott Canvas

North Carolina’s Parrott Canvas has an array of US-made weekender options, including both small and medium-sized duffels and zip-top totes. Their recently released Rigger’s collection has some solid candidates as well (especially that zippered Mechanic’s Bag). The best part about these is that they’re all under $100, which is pretty nuts considering what you’re getting.

MAKR

MAKR Carry Goods is another one to check out. They’ve got several weekender styles, including a fold-top tote that comes in both all canvas and canvas and leather, and a large utility bag, which can be worn as a tote, messenger or backpack. All MAKR products are designed and crafted in Florida, and I can tell you from experience, they age beautifully.

Heritage Leather & Klein Tools

If you want something a bit more utilitarian looking, you can always go the tool bag route, in which case Heritage Leather or Klein Tools will be your best bets. Both companies’ bags are made here, reasonably priced and both will last for decades (only one of them offers theirs in camo, however).

Filson

Of course, no bag round-up would be complete without some mention of Filson. They’ve got pretty much any style of weekender you could want, and every one of them will last you the rest of your life. There’s also their Red Label collection, which boasts the same quality and designs, but in non-traditional-Filson colorways (how gorgeous is that natural duffel?).

Beckel Canvas

Lastly, there’s Beckel Canvas out of Portland, OR, which makes a number of handsome and durable bags, any one of which would work great for a weekend trip. On top of being well made (and well good looking), Beckel’s bags are also affordable, with their most expensive models clocking in at around $90.

Honorable Mentions

And, if none of the above are grabbing you, here are a few others to check out. Ernest Alexander’s weekenders are some of the handsomest you’ll ever see, but also some of the most expensive. Same is true for the Holdalls from Chapman. The Cargo Bags from WM. J. Mills are also quite fetching, but also on the pricer side. And finally, there are the Market Totes from Duluth Pack, which come in canvas, leather and wool, have snap tops, adjustable straps, a reasonable price, and, now that I think about it, really should have been included in the main list. Oops.

Got a question you want answered? Send an email to brad[at]well-spent[dot]com.