Choosing the right suitcase can make the difference between a comfortable trip and an experience full of setbacks. Whether you&#;re navigating international airports, hilly streets, or public transportation stations, the type of suitcase you choose will be your best ally or your worst enemy.
I vividly remember my trip from Miami to the West Coast of the United States. I visited several cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, each with its own style, climate, and transportation challenges. I had to think not only about protecting my belongings but also about navigating uneven streets and sidewalks. This trip taught me the importance of choosing between hard-shell, semi-rigid, or soft luggage, as well as the convenience of having the right wheels for different terrains.
In this guide, I&#;ll show you the different types of suitcases, their features, and help you choose the one that best suits your travel style. Let&#;s get started!
When it comes to choosing a suitcase, the first thing you need to know is that not all of them are the same. Suitcases are mainly classified by the structure of their materials, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the kind of trip you&#;re planning. Here are the three main types:
Hard-shell suitcases are known for their ability to provide superior protection. They are made from durable materials like polycarbonate or ABS, making them ideal for travelers carrying fragile items such as cameras, laptops, or delicate souvenirs.
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Before my trip to California, I seriously considered buying a hard-shell suitcase to protect my camera and other electronic devices. However, after analyzing the terrain I would be walking on (uneven sidewalks and streets), I opted for a lighter and more flexible option.
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In the end, I decided on a semi-rigid suitcase. It was the best choice for easily moving through airports and transportation stations in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Being able to store my charger in the external pockets and access it quickly was a huge relief.
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While soft-sided suitcases are ideal for travelers who need extra space, in my case, I knew I would be carrying fragile items and navigating crowded airports. For that reason, I opted for a semi-rigid suitcase that offered a balance between protection and flexibility.
In addition to the types of suitcases, it&#;s important to understand the different types of luggage. This classification is based on airline regulations and how the luggage is transported.
Most airlines allow a carry-on suitcase with dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. If your suitcase is larger, you&#;ll need to check it in and pay an additional fee.
2-Wheel Suitcases:
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4-Wheel Suitcases (Spinner):
I opted for a 4-wheel suitcase, and it was the right choice. In crowded airports like Miami or Los Angeles, being able to move effortlessly in any direction was a huge advantage.
Choosing the right suitcase can mean the difference between a smooth trip or a travel nightmare. My personal experience taught me that semi-rigid suitcases with 4 wheels offer the best balance between mobility and protection. Analyze your type of trip and specific needs before purchasing a suitcase.
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Luggage shell materials must be strong enough to protect your possessions while resisting the wear and tear associated with frequent travel. The quest for modern luggage that features the toughest, most durable, and most lightweight luggage material has led to fierce debates that often require explanation &#; few travelers fully understand the pros and cons of polypropylene vs. polycarbonate, for instance.
To help you choose the right luggage material for your needs, we&#;ve put together this guide to different bag materials, with commentary on the pros and cons of each.
To start, let&#;s take a brief look at the two broadest categories of luggage: hard-side and soft-side.
Polypropylene (PP) is a hard hydrocarbon resin made from propylene, a petroleum byproduct. Polypropylene is a little less rigidity as other hard-side luggage materials, but it does have some advantages:
When comparing polypropylene vs. polycarbonate bags such as the Platinum® Elite Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner, it&#;s important to remember that while polypropylene is lighter, polycarbonate is the sturdier choice. A polycarbonate suitcase may cost more but will offer more rigid protection.
Polycarbonate is an extremely tough polyester compound used to make over 40% of hard-side luggage. While heavier than polypropylene and ABS suitcases, polycarbonate bags are flexible and highly resistant to cracks. The Maxlite® Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner is an excellent example of a polycarbonate suitcase.
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a petroleum byproduct. ABS is a popular luggage material that accounts for almost 30% of hard-side suitcases. ABS is suggested for infrequent travel, as the material is durable but can suffer damage when exposed to high temperatures or rough handling.
Polyester soft side bags are popular due to their lightweight, flexible, and durable nature. Polyester bags typically have Deniers scores of 600D to 900D (One Deniers is a unit of textile measurement. A higher Denier indicates stronger fabrics made from thicker threads). When treated with DuraGuard® coating, polyester suitcases such as the Maxlite® 5 21" Carry-On Spinner are water and scuff resistant. Oxford cloth is a polyester woven in a slightly different pattern, sometimes used for soft-side luggage.
Nylon bags resist tears and abrasion better than polyester. Nylon tends to have a lower Deniers range than polyester but is nonetheless stronger. The Platinum® Elite Medium Check-In Spinneris an excellent example of a high-density nylon bag.
Two variants of nylon are often used to make bags. Ballistic nylon has a thicker, heavier thread than regular nylon and is the most durable fabric used to create soft-side luggage. Backpacks, which need extra resistance, are often made with ballistic nylon. Cordura, a similar nylon product, uses nylon threads that are D thickness.
Leather was a popular choice for luggage in the s. Today, however, leather has lost ground to more effective luggage materials, and today is mostly used for handbags, duffel bags, and backpacks.
Leather can last for decades if properly cared for, but it has some definite drawbacks. Leather is heavier than other soft-side luggage materials and soaks up water if it gets wet, causing unsightly stains.
Canvas is made from cotton or hemp and is often used for backpacks and duffle bags. The organic material used to make canvas makes canvas bags less weatherproof than nylon or polyester bags. Exposure to dampness can result in canvas rotting, and the material is heavier than nylon and polyester. On the plus side, canvas is extremely durable when cared for properly.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Luggage Manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.