Types of Suitcases

To choose a suitcase that’s both comfortable and protective, it’s important to consider the material and design—especially the case and wheels.

Hard-Shell vs. Soft-Shell Suitcases

Consumer Reports looked into the benefits of different suitcase types. They found that 23% of people prefer hard-shell suitcases for medium and large sizes, while 15% believe even carry-on luggage should be hard-shell. But what are the main pros and cons of each type?

Advantages of Soft-Shell Suitcases

• Flexibility and Compactness. Soft suitcases made from materials like Cordura and Ripstop are great for tight storage spaces, fitting comfortably into airplane and train compartments.
• Space-Saving Storage. These suitcases can be compressed when empty, so they’re ideal if you live in a small apartment with limited storage.
• Stretch and Expandability. The flexible material lets you squeeze in those last-minute items, giving you a bit of extra packing room when needed.
• Extra Compartments. Soft suitcases often feature external pockets, making it easy to keep essentials or oddly shaped items organized and accessible.

Disadvantages of Soft-Shell Suitcases

• Lower Protection for Fragile Items. Without a hard exterior, soft cases provide less protection for breakable items, making them a poor choice for carrying fragile belongings.
• Increased Vulnerability. The fabric construction is more prone to tears and damage. Soft-shell suitcases are also easier for thieves to access, can absorb odours, and don’t offer much water resistance, leaving your items exposed to the elements. 

Advantages of Hard-Shell Suitcases

• Durable Protection. Hard-shell suitcases made from tough materials like ABS, polycarbonate, or aluminium are excellent for safeguarding fragile items. With secure locks, they’re also harder for thieves to break into.
• High Durability. These rigid materials resist dents, scratches, and damage, even with rough handling, making them highly durable.
• Water Resistance. Hard-shell cases protect against rain and moisture, keeping your belongings safe in bad weather.
• Easy Maintenance. Cleaning is simple—just wipe them down with a damp cloth.
• Perfect for Cruises. On cruise ships, where luggage may be stored with others, the hard shell offers added protection in communal storage spaces.

Disadvantages of Hard-Shell Suitcases

• Limited Flexibility. Unlike soft cases, hard-shell suitcases don’t expand, so you’re limited to the set interior space.
• Bulky Storage. Hard cases are often larger and bulkier, which can be a drawback if you live in a small apartment.
• Accessibility. To retrieve anything, you’ll usually need to open the entire case and sort through all your items.
• Fewer Compartments. Hard-shell designs generally don’t include external compartments, limiting your options for organizing smaller items.

Suitcases on Wheels

The number of wheels, their quality, the handle, and interior organization are all important. Let’s explore different types of wheeled suitcases to see which one might be best for your needs.

Two-Wheeled Suitcases

Two-wheeled suitcases are rarely ideal for heavy luggage due to their lack of practicality. Imagine loading a large, two-wheeled suitcase with 20 pounds of belongings—most of the weight would fall on your hand, creating strain. These suitcases are best for light carry-ons, as they’re typically easier to maneuver and won’t overload your arm. But for heavier packing, they don’t hold up well.

Four-Wheeled Suitcases

Four-wheeled suitcases are a favorite among travelers for their convenience. They don’t require much effort to move; instead of dragging, you can easily roll them beside you. Many four-wheel models have 360-degree rotating wheels, which make the suitcase easy to maneuver in any direction, even in crowded places or tight spaces.

Suitcases Without Wheels

While uncommon, suitcases without wheels can be useful in specific situations. They’re a good choice if you need to minimize weight or if you’re traveling somewhere with lots of stairs or uneven, unpaved roads. They’re less practical for most travel, but in unique settings, they can be a lifesaver.

How to Choose the Perfect Suitcase

Size Matters

Choosing the right size suitcase depends on the length of your trip and how much you need to bring. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the ideal size for your travels.

