How to choose a suitcase

Goods for tourism

The emotions received during the trip entirely depend on how correctly the suitcase is chosen and how its design corresponds to the operating conditions. Staying with a worn-out bag in the middle of an unfamiliar country is a dubious pleasure, and therefore the most careful attention should be paid to the selection of such a device.

how to choose a suitcase

The best suitcase manufacturers. Which to choose?

In order for the functional characteristics of the device to fully comply with what the manufacturer claims, preference should be given to models from well-known European manufacturers:

  1. Roncato

  2. Delsey

  3. Tumi

  4. Samsonite

A great many reviews have been said about the products of the above manufacturers, from which you can find out all their advantages and disadvantages. You can find reviews on the Internet, on thematic forums and in various social networks.

Types of suitcases

Regardless of the type of design, any suitcase is a box designed for transporting things, equipped with wheels for transportation, a convenient telescopic handle and special stops that allow you to fix the suitcase vertically.

The division into types is almost always carried out depending on what material the suitcase is made of.

Fabric suitcases

Fabric suitcases

They represent a soft frame covered with a stretchable material – natural or synthetic leather, nylon, polyamide, durable fabric. Thanks to the increased extensibility, they allow you to pack more things. The outer shell is coated with all kinds of compounds that improve moisture resistance and abrasion resistance.

Advantages

  • High quality workmanship;

  • Lots of pockets on the outside;

  • Inexpensive;

  • Light weight and compact size;

  • Variety of models;

disadvantages

  • The soft coating quickly breaks down;

  • Weak protection of luggage from crushing;

  • Afraid of contact with sharp objects;

Plastic suitcases

Plastic suitcases

Robust and solid models made of rigid material – ABS plastic, polypropylene, in some cases fiberglass. They keep their shape well and protect luggage from being crushed. It is best to choose models made of soft, plastic plastic, not prone to cracking and bursting under the influence of hard objects and temperature extremes.

Advantages

  • Strong and durable;

  • Inexpensive;

  • Unpretentious in care;

  • Low weight;

disadvantages

  • Hard plastic can burst in the cold;

  • Small variety of textures;

Metal suitcases

Metal suitcases

The most durable and resistant to adverse factors, models that perfectly protect the transported luggage. Many manufacturers give a guarantee for metal models for 8-10 years, thereby confirming their reliability. In most models, aviation aluminum or its alloys with magnesium, tungsten and other metals are used as the basis of the frame.

Advantages

  • Maximum strength;

  • Low own weight;

  • High tightness;

  • Resistant to fire, moisture and mechanical stress;

disadvantages

  • High price;

The main criteria for choosing a suitcase

suitcase selection criteria

Choosing the right suitcase size and weight

Parameters that have a direct impact on the capacity and convenience of transporting luggage while traveling. The following classes of suitcases are distinguished.

  1. Small – the height of the models reaches 55-60 centimeters, the volume of the interior space is up to 25 liters;

  2. Medium-sized – height 60-65 centimeters, volume up to 55-65 liters;

  3. Large – height from 70 centimeters and above with a volume of 70 liters or more;

We should not forget that almost all airlines have restrictions on the weight and volume of baggage, and therefore, in order not to overpay for extra dimensions, this information should be read in advance.

Wheel design and number

  1. The two-wheel design is most widespread due to its low cost and ease of use. Such a suitcase should be rolled at an angle of 45 degrees by extending the telescopic handle to the required distance.

  2. Four-wheeled suitcases, the so-called spinners, are more convenient to use. Their main advantage is the ability to rotate around its axis when installed in a vertical position. This allows you to roll the device alongside you on a flat surface with minimal effort. Such suitcases cost significantly more than their two-wheeled counterparts.

The presence of transport mechanisms and their design

All modern suitcases require the following transportation units:

  1. Compact rubberized handle on the top edge of the suitcase, designed for carrying the suitcase by hand;

  2. Adjustable telescopic handle for transport on flat surfaces. In this position, the suitcase is deflected at an angle of about 45 degrees. The length of the handle should be selected based on the person's own height;

  3. Adjustable shoulder strap with wide shoulder strap for carrying the suitcase in the air. It is useful with a minimum weight of the bag and allows you to keep your hands free.

External pockets and internal compartments

The interior space of the best suitcases is divided into various compartments, designed for a logical distribution of the transported luggage. Almost always, the manufacturer provides one main compartment and a couple of additional pockets for transporting small items.

External compartments are located on the top lid or on the side edges of the suitcase and serve to store various little things that may need quick access. Credit card, keys, camera, documents – these and many other items fit perfectly into the outer pockets of the suitcase and are always at hand.

Zippers and locks

  1. When choosing a suitcase with a soft design, you should pay attention to the quality and size of the zipper links installed on it. Preference should be given to wide models, passing along the perimeter of the lid, equipped with large teeth and a two-way zipper system;

  2. Plastic and metal suitcases are almost always equipped with special locking devices, evenly distributed along the perimeter of the side edge. These locks should be made of soft plastic and equipped with special rubber seals to protect the contents from moisture;

  3. If it is necessary to transport valuable things, it will be useful to have a combination lock in the upper part of the device or its compact hinged counterpart. The former are considered more reliable, the latter are more convenient in an emergency and in case of loss of the key, in which case they can simply be knocked down with a solid object.

Which suitcases are best for you?

choose the right suitcase

Choosing a suitcase on wheels

In order for the transported luggage to not cause discomfort during transportation, it is better to choose suitcases on wheels with the following parameters:

  1. Medium or large volume;

  2. Soft leather or plastic frame;

  3. Telescopic handle for transportation;

  4. Four compact wheels rotating 360 degrees;

  5. 2-3 additional compartments on the outside of the suitcase;

Choosing a suitcase for travel

Since travel involves a large amount of luggage, the suitcase for transporting it must be appropriate:

  1. Volume 60-80 liters;

  2. Plastic or metal construction;

  3. Padded handle, telescopic handle and shoulder strap for transport

  4. 2 or 4 wheels for transportation;

Features of choosing a suitcase for an airplane

Taking into account the numerous restrictions on the weight and dimensions of luggage, choosing a large suitcase is not the most rational decision. Prefer a suitcase that:

  1. Has a volume of no more than 50 liters;

  2. For most airlines, dimensions should not exceed 55 cm long, 40 cm wide, 20 cm high;

  3. Has a plastic or lightweight metal frame;

  4. Equipped with 2 or 4 wheels and a telescopic handle for easy transport;

  5. Has a combination lock to prevent unauthorized access during baggage transportation;

  6. Equipped with 2-3 additional pockets to accommodate small items needed at the airport;


Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.

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