Dunelm bag was perfect for weekend in New York and it’s now half price | Travel News | Travel

I’d been on the hunt for a weekend bag that felt stylish but still practical enough to pack everything I’d need for a four-day trip to New York that included a wedding.

I didn’t want to spend a fortune, and after scrolling through options online, I landed on Dunelm’s faux leather fold-out holdall in cream and tan. It looked stylish, neutral, and roomy enough to hold outfits, shoes, and all the extras you inevitably need when travelling for a big event.

Its fold-out design was probably the biggest draw for me. I’ve been seeing this style on social media for months and was convinced it was the answer to all of my packing problems. I wasn’t sure how well it would work in practice, but after starting, it quickly became apparent that it was a veritable Aladdin’s cave. 

Instead of opening just at the top like a normal holdall, the zips run all the way down the sides. Once fully unzipped, the bag lays completely flat like a suitcase. It has a zip in the lining so you can place clothes in and secure them. It has a hole for a coat hanger so you could place everything on and easily unpack on the other side. Once your flat clothes are in, it is then zipped back up into a structured holdall shape, which can hold even more. 

My first impression was that it looked far more expensive than its £35 price tag (although it’s now half price at £17.50). The cream and tan colour is classic, and the faux leather finish feels sturdy. 

It opened up so I could lay things flat rather than stuffing them down into a deep holdall. I managed to fit in three dresses and my husband’s suit in the flat part. Once it had been done up, I got in a pair of shoes, a pair of trainers, shorts, a vest, underwear, and all my makeup without it feeling overstuffed. The side pocket would have been perfect for things like my passport or charger; however, I ended up keeping those in my handbag.

I admit, I did cheat a little. We had a suitcase to check in my husband’s clothes, so I put my toiletries in there, but everything else went in the bag. While they would have fit, it would have made the bag much heavier and bulkier.

I was able to use the bag as hand luggage. It measures H33cm x W29cm x L54cm, and our carrier, American Airlines, only allows free carry-ons measuring H56 x W36 x L23 cm. However, if you stand the bag up, it almost fits in the dimensions. I decided to risk it and see if I could take it on, and it was fine, but obviously, this could have backfired. Anyone thinking of buying this bag as a carry-on should check their airline’s requirements carefully. 

As for transporting the bag, there are two handles on the top, which feel strong and comfortable to grip. When I switched to the shoulder strap while walking around, it sat securely without digging in.

That said, there are a couple of small cons. At 1.55kg empty, it’s not the lightest bag, and once full, it was quite heavy. You’ll notice the weight more than with a nylon alternative. Also, while the zip design is clever, there were gaps at the top, and it didn’t feel completely secure. I wouldn’t have wanted to put it in the hold.

Overall, I’m really impressed with the holdall. It looks smart and can fit in loads, plus now that it’s half price, it’s even better. I’ve used it a lot since the holiday and would happily recommend it.