June 17, 2005 Gads Zuca When you were a kid, you carried a heavy backpack to school. Up hill. Both ways. Today's kids beat that rap. They've got options on wheels. And now, so do you. Whether for carrying sports gear to the gym, books and blankets to the beach, or — God forbid — work to and from the office, Zuca bags hold loads. They've got a lightweight aluminum frame, and they're on wheels so they keep the strain off your back. How are they different from run-of-the mill carry on luggage? For one, their wheels light up as they roll (Too geek squad? Don't worry, you can turn them off). No batteries — the flashing mechanism has a small generator or "magneto" inside the wheel. Secondly, the frame is built with a seat on top that supports up to 300 pounds. The seat also serves as a convenient desktop-type surface for your laptop in case you need to — God forbid — do work. And thirdly — well, there is no thirdly. The fact is, these bags work as carry on luggage, skating in just under the airlines' typical size requirement. Zuca bags are available at L.A. area Nordstroms for $119.95.