As functional and versatile as a Swiss army knife—minus the mini-scissors. This mid-sized red suitcase from Victoronix—makers of the original Swiss army knife—surprised Women’s Adventure testers by infusing the brand’s signature form-follows-function approach into an adventure-ready pack.
The Trek Pack Plus rolls as smoothly through airport security as it does through the back streets of Santa Fe, but also converts to a pack for trudges through slimy streets or up rough slopes. The spacious central compartment easily fits a week’s worth of gear, a seat-cushion-sized outer pocket helps keep dirty or damp clothes (or shoes) separate, and a smaller third pouch detaches for purse-like access to travel documents or in-flight entertainment.
The roller handle’s grip rotates to accommodate different grips and we loved the attached combination lock that adds an extra layer of security on long train rides or while you’re sleeping in the airport. Though the pack’s convertible status is a plus, when the bag is cock-a-block it can be tough to secure the lumbar belt’s clasp and the pack-mode torso is long and the shoulder straps aren’t adjustable, so it would overpower petites. It’s best suited for women who fit the large-and-tall profile.
$370; www.victorinox.com
