Check the bag to see that it’s durable. Tug on the handles and check the part where they are attached to the bag to see that they are secure. There should be no doubt that your bag will fall apart. Move the zipper back and forth to see that it won’t stick or break.
Choose a bag that works well in any weather. Instead of a thin fabric bag or a bag that is suede, you’re better off getting a bag that is waterproof on the outside and/or has a waterproof lining. Should you get stuck in snowy or rainy weather, you don’t want the bag, or all of your belongings inside, to get ruined.
Buy a bag that has long handles as well as short handles attached. Depending on how much weight you’ll be carrying, the bag may be easier to carry either in your hand or slung around your shoulders. If you have both types of handles, you’ll have the choice of using one or the other instead of being forced to just use one.
Pick a bag that is big enough to handle three days' worth of clothes. A weekend isn’t always two days, sometimes it’s almost three. If the bag is small and only fits two days of clothes, you’re going to end up having to shove the rest of the clothes in, which can completely wrinkle them.
Choose a bag that has inside and outside pockets. The outside pockets will be good for easy access to items that you need quickly, such as train or bus tickets, or reading matter. Indoor tickets are good for small items that you want to keep separate from everything else in your bag.
Opt for a bag that matches the majority of your wardrobe. If you’re going to frequently be carrying around a travel bag on weekends, it may as well match to what you’re wearing. A bag that has a black base color with some flowers or stripes of color will go well with anything that you have in your closet.
