How to choose a suitcase: practical tips and recommendations
It's time for vacation. Many people are looking forward to rest are already thinking about the list of things needed for the trip. Some people like to travel light, with a backpack over their shoulders. And some people need an impressively sized suitcase to pack their wardrobe. We’ll talk about the intricacies of choosing the latter today.
Contents
Types of suitcases
These are very necessary for trips items in different categories. First of all, according to the material from which the product is made:
- Aluminum alloy suitcases are particularly durable. They are suitable for countries with a hot tropical climate and for trips to cold northern regions. This suitcase is not afraid of bumps and falls.
- Textile suitcases. The material used to make the suitcase is necessarily synthetic with water-repellent properties. Most often, nylon or polyester is used for such suitcases.
- Plastic suitcase. The material for such a suitcase must withstand impacts well, not crack and retain its shape.
By size, suitcases are divided into the following categories:
- Up to 55 cm – these small suitcases are suitable for hand luggage. They hold the necessary amount of things for one person. They are convenient to take with you on business trips and short trips.
- Suitcases up to 60 cm are no longer suitable for hand luggage. They are worth choosing for a week-long trip, so that in addition to clothes and toiletries, you can also pack shoes.
- A suitcase measuring up to 68 cm can fit absolutely any items.
- For long journey choose suitcases over 71 cm. You can put things in them for the whole family. However, a fully filled suitcase can be difficult to move. Also, be aware of airline baggage restrictions.
How to choose a suitcase on wheels
Depending on the number of wheels, suitcases can be 2-wheeled or 4-wheeled. Of course, such a suitcase is very convenient - you don’t have to carry it in your hands all the time, you can just roll it behind you. The wheels of such suitcases can be large or small. Travelers Experienced drivers prefer models with larger wheel sizes. In this case, it is worth choosing models where the wheels are significantly recessed into the body. Such wheels will not break during travel and will not become clogged. The large wheel size will protect the bottom of the suitcase from damage on the road surface.
Suitcase wheels are made of rubber, plastic or silicone. Silicone wheels roll smoothly and softly, but can break under heavy load or bad roads. Plastic wheels can also break quickly and are noisy. The best option is rubber wheels. They are both reliable and silent.
How to choose a suitcase for an airplane
The safest thing for air travel is a small suitcase that fits the size of hand luggage. You will be able to take it to the salon and will not worry about the safety of your belongings and the suitcase itself. However, it won't fit a lot of things.
If you need a larger suitcase, then first of all, pay attention to the body. It must be made of durable material. A suitcase made of polypropylene is ideal for air travel. It withstands shocks and falls perfectly. Such suitcases are often made not with zippers, but with latches, which significantly increases the tightness. You can safely transport fragile items in a polypropylene suitcase.
Another popular material is polycarbonate. Such suitcases are also durable, but their body bends and springs, which helps to avoid breakage if dropped or hit. But it is dangerous to transport fragile things in such a suitcase. It is better to place them in the middle of the suitcase and pack them well.
Suitcases made of textiles and leather are least suitable for air travel. They are easy to damage or intentionally open, despite the presence of locks. In addition, such a suitcase will very soon become unusable.
Choose models with bright and memorable colors. This suitcase is easy to recognize when you claim your luggage.
Pay attention to the handles and locks of the suitcase. Give preference to models with a telescopic handle and two regular ones. Regular handles should be well secured, and the telescopic handle should be completely hidden in the body. Locks can be coded or with a key. A combination lock is more reliable; to open it you will have to select a combination. But there is a possibility of forgetting the combination of numbers yourself. This will not happen with a regular lock, but they are very easy to open with a master key.
