Figuring out what kind of luggage to buy depends on many factors. Luggage needs to be sturdy, stylish, and hold everything without being unmanageable. Your travel style, destination, and budget highly influence which option is best. Below are 10 considerations on how to pick your perfect luggage.
Type of Luggage
Rolling cases are best for basic travel like business travel, road trips, and family vacations. They are simple to pack and use.
Duffels and backpacks are great for adventure and budget travel. They are easy to stuff, store, and take to remote places with uneven terrain. Non-roller cases are also ideal if you have plans to change accommodation or transportation often – you will have to constantly move it around and fit it in new spaces.
Soft or Hard Luggage
Hard-sided suitcases typically are more durable. They are resistant to water, stains, and odors. Due to the hard shell, they are better at protecting fragile items. For places where suitcases are stacked in storage, like cruise ships and buses, hard cases are preferred. The negatives for hard-sided suitcases are that they cannot squish to fit in tight spaces and the hard shells are susceptible to cracking, puncturing, scuffs, and dents.
Soft luggage includes soft-sided suitcases, duffel bags, backpacks, and totes. These bags can squish into overhead bins, vehicle trunks, or small areas. They often have extra pockets on the exterior. Soft-sided luggage does not offer the same amount of protection and can be more difficult to clean. No matter the type, soft luggage often opens to one large compartment which makes organizing and finding items more difficult.
Weight
Weight and size restrictions vary by country and airline, bus, or train company. Weight limits can affect both checked and carry-on luggage. You could be charged additional fees. Depending on the size of the aircraft, you may need to leave large or heavy luggage in storage until your return.
The lighter the case is when empty, the more you can fit in it. It is also easier to maneuver and lift. No need to start with unnecessary weight that you have to haul around later.
Size
Size considerations:
- Interior capacity – depends on the shape and structure of the bag/case.
- How will you store your luggage and how will you transit with it?
- Will it fit in the vehicle, luggage rack, or overhead?
- How much extra effort is it to lug through crowds, down streets, or up the stairs?
- Actual dimensions – “cabin-size” does guarantee it will fit.
Many travelers use a smaller bag to reduce temptation. You will fill whatever size bag you have. Another option is to pack in a smaller bag first to plan out what you really need and then move those necessities to a bigger bag for travel. This will give you extra space for souvenirs.
Wheels
Most roller suitcases have two or four wheels. Four-wheelers can spin 360 degrees, are easier to move on flat surfaces, and do not need to be tilted for towing. They can be more ergonomic and easier on your joints.
Two-wheel suitcases tend to have larger, more durable wheels. They make it easier to pull up and over curbs and maneuver on rough terrain like dirt, gravel, or cobblestone. Suitcases with two wheels are more likely to tip over if they are not balanced correctly.
Durability
Think about the material used – nylon, aluminum, polycarbonate, polyester, fabric, etc.
Zippers are a small but consequential part of your luggage. If a zipper breaks, the security of your bag is blown, and you can lose items if they fall out.
Test the handle(s) – they should open and retract smoothly and not wiggle or rattle as you pull or carry the bag. Some shoppers use zipper and handle quality to make a quick decision on the overall quality of a bag.
Security
If there is any chance of having to check your bag or have it out of your control, I recommend having a security feature like a lock. If you travel in the United States, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-approved lock is key. This ensures airline security can open it with a universal key. If you have a non-TSA lock, they have the right to destroy it or cut it off to do a security check. Some cases have a built-in lock which is nice because they are less likely to get snagged or ripped during transit.
Expandability
Many suitcases and some backpacks and tote bags have an expandable panel. You can unzip it for a little extra packing capacity.
Color
The color of your bag is very important. Black is the most popular color for luggage which makes finding yours at baggage claim tricky. White or pastel colors are more likely to get dirty. I recommend choosing a rarer color or print. Otherwise, think about adding a colorful strap, sticker, or luggage tag to differentiate it.
Additional Features
Below are additional features to consider which make for a more relaxing trip.
- Luggage straps on duffels and totes help secure them to roller bags to make them easier to carry without slipping down or falling off.
- Internal compression systems squash your items down to organize and close your case.
- Built-in USB chargers are useful to charge your technology on long travel days. It is important to note that you must remove the battery if you check the bag.
- Item-specific compartments like dedicated laptop or tablet pockets protect your devices. Built-in pockets for keys, passports, water bottles and more help you find them quickly when needed.
Thinking through these 10 points will help you pick your perfect luggage. Keep in mind that the best choice can differ by person and trip.
I so needed this blog! Thank you