10 Futuristic Pieces Of Luggage That Will Make Travel A Snap

Luggage has come a long way since the days of old world trunks and valises. Wheels, zippers, and extendable handles have all made lugging around 50 pounds of stuff much easier.

But all great things can be made better, and so designers and inventors are setting about to create suitcases, accessories, and briefcases that answer all of our travel needs.

Combating every woe from a lack of available airport seating to a dying smartphone, these 10 luggage advances are meant to make travel as painless as possible.

A suitcase that compresses to fit into an overhead storage bin

Finally, a suitcase that is always carry-on-friendly. The Baseline CX Uprights will literally compress to fit in overhead storage, or expand if you need more room.

Cost: $399-$549

Luggage that climbs up stairs

Instead of using a single set of wheels, Woo Moonhyung designed a conceptual Climbing UP Suitcase with two sets of rubber belt tracks that go along the suitcase sides, making it easier to pull upstairs or on uneven surfaces. The idea even won the 2008 Red Dot Design concept award.

Cost: Conceptual

A suitcase that doubles as a bench—or a stroller

Agent's conceptual "Move-On" suitcase collection has three suitcase designs—Strolln, Surfn, and Ridn. The three different luggage styles are comprised of a stroller option, a scooter option with drop down stand, and a suitcase that acts as a bench.

Cost: Conceptual

MOVE-ON Suitcase Collection by AGENT. from AGENT. on Vimeo.

A bag with an anti-gravity handle 

This battery-powered Power Lift Luggage suitcase is equipped with sensors to detect the steepness of sidewalk incline and has an Anti-Gravity Handle that transfers 85% of the weight to the wheels. The bag alone does weigh 23 pounds however, so beware of pesky overage fees.

Cost: $444

A smart piece of luggage that reads fingerprints

For those who really don't want anyone snooping around their suitcase, the BioCase Collection uses smart finger print technology that requires fingerprint access and can store up to 8 unique fingerprints in its memory. The shell is made of 100% German polycarbonate too, making it virtually indestructible.

Cost: $2,200

A shock-absorbent bag that can handle rough terrain

Vvego International is developing this Ravven Roll Aboard that is 100% handmade in America with shock absorbing wheels for any terrain and a machined aluminum exoskeleton.

Cost: Conceptual, but some sites have been reporting $2,700

Baggage that doubles as a sound system—and a chair

The TripSound suitcase has speakers; works as a power outlet to charge phones, MP3 players, and laptops; and also conveniently acts as a chair. So no matter how busy the airport gets, you'll have everything you need.

Cost: $800

A briefcase that can charge your phone

Business frequent flyers need a place to store and charge all of their most-used devices. Enter the Rolling Office Briefcase that can hold a laptop and tablet inside its padded pockets and has enough power to charge the average smartphone up to 4 times.

Cost: $249.99

A backpack that transforms into a blanket

The conceptual built-in blanket chair or "Whaletale" designed by Daye Kim was the winner of the 2012 Core 77 Design Awards and provides a padded back and seating area to spread out on. The backpack design connects to any suitcase and can be machine washed.

Cost: Conceptual, patent pending.

A portable laptop stand that connects to your carry-on

This foldable Portable Laptop Stand is compatible with any type of luggage thanks to the adjustable stand length and velcro strap. Plus, the hollow surface design even helps disperse the heat from your laptop.

Cost: $39.99

Now see where you should take your new suitcase.

See the 10 hotels perfect for an adventurous traveler >

Source: Business Insider