Finding a good suitcase is not easy, so before going to the store, read the main criteria that you should pay special attention to. For travelers who prefer Russian Railways, it is better to buy a travel bag that is easy to lift and carry. For fans of air transport, a model on wheels with impact protection is best suited.. In this article we will get acquainted with suitcases that are suitable for traveling for one person.
What volume is optimal for one person?
If you are going on a business trip for a couple of days, then you should not take a lot of things with you. It is quite possible to get by with a couple of spare underwear, shirts, a sanitary and hygiene kit, 2-3 more necessary things, or a suit and a folder with documents. All this will fit comfortably in a suitcase with a volume of about 40 liters.
Going on vacation for a couple of weeks means carrying more things.In addition to clothes for the beach and the city, you need to take 2-3 pairs of shoes, a first aid kit, hygiene items, and also bring souvenirs to friends and family. The volume for such a suitcase is about 60–80 liters.
For specialists who change clothes on vacation 3 times a day, this volume may not be enough. If the trip is for shopping and a radical change of wardrobe is expected, then it is better to stock up on a huge trunk with a volume of 90 liters or more.
What size is suitable?
Manufacturers mark suitcases in three sizes:
- S (small) – volume up to 45 l, height up to 54 cm (20 inches);
- M (medium) – volume up to 70 l, height up to 65 cm (24 inches);
- L (large) - average values: volume 80 l, height 74 cm (28 inches).
Based on the above, for a trip of 1-2 days it is better to buy a suitcase of size S, and for a trip of 1-2 weeks - size M.
Important! You don’t have to check this small product as checked baggage, but take it with you into the cabin. This will reduce the time you spend at the airport after landing. Before your flight, be sure to check the airline’s website for the permissible dimensions and weight of hand luggage.
Materials, zipper, latches, wheels?
What else should you pay attention to when choosing a suitcase?
They are made from fabric or plastic. Fabric products are light, roomy, can increase the volume for one more, most necessary thing, and if you suddenly find another one, there are external pockets. The price for such a suitcase will be lower than for a plastic one. But there is also a flip side to the coin: excessive stuffing of things can cause damage to the lock or zipper, abrasions form over time, fragile items can be damaged during transportation, and the fabric can let water through.
Plastic suitcases retain their shape, are easy to clean, do not get wet, and can be used to transport breakable items. But scratches will be visible on the surface over time, there are no additional pockets on the outside, the volume is stable - it cannot be reduced or increased, it is heavier and more expensive than fabric.
There are hybrid models that combine both materials. They are lighter than plastic, durable, and have the function of additional expansion. The shape is not stable and gets wet in the area of the fabric inserts.
Important! It is more convenient to travel on the train with a fabric suitcase; it is easier to place it inside the luggage compartments. It is more convenient to transport a plastic product on an airplane that is protected by the material and design from impacts and damage.
The safety of things will be ensured by a zipper or latch. The zipper will quickly open or close the suitcase, and with its help the volume can expand slightly. The latch will seal it tightly and, together with the combination lock, will turn it into a safe.
Wheels are an important detail when choosing a suitcase. There may be two or four. It is better to move large bags on four wheels, while small and medium-sized models can easily get by with two, especially since four-wheeled suitcases can easily be moved only on a flat surface - on the platform, in the airport hall. Two-wheeled models, although they transfer part of the load to the hand of the driver, have good maneuverability. They are not afraid of uneven roads, unpaved surfaces, sand, snow, or pebbles. Silicone wheels move silently, but plastic ones will accompany your movement with a certain background.
What should be inside?
For business trips, take a suit or evening dress. For this purpose, some suitcases have a portable compartment, where it is convenient to place things for neat transportation without creases or creasing. There may be fastening straps inside that will support the packed items in the position in which they are placed.Sometimes there are special covers for clothes in which dresses, jackets, and suits are placed.
Which brand should you choose?
According to numerous customer reviews, the Samsonite brand is considered the best in the production of suitcases. (Belgium). Russians choose it for its high quality, reliability, wear resistance, durability of products, as well as the organization of warranty service. The price for all these advantages is not affordable for everyone.
American Tourister, as a subsidiary, is as popular as Samsonite. The quality of the products produced is not inferior to the flagship, and the price is more affordable. True, we must admit that they can be used cheaper for decoration.
The brands Ricardo (USA), Roncato (Italy) and Rimowa (Germany) also supply the market with high-quality suitcases at affordable prices. St. Petersburg companies Alezar and Alliance produce products with original designs and excellent characteristics that meet the required standards.