How are you when it comes to packing for a trip?
Are you a “throw the flip-flops, swimsuit and a pair of shorts in the suitcase” kind of gal? Or do you carefully plan out multiple outfit options for each potential activity, bring layers in case of inclement weather and strategize how you will avoid bringing so many pairs of shoes that they require their own bag?
I’m the latter. I like having my options and not feeling that I MUST wear X outfit on Day 1 of a 2-day trip because I only brought 2 outfits total. I’d rather schlep a large bag and have choices, than be haphazard about it and be stuck feeling like I didn’t bring along the right clothing.
You can imagine what fun planning a trip is around my house! Thankfully, we live in a warm-weather climate, and usually travel to warm-weather climates, which makes packing considerably easier. The idea of packing wintry layers on top of having to make shoe tradeoffs? One of my worst nightmares.
This fervent need to have a myriad of options when I travel is why I have a lot of difficulty with  ”The Weekender Bag.”
You’ve seen the Weekender Bag. Scads of brands make a version of one. It’s a stylish, more tailored version of a duffel bag – like the Petunia Picklebottom version pictured above.
I presume that, since it is called a Weekender Bag, it is supposed to be large enough to hold your belongings for a weekend away.
As a concept, I love this idea. I picture myself stealing away for a fab jaunt with my husband, elegant yet spacious bag in tow.
But then I look at the inside of the bag. Again, this is a photo of the Petunia Picklebottom weekender:
Um…okay. First, my feet are size 11. I put a pair of shoes in that bag and I barely have enough room left for a bra, let alone a weekend’s worth of clothes!
Second, there are no organizational pockets. So everything just gets thrown in there, other than your cell phone, which has a designated place. Only I wouldn’t carry my cell phone in this, because I’d have to carry a large purse….to hold my clothing.
I took a look at this weekender bag by Bumble. Same thing. Way too small. It’s only 18 inches wide. Obviously, they haven’t seen my makeup bag. I think it’s 18 inches wide all by itself.
Even Le Sportsac, which makes a jillion different kinds of bags like this, measures in at a mere 20 inches.
Am I high maintenance, or is the Weekender Bag a product that doesn’t live up to its name?
