Suitcases

The Importance of a Good Suitcase

A high-quality suitcase makes the difference between a stress-free trip and unnecessary frustration. Poor-quality luggage is more likely to fail: zippers that break, wheels that get stuck, or a frame that snaps on the first baggage carousel. A durable, sturdy suitcase protects your belongings from bumps and damage, keeps your clothes neatly organized, and will last for years. 

In addition, the weight of an empty suitcase directly determines how much you can pack without incurring excess baggage fees. A lightweight yet sturdy suitcase offers the best of both worlds: maximum capacity without compromising on protection. In short, a good suitcase is an investment that pays for itself, trip after trip.

Types of Suitcases

Luggage comes in many shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific type of traveler or travel destination. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a family going on vacation, or a business traveler who wants to pack light, there’s a model to suit every need. Below, you’ll find an explanation of the main types.

Carry-on Luggage

A carry-on suitcase is compact in size and designed to fit in the overhead compartment on an airplane. Its dimensions meet the requirements of most airlines, so you don’t have to check any luggage. This saves time upon arrival and avoids additional costs.

A carry-on trolley is ideal for short trips, city breaks, and business trips where you want to be quick and agile. When choosing one, always check the size restrictions for your specific airline, as these can vary slightly from one airline to another—such as KLM, Ryanair, or Transavia.

Checked Luggage Suitcase

A checked luggage suitcase offers significantly more storage space and is intended to be checked in at the baggage counter. This type of suitcase is suitable for longer vacations when you want to bring more clothes, shoes, and other essentials.

Checked luggage trolleys are available in a variety of sizes, typically measured in liters, so you can choose exactly the right size for the length of your trip. A medium-sized suitcase is sufficient for a one-week vacation; for two weeks or longer, it’s better to choose a large or extra-large model.

Hard-sided suitcase

A hard-shell suitcase, also known as a hardcase suitcase, has a shock-resistant shell that protects your luggage from bumps, pressure, and damage during transport. Popular materials for hard-shell suitcases are polycarbonate and ABS plastic. Polycarbonate suitcases are exceptionally lightweight yet strong, making them a popular choice among frequent flyers.

The hard outer shell is also scratch-resistant and easy to clean. A hard-shell suitcase is an excellent choice if you're traveling with fragile or delicate items, or if you simply want maximum protection.

Soft-sided suitcase

A soft suitcase, also known as a soft-case suitcase or soft trolley, is made of flexible materials such as polyester or nylon. Because the material is flexible, you can pack a soft suitcase a little more tightly than a hard-shell suitcase with the same nominal capacity.

Soft-sided suitcases are generally lighter than hard-sided models and often feature additional exterior pockets for quick access to frequently used items. They are practical for travelers who value flexibility when packing and are often slightly more affordable in the lower price ranges.

The Suitcase

A luggage set consists of several suitcases in different sizes that match in style and material. This way, you’ll have the right luggage for both a short weekend getaway and a long vacation all at once. A luggage set is often more cost-effective than buying individual suitcases separately. Plus, the suitcases look put-together and stylish as a set, something many travelers appreciate. Luggage sets are available in two- or three-piece combinations, with the sizes designed to nest neatly inside one another.

2 or 4 wheels for your suitcase

The number of wheels on your suitcase directly affects how comfortably and conveniently you can move your luggage. A two-wheeled suitcase is designed to be pulled behind you in a tilted position, with the wheels positioned underneath the suitcase. This model is sturdy and reliable, and works well on uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, grass, or stairs. It requires a bit more effort, but on rougher terrain, two wheels perform better than four.

A suitcase with four wheels—also known as a spinner suitcase or a 360-degree suitcase—has four swivel wheels that rotate in all directions. This allows you to roll the suitcase upright beside you without having to tilt it. This significantly reduces the strain on your arm and shoulder, especially when traveling longer distances on smooth surfaces such as those found in airports and train stations. 

On smooth surfaces, a four-wheeled suitcase rolls with exceptional agility and ease. The downside is that four wheels can be slightly more vulnerable on rough terrain, and the suitcase may slide away on a slope if you don’t hold onto it. Think carefully about the situations in which you’ll be using your suitcase the most, so you can make a choice that truly suits your travel style.

What should you look for when choosing a suitcase?

There is a wide variety of suitcases available, and the differences between models are sometimes subtle but important. To help you make the right choice, we’ve listed the most important factors to consider. When comparing suitcases, be sure to pay attention to the following aspects:

• Format and content: Choose the size based on the length of your trip and the number of people traveling with you. A suitcase with a capacity of 40 to 55 liters is sufficient for a short trip; for two weeks or longer, you’ll need at least 70 to 90 liters.
• Weight: A lightweight suitcase gives you more luggage space before you reach the weight limit. This is an important consideration, especially for air travel.
• Material: Hard-shell suitcases made of polycarbonate are sturdy and scratch-resistant. Soft-shell suitcases made of polyester are more flexible and often have more exterior pockets.
• Elections: Four swivel casters offer the greatest ease of use on smooth floors; two casters provide more stability on uneven surfaces.
• Closure and lock: A reliable zipper and a sturdy lock ensure security. A TSA-approved lock is essential for travel to and through the United States.
• Pull rod and handle: An adjustable handle with multiple height settings makes the suitcase easier to carry for travelers of different heights.
• Warranty and Brand: Choose a brand that stands for quality and offers a warranty on the suitcase, so you won't be left empty-handed if it breaks.

By carefully weighing these factors against your personal travel needs and budget, you’ll make a choice you won’t soon regret. A suitcase that suits your travel style is an investment in comfort and peace of mind every time you hit the road.

Suitcase with a TSA lock

A TSA lock is a special type of luggage lock that has been approved by the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. aviation security agency.

With a TSA lock, you can lock your suitcase as usual, while security personnel at U.S. airports can open it with a universal key if necessary, without damaging the lock. Without a TSA lock, security personnel may force your suitcase open if they want to inspect it, which could damage the lock or the zipper.

A suitcase with a TSA lock isn’t just handy for trips to the United States, but also for international flights with a layover in the U.S. What’s more, a TSA lock provides reliable security even outside the U.S., keeping your luggage secure during transit. For frequent flyers and anyone who values the security of their luggage, a TSA-certified lock is therefore a smart and practical choice.

Buy a Suitcase at TechPunt

TechPunt offers a carefully curated selection of luggage, tailored to a variety of travel needs and budgets. Thanks to our lowest-price guarantee, you’ll never pay too much, and with next-business-day delivery, you’ll be ready to go in no time.

Not sure yet which model is right for you? The expert team at TechPunt is happy to assist you by phone, email, or WhatsApp. Browse the full selection and find your perfect travel companion.