Name: Ugobags
What it is: Customized, lightweight, polycarbonate suitcases that are affordable and can give you a one-of-a-kind bag, forever freeing you from scrutinizing the black, tan or even brightly colored cases on the luggage carousel.
The good: I love my Ugobags case, which I personalized with bright green wheels and handles and a photo I took of an Oregon waterfall. Assuming the case is durable, I’ll never want another bag. The California company has stock images you can put on their bags — graphic designs, peace signs, an American flag, for instance, but I can’t imagine not using a personal photo. Additionally, buyers choose the colors for all the parts and can mix and match if they want multicolored wheels, for example. The cases, offered in black, gray and white, come in three sizes: a 22-inch carry-on, 26.5 inches and a large, 31-inch model. With 360-degree spinner wheels, a retractable telescope handle and large top and side handles, maneuverability is excellent. Although it’s not tiny, the carry-on size could make a really cute child’s suitcase with an image of a favorite toy. And business travelers could easily advertise their company.
The bad: The bag has a nifty combination lock that allows access to TSA screeners, but when the bag arrived on my doorstep, there were no instructions on how to open the lock. A quick look at the Ugobags website gave me the directions, but it would have been nice if the instructions were attached outside the locked bag.
Cost: $189, $219 and $249. Design work and shipping is included.
Available from: ugobags.com
