DESIGN
What Are the Best Overnight Bags?
These picks are spacious and stylish enough for your next quick trip out of town.
- When searching for an overnight bag, consider capacity, easy organization and comfort.
- Totes, carryalls and large shoulder bags are a few popular overnight bag styles.
When it comes to overnight trips, everyone has their go-to list of must pack items—pajamas, change of clothes for the next day and toiletry bag, for example. The best overnight bags are spacious enough for all those necessities (and stylish enough for whatever activities you might have planned for your quick vacation).
Explore a few of the key features to look for in an overnight bag, plus Coach style picks that check off all the boxes.
Overnight Bags: Key Features
Capacity
Ask yourself what you typically take with you on an overnight trip. Think a few outfits, toiletry bag and maybe even a change of shoes. You’ll need a travel bag with enough space to take on all your typical travel necessities.
Easy Organization
Pockets and compartments are always helpful, but they’re especially helpful when traveling. Stash your laptop in a separate compartment from your smaller essentials like your phone, keys and wallet for easy access on the go.
Comfort
Whether you’re heading to visit family via public transit or walking over to a friend’s place for the night, the bag you take with you should be comfortable enough to carry the whole way there (and the whole way back). Think bags with wide shoulder straps or crossbody bags that distribute their weight evenly across the torso.
Ask yourself what you typically take with you on an overnight trip. Think a few outfits, toiletry bag and maybe even a change of shoes. You’ll need a travel bag with enough space to take on all your typical travel necessities.
Easy Organization
Pockets and compartments are always helpful, but they’re especially helpful when traveling. Stash your laptop in a separate compartment from your smaller essentials like your phone, keys and wallet for easy access on the go.
Comfort
Whether you’re heading to visit family via public transit or walking over to a friend’s place for the night, the bag you take with you should be comfortable enough to carry the whole way there (and the whole way back). Think bags with wide shoulder straps or crossbody bags that distribute their weight evenly across the torso.
Overnight Bags: Key Styles
Totes
Simple and spacious, tote bags are always a reliable choice for quick trips away. With enough space for everything you need for the night, you won’t have to worry about bringing multiple bags with you. Choose a style with a zip-top closure for extra security on the move.
Style Picks: City Tote Bag, Station Tote Bag
Expandable Carryalls
Effortlessly stylish and undeniably practical, expandable carryalls (like the Brooklyn) are the ultimate everyday staple, especially for moments that require a few extras. Stash everything you need inside the slouchy silhouette before restyling it as your perfect plus-one for dinner reservations later that evening. It’ll be ready to grab and go the next morning, too.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Large Shoulder Bags
Shoulder bags come in all shapes and sizes, and the largest ones make great overnight bags. Because they don’t necessarily look like a travel bag from the outside, large shoulder bags can be easily restyled over and over again for whatever you have planned once you reach your destination. And when it’s time to pack it all up, they’ll transform back into your handy travel companion.
Style Picks: Lana Shoulder Bag, Alter/Ego Large Crescent Shoulder Bag
Simple and spacious, tote bags are always a reliable choice for quick trips away. With enough space for everything you need for the night, you won’t have to worry about bringing multiple bags with you. Choose a style with a zip-top closure for extra security on the move.
Style Picks: City Tote Bag, Station Tote Bag
Expandable Carryalls
Effortlessly stylish and undeniably practical, expandable carryalls (like the Brooklyn) are the ultimate everyday staple, especially for moments that require a few extras. Stash everything you need inside the slouchy silhouette before restyling it as your perfect plus-one for dinner reservations later that evening. It’ll be ready to grab and go the next morning, too.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Large Shoulder Bags
Shoulder bags come in all shapes and sizes, and the largest ones make great overnight bags. Because they don’t necessarily look like a travel bag from the outside, large shoulder bags can be easily restyled over and over again for whatever you have planned once you reach your destination. And when it’s time to pack it all up, they’ll transform back into your handy travel companion.
Style Picks: Lana Shoulder Bag, Alter/Ego Large Crescent Shoulder Bag
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
Should a travel bag be classic or trendy?
Should a travel bag be classic or trendy?
If you're planning to invest in a luxury travel bag, you'll want to choose a timeless silhouette that transcends trends. Considering that a high-quality, durable leather bag will last for years (and years), it not only makes more sense from a cost-per-wear perspective—a classic travel bag will also pair well with your evolving personal style and moods, no matter how often they change. Plus, there's something about a luxurious travel bag that makes you look polished and pulled together no matter what country or destination you're in; a classic silhouette is a style language understood by everyone.
What features should I look for in a travel bag?
What features should I look for in a travel bag?
The right travel bag will help you keep everything organized without sacrificing style. Before committing to your next travel companion, consider the key features below.
- Durability: Travel can be unpredictable, which means you should have a bag that can handle the pressure. A sturdy, durable material can make all the difference—consider full-grain leather, high-quality canvas or coated canvas for a water-resistant choice.
- Interior Pockets: Quick, convenient access to your passport, wallet and phone is essential. Think about interior and exterior pockets before choosing your travel bag.
- Snap or Zip Closures: While zippers might offer more protection for all your belongings, snap closures usually provide easier access. Consider what you prefer depending on your typical travel habits.
What size bag is best for travel?
What size bag is best for travel?
The best bag size for when you're traveling really comes down to what your itinerary looks like. Compact crossbodies are the perfect counterpart to days spent exploring when you’ll want to keep your hands free, while larger carryalls are ideal for carrying everything you want easy access to—like tech or extra layers—while on long haul flights. It’s all about traveling smarter, while matching your bag's style to the occasion.