What's available

Most luggage these days comes with wheels and a handle, the better to navigate from parking space or curbside to the check-in counter. Wheeled laptop cases, carry-on bags, and backpacks should be small enough to fit under a seat or in an overhead compartment. Large uprights and garment bags will have to be checked. Expect to pay as little as $85 for a wheeled backpack or $125 for a carry-on. An upright or garment bag on wheels will run $200 or more.

Important features

Nylon or ballistic nylon is more durable than polyester. Look for plenty of pockets both inside and outside. Plastic-lined pockets solve the problem of the swimsuit that hasn't dried by checkout time. Rain flaps over backpack zippers prevetn water from getting inside the bag. A bottom grip handle makes a large bag easy to lift into an overhead compartment or hoist out of a trunk. The pull handle should be a comfortable length for you, especially if you're very tall or short.

How to choose

You can do a lot in the store to size up luggage. Pull out the handle to see whether it's a suitable length. Look inside to see where the pockets are and whether there are enough. On larger bags, look for two grip handles; they make it easier to hoist, lift, and carry a full suitcase. Check the labels; nylon or ballistic nylon is more durable than polyester, we've found. Also look for an expansion gusset, which adds to the bag's volume.