How to choose a suitcase

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1. The best suitcase manufacturers
   
2. Types of suitcases
3. The main criteria for choosing a suitcase
4. Choosing a suitcase on wheels
5. Choosing a suitcase for travel
6. Features of choosing a suitcase for an airplane

The best suitcase manufacturers. Which to choose?

In order for the functional characteristics of the device to fully correspond to what the manufacturer claims, preference should be given to models from well-known European manufacturers:

1. Roncato
2. Delsey
3. Tumi
4. Samsonite

A great many reviews have been said about the products of the above manufacturers, from which you can find out all their advantages and disadvantages. You can find reviews on the Internet, on thematic forums and in various social networks.

Types of suitcases

Regardless of the type of construction, any suitcase is a box designed for transporting things, equipped with wheels for transportation, a convenient telescopic handle and special stops that allow you to fix the suitcase vertically.

The division into types is almost always carried out depending on what material the suitcase is made of.

Fabric suitcases

They are a soft frame covered with stretchable material – natural or synthetic leather, nylon, polyamide, durable fabric. Due to the increased stretch, they allow you to pack more things. The outer shell is covered with various compounds that improve moisture resistance and abrasion resistance.

Advantages

• High quality workmanship;
• Many pockets on the outside;
• Inexpensive;
• Light weight and compact dimensions;
• Variety of models;

Flaws

• Soft coating quickly fails;
• Weak luggage protection against squeezing;
• Afraid of contact with sharp objects;

plastic suitcases

Strong and solid models made of rigid material – ABS plastic, polypropylene, in some cases fiberglass. They keep their shape well and protect luggage from being crushed. It is best to choose models made of soft, plastic plastic, not prone to cracking and bursting under the influence of solid objects and temperature changes.

Advantages

• Strong and dense;
• Inexpensive;
• Unpretentious in leaving;
• Light weight;

Flaws

• Hard plastic can burst in the cold;
• A small variety of textures;

Metal suitcases

The most durable and resistant to adverse factors models that perfectly protect the transported luggage. Many manufacturers give a guarantee for metal models for 8-10 years, thereby confirming their reliability. In most models, aviation aluminum or its alloys with magnesium, tungsten and other metals are used as the basis for the frame.

Advantages

• Maximum strength;
• Low own weight;
• High tightness;
• Resistance to fire, moisture and mechanical stress;

Flaws

• High price;

The main criteria for choosing a suitcase

Choosing the right suitcase size and weight

Parameters that have a direct impact on the capacity and convenience of carrying luggage while traveling. There are the following classes of suitcases.

1. Small – the height of the models reaches 55-60 centimeters, the volume of internal space is up to 25 liters;
2. Medium-sized – height 60-65 centimeters, volume up to 55-65 liters;
3. Large – height from 70 centimeters and above with a volume of 70 liters or more;

It should not be forgotten that almost all airlines have restrictions on the weight and volume of baggage, and therefore, in order not to overpay for extra dimensions, this information should be read in advance.

Wheel design and number

1. The two-wheeled design is most widely used due to its low cost and ease of use. Such a suitcase should be rolled at an angle of 45 degrees, extending the telescopic handle to the required distance.
2. Four-wheel suitcases, the so-called spinners, are more convenient to use. Their main advantage is the ability to rotate around its axis, being installed in a vertical position. This allows you to roll the device next to you on a flat surface, spending a minimum of effort. Such suitcases are much more expensive than their two-wheeled counterparts.

Availability of transport mechanisms and their design

All modern suitcases require the following transportation units:

1. Compact rubberized handle on the upper edge of the suitcase, designed to carry the suitcase in your hands;
2. Telescopic adjustable handle for transport on a flat surface. In this position, the suitcase deviates by an angle of about 45 degrees. The length of the handle should be selected based on the person’s own height;
3. Adjustable shoulder strap with a wide strap, designed to carry the suitcase in the air. Useful with a minimum weight of the bag and allows you to keep your hands free.

External pockets and internal compartments

The interior space of the best suitcases is divided into different compartments, designed to logically distribute the luggage carried. Almost always, the manufacturer provides one main compartment and a couple of additional pockets designed to carry small items.

External compartments are located on the top cover or side faces of the suitcase and serve to store various small items that may need quick access. Credit card, keys, camera, documents – these and many other items fit perfectly into the outer pockets of the suitcase and are always at hand.

Zippers and locks

1. When choosing a suitcase with a soft design, you should pay attention to the quality and size of the zipper links installed on it. Preference should be given to wide models that run along the perimeter of the lid, equipped with large teeth and a two-way zipper system;
2. Plastic and metal suitcases are almost always equipped with special locking devices, evenly distributed along the perimeter of the side face. These locks must be made of soft plastic and equipped with special rubber seals that protect the contents from moisture;
3. If it is necessary to transport valuables, it would be useful to have a combination lock on the top of the device or its compact hinged counterpart. The former are considered more reliable, the latter are more convenient in an emergency and if the key is lost, in which case they can simply be knocked down with a hard object.

What suitcases are better to give preference to?

Choosing a suitcase on wheels

In order for the luggage being transported not to cause discomfort during transportation, it is better to choose suitcases on wheels that have the following parameters:

1. Medium or large volume;
2. Soft leather or plastic frame;
3. The presence of a telescopic handle for transportation;
4. Four compact wheels rotating 360 degrees;
5. 2-3 additional compartments on the outside of the suitcase;

Choosing a suitcase for travel

Since travel involves a large amount of luggage, a suitcase for transporting it must be appropriate:

1. Volume of 60-80 liters;
2. Plastic or metal construction;
3. Soft handle, telescopic handle and shoulder strap as transport elements;
4. 2 or 4 wheels for transportation;

Features of choosing a suitcase for an airplane

Given the numerous restrictions on the weight and dimensions of luggage, choosing a large suitcase is not the most rational solution. It is better to prefer a suitcase that:

1. It has a volume of not more than 50 liters;
2. For most airlines, sizes must not exceed 55 cm in length, 40 cm in width, 20 cm in height;
3. Has a plastic or lightweight metal frame;
4. Equipped with 2 or 4 wheels, as well as a telescopic handle for easy transportation;
5. It has a combination lock to prevent unauthorized access during baggage transportation;
6. Equipped with 2-3 additional pockets to accommodate small items needed at the airport;