Packing it in - Luggage

Luggage – Which is best?

An overlooked and underestimated part of packing is discount luggage. People just assume one bag is the same as the next. This is definitely not the case! We’ve included a list of tips and hints that we have found to be relevant when considering how to pack items into your suitcase.

The type of travel bag you choose is a personal choice and very often the look of the bag will determine whether you purchase it or not. Before you do, take note of the following helpful tips and hints.

Cheap Luggage – Good Idea/Bad Idea?

What to Look For

• Cover (Shell)
• Handles
• Size
• Space
• Stitching
• Straps
• Warranties
• Wheels
• Zipper

How to Spot Quality

Where to Look

Luggage Packing

Cheap Luggage – Good Idea/Bad Idea?

Price can vary greatly from under $5 to over $10000. So what bag is good for you? Generally you should bear in mind two things, namely:

• What is the purpose of the bags on this trip?
• What is the purpose of the bags for future trips?

If you intend to use your suitcase on a regular basis (eg. for business trips), it is wise to spend a bit more and purchase something that will last.

If you need something for a quick fix (eg. for additional souvenirs bought through over-excitement!), then a cheap piecefit-for-purpose is advised.

What to Look For

Cover (Shell)

The type of usage required from the suitcase will determine the type of cover you will need:

Hard Cover

Not an ideal choice unless your requirement is to protect fragile items eg. camera equipment. They are tough, heavy but reasonably inflexible. Most hard cover cases come with wheels and pull straps although navigation is not as smooth as with the softer cover cases.

Semi-Soft Cover

They are partially framed and have better resilience than soft cover cases. They are a good choice for bags that go in the hold as they can withstand a lot more than soft cover cases. They come with wheels and pull straps and navigation is relatively smooth.

Soft Cover

Popular as carry-on luggage. They are lightweight but very flexible for packing. They are usually designed to fit overhead storage compartments (but check with airline guidelines beforehand).  They come with wheels and pull straps but can usually be carried.

Handles

Ensure that the handle of the suitcase is robust and sturdy. If a handle is damaged, it is usually cheaper to replace the suitcase than repair it.

If the handle is retractable, ensure that the mechanism works correctly ie. Pull it out and back in and ensure that it doesn’t get stuck or is ‘sticky’. A retractable handle should lock properly when out and glide smoothly back into place when pulled back in.

There should be handles on both the long and short sides of the bag.

Size

The duration and type of trip should determine the size of the luggage. Nowadays, bags or suitcases can be deceptively spacious. Many suitcases expand to meet additional packing requirements.

Mantra:  ‘The longer the trip, the more items, the larger the suitcase!’

Just remember, whatever you pack, you have to carry!

Space

Ensure that your suitcase has extendible-side areas to allow for optimum packing. Always ensure that the bag is not over packed as could pop open when loading and many of your important goodies will be lost forever.

Refer to the Packing Tips for Success section on our packing tips page.

Stitching

Check the stitching on the inside of the suitcase. Cheaper cases have only single stitches while better quality luggage will be double stitched at least. As soon as you overload a bag, the quality of stitching will show just why you spent what you did in the first place! Ie. Whether the bag tears or not!

Straps

Like the stitching, straps should also be double stitched. A strap should also be adjustable and padded for ease of use and comfort. Not all cases require straps as handles may be sufficient. Handles are usually fit-for-purpose.

Warranties

Ensure that the warranty does what it says. The best way of ensuring that your warranty will be honoured is to buy from reputable luggage suppliers. Good luggage is a great asset and could serve you well for years to come provided that you choose correctly. Anyone can make luggage but not everyone can make good luggage!

Wheels

The quality of the wheels is very important. There is nothing more frustrating than wheels that don’t roll properly! Check the quality of the plastic that the wheel is made from – it should be tough and robust. Cheaper quality wheels will stick easier and break quicker. I find wheels that do not turn are easier to use as it is easier to manouver.

Zipper

See stitching.

There is no quick or inexpensive fix for a broken zipper. If the zipper breaks, its almost certain that you can throw the bag away as well. Choose a zipper that is sturdy and doesn’t feel cheap.

Synthetic zippers made of interlocking nylon coils may be a better bet than a metal zipper in terms of durability.

How to Spot Quality

The higher the denier, the better. Denier is the fineness of the nylon. Fabric is also important.

The quality, strength and permanence of a bag depends on the denier.

Less expensive bags are usually made of 600 to 1800 denier polyester.

The higher quality bags are will be made in 500 - 1000 Cordura, known for its ability to resist punctures and 800 to 2500 denier ballistic nylon which is smooth and is used for much of the high-end merchandise.

Where to Look

Try Luggage Guy for discount luggage.