GEAR & GADGETS

Baggallini pioneered featherweight nylon bags with multiple pockets, first in basic black and then in a kaleidoscope of bright colors in an ever-growing range of styles and sizes. The Downtown Bagg is likely to become a favorite. Weighing in at less than 1 pound, the 12-inch by 11-inch by 3.5-inch-thick crinkle nylon bag converts from a backpack to a side-hugging sling shoulder bag when the two back straps are zipped together.

Unzip the bag's main compartment, and you'll find a spacious interior with a gusseted cell-phone pocket, credit-card compartments, a key fob and a detachable ID coin purse with a built-in mirror. Outside, two zippered side pockets and a front zippered pocket with additional inside compartments make for easy access to frequently used items. When empty, the Downtown Bagg collapses nearly flat, making it great for taking along as an extra bag. One quibble: The length of the back straps is not adjustable, so the bag could hang uncomfortably low for smaller users, possibly slipping off the shoulders or putting strain on the neck. Perhaps Baggallini will remedy that problem in the next production round. It's available in eight color combinations. -- Judi Dash