17. Zuca Mobile Locker

By Ed Tittel and Justin Korelc

College texts aren't the lightest or the only luggable items students tote around inside often overcrowded shoulder-strap backpacks, cradled precariously underneath an overworked arm. One concerned mother refused to see her student daughter burdened by the array of heavy text books, bevy of binders, assorted paperwork and utensils. Thus was born the Zuca Mobile Locker Sport bag.

The ML Sport undoubtedly takes its styling cues from the utilitarian travel bags, carry-alls and briefcases rolling through airports pulled smartly by their traveling consultant owners. It has a lower, squarer profile than the typical travel bag - in fact, it isn't meant for air travel - measuring 18" high by 14" long by 13" (including the wheels) and is designed specifically to accommodate textbooks, laptops and an assortment of binders. This one is purely for students seeking more higher learning and less lower back pain.

Zuca incorporates a dual-wheel configuration into the ML Sport design to facilitate stair climbing and overcoming other oddly shaped terrain. It is built using a durable, lightweight aircraft aluminum frame capable of supporting up to 300 pounds. So, if you were so inclined, you could lug around a lazy roommate on the ML Sport. Another benefit of the Zuca design is that it doubles as a seat, which becomes a valuable commodity for those initially overbooked classrooms and full-capacity lecture halls. Throw in stainless steel screws, vibration-proof nuts, a jam-resistant telescoping handle and water-repellant premium polyester (internally coated with vinyl to further resist moisture) and you've got a weather-resistant carrier that can withstand the most rigorous wear and usage patterns.

There are several stylish colors to choose from including metallic gold and silver bags framed in olive, gray or black to give the ML Sport a truly unique aesthetic. Large 100 mm urethane wheels and sealed ball-bearings common to roller blades and skateboards add to the modern appearance and make for smooth, quiet movement across a number of surfaces and textures. Many parts of the ML Sport are replaceable from the Velcro-tabbed bag to the internal document organizers and protective laptop inserts, so you could conceivably use the same bag throughout your entire college tour.

Both the bottom-side plastic feet and upper handle guides are constructed of Nylon 6 to reduce friction and resist being scratched and marring other surfaces, and the feet are less prone to damage by such things as grit and gravel.

One purely aesthetic feature appears in the custom urethane wheels - flashing LEDs powered by a small generator in the wheel that becomes activated when the ML Sport is in motion. Wheels without this feature are available.

Zuca's ML Sport bag is a great totable file organizer and storage locker for the on-the-go student. For buying information go to www.zuca.com.