Whether you’re car-camping with the kids or road-tripping to wine country, here are the best pieces of Western-made luggage for your getaway
The bag: The Pegasus Convertible Rolling Backpack, from Murrieta, California-based ECBC, is the perfect size for three- to four-day jaunts—especially to destinations where little more than swimsuits and sunglasses are needed!
Perks of the pack: The bag’s internal FastPass compartment, designed to hold laptops and tablets, can be unzipped and sent right through an airport TSA scanner. (Translation: No more unpacking everything into those gray storage bins.) Genius!
The bag: The Copilot Rolling Suitcase from San Francisco-based Timbuk2 is the ideal carry-on: It has handles on all sides, so it’s easy to remove from an overhead bin or a taxi, and a padded front pocket where you can stash and easily access your laptop (it fits up to a 13-incher) or tablet.
Perks of the pack: True to the spirit of Timbuk2’s bike-messenger-bag roots, the wheels on the Copilot are urethane skateboard wheels, which make for a smooth and quiet ride, and its handle is inspired by those on bikes—which means it’s extra padded and comfortable to haul.
The bag: The Outback Duffel Bag, from San Francisco-based WaterField Designs, has waterproof zippers that protect the main compartments from rain—in other words, a perfect fit for a road trip through Washington’s peaks, where unexpected showers are de rigueur.
Perks of the pack: The bags—available in waxed canvas or nylon—are hand sewn by San Francisco artisans, with locally-sourced leather details.
The bag: The Dopp Kit, from Dana Point, California-based Headlands Handmade, is just big enough for overnight essentials—your toothbrush, face wash, and lotion—and small enough to tuck in your purse or tote.
Perks of the pack: You can find it in vendors across the West, from BKB Ceramics in Joshua Tree, to Seed People’s Market in Costa Mesa.
The bag: The simply named Travel Bag, from Colorado-based Topo Designs, can be carried like a suitcase or a backpack—ideal for trekking.
Perks of the pack: Webbing and leather lash tabs on the front of the bag let you secure fly rods, binoculars, and other gear within easy reach.
The bag: Tanner Goods just released a limited edition set of its classic Wilderness Rucksack, an 18-ounce canvas, leather, and twill carryall that’s handmade at its Portland, Oregon workshop.
Perks of the pack: Have you seen it? That is one fine, manly-looking bag. Plus, the leather straps are padded with felt, so it’s comfortable to carry.
The bag: Seattle, Washington-based Hummingbird’s Cargo Carrier is an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink kind of carrier. The massive capacity (65 liters!) means you schlep most family members’ essentials in one waterproof, lightweight vessel.
Perks of the pack: The roll-down closure keeps outside dirt from getting in—and minimizes the bag’s size when you want a smaller pack.
The bag: The Ulysses Weekender is handmade at retailer Clark and Madison’s small, women-owned studio in downtown Los Angeles.
Perks of the pack: It’s a bag with some backstory: It’s made from vintage U.S. Army tent material and hand-woven Native American rugs that where passed down through Clark and Madison owner Dina Epstein’s family. “They needed a second life,” Epstein says.
The bag: The Sutro Backpack from San Francisco’s Rickshaw Bagworks is great for urban escapes—sleek, just the right size, and made of a reflective fabric that’ll make you visible to harried city commuters.
Perks of the pack: It’s water resistant, too, so even if you get soaked in an unexpected downpour—your stuff won’t.
The bag: The Garrison Bag from husband-and-wife team Tanya Fleisher and Roy Katz’s outfit, Winter Session, in Denver, Colorado.
Perks of the pack: The soft leather and hand-stitched details feel luxurious—just like a good spa treatment.