Are you ready for your next trip? Choosing the right suitcase will make the difference between a relaxing vacation and unnecessary stress. In 2024, the variety of suitcases available can be overwhelming, from lightweight cabin bags to sturdy options for long trips.
That's what we will discuss in today's article, where we will guide you through a maze of options to help you find the perfect suitcase for your needs. You can forget about arriving at the airport with a broken or overly heavy suitcase. Here you will discover the different types of suitcases available: hard, soft, cabin, large, and weekend getaway bags. You will also learn to identify the key features to look for, such as wheel quality, material durability, and interior organization capacity. We will conclude by presenting some of the best brands on the market, analyzing their pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
Types of Suitcases: Which Luggage Fits Your Travel Style?
Choosing the right suitcase is crucial for a hassle-free trip. The ideal suitcase will largely depend on the type of trip you plan to take, its duration, and the mode of transportation you will use. That is why we will present the most common types of suitcases and their characteristics to help you make a decision and make the best purchase, ensuring a good investment.
Cabin Suitcase or Carry-On
The cabin suitcase is perfect for short trips, weekend getaways, or flights where checked baggage incurs an additional cost. Its main advantage lies in the convenience of carrying it with you during the journey, avoiding waits at the baggage claim and the possibility of it getting lost. However, its capacity is limited, so it is suitable for carrying only the essentials.
The maximum allowed dimensions for cabin suitcases vary by airline, so it's essential to check the specifications before purchasing. Generally, they measure between 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 56 x 45 x 25 cm. As for materials, hard materials like ABS or polycarbonate, or flexible ones like nylon and polyester are commonly used.
Now, regarding brands, the best cabin suitcases are from Samsonite (like Samsonite Neopulse), American Tourister (like the American Tourister Soundbox), and Roncato (with its range of lightweight suitcases).
As mentioned, its main disadvantage is that the capacity is limited, so it won't be enough if you want to carry a lot of clothes or bulky items.
Large Suitcases
If you are about to embark on a long trip or need to carry a large amount of luggage, large suitcases are the best option. Their capacity is significantly greater than that of cabin suitcases, allowing you to carry clothes for several weeks, bulky items, and souvenirs. In fact, they usually have a capacity of 70 to 80 liters, although there are even larger models.
Among the most common materials used, we find ABS and polycarbonate if you choose a hard suitcase, as they offer great resistance to impacts and scratches. Completing the models to ensure greater comfort are the four 360-degree rotating wheels that facilitate movement.
It is worth noting that among their additional features, we find interior compartments with straps to secure clothing, interior pockets with dividers, and zipper closures as well as TSA locks for added security.
In this sector, the leading brands are Travelpro, Samsonite, and Delsey, which can be easily found on Amazon.
Weekend Suitcase or Carry-On Luggage
The weekend suitcase is ideal for short trips, getaways, or short business trips. It is characterized by being small and lightweight, and easy to transport both by plane and by car or train. For this reason, flexible materials like nylon and polyester are often used, and some even offer the option to be carried as a shoulder bag or backpack.
Clearly, its strong point is related to the ease of storing and transporting.
Hard Suitcase vs. Soft Suitcase
It is important to highlight that the choice between a hard suitcase and a soft one will depend on your preferences and needs. Hard models are generally made of ABS or polycarbonate and offer greater protection for the luggage, resisting impacts and scratches better. They are also more resistant to moisture and maintain their shape even when full. However, they tend to be heavier and less flexible in terms of capacity.
On the other hand, soft suitcases, generally made of nylon or polyester, are lighter and adapt better to the contents, allowing for a greater volume if filled to the maximum. They are also usually easier to store when not in use. However, it should be noted that soft suitcases offer less protection for the luggage and may be susceptible to wear due to moisture.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing the Best Travel Suitcase
Beyond size and type of suitcase, there are several crucial features that will determine the durability, comfort, and functionality of the product.
Selecting the right suitcase, therefore, involves considering aspects that may seem minor at first glance, but will significantly influence your travel experience, as we will see below.
Material
Of all the key factors, one of the most important is the material of the suitcase, as it impacts durability, resistance, and weight. Some of the most popular options at the moment are:
- Polypropylene: a lightweight and impact-resistant plastic, ideal for cabin suitcases, offers a good balance between weight and strength. It tends to be more expensive compared to ABS.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): a rigid, durable, and resistant plastic, although somewhat heavier than polypropylene. It is a more economical option and offers good protection for luggage.
- Nylon: a flexible, lightweight, and water-resistant textile material. Suitcases made from this type of material are characterized by being easy to fold and store, but they are less resistant to impacts than hard options. They tend to be more affordable than hard suitcases.
- Polyester fabric: very similar to nylon, polyester is durable, waterproof, and often used in weekend or flexible travel suitcases, making it an interesting option