New packing solutions

It’s the age of the incredibly shrinking carry-on.

With tightened security at airports, including federal restrictions on liquids and gels, the same old luggage just doesn’t work as well anymore.

Carry-on bags are getting smaller, while checked bags are growing to accommodate toiletry kits and other problematic items (sorry, Jamaican rum).

“Because of the restrictions, we are seeing tote bags that are wheeled and smaller,” says Frank Fine, executive director of the American Luggage Dealers Association.

“People are now just carrying on the convenience items they want onboard – their valuables and maybe a quick change of clothes in case their luggage gets lost.”

Adding to the packing problem are the airlines’ tougher weight limits on checked baggage and overbooked flights, which put the squeeze on overhead space.

“Travel goods will continue to get lighter and more portable, more organized,” says Michele Marini Pittenger, president of the Travel Goods Association.

“Organization is one key area where we’ll continue to see growth. Travelers take more with them, and unless their gear is organized well, it’s difficult to pack and more difficult to get things done at their destinations.”

Travelers also “are looking for luggage they can pick out fast (on the luggage carousel): bright colors, floral prints, lime green,” says Laura Sok, a spokeswoman for Flight 001 (212-691-1001, www.flight001.com), the hipster travel-goods company.

We asked industry insiders to weigh in on what’s new:

Checked luggage

“The bigger the better? To accommodate stuffed bags, companies are increasing the size and scope of their luggage designs. From the outside, the bags look sleek and streamlined, but inside, they can resemble a closet.

The 18-by-25-by-11-inch Hideo Wakamatsu Wave trolley (415-255-3029, www.hideostore.com; $339) has a ribbed shell that opens up to reveal a pair of hangers and two mesh zippered panels with zippered pockets.

To cram in that extra sweater, the 29-by-20-by-11-inch Samsonite X’ion Spinner (www.samsonite.com; $400) can expand by two inches. And the super-organized will appreciate the company’s 23 1/2-by-16-by-8-inch Pro-DLX Collection ($280-$470), which comes with a toiletry kit and a suiter (a built-in accessory for hanging and folding dress shirts, skirts and suits).

“Lighten up. With all of these add-on features, you could easily overpack. Resist.

“The airlines are clamping down on the weight restrictions,” says Peter Cobb, co-founder of eBags (800-820-6126, www.ebags.com). “It doesn’t take much to go over 50 pounds.”

To slim down, manufacturers are using lighter materials in their bags, such as laminated foam (Samsonite Black Label, eight pounds, $240 at Flight 001) and polypropylene shell (Frog Sr., 7.2 pounds, $560 at Flight 001).

“Look for luggage with removable accessories, which can lighten the load. Briggs & Riley’s Superlight Upright (888-462-2247, www.briggs-riley.com; $359) has a removable garment sleeve and a snap-in waterproof pocket.

Ricardo Solutions’ bags come with a built-in digital scale ($180-$200 at PackingLight, 800-349-0525, www.packinglight.net), so you’ll know when to put your bag on a diet.

Carry-ons

“The smaller the better? Compact carry-ons have been on the market for a while, and a few brands mimic the style of bags used by pilots and flight attendants.

Travelpro Crew 5, for example, designs for crew members, but passengers also can pick up some of its models, such as the 12-by-15-by-9-inch rolling tote (800-741-7471, www.travelpro.com; on sale for $127.95 at www.1800luggage.com).

For a less from-the-cockpit look, Pathfinder’s 16-by-13-by-8-inch Avenger Lite rolling tote (800-759-9738, www.pathfinderluggage.com; $250) resembles a fashionable beach cooler.

“More wheels. Luggage makers have been slapping wheels on everything from laptop cases to garment bags for years. Now they’ve added an extra pair to some luggage: The bags can swivel 360 degrees, allowing passengers to easily maneuver through airplane aisles and crowded airports.

Many brands are producing four-wheeled carry-ons, including Samsonite (www.samsonite.com), Atlantic Luggage (www.atlanticluggage.com) and Delsey (www.delseyusa.com).

“Backpack tech. For gadget geeks, staying connected is key. Tumi’s Powerpack (800-299-8864, www.tumi.com; $695), a limited-edition backpack, can charge phones and PDAs with its removable solar panel. (All profits are donated to Doctors Without Borders.)

Jansport (510-614-4000) has also gone techie with its LiveWire collection. The backpacks have a keypad, iPod command center and headphone port in the shoulder strap, so travelers can listen to their music without pulling out their players.

The LiveWire Dreamer ($180 at eBags) integrates Bluetooth compatibility into the strap, so you can chat with Mom while hiking the Himalayas.