When choosing a suitcase, the most important thing is that it is adapted to the conditions in which we travel and that it protects the luggage well against damage. Even a relatively cheap suitcase can be good as long as it is made of durable materials. See what to look for when buying a suitcase to choose a solid product at the best price.
Selectingappropriatesuitcaseshas a decisive influence on the comfort of travel. Before, on impulse, we buy a cheap suitcase from a supermarket, it is worth considering whether such a product will meet our expectations. If we travel once or twice a year, using only a car or train, choosing the cheapest option may be profitable. However, in most cases, we want the suitcase to last for years and work in all conditions: both during short trips and long trips by plane.
So how to choose the right suitcase to be durable, adapted to our needs and not ruin our wallet? Here are some tips on what to look for.
Choosing a suitcase and the way of traveling
At the beginning, it is worth determining exactly what product we need. In this matter, the answer to a few questions may help:
- What means of transport will we travel by?
- How much do we want to take with us?
- how often do we travel?
- what amount do we have?
Then we should get acquainted with the types of suitcases available on the market. The choice is really huge, so it's best to write down the features of the product that interest you and then compare them with the models available in stores.
Suitcases - the most important parameters
The suitcases differ in size, type of construction, materials from which they were made, security level, accessories and price.
1. Suitcase size
There are small, medium and large suitcases.
Small suitcaseswill work as hand luggage that you can take with you on the plane. However, it should be remembered that each airline places certain restrictions in this regard - most often the size of hand luggage cannot exceed 55x40x25 cm (however, this is an approximate value and you should carefully check this information on the websites of selected airlines before traveling).
Medium and large suitcasesthisa solution suitable for longer journeys. If you plan to travel longer than 7 days, the best model will be a model with a height of not less than 68 cm and a capacity of approx. 90-130 liters.
2. Suitcase design
The differences in the construction of travel suitcases usually boil down to three elements: the number of wheels, the type of handle used and the quality of the locks.
Wheelsis now a standard element in the design of a travel suitcase, which significantly facilitates the transport of luggage. If we anticipate that our luggage will be heavy, it is better to choose a suitcase with 4 wheels - it will be more stable and durable. The model with two wheels will work with lighter luggage and will be suitable for people traveling by plane.
It is important that the wheels rotate 360 degrees, then it is easier to maneuver the suitcase in any direction. The quality of their workmanship is equally important - in cheaper models you can find small, plastic wheels, which often break when hitting an unevenness or an obstacle. Replacing such an element is troublesome, so it is better to immediately invest in a suitcase on solid, rubber wheels. Apart from the fact that they are resistant to shocks and damage, they also provide greater comfort of carrying luggage.
The quality of workmanship is no less importanthandles . The most durable are those made of durable materials, such as aluminum. When shopping, check that the handle of the suitcase slides smoothly and that it does not jam. After it is fully extended, it should lock automatically and be long enough so that we do not have to slouch while carrying the suitcase. It's good if the suitcase is equipped with side handles that allow you to carry your luggage in your hand.
When choosing a suitcase, remember to checklocks . They should run smoothly and under no circumstances get stuck. If we have any doubts as to the operation of the slide, it is better to reject the model we are looking at right away, because if the slide breaks at the airport, we can have a big problem. Large metal zippers are the most durable - those made of plastic are lighter but more prone to damage.
This will be useful to youTheoretically, the color of the suitcase does not have any protective qualities or increases its durability, but by choosing a model with flashy patterns or colors, you can significantly increase your travel comfort. During baggage claim at the airport, when the belt is filled with lots of the same black or navy blue suitcases, the bright color immediately catches the eye. Thanks to this, you will quickly spot your luggage and save time.
3. Material
Modern suitcases are lighter and more resistant to damage thanks tothe use of technologically advanced materials. This mainly applies tohard suitcases , made of high-quality synthetic materials. The most popular ones are:
- ABS - less often used now, it is resistant to damage, but also stiff, so in the event of a fall on the surface of the suitcase, irreversible dents may occur;
- polycarbonate and polypropylene - lightweight, durable and flexible plastics that return to their original shape after an impact or fall;
- fiberglass - its main advantage is lightness, so the weight of a suitcase made of fiberglass does not exceed 3 kilograms.
Hard suitcases are best suited for air travel. During the crossing, the luggage is exposed to abrasions, dents and cracks, therefore the protection of the contents is particularly important in these conditions.
Soft suitcasesare made of synthetic textiles, which do not protect the luggage so well against damage, but are more stretchable. Thanks to this, you can "stuff" more things into the suitcase, and it is also easier to fit it in a tight space, eg a car boot. For this reason, models made of soft textiles are better suited for shorter journeys by car or train.
There are alsosemi-hard cases , usually made of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acelate) material. Their advantage is relatively high strength and flexibility at the same time. This type of suitcase will work well if our luggage consists mainly of clothes. It is better to transport more valuable and delicate items in hard, polycarbonate suitcases.
4. Security
The contents of the suitcase can be additionally secured with combination padlocks. In cheap models sold in supermarkets, the padlock acts as a gadget rather than an actual protection - its durability and resistance to burglary are negligible. The most universal solution is to choose a special padlock with a TSA lock, which guarantees a high level of security.
5. Extras
The convenience of using a suitcase largely depends on the organization of the space inside it. It is worth to have additional pockets inside, closed with a zipper, to accommodate small items, e.g. documents. It is good if the clothes can be attached with straps to the walls of the suitcase - then they will not move. A very convenient option is the possibility of transforming a small suitcase into a backpack using the external harness.
6. Price
The price range of suitcases available on the market is very large. Starting with the cheapest supermarket models that can be purchased for as little as 30-50PLN, to exclusive designer suitcases, the cost of which often exceeds several thousand zlotys.
People who travel by air several times a year can buy a good-quality suitcase for as little as PLN 200-300. If they use such means of transport as a car, train or coach, a soft or semi-hard suitcase for 150-200 PLN will be sufficient.
People who make frequent business trips should choose a more solid product that will not wear out so quickly. In this case, it's best to follow the brand's reputation. An average suitcase of a good company costs about PLN 500-600.