How to choose a suitcase?

Just as theater begins with a coat rack, so a journey begins with a suitcase. A good, high-quality product can become not only the key to a comfortable trip, but also a stylish accessory.

There are several important points to consider when choosing one.

Suitcase materials

There are only two options here - plastic or fabric.

Plastic

A plastic suitcase is considered more durable and durable, and is attractive due to its ease of care. According to reviews, there is no need to worry that things in it will get wet or break. However, a product made of such material is more expensive than a fabric one; its body may break upon impact and be scratched.

Several types of plastic are used to make suitcases:

1. The cheapest ABS plastic is considered not the most reliable. The advantages of products made from this material are an affordable price and the presence of an additional fabric lining.
2. Hard and elastic polypropylene has high impact resistance, and products made from it have a special locking system that replaces a combination lock.
3. Polycarbonate is a lightweight and flexible plasticresistant to damage. The latter property is also ensured thanks to a special coating that is applied to the lid of the suitcase and protects it from scratches.
4. The leaders in strength are modern cases made of Curv material, developed by the Belgian company Samsonite. The durability and light weight of the Curv suitcase is ensured by a special technology of weaving plastic fibers. Products made from this material cannot be broken, bent or scratched. But they are also the most expensive of the plastic ones.

Textile

Fabric suitcases are also popular. Among the advantages of such products are lower price and relatively light weight. There is no need to worry that the fabric case will break or be scratched. The material of modern products is treated with a special impregnation against moisture, so they can keep things dry even in light rain. There are additional pockets inside and outside.

The bonus of such road products is the possibility of expansion, that is, increasing the volume. Using a zipper, you can adjust the size of the suitcase, making it larger or smaller if necessary. The main disadvantage of fabric suitcases is the likelihood of damage to fragile items.

There are several types of materials that are used in the manufacture of fabric suitcases:

1. Polyester - This is a polyester fiber that is resistant to light, microbes, dense and durable.
2. Nylon – just as durable, but thinner and lighter than polyester. Thanks to special impregnations, it is very easy to care for.
3. Eco leather – a polymer film imitating leather applied to a fabric base. This material does not get wet, is resistant to temperature changes and mechanical stress.

Leather

Leather suitcases are less popular.They look elegant and representative, but are much less practical compared to plastic and fabric ones. Leather products are heavy and easily scratched and torn. Their price is quite high.

Rarely, but they do occur metal cases with excellent quality. They are made of ultra-light alloys of aircraft aluminum, and are not afraid of fire, water, or shock.

Suitcase size and weight

The weight of the suitcase increases according to its size. When choosing the appropriate size, you should focus on two parameters: the number of people and the duration of the trip. The higher their values, the larger the product. For a single traveler, a case with a height of up to 59 cm is suitable. An average one is 60-70 cm – for two people going on a trip for a couple of weeks. For a long family vacation, it is advisable to choose a large suitcase, above 70 cm.

Weight matters when traveling by air. There are restrictions when carrying luggage on airplanes, so remember: the lighter the case itself, the more necessary things you can put in it. This must be taken into account when choosing a suitcase for carry-on luggage.

Color

This is a matter of taste of the owner, but you should know that light, bright and attractive suitcases get dirty easily. It will be difficult to find trunks in classic colors at the airport among many others of the same type.

The best solution would be to choose a product with an unusual color or bright pattern. To make it easier to find your suitcase among other luggage, hang a bright ribbon on the handle, attach a sticker, or pack it in a case that is different from others.

Wheel selection

Typically a suitcase has two or four wheels. If you plan to ride your assistant only on a flat surface, feel free to choose a four-wheeled spinner.Each wheel in such a product is fixed on a separate axis and can rotate 360 ​​degrees. Four-wheeled suitcases are lighter than two-wheeled ones and are also more stable, as they have four points of support. But on uneven surfaces you will have to lift them.

There are modern models equipped with a four-wheel system with double wheels. Such products can be rolled on either four or two wheels. Two-wheeled suitcases can travel on the ground, sand and other off-road conditions, but when transporting them, about a third of the weight of the case itself rests on the person’s hand.

Wheels for suitcases are made of different materials:

• Plastic wheels the noisiest and most unreliable, easily broken.
• Silicone ones are quiet, but may crack on rough roads.
• The most reliable are considered rubber wheels, the main characteristics of which are durability and silence when moving.
• A suitcase with two large wheels recessed into the body on a metal mount will be the most passable.

What should suitcase handles be like?

Large suitcases are equipped with several handles. The retractable telescopic one is used for movement, so it is important that it is comfortable. Give preference to a metal handle that extends easily and does not dangle. It should have a latch and extend when a button is pressed, and in the retracted position it should be completely hidden in the frame.

Telescopic handles come in two types: cane handle (takes up little space) and double handle (more reliable, you can attach a bag to it). To protect the structure from deformation, production play must be provided in the handle mechanism.

Additional handles can be either on the top or on the side.It is optimal if they are rubberized and firmly attached with screws.

Zipper and lock

The wider the zipper, the more reliable it is. The optimal width is at least 1 cm. It is better if the zipper is made of plastic, with large spiral teeth and two sliders. The rubberized zipper practically does not allow moisture to pass through.

Latches are another type of closure. It is found in plastic products and ensures the tightness of the things contained in it.

The safety of the contents is ensured thanks to combination or mechanical padlocks. Code lock more reliable, but if the owner of the case has forgotten the code, the suitcase will not be able to be opened. A padlock is locked with a key and is less reliable. But if you lose the key, you can simply knock down the lock and open the case. Therefore, it is best to choose a product with a combination lock – padlock and combination lock.

Pockets

It is convenient when the case has several compartments for things and a waterproof compartment for documents. External pockets are useful for frequently used items.

Some cases are equipped with a special backpack compartment. You can place dresses and jackets in it and not be afraid that they will wrinkle.

Reference! The models of some modern suitcases allow you to change the space inside at the request of the owner. For this purpose, they are equipped with special dividing curtains and limiters. You can attach or remove it if desired.

Operating rules

The service life of your assistant depends on proper use. Therefore, remember: the product must not be overloaded with things, lifted by the retractable handle, and must be protected from impacts and falls.

How to pack a suitcase correctly?

The main rule when packing a suitcase is not to fill it to capacity. Sort things into categories (clothes, shoes, cosmetics, medicines) and put them in tight bags. You can put shoes on the bottom, and the thinnest and most fragile things on top.

Advice! Some people roll up their clothes when packing. So it practically does not wrinkle and takes up less space.

Before the purchase

Before purchasing a product, check whether the zippers work well, whether it is convenient to move the suitcase, and whether threads are sticking out of the seams. The wheels should rotate easily and not wobble. It’s good if the corners are protected with special pads.

A suitcase is not something you should skimp on. Choose your main holiday companion responsibly, and the product will create comfortable travel conditions for many years.