Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Weekender Bag: An In-Depth Review
Product Review Summary
Lo & Sons prides themselves on their functional designs that combine eco-friendly materials with high-quality construction. After trying out their bestselling Catalina Deluxe bag, there’s no doubt this duffel (and the Lo & Sons brand) lives up to its lofty reputation.
Ratings
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★★★★★
Lo & Sons is known for their stylish and smartly designed bags, which are perfect for working, working out, or exploring a new locale. The Catalina Deluxe bag did not disappoint and lived up to the hype.
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★★★★★
The recycled polyester fabric felt remarkably luxe right off the bat, and I could tell just how well made this product was. I also noticed it had impressive strength and durability, thanks to its thoughtful details like reinforced stitching all along the seams and handles.
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★★★★★
This particular weekender comes in two sizes (small and large), but as mentioned above, I’d ordered a size large. According to the Lo & Sons website, the larger style measures 18.5” wide, 18” high, and 9” inches deep, with an extra 11” on the handle drop length, as well.
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★★★★☆
It’ll undoubtedly last for many years and many adventures to come, which is why the higher price tag — $225, when not discounted — feels pretty justified actually. With that being said, if you only need a weekender bag a few times a year, you can likely find other quality luggage at a lower price (or simply wait until Lo & Sons runs a good sale).
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★★★★★
A few of the brand’s most notable eco-friendly efforts include: repurposing plastic bottles (that would otherwise end up in our waterways), partnering with The Renewal Workshop (to stop textile waste from heading to landfills), and downsizing on their packaging.
Pros:
Made from sustainable, recycled materials
Pass-through sleeve to slide on luggage handle
Messenger strap features removable padding
Can be folded or rolled for easy storage
Lightweight (2.71 lbs), but quite spacious
Cons:
Bottom zippered pocket not fully detachable
Bit expensive when purchased at full price
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Lo & Sons is a family-owned business with a range of multi-purpose products that are perfect for work, travel, and nearly anything in between. If you’ve been on the lookout for a weekender that’s consciously made but not lacking in style, then the Catalina Deluxe from Lo & Sons is an excellent option for you. Read on for our full review and final thoughts about this bag.
Lo & Sons: What To Know About the Brand
Helen Lo was on the hunt for the perfect bag to compliment her busy travel schedule, but every style she purchased always seemed too heavy, too drab, or too complicated in its design. After watching his mother abandon yet another bag, Helen’s eldest son, Jan, encouraged her to try and create one for herself. While she valued the suggestion, Helen didn’t feel confident in taking on such a big project — which is when Jan and Derek (her younger son) stepped in to help.
Jan started conducting consumer research, sketching product designs, and looking for a manufacturer with who they might partner with. At the same time, Derek worked on building their website, developing their image, and executing on their marketing strategy. By 2010, the brothers had bootstrapped their business and made Helen’s dream a reality under the Lo & Sons name. Since then, Lo & Sons has grown to become a globally recognized and beloved brand, thanks in large part to the tremendous functionality of their bags, as well as their commitment to reversing environmental damage via innovative design solutions.
Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Weekender Review
After reading the glowing reviews about Lo & Sons from Forbes, Vogue, and Refinery29, we were definitely ready to order one of their travel bags for ourselves. The following is a review of the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe, purchased in the recycled poly Onyx color, in a size large.
Unpacking and First Impressions
While I was super excited to see my Lo & Sons box show up on my doorstep, if I’m being totally honest, the whole unpacking process was a little underwhelming. My order arrived in a plain brown box; inside that box, my weekender was folded into a compact shape and sealed in a simple poly bag. The only other item in the box was my packing slip — no additional marketing or explanation of the bag’s features. Although I respected the simplicity (i.e. the lack of waste and excess materials), I guess I still expected to receive more information or a greeting from Lo & Sons, like a ‘thank you’ for purchasing or a nod to what makes this bag so special.
