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Best Suitcases: BUYING GUIDEFor the majority of people, a suitcase is a one- or a two-time purchase that is meant to last a lifetime. Because of that, the stakes are high.
To make a good investment and not have to replace a travel luggage every couple of years, you have to choose it wisely. Scroll through the next focal points we consider to be the most important when deciding which suitcase or travel luggage to buy.
Type of Travel LuggageThe number one decision every traveler makes is whether they want to buy a hard-side or a soft-side travel luggage. While it seems like an easy choice to make, there are a few things to keep in mind about them both.
Hard Shell Travel LuggageTravel Luggage with a hard shell has gradually become everyone’s favorite for a good reason – it’s the most protective suitcase of all. As a result, you can expect it to last you a lot longer (if it doesn’t easily get scuffed up) as the chances of theft are extremely low. It’s also super lightweight and often waterproof.
Soft Shell Travel LuggageTravel Luggage with a soft shell, on the other hand, is an oldie but goldie. Having been around the longest, it’s a reliable piece of baggage that allows you to fit a lot more stuff than the hard-sided suitcase. It might not look as chic and stylish as a hard shell suitcase, but it’s trusted by many generations because of the ease of maneuverability and a multitude of exterior pockets.
Suitcase WheelsThe second decision you’ll have to make is the number of many wheels you want to roll your suitcase on – two or four. While the most sought-after luggage is the one with four wheels, there are plenty of advantages to suitcases with two wheels too.
Surely, the four wheels with 360-degree rotation are convenient – with them, you can push and pull your luggage in any direction. They are also easier to maneuver in tight spaces and tend to not exhaust you as much.
That being said, four-wheeled suitcases are prone to rolling away from you in the event of a minor ground incline. Besides, they are easier to break off because of their isolated-from-the-body-of-the-luggage construction.
Suitcases with two wheels don’t have the same issues – they are well equipped for every kind of terrain. Apart from that, they are easy to pull behind without making you worry about them getting stuck on bumpy sidewalks.
The biggest downside to the two-wheeled luggage, however, is that they can be unsteady and heavy to roll. This can be a big deal-breaker for those traveling with more than just one suitcase.
Suitcase MaterialBoth hard shell and soft shell suitcases are made to last, which is translated through the quality of the material they’re built from. The only difference you’ll notice is the type of material used for the making of each of them.
Hard-sided travel luggage are made from either Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, or ABS. These materials ensure the sturdiness of the luggage that plays a huge role in preventing them from getting scratches and dents.
In contrast, soft-sides suitcases are constructed from Polyester, Cordura Nylon, or Ballistic Nylon, all of which are durable enough to withstand harsh handling. To find out whether the suitcase you have your eyes on is made from a good-quality fabric, check the Denier number next to the material. The higher it is, the more durable.
Travel Luggage DimensionsThe size of your suitcase will largely depend on the type of trips you are planning to use it for. Normally, carry-on luggage will do for a short trip that doesn’t last more than a week, whereas checked luggage is best suited for longer trips that require you to bring many changes of clothes, shoes, and other knick-knacks.
Keep in mind that carry-on suitcases are the easiest to carry – both during your trips and in airports. In addition, you won’t have to worry about the baggage restrictions imposed by airlines as you are more than likely to meet them.
Learn more about Carry-on Luggage Size restrictions for these US Airlines.
Suitcase DetailsAll things being equal, there are a couple of more points to consider when deciding what luggage to pick. We’re talking handles, zips, and locks – the details that can’t be overlooked.
While none of them is more important than the other, you ought to pay particularly close attention to the handles of the suitcase. Handles that are both telescopic and ergonomic are a must – they ensure your hands don’t get tired too quickly and prevent them from developing sores.
Another detail to evaluate is the availability of TSA-friendly zips and lockers. It’s a safer route to choose a suitcase with zips and lockers that won’t raise any suspicion from TSA officials when your luggage is being scanned. Let’s face it – no one wants to have their suitcase opened when they are already in a hurry to that closing gate.
If you already started planning your travels you can let these Travel Quotes inspire your trip.
If you already have a suitcase or a travel luggage set or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
FAQFrequently asked questionsWhat is the best travel luggage?Allegedly, the best travel luggage is the one that combines the highest-quality materials and hi-tech features. Besides, it also has to be sturdy enough to withstand harsh exploitation during loading and unloading.
While there are countless suitcases of this kind on the market, not all of them are equally good. Here are the ones that stand out from the crowd:
Best Hard-Shell: AmazonBasics Hardside Expandable Carry-On LuggageSpacious Checked Luggage: Briggs & Riley Baseline SoftsideVery Solid and Durable: Level8 Elegance Textured Set 20” and 26”Best 3-Piece Set: COOLIFE Luggage 3-Piece SetBest Large Checked: American Tourister Fieldbrook SoftsideBest Soft-Shell: TravelPro Platinum Elite SoftsideBest Underseater: Samsonite Upright Wheeled Carry-OnBest Rolling Duffel: Travelers Club XpeditionCustomers’ Favorite: Kenneth Cole Reaction Travel SuitcaseRead full reviews of each travel luggage on DIVEIN.COM by clicking the links above.
Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage?Contrary to the belief of some newbie travelers, the question of whether you should opt for hard shell or soft shell luggage has nothing to do with airlines. But it does have everything to do with your personal preferences.
For the ultimate flexibility and the ease of squeezing a suitcase into tight spaces, soft-sided luggage is your best bet. For the highest level of protection and the weightless ease of transporting the items from A to B, hard-sided luggage is the best way to go.
Which luggage has the best wheels?Wheels tend to be an overlooked feature when researching travel luggage. This is a mistake, as they can make or break your trip depending on their quality and durability.
To not regret your choice of luggage, take a look at these suitcases with heavy-duty wheels that won’t break at the sign of a bumpy terrain:
SwissGear Sion Carry-On LuggageTravelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel SuitcaseAmerican Tourister Fieldbrook Softside Luggage SetTravelPro Platinum Softside Checked SuitcaseBriggs & Riley Baseline Softside Large Checked LuggageRead full reviews of each suitcase on DIVEIN.COM by clicking the links above.
What is the best size suitcase for international travel?Whether you bring a duffel bag, a travel backpack, or a carry-on suitcase with you on board, it’s important to take into consideration the airline’s standards regarding the permitted size of the luggage.
For the majority of airlines, the standard size of a travel bag when traveling internationally is around 27 x 21 x 12 inches with a 50-pound weight limit.
To get more accurate dimensions, consult with the airline you’re planning on traveling with.
Is it worth buying an expensive suitcase?Just like with most of the high-end items, an expensive suitcase is considered to be an investment – particularly, in your future travel experiences.
It is a guarantee that even if your flight gets canceled, the hotel you booked turns out to be a disaster, and the weather forecast isn’t promising, you at least can rely on your four- or two-wheeled travel buddy.
This doesn’t mean, however, that more affordable suitcases are a bad investment (there are numerous cheap-ish travel bags that can compete with high-priced suitcases) – it’s simply a better assurance in your travel gear’s quality and durability.
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