How to Choose the Perfect Suitcase

When it comes to traveling, a good suitcase is an essential companion. But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the right one? Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make the best choice.

Size Matters

1. Carry - on Size (18 - 22 inches)
   • Ideal for short - trips: This size is perfect for weekend getaways or short business trips. For example, if you are just going on a two - day business trip, a 18 - 22 - inch suitcase can hold enough clothes, such as a couple of shirts, a pair of trousers, and some toiletries. It is also convenient for air travel as it can usually be taken as carry - on luggage, saving you the time and hassle of checking in.
   • Limited capacity: However, it has relatively small capacity. Generally, it can accommodate about 3 - 5 sets of summer clothes along with some small items like a toothbrush, a comb, and a small notebook.
2. Medium - sized (24 - 26 inches)
   • Suitable for week - long trips: If you are planning a week - long vacation or a business trip that lasts about a week, a 24 - 26 - inch suitcase is a great choice. You can pack enough clothes, including a few sweaters for cooler evenings, several pairs of shoes, and your electronic devices like a laptop and a charger. It is also manageable in most transportation situations, although it may need to be checked in on some smaller flights.
   • Moderate capacity: It can hold around 5 - 7 sets of clothes (including thicker autumn or spring clothes) and some small travel - essential appliances like a hair dryer. The capacity is approximately 50 - 70 liters.
3. Large - sized (28 inches and above)
   • For long - distance and family trips: This size is designed for long - haul travel, moving, or when a family shares one suitcase. For instance, if you are going to study abroad for a long time or immigrate, a 28 - inch or larger suitcase can hold a large quantity of clothes, books, and daily necessities. But be aware that due to its large size, it is more prone to damage during transportation, and the check - in cost may be relatively high.
   • Generous capacity: It can hold more than 10 sets of clothes along with a large number of other items, and the capacity is usually over 80 liters.

Material Selection

1. Hard - shell Materials
   • Advantages
     • Durability: A hard - shell suitcase can effectively protect the items inside. For example, during the check - in process, if the suitcase is squeezed or bumped by other heavy objects, the hard shell can prevent fragile items such as electronic products and cosmetic bottles from being crushed.
     • Good water - resistance: When exposed to rain or in a humid environment, a hard - shell suitcase can prevent water from seeping in. For example, if you are traveling by the seaside, even if the suitcase accidentally gets splashed with seawater, it is less likely to wet the items inside.
   • Disadvantages
     • Prone to scratches: The surface of a hard - shell suitcase is relatively easy to be scratched by sharp objects, which may affect its appearance.
     • Heavier: Compared with soft - shell suitcases, hard - shell suitcases are generally heavier in themselves. This will reduce the weight allowance for the items you can carry, especially when there are strict weight limits in air travel.
   • Common materials: There are mainly ABS, PC, and aluminum - magnesium alloy. Among them, PC material has good toughness and is relatively expensive; ABS material is more affordable but not as strong; the aluminum - magnesium alloy material is very sturdy, has a stylish appearance, but is costly and heavy.
2. Soft - shell Materials
   • Advantages
     • Lightweight: Soft - shell suitcases are light in weight themselves, allowing you to pack more items without exceeding the weight limit. For example, for some travelers who need to carefully calculate the weight, a soft - shell suitcase is a good option.
     • Good elasticity: If there are a lot of items in the suitcase, a soft - shell suitcase can expand to some extent to accommodate them, and it is less likely to be damaged when subjected to small squeezes.
   • Disadvantages
     • Weak protection: The protection ability for fragile items inside is relatively weak, and it is easy to be deformed by external force, which may affect the items inside.
     • Relatively poor water - resistance: Although some soft - shell suitcases have a waterproof coating, the overall waterproof performance is not as good as that of hard - shell suitcases.
   • Common materials: Mainly nylon, polyester fiber, etc. Nylon material has good wear - resistance, and polyester fiber is relatively inexpensive.

Wheels - An Important Consideration

1. Multi - directional Wheels (Spinner Wheels)
   • Advantages
     • High flexibility: They can rotate 360 degrees, making it extremely convenient to push the suitcase. Whether in the vast airport hall or in the narrow aisle, it can easily turn. For example, when dragging the suitcase on a crowded train platform, multi - directional wheels allow you to easily avoid people and obstacles.
   • Disadvantages
     • Possible durability issues: Due to their relatively complex structure, multi - directional wheels may be damaged after long - term use or in bad road conditions (such as bumpy roads).
2. Fixed - direction Wheels
   • Advantages
     • Good stability: The structure of fixed - direction wheels is simple and relatively sturdy and durable. When walking in a straight line, such as on the airport moving walkway, fixed - direction wheels can roll forward stably without shaking or deviating easily.
   • Disadvantages
     • Lack of flexibility: They can only roll in one direction. If you need to turn, it is more troublesome and you usually need to lift the suitcase to change the direction.

The Pull - out Handle

1. Material
   • Aluminum alloy pull - out handle: It is quite common and has the characteristics of being light and sturdy. A high - quality aluminum alloy pull - out handle can still remain stable after multiple extensions and retractions and is not easy to deform.
   • Steel pull - out handle: It is very strong but relatively heavy. If the suitcase itself is large and heavy, a steel pull - out handle can provide sufficient support.
2. Number of Sections
   • Two - section pull - out handle: It is more common and can meet the height adjustment needs of most suitcases. Generally, it can be used by people of different heights. For example, shorter people can pull the handle to the shorter section, while taller people can pull it to the longer section.
   • Three - section pull - out handle: It can provide more height adjustment options and is suitable for a wider range of heights, but it may be slightly less stable than the two - section pull - out handle.

Details that Make a Difference

1. Handles: The handles of the suitcase should be comfortable to hold, preferably with a non - slip design. Some suitcases have handles on both the top and the side, which is convenient for lifting in different situations. For example, when putting the suitcase into the trunk of a car, the side handle can be used.
2. Locks
   • Ordinary combination locks: They have basic anti - theft functions by setting a password to protect the items in the suitcase. However, the security of ordinary combination locks is relatively limited, and some simple passwords may be easily cracked.
   • TSA locks: If you travel internationally frequently, TSA locks are a great choice. These locks can be opened by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff using special tools for inspection without damaging the suitcase, ensuring both security and convenience for customs inspection.
3. Internal Structure
   • Compartment Design: A reasonable compartment design can facilitate the classification of items. For example, having a special compartment for shoes, clothes, and small items can make the items in the suitcase more organized, and it is also more convenient to find items.
   • Fixing Straps: They can be used to fix clothes and other items, preventing them from shaking or shifting during transportation.

In conclusion, when choosing a suitcase, you need to consider your travel needs, personal preferences, and budget. By paying attention to these aspects, you can find the perfect suitcase that will accompany you on many wonderful travels.