Courtesy of ECBC
For a long weekend on Oahu
- Amazon.com, $289
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!
Courtesy of Timbuk2
For gallery-hopping through Santa Fe
- timbuk2.com, $225
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.
Courtesy of WaterField Designs
For a Cascades road trip
- sfbags.com, from $219
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.
Courtesy of Headlands Handmade
For a staycation at a local inn or B&B
- headlandshandmade.com, from $110
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.
Courtesy of Topo Designs
For a hike-in cabin overnight in the Rockies
- topodesigns.com, from $229
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.
Courtesy of Tanner Goods
For day hikes and picnics
- tannergoods.com, from $400
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.
Courtesy of Hummingbird
For car-camping adventures with the kids
- cascadedesigns.com, $100
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.
Courtesy of Clark and Madison
For weekend trips to wine country
- clarkandmadison.com, $749
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.
Courtesy of Rickshaw Bagworks
For big-city explorations
- rickshawbags.com, from $199
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.
Courtesy of Winter Session
For a spa weekend
- winter-session.com, $275
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.