Quality of Materials
Despite the lackluster first impression of my Lo & Sons purchase, the quality of materials became very apparent once I unfolded the bag. The recycled polyester fabric felt remarkably luxe right off the bat, and I could tell just how well made this product was. Without even testing the bag out, I noticed it had impressive strength and durability, thanks to its thoughtful details like reinforced stitching all along the seams and handles. In addition, the bag’s lining — also made from 50% recycled polyester — had a sleekness to it that paired well with the more structural exterior. Overall, the Catalina Deluxe felt surprisingly lightweight, yet obviously sturdy.
Sizing and Fit
This particular weekender comes in two sizes (small and large), but as mentioned above, I’d ordered a size large. According to the Lo & Sons website, the larger style measures 18.5” wide, 18” high, and 9” inches deep, with an extra 11” on the handle drop length, as well. I used this bag to take a quick, two-night trip before the holidays, and was able to comfortably pack: two pairs of jeans, one pair of joggers, three sweaters, pajamas, socks, underwear, boots, and slippers, as well as all the toiletries I needed (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, etc).
Because my vacation was short and this bag is so roomy, I had plenty of space left for more outfit options, but I wanted to avoid weighing myself down. I also suspect if I’d used packing cubes rather than rolling my clothes, I could’ve nearly doubled the capacity here.
Value for Money
If you’re someone who travels a lot, whether for work or for leisure, then the Catalina Deluxe is hands down a wonderful investment. On top of being incredibly well-made and utilizing recycled materials, this bag has all the versatility and durability you could want from a carry-on size tote. It’ll undoubtedly last for many years and many adventures to come, which is why the higher price tag — $225, when not discounted — feels pretty justified actually. With that being said, if you only need a weekender bag a few times a year, you can likely find other quality luggage at a lower price (or simply wait until Lo & Sons runs a good sale).
Sustainability Efforts
One of my favorite things about Lo & Sons is how transparent they are about their sustainability practices. In their eyes, it’s not enough to ‘do no harm’ to the environment — which explains why they’re always seeking ways to improve their supply chain and the lifecycle of their products. A few of the brand’s most notable eco-friendly efforts include: repurposing plastic bottles (that would otherwise end up in our waterways), partnering with The Renewal Workshop (to stop textile waste from heading to landfills), and downsizing on their packaging.
Speaking of which, upon further inspection of the Lo & Sons ethos, I quickly discovered my unpacking experience was as intentional as it was admirable. As it turns out, the brown box I received was custom-made to be more cost-efficient and to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. What’s more, all their packaging is now made from 100% recycled materials (that are also 100% recyclable). I guess you could say first impressions aren’t everything!
The Bottom Line
After a solid test run and some serious reflection about this bag, it’s difficult to say anything negative about the Catalina Deluxe. Once I understood (and appreciated) why the packaging was so minimal, I only saw the benefits and beauty of this design. Without question, Lo & Sons deserves all the praise and recognition they’ve been given over the last few years. I can’t wait for an opportunity to take this duffel on a longer getaway, and hopefully, to use it with some compression bags to really streamline and maximize my whole packing strategy.
Lo & Sons FAQs
Are Lo & Sons bags worth the money?
Lo & Sons is known for their stylish and smartly designed bags, which are perfect for working, working out, or exploring a new locale. While their weekenders can get a bit pricey (many hover at or over $200), reviewers agree they’re worth the money and make a very wise investment.
How do I wash my Lo & Sons bag?
If needed, Lo & Sons canvas bags can be spot cleaned with water or a clear, gentle detergent. Alternatively, their recycled poly styles can be machine washed. The company recommends washing on the delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent, followed by an air dry.
Do Lo & Sons bags come with a warranty?
Yes, Lo & Sons offers a free, one-year warranty on their products, which covers any damages or defects on your purchase. And because they stand by the quality of everything they sell, even if you have an issue arise after the one-year mark, the Lo & Sons team will still be happy to help.