Primary Colors

The eye-popping colors of Briggs & Riley’s new BRX bags (above) make locating them on the luggage carousel as easy as identifying a cowboy at a corporate function. And the beauty of these totes isn’t only skin deep. The entire line of toiletry cases, duffels and suitcases is made of denier nylon and comes with a lifetime guarantee. In an era when travelers value durable, lightweight products over those with designer labels, the upstart Half Moon Bay company of Briggs & Riley is making a name for itself. $11 and up, from Briggs & Riley, (888) 462-2247.

From another innovative young company, Los Angeles-based XLarge, comes a one-shoulder backpack for the urban trekker. The nylon packs meld fashion and function in a design inspired by students too cool to wear their backpacks over both shoulders. $60 and $84, available in red, navy, black or rust, from XLarge, (800) XLARGE1.