The fact that I once had to shell out £100 for an excess baggage charge says everything you need to know about my ability to pack light. But with summer here, more short trips within the UK are filling up my calendar – camping trips, hen dos, visits to friends across the country – times a suitcase isn’t preferable. I’m not dragging a carry-on case over the grass to my tent pitch. For occasions like these, you need a decent weekender bag – and I’ve finally found the ultimate holdall for overpackers in this lovely Béis number.
The brand’s weekender has a 49 litre capacity, canvas body with vegan leather trim, trolley sleeve, key leash and multiple inner and outer pockets, including a separate zipped compartment at the bottom. It comes in nine colours and there are matching accessories, including a wash bag and jewellery case.
I’ve used it twice and I can honestly say I have never fit so much in a bag before. I needed multiple daily outfit changes for a birthday trip to Paris, and I could scarcely believe what I squeezed in. A poofy puffball dress, jumper and a pair of jeans? On top of everything else? Be for real. It’s also super chic, drawing multiple compliments from friends.
The catch? Given the capacity, it tends to get quite heavy when full, which makes it harder to manoeuvre. There is a removable crossbody strap but this is awkward to use when the bag is full-to-bursting. It was banging against my back as I trekked across Kings Cross station, so I prefer using the standard straps over one shoulder. This was fine for my short walk from the tube to the Eurostar platform, but your shoulder and back would definitely start to ache when spending longer on the move. The weight also made it quite tricky to haul onto my shoulder from the ground.
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Of course, if you’re not squeezing it absolutely full to the brim, you’ll be fine. There’s also a trolley sleeve, which makes this problem entirely moot if you’re travelling with an additional suitcase, as it’ll slot over its handle. This sleeve also zips up at the bottom to create another pocket when not in use. And on the topic of pockets: I really appreciated the discreet external passport slip – it meant I could keep mine to hand without having to brave opening the weekender or fish about in my sling bag in front of the security desk.
Another feature I love: the separate bottom compartment. I hate seeing my precious clothes nestled next to always-grubby shoes. Plus, by storing footwear separately, you don’t compromise on any internal space for outfits. I fit three pairs in this section which meant that, including the ones I was wearing, I could take four pairs of shoes with me for a three-day trip. You could also use this compartment for wet swimming gear, straighteners, a travel dryer or wash bag – anything you want to keep easily to hand or away from garments.
The verdict: For shorter trips necessitating multiple outfit changes, or times you need to pack bulky items, this bag is a serious contender. It’s officially approved by me. You can shop the Béis original weekender bag on the brand’s website.
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What I packed:
- Pyjamas
- Gym outfit
- Underwear
- A jumper
- Two day dresses
- A pair of jeans
- A t-shirt
- A really bulky puffball evening dress
- Washbag
- Three pairs of shoes – a pair of heels, some flats and my gym trainers
- A book
- Bikini
- Passport
- Spare handbag
Pros:
- Very capacious,
- Separate compartment for shoes, wash bag, straighteners, wet clothes – whatever you like
- Stylish design
- Opens fully to minimise rummage
- Luggage sleeve
- External passport pocket
Cons:
- Can be heavy and a little bulky to carry when full
- Pale colour can get grubby and it can only be spot cleaned