Official Review Merch

Review cover Ekster The Weekender (Merch)
Official GBAtemp Review

Product Information:

Tech accessories company Ekster has been expanding its catalogue and today we’ll take a look at one of its latest products: The Weekender travel bag. Is it a worthwhile contender to be the companion for the tech user on the move?

attachFull360506

Ekster delivered a strong impression with its Laptop Sleeve that we reviewed before. The accessory displayed a minimalist design paired with expert craftsmanship without compromising on functionality. This set the company as a premium-tier one for tech accessory needs without being extreme on the pricing. 

Ekster seems to have adopted a similar philosophy with its latest product, The Weekender, made in collaboration with Travelteq. At the time of writing, it sells for $240 (instead of the regular $315) and features the following specs:

attachFull360507

Premium look and feel

Simply looking at The Weekender will give a sense of a premium product. This is accentuated by the all-black design with leather accents that add a classy touch to the bag. 

attachFull360509

And it’s not just the looks that are premium with The Weekender but also the make. The main body is made of high quality rip-resistant canvas that ensures it is sturdy and it also sports Italian vachetta leather for the hand straps. The latter wrap around the body and are sturdily stitched. The underside of the bag features an extra layer of canvas as well as small foot stands which I found to be a nice touch to keep the underside from extra damage or getting dirty. 

Another welcome addition is the detachable shoulder strap which features a leather padding. This option makes The Weekender more versatile based on your needs and preference, should you prefer to carry it for hands-free.

attachFull360513

Review image Review image Review image

Generous in storage and versatile in use

When it comes to a bag, you’d want it to look good and also offer good storage space. The Weekender checks out on the former requirement, but what about the latter? Like with its Laptop Sleeve, Ekster once again does not compromise on the function while packing a stunning form.

The main compartment is accessed through a zipper and offers a generous, easily accessible storage space to fit in your belongings whether it’s clothing for your travel or your gaming handheld and peripherals.

attachFull360517

Review image Review image Review image

There are also smaller pockets on the inside and outside where you can store keys, cables, power banks or Ekster’s Tracker Card. The latter is a handy, $36 solar-powered add-on that, once pocketed in the bag, allows you to track the bag’s location. This adds an extra layer of peace of mind to know that you can trace back your bag and belongings in case of lost luggage.

On the outside, you’ll also find extra zippered compartments which are nice extras that The Weekender offers. These include a padded laptop compartment that allows you to slide in a laptop or tablet, separate from the main storage area for easy retrieval and extra protection. The other compartment is an integrated wet-bag to keep items such as gym clothes and shoes separate from your other contents. These extras enable The Weekender to be a versatile kit to be used as a travel, work or gym companion; or all of them at once if you’d be going to work, travel and the gym regularly.

attachFull360524

Review image Review imageReview image

One major downside

However, there are some downsides to note with The Weekender. Most notably, even if it has an integrated wet-bag, the main compartment itself isn’t waterproof. Such an inner lining could have been included for some extra peace-of-mind but as it is, The Weekender isn’t that appropriate for rainy weather.

Also, given that Ekster advertises the Travel Card as a handy add-on to the bag, the latter does not feature any transparent pocket or external attachment for the solar-powered tracker card. This means you’ll have to occasionally take out the tracker card to recharge it (solar energy is the only way to charge it; no USB port in this device); while it could have been recharged while you commute with the bag. 

A minor note is that Ekster sells only the all-black variant of The Weekender. While I personally find it classy, having more options would be welcome.

That said, if you won’t be using The Weekender in rainy conditions, then it will prove to be a premium, versatile accessory for your daily items whether it’s your tech, gym or wok accessories.

Verdict

What We Liked ...
  • Premium quality product
  • Spacious storage options
  • Padded compartment for tech devices
What We Didn't Like ...
  • Main compartment not waterproof
  • No options for other colour variants
8.5
out of 10

Overall

With The Weekender, Ekster yet again strikes a delicate balance between form and function, without compromising on either.
  • Like
Reactions: Henx, nickseta, Weyu and 3 others
Review cover
Product Information:

Reviews

  1. Hardware

    Withings ScanWatch 2

    Looking to upgrade your wrist-worn timepiece without sacrificing the look of analogue watches? The Withings ScanWatch 2 hybrid smartwatch might be for you. Let’s see what it has to offer in this review!

