Leather Bags
Weekend Bag vs Duffle Bag: Which Leather Holdall to Buy
Weekend bag vs duffle bag: a weekend bag suits a short trip and a duffle is a barrel holdall. Our two leather holdalls compared on size, weight and pockets.
At a glance
- A weekend bag is sized for a short trip. A duffle bag is a barrel-shaped holdall.
- Our duffle is the bigger holdall, listed at 36 to 55 litres.
- Our weekend bag is the lighter holdall, with a shoulder strap that comes off.
- The weekend bag is smaller on every side and likelier to fit cabin limits.
- The weekend bag costs £20 less than the duffle.
Leather Weekend Bag for Men, Brown Cowhide Holdall, 51cm £169.99 · Free UK delivery Shop A weekend bag is a holdall sized for one or two nights. A duffle bag is a soft, barrel-shaped holdall. Our duffle is the bigger and heavier of the two.
What is the difference between a weekend bag and a duffle bag?
A weekend bag is named for its use: a short trip. A duffle bag is named for its shape: a barrel. Our weekend bag is the lighter one, with listed inside pockets and a detachable strap. Both have a zip opening and carry handles on top.
In the photos both of our bags have a long, rounded body. The table compares them side by side.
| Weekend bag | Duffle bag | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 51cm | 55cm |
| Height | 27cm | 29cm |
| Depth | 24cm | 26cm |
| Capacity | Not stated | 36 to 55 litres |
| Weight empty | About 1.45kg | 1.9 to 2.4kg |
| Handles | Two carry handles | Top carry handle |
| Shoulder strap | Detachable | Shown in photos |
| Pockets listed | Inside zip pocket, phone pocket | Zipped end pockets |
| Price | £169.99 | £189.99 |
How big is each bag?
The duffle bag is bigger on every side. It is 4cm longer, 2cm taller and 2cm deeper than the weekend bag.
Only the duffle states a capacity. The weekend bag gives no litre figure. Lay out a trial load at home and compare it with the table.
The weekend bag photo shows the zip opening, the two handles and the strap clipped to each end.
How much do they weigh?
The weekend bag weighs 450g to 950g less than the duffle before you pack anything.
A lighter empty bag leaves more of a weight allowance for clothes. The weekend bag is the one to pick if you carry your bag by hand through stations. Add your packed load to the empty weight. Then check your airline’s limit before you fly.
How do you carry each bag?
The weekend bag carries by two handles or on a detachable shoulder strap. The duffle carries by its top handle or on the shoulder strap shown in its photos. Neither listing gives a strap length.
Take the weekend bag strap off when you want a plain handheld bag. The duffle bag photos show it carried both ways.
The duffle photo shows its darker, worn-in leather and the top handle.
What pockets does each bag have?
The weekend bag has an inside zip pocket and a phone pocket. The duffle bag has zipped pockets on the ends of its body.
Inside pockets stop a phone and chargers sliding to the bottom. End pockets let you reach a passport or a charger without opening the main zip.
How do you pack for a two-night trip?
Pack for two nights by laying out every outfit before you fill the bag. Take two shirts, one spare pair of trousers and fresh underwear for each night. Wear your bulkiest shoes on the journey.
Roll soft clothes and fold shirts flat on top. Put shoes at one end in a bag of their own. Keep toiletries in a sealed wash bag. Use the weekend bag’s inside pockets for a phone and chargers. In the duffle, the end pockets suit small items you need on the way.
What are the bags made of?
Both bags are top-layer cowhide as listed by the supplier. The weekend bag has a polyester lining and metal hardware.
In the photos the duffle has a darker, worn-in surface. Contrast stitching and brass-coloured studs run along its base. The weekend bag photo shows a lighter brown leather.
Neither listing states a water rating. Keep both out of heavy rain. Wipe them with a barely damp cloth and dry them away from heat. Our guide on how to clean a leather bag covers stains and conditioning step by step.
Which bag is likelier to fit cabin limits?
The weekend bag is likelier to fit. See the sizes in the table above. Neither bag is sold as cabin approved.
Cabin limits vary by airline and by fare. Check your airline’s size and weight rules before you travel. Measure the bag once it is packed. A smaller bag is still no guarantee of a fit.
What about delivery and returns?
Both bags ship free to UK addresses in 7 to 12 working days from our international warehouse. You can return either bag within 30 days if it is unused and in its original packaging.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the weekend bag for one or two nights and a lighter carry. Choose the duffle for bulkier kit or a stated capacity.
| If you want | Pick |
|---|---|
| The lighter bag | Weekend bag |
| Inside pockets and a strap that comes off | Weekend bag |
| A stated capacity in litres | Duffle bag |
| A stated capacity and listed end pockets | Duffle bag |
| The lower price | Weekend bag |
The weekend bag costs £20 less. Pick the duffle when space matters more than price.
Browse every holdall and shoulder bag in Leather Bags.
Leather holdalls compared in this guide
| Product | Price | Why it is here |
|---|---|---|
| Leather Duffle Bag for Men, Brown Cowhide, 36-55L | £189.99 | A brown top-layer cowhide duffle with a zip opening, a top handle and zipped end pockets. |
| Leather Weekend Bag for Men, Brown Cowhide Holdall, 51cm | £169.99 | A brown top-layer cowhide holdall with two handles, a detachable shoulder strap and inside pockets. |
Questions answered
Is a holdall the same as a duffle bag? +
No. Holdall is the UK word for a soft zip-up travel bag and a duffle is one style of holdall.
Can a duffle bag be used as a gym bag? +
Yes, it can carry gym kit. Our duffle listing does not mention a separate shoe or wet compartment.
How do I stop a leather holdall losing its shape? +
Stuff it with tissue paper or soft clothes when you store it. Keep it in a dust bag away from heat and damp.
Is a leather holdall good for a weekend away? +
Yes, for one or two nights. A leather holdall packs soft clothes and carries by hand or on a strap.
