Always thinking you should get one of those little pouches that unzips into a huge bag, to carry purchases on your return trip? Go for it: This nice, big duffel’s on winter clearance for less than half-price.

Plugs into a car or regular outlet to make wet snowboard or ski boots warm and dry for the next day’s runs.

(Via the NYTimes’ Shedding the Mud-Puddle Look).

To contain—or protect from—wetness in a pretty manner. Good for damp bathing suits, wet bibs, wee toiletries or small electronics. This one’s the smallest version, at just 8″ X 7″. Keep in mind that they’re all handmade, with lots of fabric patterns available.

Easy to store. Those pouches at the bottom when it’s in an unfolded state could make this a stand-alone piece for a weekend traveler with mad packing skills. Comes in periwinkle, too.

It’s fundraiser Monday, again! Another reminder about the fan-friggin’-tastic travel prizes you can win for just $10 a ticket, all in support of a good cause. This time, I’m featuring a prize put up by Away.com: A big ol’ Eagle Creek Duffel with collapsible dividers, horseshoe zip-open, fleece-lined camera pocket and interior spill-resistant toiletry pocket. It’s got hideaway backpack straps, too.

Remember the drill?

1. Go to the Passports with Purpose website. Write down the code(s) for the prize(s) you want to win.
2. Then, head to the First Giving page. (You can also get there directly from the PWP prizes page.) For each $10 donation you make, you’ll be entered into the raffle for the prize of your choice. (TrustyPony’s got a fancy Solio solar charger up for grabs.) Remember to enter the prize code in the “comments” field on the form. Also, don’t hide your email. We need it to tell you if you’ve won.
3. Pat yourself on the back for helping support Heifer International’s goal of ending world hunger.
4. Cross your fingers and wait. Winners chosen on December 30th.

Keep it packed with your essentials so it’s easy to move—no, transfer—them from bag to bag. While you’re out sightseeing, for example, slip it into your larger tote or backpack to keep iPod, phone, camera, keys and such handy in its many pockets and slots. When you’re ready to travel lighter for, say, dinner, or a night on the town, it’s cute enough to stand on its own as a clutch. Comes with a slim attachable strap, in case you prefer an over-the-shoulder style.

Here it is, folks. The first solar laptop bag that can fully power a laptop. According to Voltaic, give the 15-Watt solar panel about five hours of full sunshine and the internal battery is fully charged and ready to do the same for your computer. One hour will give you 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your laptop, or could fully charge a smaller electronic, such as your iPod, phone or camera. You could plug into a wall to generate a charge as well. The bag itself is made from recycled plastic soda bottles, making it waterproof and UV-resistant. My experience with Voltaic and other solar products has taught me that when they say “full sunshine,” they mean “full sunshine.” If you need the charge, get serious about your panel placement.

Various pieces of vintage luggage and cases polished up and tricked out with handpainted designs and decals. Heavy, maybe. But also very cool. Good for carryons, project cases and laptop bags, plus home storage that reminds you of travel. I have a sweet train case in my linen closet, for example, to house all my travel-sized toiletries and packing essentials. Place holiday orders this Friday, December 12th, at the latest.

Thanks to Chrissy at GussiedUp for the tip! (She’s got her own cool etsy shop, Popsicle Stick.)

The awesome pull-or-ride kids’ luggage I featured last year now comes in an upgraded cow-patterned option, offering a welcome interior organizational strap and a sweet little secret compartment.

Now, finally, there are a few bags styles that can go through airport security with the laptop still in it—no more of that remove-and-place-in-a-separate-bin business. Hallelujah, right? This here is one such bag. Nice price point. Carry as pictured, or fold those handles over to one side if you prefer a simple sleeve. Also, it comes in ten colors, made with varying materials, including ultrasuede, corduroy and ripstop.

Click here for more info on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules on checkpoint-friendly bags.