Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, $14,995
With one inside zipper and a non-water-resistant exterior, it’s not the most functional bag. But the croc skin is surprisingly supple (3 E. 57th St.; 212-980-2970).

Ralph Lauren, $12,000
This sleek, classic alligator traveler has a small top handle, making long lines a drag (you don’t want to rest it on the floor, after all). But it’s roomy and regal. (At select Ralph Lauren stores.)

Goyard, $1,800
Lack of compartments make it easy to lose small items in this Euro-society favorite, but custom monogramming and stripes mean no one else will have your bag. (At Barneys New York.)

Helmut Lang, $960
Former Concorde flyers will dig this jazzy duffel: Easy to carry, it can be hand-held or thrown on your shoulder. The metallic patent leather is weather-resistant, too (80 Greene St.; 212-925-7214).

Mulholland Brothers, $700
This rich-looking Latigo Leather Aviator fits easily into overhead compartments, and the nylon lining makes for easy cleaning. (At Upland Trading Company, 236 E. 13th St.; 212-673-4994.)

Upla, $525
One hundred percent polyamide canvas makes this chic carry-on washable; smart design means it’s easily stowable, durable, and multifunctional. (At ABH Design, 401 E. 76th St.; 212-249-2276.)

Swid, $295
Interior toiletry pockets allow you to travel hassle-free and the cool cubic shape and full-grain leather handles may even score style points. (At the Conran Shop, 407 E. 59th St.; 212-755-9079.)

Patagonia, $125
Not the most fashionable, but this sporty, water-resistant backpack is a steal. It holds up to five days’ worth of clothes, has compression straps and panels to condense your load, and a light-colored interior with mesh pockets (101 Wooster St.; 212-343-1776).

(Photo: Davies and Starr)

Bath & Body Works, $75
If you can’t afford $14,995 for the real thing, try this fake-croc. It’s not weather-resistant, but it might fool some people (800-395-1001 or bathandbodyworks.com).

Related:

• Archive: “Market Research”
• Articles by Aja Mangum
• Table of Contents: October 25, 2004 issue of New York | Subscribe!