Lululemon Festival Bag 2L vs. 5L: What's the difference?

Lululemon Festival Bag 2L vs. 5L: Discover the key differences in size and functionality. Find the perfect bag for your essentials or extra carry needs.
Spencer Lanoue
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Spencer Lanoue
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The Lululemon Festival Bag 2L and the Festival Bag 5L are both stylish crossbody bags, but their main difference is capacity. The 2L version is a compact, minimalist bag designed to hold only your absolute essentials like a phone, keys, and wallet, while the 5L offers more than double the space, easily fitting those items plus a small water bottle, sunglasses, or a light snack.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Lululemon Festival Bag for your needs.

Lululemon Festival Bag 2L

The Festival Bag 2L is the smaller, more streamlined option in the lineup, designed for those who prefer to travel light. It's the perfect size for concerts, quick errands, or any time you want a hands-free experience without the bulk of a larger bag, providing just enough space for your most important items.

  • What it is: A compact crossbody bag designed for carrying daily essentials.
  • Key features: Water-resistant fabric, adjustable crossbody strap for comfortable carrying, exterior and interior zippered pockets for organization.
  • Capacity: 2 Liters, an ideal size for a phone, standard wallet, keys, and lip balm.
  • Price: ~$68 (prices may vary)
  • Materials/Construction: Made from a durable, water-resistant nylon blend that is easy to clean and withstands daily use.
  • Pros: Extremely lightweight and compact, forces you to carry only what you need, sleek profile doesn't overwhelm your outfit, easy to wear for long periods.
  • Cons: Limited capacity means it won't fit a water bottle or anything bulky, smaller pocket openings can be tight for larger phones or wallets.

This bag is perfect if you are a minimalist who prioritizes a lightweight, unobtrusive carry for your phone, keys, and wallet.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/products/festival-bag-2l

Lululemon Festival Bag 5L

The Festival Bag 5L is the larger, more versatile sibling, offering a significant boost in storage while maintaining a manageable, stylish size. It's built for those who need to carry a little extra throughout their day, like a small water bottle or a pair of sunglasses, making it a great choice for day trips or longer outings.

  • What it is: A mid-sized crossbody bag designed for flexibility and extra storage.
  • Key features: Larger main compartment, multiple zippered pockets for enhanced organization, water-resistant fabric, adjustable strap for shoulder or crossbody wear.
  • Capacity: 5 Liters, easily holds all your essentials plus a small water bottle, sunglasses case, snacks, and other small items.
  • Price: ~$78 (prices may vary)
  • Materials/Construction: Utilizes the same high-quality, water-resistant nylon blend as the 2L version, ensuring durability and easy maintenance.
  • Pros: More versatile due to larger size, fits small water bottles and other extras, excellent organization with multiple pockets, still relatively compact and lightweight.
  • Cons: Can feel slightly bulkier compared to the 2L, higher price point, may encourage carrying more than necessary for quick trips.

Ideal for anyone needing more than just the basics without committing to a full-sized purse or backpack, offering excellent everyday versatility.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/products/festival-bag-5l

Lululemon Festival Bag 2L vs. 5L Comparison

Size & Capacity

The names tell the whole story here: 2 liters versus 5 liters of volume. The difference is immediately noticeable. The Festival Bag 2L is slim and compact, sitting flat against the body. You can comfortably fit a smartphone, a cardholder or small wallet, keys, and maybe one or two tiny items like a lip balm. It forces you to be disciplined with what you carry.

The Festival Bag 5L is visibly larger and has a deeper main compartment. This extra space makes all the difference for day-long outings. You can fit everything the 2L holds, plus a standard 16 oz water bottle (though a taller one might stick out), a sunglasses case, a portable charger, and other personal items with room to spare. For many, this makes it a much more practical everyday bag.

Design & Functionality

Both bags share the same modern, minimalist Lululemon aesthetic with subtle branding. They are made from the same durable, water-resistant fabric and feature high-quality zippers and hardware. Both also have an adjustable strap, allowing them to be worn over the shoulder or as a crossbody bag.

Functionally, the main difference, besides capacity, is organization. The 5L model typically includes more compartmentalization inside its pockets, helping you separate your items more effectively. The 2L bag still has organizational pockets, but there are fewer of them, which is appropriate for the smaller volume.

Price & Value

The 5L bag is priced about $10 higher than the 2L version. If you are strictly a minimalist and only ever carry a few essential items, the 2L offers great value. It performs its specific function perfectly and saves you a few dollars.

However, the 5L offers considerably more value for most people due to its enhanced versatility. For a small price increase, you get more than double the storage space, turning the bag from a specialized, essentials-only carrier into a capable everyday bag that can handle a wider range of situations, from morning commutes to weekend exploring.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both models are excellent, but they serve different needs and lifestyles.

Choose the Festival Bag 2L if:

  • You are a true minimalist and want the smallest, lightest bag possible.
  • You need a hands-free option for concerts, festivals, or workouts where you only need your phone, ID, and keys.
  • You want a secondary bag for travel to keep crucial items right on your body.
  • A sleek, low-profile look is your top priority.

Choose the Festival Bag 5L if:

  • You want a versatile everyday bag that can replace a larger purse.
  • You need to carry a small water bottle, sunglasses, or other similar-sized items daily.
  • You are looking for a go-to bag for travel, day trips, and running errands.
  • You value extra space and organization and don't mind a slightly larger profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Festival Bag 2L and 5L?

The main difference is capacity. The 5L bag offers more than double the storage space as the 2L version, making it suitable for carrying extra items like a small water bottle, snacks, or a sunglasses case, while the 2L is strictly for essentials like a phone, wallet, and keys.

Can the Festival Bag 5L fit a water bottle?

Yes, the 5L bag can typically fit a small or standard-sized (up to about 16-17 oz) water bottle in its main compartment alongside your other essentials.

Is the Festival Bag 2L big enough for an iPhone?

Yes, the 2L bag can easily accommodate all standard and plus-sized smartphones in its main compartment or one of its zippered pockets.

Are the Lululemon Festival Bags waterproof?

They are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. The fabric will repel light rain and splashes, keeping your belongings dry in a drizzle, but it should not be submerged in water.

How do you wear the Festival Bag?

Both bags are designed to be worn either over the shoulder or as a crossbody bag. The strap is fully adjustable to allow for a customized and comfortable fit.

Which size is better for travel?

The 5L is generally more useful for travel as a personal item or day bag, thanks to its larger capacity for sightseeing essentials. The 2L is excellent as a secondary travel bag for keeping your passport, boarding pass, and phone secure and easily accessible at the airport or on excursions.

Are the straps on the Festival Bags comfortable?

Yes, the straps are made from a soft but durable webbing material that is comfortable to wear for an extended period, even when the bag is full.

How do you clean the Festival Bag?

Lululemon recommends spot cleaning the bags with a damp cloth. Avoid machine washing or drying to preserve the integrity of the fabric and hardware.