  2. Hardware

    MelGeek CYBER01 Magnetic Switch Rapid Trigger Gaming Keyboard

    Today for review, we’ll be taking a look at the latest gaming keyboard from Meltek, the CYBER01 magnetic switch offering!

  3. Hardware

    GEEKOM XT12 Pro Mini PC

    Claimed to be the world's most cost-effecient i9 Mini PC, we check out the latest from Geekom.

  4. Hardware

    Kospet Tank T3 Ultra

    Tough enough to navigate and conquer the rugged wilderness.

  5. PlayStation 5

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants

    The Turtles are back for their umpteenth game outing, but is this one worth it?

More reviews

Site & Scene News

Go to forum More news
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
  • NinStar @ NinStar:
    nes remix 1 had the bad one, nes remix 2 had the good one
  • Psionic Roshambo @ Psionic Roshambo:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZbUuSmFgMo
  • G @ genistopitauniverfrocrami:
  • SylverReZ @ SylverReZ:
    @genistopitauniverfrocrami, What drugs is this dude on?
     +1
  • NinStar @ NinStar:
    CRAZY HAMBURGER
  • The Real Jdbye @ The Real Jdbye:
    @NinStar both nes remix 1 and 2 had some stinkers in there
     +1
  • The Real Jdbye @ The Real Jdbye:
    but at least 2 doesn't have sports games
  • The Real Jdbye @ The Real Jdbye:
    loved nes remix, but hated having to play Baseball, Tennis and Golf in order to progress
     +1
  • The Real Jdbye @ The Real Jdbye:
    or fucking Clu Clu Land for that matter
  • Psionic Roshambo @ Psionic Roshambo:
    Not a big fan of NES kid Icarus either... I know it was popular but I didn't care for it.
  • Psionic Roshambo @ Psionic Roshambo:
    Yesterday I learned my BD Burner drive can burn CD's at 56X lol
  • cearp @ cearp:
    What stuff were you burning?
    I used to burn tons of dvds (data files) many years ago, but haven't burnt a disk in ages.
  • Psionic Roshambo @ Psionic Roshambo:
    My car actually reads MP3 CD's lol
  • Psionic Roshambo @ Psionic Roshambo:
    So mix CDs for myselt :)
  • Psionic Roshambo @ Psionic Roshambo:
    Pantera, Metallica, Hollywood Undead, Five Finger Death Punch, some others lol
  • Psionic Roshambo @ Psionic Roshambo:
    I can put like 90 songs on a CD lol
  • The Real Jdbye @ The Real Jdbye:
    if only it could read dvds then you would just need 1 disc
     +1
  • BakerMan @ BakerMan:
    i tell ya what, i could go for a fuckin gyro right about now
     +1
  • cearp @ cearp:
    I hope your brother is doing ok Mr BakerMan
     +1
  • cearp @ cearp:
    and Psi - I had a cd player / radio that played mp3 cds once, very cool
     +1
  • Psionic Roshambo @ Psionic Roshambo:
    BakerMan yeah me too.... maybe that's gonna be dinner for me there is this place near me I have been dying to try and they have them lol
  • K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2:
    I miss usb mp3 players they were shit but at the time a go to
  • Psionic Roshambo @ Psionic Roshambo:
    @The Real Jdbye, I thought about that and I have blank DVD's and Blurays but honestly after like 90 songs I just listen to it a couple of hundred times toss it out and burn something else or have like 2-3 CD's. Florida here the heat in the car tends to ruin the CD's after like a few months even commercial pressed ones don't last too long.
  • K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2:
    https://youtu.be/c99oey4lz9Q?si=gTWkLjRT1vssuc8C
  • The Real Jdbye @ The Real Jdbye:
    my music collection is just too big, i require variety
    The Real Jdbye @ The Real Jdbye: my music collection is just too big, i require variety