I agree... Though when I travel, if its going to be an under 3 day trip, a simple oakly backpack serves me well - fit into the college kid look (at least I wish I do).

I put what I need into it:
-extra pair of dockers
-two extra shirts pressed and folded professional
-undies and socks
-smallish laptop - in sleeve (can carry on its own once to destination w/ room for necessary powerbrick)
-associated cables
-book
-mobile
-ipod nano

This is my basic travel kit... and if i need to stay longer, then I become very friendly with a local dry cleaner.

I don't mess with bringing the shampoo's, toothpaste, etc... especially if coming into states. I just get that at the hotel or drug store on the way.

Put the pack over one shoulder, pretty light in itself (by comparison to my contracting days), and just walk. Things on wheels have a way of breaking at the wrong times, especially in airports.