Convenient Packing Is Now in the Bag

Finding the right travel bag can be daunting. With so many competing brands and styles, it is sometimes hard to determine what meets your needs. Here are some bags that excel in their category. They may be available in stores. Prices do not include shipping.

Feeling strapped: Wheeled bags with built-in extendable handles started out as convenient carry-on luggage. As their popularity soared, so did the selection of sizes, including larger bags that hold much more clothing than the wheel-aboard variety. These bags must be checked but are still a good bet for travelers who like the mobility of wheeled bags.

Among the toughest and best designed of the bigger bags is the new line of Jeep Extreme Wheeled Upright Bags from Dynamic International. Made of heavy-duty ripstop nylon, they have thick, solid zippers, plastic reinforcements at stress points, wide webbing for extra support, and three zippered compartments. I especially like the built-in exterior straps that provide a stronger hold and extra security. The bags are expandable; a zipper along the frame conceals 3 extra inches of packing depth.

Jeep Extreme Wheeled Upright Bag lists for $200 for a 29-inch bag, $175 for a 25-inch bag and $150 for a 21-inch bag (carry-on size). For information, call Dynamic International; telephone (888) 533-2900.

Wagon wheels: This wheeled bag lies down on the job--all to your advantage. While most rolling bags are pulled upright, the Max bag also can be pulled lying horizontal--providing a larger, more stable surface for stacking more bags. The secret is the extending handle and four wheels. Press one button on the handle and the bag works like the usual two-wheeler; press another button and the handle extends further, the case drops down to the floor on its wide side and two more wheels go into action, turning the bag into a wagon of sorts. The bag has a built-in bungee cord for securing ride-along bags on top.

Max 26-inch Rolling Pullman Suiter (LC559) is $289 from Magellan’s; tel. (800) 962-4943, Internet https://www.magellans.com. Matching accessory bags also available.

Open wide: Duffel bags are ideal for holding lots of clothing in the most lightweight space. But once stuffed, they don’t reveal their contents easily. You may have to dump everything to find what you are looking for. Not with Kiva’s new Big Mouth Duffels, which are made with a wire-enforced top hinged opening that makes the bag more box-like, providing better visibility and easier access to the contents. Measuring 18 by 15 by 11 inches, the Cordura nylon bag weighs just 3 pounds. It has two internal mesh pockets and seven exterior pockets.

Big Mouth Bag (item K16-35) is $104; smaller Little Mouth Bag (K16-17) is $78. From Kiva; tel. (800) 645-8818, Internet https:// www.kivadesigns.com.

Nice pad: Eagle Creek constantly surprises with new lines of sturdy bags of all sizes. The new Padded Excursion Bag packs an impressive number of useful pockets into a 10-by-7-by-4-inch-deep frame. The padded zippered main compartment protects small cameras, binoculars, camcorders and cell phones, and outside pockets, pouches and slots hold accessories. The bag comes with an adjustable removable shoulder strap and a waist belt that stashes in its own zippered compartment.

Padded Excursion Bag (item 40057) is $45 at stores. For information, contact Eagle Creek, tel. (800) 874-9925, Internet https:// www.eaglecreek.com.

Suit yourself: Orvis has designed a garment bag for short trips that is as portable as it is classy. The Battenkill Carry-On Suiter is just 3 inches thick--enough for one suit, a few dresses or an overcoat--but unfolds to a full-length garment holder with adjustable straps. It also has a removable inside shoe/accessory bag and two external pockets. The double leather handles are long enough to slide over wheeled-luggage handles for easy portability.

Carry-On Suiter (G436L) is $125 from the Orvis Catalog; tel. (800) 541-3541, Internet https://www.orvis.com.

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