Lo & Son’s Catalina Deluxe Weekender

Looking for a stylish yet functional carry-on that actually fits your lifestyle?

The Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Weekender might just be it. Designed for minimalists who love to travel light, this eco-friendly duffel combines comfort, durability, and sleek design — making it perfect for weekend getaways or week-long escapes.

After testing it on several trips, it’s officially earned a permanent spot in my travel rotation. Let’s dive into why this bag is worth considering for your next adventure.


about Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons eco-friendly mission statement included with Catalina Deluxe purchase

Lo & Sons is a US-based luxury travel bag brand founded in 2010 by an Asian American family.

Their mission is to create high-quality travel products that are thoughtfully designed, built with sustainability in mind, and maintain a timeless style.


Catalina Deluxe Weekender travel bag

the First Impressions

Unboxing the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe duffel bag in Onyx 600D recycled polyester

Opening the box, I was impressed by Lo & Sons' commitment to sustainability. The bag itself was well-packaged, with the long shoulder straps thoughtfully separated.

The first thing that struck me about the Catalina Deluxe was its spacious interior. It has multiple zippered compartments and pockets, perfect for keeping everything organized during your travels. While most zippers functioned smoothly, one seemed a little stiff.

I would recommend testing all the zippers before your trip.

The interior lining feels smooth and well-made. The exterior, constructed from recycled poly, has a tough look that seems ready to withstand some wear and tear.

It also appears easy to clean, which is a plus for travel. (Which, btw, after using it several times, I’ve realized it’s super easy to wipe down with a compostable alcohol wipe!)

the Features

  • MATERIAL

    The exterior is made from Lo & Sons' recycled poly material, a sustainable fabric created from recycled plastic bottles.

  • INTERIOR

    The bag offers a generous amount of space with zippered compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organized.

  • CLOSURE

    The main compartment is secured with a zipper closure.

    Note: While most zippers worked well, one felt stiff during testing.

  • PASS-THROUGH SLEEVE

    Zipper to unzip and slide through suitcase handles easily.

  • STRAPS

    The bag comes with both long shoulder straps with padding and shorter handles. The long straps might be more suitable for taller individuals, while the shorter handles offer a comfortable carrying option for everyone.

  • BOTTOM POCKET

    Perfect storage for shoes, toiletries, or other accessories.

Spacious bottom compartment of the Catalina Deluxe unzipped for maximum packing

the Quality

I chose the Catalina Deluxe in Onyx (black color), a practical choice for a travel bag as it hides scuffs and dirt well. The Recycled Poly, which is a durable fabric made from recycled bottles, feels sturdy and well-constructed. The stitching and hardware appear of good quality.

the Functionality

The bag retains its shape somewhat when filled, but lacks the rigid structure of a traditional suitcase. However, it folds flat for easy storage — though a tutorial on efficient folding techniques would be helpful.

The long shoulder straps are comfortable for taller individuals like my partner, Gabriel. I found them a bit too long for me and preferred using the shorter handles, which can loop through my arms easily.

This bag is a great option for weekend getaways or trips longer than a week. If you and your travel partner pack light, you might even be able to fit both your belongings in one bag!


using the Catalina Deluxe

Melinda showcasing the Catalina Deluxe crossbody carrying style with adjustable shoulder straps

SPACIOUS INTERIOR

During our trip to Culebra, Gabriel and I easily packed our clothes and shoes in the bag. I was happy with the bag's many compartments that helped keep things organized.

CARRY-ON CONSIDERATION

The Catalina Deluxe is perfect for weekend getaways or longer trips. However, it may not always fit as a carry-on with all airlines. For example, when I was flying with EVA Air to Taiwan, the bag was too big to be considered a personal item. Make sure to check your airline's size rules before using the Catalina Deluxe as a carry-on. Travel smart!

COMFORT + FUNCTION

The shorter handles were a comfortable carrying option for me (5'6"). The long shoulder straps were a bit too long for my personal preference, although Gabriel found them very comfortable. The bottom zippered compartment with removable padding is a great feature for separating dirty shoes or laundry from your clean clothes.


final thoughts

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe paired with coordinating luggage for versatile travel

The Catalina Deluxe is a mid-range travel tote that comes in at $215 for the smaller size.

Considering the quality and features it offers, I believe that it provides good value for money. The bag is made from recycled poly material, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers.

Moreover, the bag is sturdy and well-made, and the numerous compartments and pockets make it ideal for organizing your belongings. The versatile design of the bag makes it an excellent travel companion.

Here are some factors that you should consider if this weekender is right for you:

TRAVEL FREQUENCY

If you travel frequently, the durability and functionality of the Catalina Deluxe could make it a worthwhile investment.

IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY

For travelers who prioritize eco-friendly materials, the recycled poly construction is a major selling point.

NEED FOR CARRY-ON

Before purchasing, double-check the airline restrictions if you intend to use this as a carry-on bag.



check out my recent travel vlog!


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Last Updated: 10.14.2025

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