One of the most praised features, however, is the exterior water bottle holders. In a road trip context, these are invaluable. Rather than having a bottle roll around on the floor of the car or getting lost under a seat, the Portobello provides a designated, accessible spot for hydration.
The Limits of the Weekend Magic
Despite its many strengths, the Portobello is not a "one-bag-fits-all" solution for every possible scenario. Chapel is transparent about the bag’s limitations, particularly when it comes to specialized gear. On ski trips, for instance, the sheer volume of winter equipment—helmets, boots, and heavy outerwear—requires more space than a single duffel can provide. In these instances, Chapel uses the Portobello for her clothing and softer gear but supplements it with a second bag.
However, for the standard weekend escape—the 48 to 72 hours spent exploring a new town or relaxing by the beach—the Portobello remains her undisputed favorite. It offers enough room to pack comfortably without the bulk of a traditional suitcase, and it possesses enough aesthetic "spruce" to be carried into a high-end hotel without the wearer feeling as though they are carrying a gym bag.
As part of Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Luggage Week, Chapel’s review serves as a reminder that the best travel gear is often the piece that fits seamlessly into the way we actually live and travel. For the Brooklyn-based road-tripper, the Caraa Portobello has earned its place not just in the trunk of the car, but as a reliable, stylish, and durable partner for the journey ahead.
More colors available:
The Portobello is offered in a variety of shades beyond the olive tested here, allowing travelers to coordinate with their existing luggage sets or express their personal style.
More editor-recommended weekender bags:
The search for the perfect weekender is a cornerstone of Condé Nast Traveler’s mission. While the Portobello stands out for its soft-shell flexibility, the editors have road-tested dozens of other silhouettes to ensure every type of traveler—from the minimalist backpacker to the over-packer—finds their ideal match.
This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road tested by our editors.
