Luggage Buying Guide – Finding the Right Suitcase
A good suitcase is the perfect companion for holidays, business trips, or weekend getaways. However, with the wide selection of hardside suitcases, softside suitcases, trolleys, and carry-on luggage, making a decision can often be difficult.
In this luggage buying guide, you will learn what to look for when purchasing a suitcase, what size is ideal, and which material best suits your travel habits.
Which suitcase suits which trip?
The choice of the right travel suitcase primarily depends on the duration of the trip, the mode of transport, and the amount of luggage.
| Trip Type | Recommended Suitcase Size |
|---|---|
| Weekend Trip | Carry-on / S |
| Business Trip | Cabin Trolley |
| 1 Week Holiday | Medium Suitcase / M |
| Long-distance Trip | Large Suitcase / L |
| Family Holiday | XL Suitcase |
Hardside or softside luggage?
Before buying luggage, the question often arises: hardside or softside? Both variants offer different advantages.
Advantages of Hardside Luggage
- Excellent protection for fragile luggage
- Robust and durable
- Water-resistant
- Ideal for air travel
Disadvantages of Hardside Luggage
- Less flexible when packing
- Scratches can become visible
Advantages of Softside Luggage
- Flexible packing volume
- Practical external pockets
- Often lighter in weight
Disadvantages of Softside Luggage
- Less protection against impacts
- Not completely waterproof
Which luggage material is best?
The material influences the stability, weight, and durability of a suitcase. Modern hardside materials like polycarbonate or polypropylene are particularly popular.
Polycarbonate
- Light and flexible
- Very shatterproof
- Ideal for frequent flyers
Polypropylene
- Extremely robust
- High impact resistance
- Long lifespan
ABS
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Ideal for occasional travellers
Nylon and Polyester
- Flexible and lightweight
- Perfect for softside luggage
- Practical external pockets
Choosing the right suitcase size
The appropriate suitcase size depends on the duration of the trip and personal packing habits.
| Suitcase Size | Volume | Recommended Trip Duration |
|---|---|---|
| S / Carry-on | 30–45 Litres | 1–3 Days |
| M | 60–75 Litres | 4–7 Days |
| L | 90–120 Litres | 1–3 Weeks |
| XL | from 120 Litres | from 3 Weeks |
2 wheels or 4 wheels?
Modern travel suitcases are equipped with either two or four wheels. So-called spinner suitcases with 360° wheels are particularly popular.
Suitcases with 4 wheels
- High comfort
- Easy to manoeuvre
- Ideal for airports and train stations
Suitcases with 2 wheels
- Better on uneven paths
- Often a bit more robust
- More interior space due to larger wheels
Important features for travel suitcases
In addition to material and size, features also play an important role when buying luggage.
TSA Lock
A TSA lock is particularly useful for air travel to the USA. Security authorities can open the suitcase without damaging the lock.
Interior organization
- Packing straps keep things organized
- Dividers make packing easier
- Separate compartments protect delicate items
Telescopic handle
A high-quality telescopic handle ensures comfortable transport and more stability when pulling the suitcase.
Lightweight or maximum protection?
Frequent flyers should pay attention to a low empty weight to transport as much luggage as possible. At the same time, the suitcase should be robust enough to reliably protect the luggage.
Particularly lightweight suitcases are often made of polycarbonate, CURV® or high-quality nylon materials.
Luggage for air travel
For air travel, robust hardside suitcases with a TSA lock and quiet wheels are recommended. For carry-on luggage, the dimensions of the respective airline must be observed.
Sustainable suitcases and recycled materials
More and more manufacturers are focusing on sustainable materials such as recycled PET or recycled polypropylene. Environmentally friendly travel suitcases combine modern design with resource-saving production.
Conclusion – The perfect suitcase for every trip
The ideal travel suitcase combines the right size, high-quality material, and practical features. Whether it's a lightweight carry-on suitcase, a robust hardside suitcase, or a flexible softside suitcase – the crucial thing is that the suitcase suits your individual travel habits.
When buying luggage, pay particular attention to material, wheel quality, weight, interior organization, and security. This way, you will find the perfect travel companion for holidays, business, and long-distance travel.
