Frequent Travelers Love The Beis Mini Weekender Bag—And Now Our Editor Does Too
Updated: Aug. 14, 2023
The Beis Mini Weekender bag is now my go-to travel bag for quick trips.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Airlines seem to be charging an arm and a leg for extra luggage these days. That means finding the perfect travel bag is just as challenging as finding the perfect hotel. I’ve used a duffel bag from Target for about three years, and it’s served me well. But I recently got the Mini Weekender bag from Beis for my birthday and now my luggage just got an upgrade.
I tested the cult-favorite Mini Weekender on a recent trip to Mexico and a weekend camping trip. Even after just a month of use, I can see why it’s so popular for international and domestic flights and road trips alike.
What is the Beis Mini Weekender bag?
Beis, a chic luggage brand created by actress Shay Mitchell, rose to popularity with its functional and cute travel bags. Its famous Weekender bag is said to be the perfect carry-on with tons of space and an extra shoe compartment underneath. The Mini Weekender has all the amenities of its original model, just in a smaller size.
Upon first inspection, I noticed that the Mini Weekender really isn’t so mini. It’s tall and wide (16 inches each way) and eight inches in depth. It weighs 3.4 pounds when it’s empty and uses polyester for its body, interior lining and straps.
People love the Weekenders because they’re so spacious, and the Mini is no exception. Pack it like a carry-on and you’ll still have room left over. It has the construction of an old-school doctor bag, and the bottom compartment is perfect for keeping shoes—or really anything—separate from the main compartment. The bags also keep their shape thanks to internal structuring.
Beis Mini Weekender features
The Mini Weekender has two main compartments for easy packing. The first is the general storage space with a doctor bag zipper opening. A laptop sleeve fits on one side, and two more pockets store smaller items on the other side. The bottom compartment holds shoes or other items and zips all the way around. On the outside, the bag has a trolley sleeve that attaches to a suitcase handle for easy transporting.
While the regular Weekender is meant as a carry-on, some people worry that even the Mini Weekender is too big to be a personal item. But let me put that worry to rest. I flew with Volaris, a Mexican budget airline that’s notorious for its luggage limits and small airplanes. The check-in assistant didn’t bat an eye at my Beis bag and it fit perfectly underneath the seat.
How I tested it
Since I received my Mini Weekender for my birthday a few days before a trip to Mexico, I was eager to take it with me. My sister gifted it to me still in the packaging, which sports a big Beis sticker (a detail to keep in mind if your house or apartment is susceptible to porch pirates).
I got the orange Creamsicle color from the brand’s latest Sherbert collection. Orange is one of my favorite colors, and this bag took on a very bright, neon highlighter color. I love that it’s a color not likely to get lost in a sea of black luggage, especially at Chicago’s busy O’Hare airport, where I flew out.
I paid for carry-on luggage, so I didn’t need to play the usual game of Tetris to fit four days’ worth of clothes, shoes and toiletries inside the bag, which I used as my personal item. Still, I fit the following items with extra room left over:
- My toiletry bag
- Makeup bag
- Laptop and charger
- Over-the-ear headphones and carrying case
- Flat iron
- Two jewelry bags
- My prescription glasses and sunglasses with their cases
- My eyelash extension cleanser bag
- A small purse
- A cropped jacket
- An extra pair of sandals
My biggest woe with the Mini Weekender is how heavy it gets. Just because you can fit so much inside, doesn’t mean you should. Within the hour, my shoulder was starting to ache from the weight. Thankfully, I had rolling hardshell luggage that I could slip the bag’s trolley sleeve into, but without it I would’ve had to switch shoulders often.
Another complaint I have is how easily the bag’s polyester material scuffs. Between the airport’s security machine, taxi trunks and just the regular floors, my bag looked like it could use a bath as much as me after a long travel day. Even the slightest scuff is noticeable on the bag’s bright orange coat. This might not be the case for darker colors like black or navy, but buyers beware. I may need to brush up on how to get rid of stains.
On the flight, the bag fit perfectly underneath the seat in front of me. I did have to lay it sideways, but I had no issue with its size. I could also use the extra space to fit more souvenirs. While my back and shoulders might protest, I can see myself using this bag on all my future trips.
It’s an ideal travel companion and the ample storage allows for just about anything. I also love it for road trips because it takes up almost no room in my car’s trunk. I did take it camping for the weekend, which put it in prime location for dirt. But with the right stain remover, the bag should come out looking good as new.
Pros
- Lots of storage space despite its small size
- Easily fits under airplane seats
- Has a separate zippered compartment underneath
- Trolley sleeve lets it attach to rolling luggage
- Color is vibrant
- Wire frame holds its shape
- Under $100
Cons
- Scuffs easier than I’d like
- Gets very heavy when full
FAQ
Does the Mini Weekender bag fit under a plane seat?
Yes! You may have to slide it sideways, but the Mini Weekender fits comfortably under a plane seat.
What is the difference between the Convertible and Mini Weekender bags?
Size- and shape-wise, there’s really no difference. However, the bottom compartment of the Convertible zips all the way off to create a smaller bag.
Is the Weekender bag a carry-on?
The regular Weekender bag is larger than the Mini, so yes, it works best as a carry-on.
What other reviewers/experts had to say
Verified buyer Kelly R. writes, “This bag has everything you could possibly want in a weekender bag. No stone has been unturned. I love the bottom compartment for shoes. Can never have enough shoes! I have many different tote-type bags and this is by far the best!”
Five-star reviewer Taylor D. says it’s the best bag she’s ever owned. “This bag has exceeded all expectations!” she raves. “The Mini Weekender is larger than I expected, yet can fit as a carry-on through most airlines. It’s durable and the bottom storage is a game-changer. I love the extra pockets for my iPad. I’m now a Beis customer for life and can’t wait to buy the rolling luggage to match!”
“This bag has it all! It’s beautiful, has so much room and anything I buy will fit in it and I won’t have to worry about my suitcase being overweight,” writes Kelly C., a user who replaced her large purses with the Mini Weekender on her flights. “It has so many compartments and a nice wide shoulder band to carry it, or it also has wide handles for when you don’t have room to put it on your shoulder.”
Product comparison
The regular Weekender bag measures 15.5 inches tall, 18 inches wide and 10 inches deep. It weighs 3.8 pounds and features the same polyester material as the Mini. If you’re looking for a carry-on bag or something to hold more, the Weekender is a great option. The Mini is best for, well, a weekend trip at most or for use as a personal item.
Final verdict
The Beis Mini Weekender is a solid travel bag for any excursion. It’s great quality, has tons of storage and looks so chic. I see it becoming my go-to bag for weekend trips and vacations. Plus, for less than $100, I like knowing that this affordable luggage doesn’t break the bank.
I found that when the underbelly compartment is empty or unzipped, the bag has a harder time holding its shape, especially when the top is full. And besides the scuffs, which can probably be spot cleaned, I know it’ll hold up over time. Narrowing down a personal item is no easy task, but the Mini Weekender may just be the answer.
Where to buy the Beis Mini Weekender
The Beis Mini Weekender is available directly from the Beis website for $98. Don’t let your personal item be the stressful part of traveling.
Stop hunting for the best products and deals—get our expert scoop on secret sales and discounts, gift ideas for everyone and can’t-miss products. Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter.
