Shari Weber, 52, project manager

( Beth Rooney, Chicago Tribune / September 7, 2012 )

She considers this bag her rolling office: "I can stop wherever and work." And it also means she gets exercise. "I didn't want to take taxis. I wanted to walk." After several back surgeries, she tries to minimize the weight on her back and shoulders.

What's right: You can't beat wheels if you absolutely have to haul heavy stuff around.

What's wrong: There's a tendency to pack the bag fuller than it needs to be (and you still have to carry the heavy thing up and down steps at the train station or bus); not remotely a cool look.