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The best travel bags

Alexa Joy Sherman

Whether you're going on an adventure vacation or a luxury getaway, the right luggage can make travel less stressful. Most of the pieces here meet airline carry-on guidelines, but regardless of size, all can help you get from here to there in style and with minimum hassle. If you pack creatively (and avoid the temptation to overpack), each will easily hold a week's worth of clothing.

1. Patagonia MLC (Maximum Legal Carry-On)

Converting from a hand-held to a back-pack is easy with this 22-inch internal-wheeled bag, making it simple to race for the plane without straps getting in the way. The external compartmentalized zipper pocket and inner compartment will keep your items organized and minimize shifting in transit ($155; 800-638-6464, patagonia.com).

2. Jansport Tote T016

This 12-by-16-by-8-inch bag has three large external pockets, but no matter how full you stuff them, the tote always fits above or below an airplane seat ($100; jansport.com).

3. Swiss Army Mobilizer

Available in 20- to 30-inch versions, this rolling bag is made of ballistic cordura nylon so tough, almost nothing can get through it. A removable hanging garment bag helps prevent wrinkles, and a 2.5-inch expansion (in all but the 20-inch bag) makes it easy to pack that extra pair of running shoes. The Swiss Guard warranty means that the luggage is trackable if lost. Just like the famous knives, this bag may be with you forever (average retail: $335; 888-658-0717, swissarmy.com).

4. Eagle Creek Expandable 26" has internal wheels that won't get caught in conveyer belts and overhead bins. Not only will it expand an extra 3 inches, the front pocket is large enough to stow toiletries away from clothes. An internal security pocket keeps your valuables safe ($235; 800-874-1048, eaglecreek.com).--A.G.

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