• For Short Trips: Small Suitcase. A compact suitcase is perfect for shorter getaways. Typically, it meets carry-on requirements for most airlines, making it easy to have everything at hand. The standard size is around 50x40x20 cm (some variations apply by airline), with a capacity of up to 45 liters—just enough for a few days' essentials.
• For Long Trips: Large Suitcase. For extended trips, a larger suitcase is the way to go. These are typically about 76x52x29 cm, with a volume of up to 100 liters, making them ideal for family vacations or winter travel when you need to pack bulkier items. Just be mindful to pack evenly to avoid exceeding airline weight limits.
• For In-Between Trips. Medium Suitcase. When a small suitcase feels too tight, but a large one is overkill, a medium-sized suitcase is a great middle-ground option. Measuring around 66x47x26 cm and with a capacity of up to 70 liters, it’s spacious enough for a week-long trip or a holiday for two, offering plenty of room without being too bulky.

Materials and Weight

When choosing a suitcase, the material matters as much as the size. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options: polycarbonate, polyester, and aluminum.

• Polycarbonate is a top pick for modern travelers. It’s lightweight yet extremely durable, capable of withstanding rough handling without losing shape. Polycarbonate suitcases are also easy to clean and handle temperature fluctuations well. The downside? They’re typically a bit pricier than polyester options.
• Polyester suitcases are a budget-friendly, lightweight alternative. While they aren’t as impact-resistant as polycarbonate, they’re easy to repair and come in a wide range of sizes and styles, giving you plenty of options to suit your needs.
• Aluminum is the luxury choice for suitcases. These bags are highly durable, giving you peace of mind that your belongings are well-protected. They can withstand tough conditions and are moisture-resistant, making them perfect for more rugged adventures. Aluminum suitcases tend to be a bit heavier, but their stylish look and premium feel make them a real statement piece on any trip.

How Does the Weight of the Suitcase Affect Your Travel?

The weight of your suitcase plays a big role in your overall travel comfort. A lighter suitcase is easier to handle, especially when you’re hauling it across a sprawling airport or down a crowded street. Less weight means less strain on you, making your journey much more manageable.

However, keep in mind that super-lightweight suitcases can sometimes be less durable. Lighter models may not handle rough treatment or impacts as well as sturdier options. So, it’s best to find a balanced choice—something light enough to carry with ease, but durable enough to endure the bumps and challenges of travel.

Locks and Security: How to Protect Your Luggage

A reliable lock is essential, especially on international flights, where your suitcase may be inspected during security checks. TSA locks are ideal for these situations.

Why TSA Locks Are a Must for International Travel

TSA locks allow airport security to open your luggage without damaging the lock. This is especially important in countries like the U.S., where locked suitcases may be forced open for inspection if they don’t have a TSA-approved lock. With a TSA lock, you can feel confident that your luggage will only be accessed if necessary, and the lock itself will remain intact.

Another perk: you set your code, ensuring only you can open your suitcase—just don’t forget it!

Tips for Protecting Your Luggage from Theft

1. Keep Valuables with You: 
   Place important items like your passport, money, and electronics in your carry-on. That way, even if your checked bag goes missing or gets damaged, your essentials stay safe with you.
2. Opt for Secure Suitcases:
   Look for suitcases with TSA-approved or coded locks to add an extra layer of security.
3. Personalize Your Luggage:
   Go beyond a standard name tag. Add unique touches like bright stickers, ribbons, or lanyards. This helps you quickly identify your suitcase on the carousel and reduces the chance of mix-ups.
4. Stay Aware of Your Luggage:
   Keep an eye on your bags, especially at checkpoints and during security screenings. Try to monitor them at every stage to ensure they stay safe throughout your journey.

Additional Features

Internal pockets are a lifesaver for small items like cosmetics or chargers, keeping them close at hand and preventing them from getting lost among your clothes. External pockets provide quick access to your passport, tickets, and phone, so you won’t waste time searching and always know where your essentials are.

We couldn’t help but mention high-tech suitcases. Modern suitcases can impress not only with style but also with functionality. Some models come with built-in chargers to recharge your phone or tablet right at the airport. Others feature a GPS tracker, so you can always know where your luggage is—whether it's at the other end of the terminal or across the globe. And don't forget the built-in scale—no more worrying about overweight bags!

So, to ensure your suitcase lasts and your belongings stay safe, opt for a high-quality model with durable and flexible materials like polycarbonate or propylene; a comfortable telescopic handle that suits even tall people; a built-in USB port for charging gadgets on the go; a TSA-approved code lock; a vandal-resistant zipper; and four dual wheels for easy maneuverability and durability.