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From Away.com

Gear: Ski Luggage
Taking All You Can’t Leave Behind
The Little Stuff: Carry-On Bags

By The Editors of The Away Network

Intro/Luggage to Check | Carry-On Bags

The Backpack
The true home of the Indigo Vengo backpack ($140; www.indigoequipment.com) is the backcountry—as exemplified by an array of ski-specific features like an ice-tool sleeve, hydration sleeve and port, side-loading ski straps (newly improved to grip fatties), and a sternum strap with a signal whistle integrated into the buckle. But the Vengo can also double as your go-to carry-on backpack. The stylish and roomy, 2,000-cubic-inch pack will garner respect from Vail concierges and Kamchatcka heavies alike, and provides ample space for all the fragile, fun, and un-checkable stuff (digital camera, an emergency toiletries bag, portable DVD player,

Travel Fitness

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that new $400 rain shell you just had to get). A generous top-loader with an organizational "toolbox," filling it is a breeze, while a waterproof side-zip allows easy entry after you've stowed the Vengo in the overhead bin. The slim, no-hassle profile keeps the load snug, whether in the pow or on the concourse, but keep that waist strap clipped when running for your plane, lest you sideswipe some slower-moving fellow flyers. And while the easy-access, over-the-shoulder water-bottle compartment (Indigo's self-styled Pocket of Liquid Delights) is a good thing for quickly slaking thirst, on the slope it may be a design gimmick too far—there's no easy way to get the bottle back in its holster, so you gotta unload anyway.

The Essential Satchel
Unless you've got more frequent-flier miles than an Amazing Race contestant, chances are you'll be flying to the next great piste in cattle class, meaning space is hard to come by. Introducing the Belluna Mini Tote ($45; www.merrell.com)—92 cubic inches of nylon-encased storage perfection. The shoe-masters of Merrell recently entered the travel-bag fray, and the Belluna is the smallest of their TransitBag line. Its slim-shell profile with nylon side gussets expands when heavily loaded, but keeps things compressed if minimalism is your goal. Dual zips open a U-shaped mouth, which accordions out to reveal customized storage space for your mp3 player, cell phone, lip balm, and other essentials, while an outside zip is ideal for loose change that would otherwise end up in your seat. The design is metrosexual-chic; think active-travel purse—but its modest size means you can slip your paperback out, then slide the bag under the seat in front of you without sacrificing any precious foot room.

Intro/Luggage to Check | Carry-On Bags