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How to Choose a Suitcase for Travel: Size, Weight, and Convenience

Discover how to choose the ideal travel suitcase: right size, weight, construction type, and more details for a comfortable journey.

Discover how to choose the ideal travel suitcase: right size, weight, construction type, and more details for a comfortable journey.

Travel is always a little adventure, but comfort depends on many factors. One of them is the right suitcase. It must be convenient, meet your needs, and comply with airline regulations. The modern market offers hundreds of options, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve prepared a detailed guide to help you choose the best suitcase for any trip — as noted by the Baltimore Chronicle.

Main Types of Suitcases: Soft, Hard, and Hybrid

There are three main types of suitcases based on the material of the body: soft, hard, and hybrid.

Soft Suitcases

Soft suitcases are made of fabric or nylon. They are flexible, lighter in weight, and often come with external pockets.

Hard Suitcases

These are plastic or polycarbonate models. They provide better protection for your belongings but are less flexible.

Hybrid Models

These suitcases combine a solid frame with soft inserts. It’s a compromise between weight and strength.

How to Choose the Right Size Suitcase for Your Trip

The size of your suitcase depends on the length of your trip, mode of transportation, and amount of belongings.

Most Common Sizes:

The table below summarizes the sizes:

SizeVolume (L)Height (cm)Trip Duration
Small (S)30–4550–551–3 days
Medium (M)60–7565–704–7 days
Large (L)90–12075–858+ days

What to Consider When Choosing a Size

Suitcase Weight: Why It Matters

The lighter your suitcase, the more items you can bring without paying overweight baggage fees.

How to Know the Suitcase Weight

Manufacturers usually list the empty suitcase weight on tags or websites. Typically:

Tips:

Wheels, Handles, and Locks: Details That Define Comfort

Wheels: 2 or 4?

Handles

Locks

Extra Features and Functions

Some suitcases offer useful bonuses:

Although these features are not essential, they can significantly enhance the user experience.

Brands and Prices: How to Find the Best Option

The price of a suitcase depends on the brand, materials, and features.

Popular Brands:

Price Ranges:

You don’t need to buy the most expensive one — it’s more important to find a balance between quality and cost.

Key Tips for Choosing a Suitcase

  1. Determine the purpose and duration of your trip
  2. Choose the appropriate size
  3. Check the empty weight of the suitcase
  4. Inspect the quality of wheels and handles
  5. Consider airline policies
  6. Check warranty and return options

Choosing the right suitcase means ensuring a comfortable and safe trip. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution: someone might prefer a light soft suitcase for short journeys, while others choose a large hard case for long-term travel. Carefully weigh all the characteristics, and no trip will be stressful because of your luggage.

Earlier we wrote about what to pack in a travel first aid kit.

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