Packing light is one thing, but how about packing smart? You're not going to bring a gaping duffel on a weekend getaway, and you'd be woefully unprepared if you attempted a Nepalese trek with a carry-on. What you need is a bag that's intelligently designed, easy to carry, and, above all, specific to the trip. Of the scores of bags we tested—some were sent as far afield as Russia—the ones shown here are the sturdiest, best organized, and most versatile on the market. 

The Long Haulers
1. The versatile Victorinox Trek Pack Plus ($299; www.swissarmy.com) converts from rolling luggage into a reasonably comfortable foam-padded backpack; plus, the outer pocket zips off for use as a daypack on short hikes or trips into town.
 
2. Made of virtually indestructible PVC tarp material and featuring a locking zip, daisy chains, and internal mesh pockets, The North Face Base Camp Duffel ($135; www.thenorthface.com) is the classic Everest-tested bag for hauling hefty loads.
 
3. The burly 9,000-cubic-inch (22,860-centimeter) Ground Chauris Expedition Duffel ($130; www.groundwear.com) was designed to be strapped to a yak, so you know it can take a beating. And with compression straps over its length and width, it stabilizes any load.
 
4. The Patagonia Stellar Black Hole Bag ($170; www.patagonia.com) has water-resistant welded seams, handles that double as backpack straps, and a rounded form to eliminate high-wear corners and maximize packing space.
 
5. The Samsonite Oyster ($180; www.samsonite.com) is a tough, hard-shell case with gasket seals to keep moisture out, wide-set wheels for increased stability, and stand-out-at-the-baggage-claim colors like purple and citron (shown).
 
6. With a roof-rack mounting system, side pockets aplenty, and a separate compartment to hold muddy boots and wet clothes, the Kiva Designs 26-inch Rolling BMX ($140; www.kivadesigns.com) is incredibly well thought-out.




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