Our suitcases have to endure quite a lot: stairs, rain, sand, rough handling at the airport, and potholes on the way to your accommodation. Finding the right suitcase isn’t easy with so many options regarding size and features. It can quickly become overwhelming. We’ll clear things up and provide you with a checklist for your next suitcase purchase! We also demonstrated our expertise a few weeks ago during a shoot with RTL, where managing director Constanze Beier was on site to answer questions from presenter Anny Adler during a suitcase test.
Suitcase Size and Capacity
Depending on the type of travel, recommendations for size vary. If you want a suitcase for carry-on luggage, it should be no larger than 56 x 45 x 25 cm according to IATA guidelines. At the bag store, all dimensions are carefully measured: if the suitcase does not meet the size requirements, it won’t be accepted as carry-on. If you need checked luggage, plan on 70 to 80 liters of volume for a one-week trip.
Type of Travel
For air travelers, we recommend hard-shell suitcases made from aluminum, polycarbonate, or ABS. They offer better protection from impacts or drops than soft luggage. These suitcases are tough and, depending on the material, very scratch- and impact-resistant.
Soft luggage, on the other hand, is significantly lighter than comparably sized hard luggage, less rigid, and can give a bit in tight spaces — in overhead compartments or car trunks. Unlike hard shells, soft luggage also offers room for outer pockets.
Hybrid suitcases combine the best of both worlds: with a hard shell, they are very sturdy and provide excellent protection on three sides. The front has a textile compartment ideal for organizing travel documents and business accessories. For checked luggage, sensitive contents should always be stored within the hard shell part of the suitcase.
Material
Hard-shell suitcases are usually made from aluminum, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or ABS plastic. Aluminum is extremely impact-resistant but also rigid, inflexible, and relatively heavy. However, it impresses with a premium look and long durability. In contrast, plastics like polycarbonate are generally lighter while still making the suitcase robust and scratch-resistant.
Soft luggage consists of flexible fabrics such as nylon and polyester, which are elastic, water-repellent, and relatively lightweight. For those who prefer natural materials, cotton and canvas luggage are available. Another attractive natural material is genuine leather. Leather luggage gains character with every trip as a unique patina develops over time. Leather luggage should always be treated with a nano impregnation spray before traveling to prevent unsightly water stains.
The Wheels
2-wheel trolleys or rolling travel bags and most pilot cases basically have two fixed, non-swiveling wheels. Four-wheel suitcases, on the other hand, always rotate 360 degrees and are usually ball-bearing mounted. Hence the difference in how they’re handled: we pull 2-wheel trolleys behind us, while 4-wheel trolleys are guided upright beside us to avoid uneven strain. Also, pay attention to proper rubber coating on the wheels, as these wear out more slowly than hard plastic wheels.
Additional Features
Expandable Volume
Do you like shopping on vacation and end up with an overstuffed suitcase on the way back? Then an expansion zipper is just right for you! The volume expansion is a second zipper on the suitcase that you can open to create more space for souvenirs and such.
TSA Lock
A TSA lock is easily recognizable by the red diamond-shaped logo. It locks the suitcase with a combination code. The big advantage: at the airport, the suitcase can be inspected using a master key without your presence and without damaging the lock. Especially for trips to the USA, suitcase checks happen more often, and sometimes luggage is broken open. With a TSA lock, you don’t have to worry about that.
Checklist for Buying a Suitcase
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Does the suitcase type fit my style of travel?
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Does the volume suit my packing habits?
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Do I need expandable volume?
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Can the zippers be easily closed?
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Does the suitcase have 4 wheels?
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Are the wheels rubber-coated?
With our checklist, your next suitcase purchase will be a complete success. Feel free to browse here for your new favorite suitcase! You can also get expert advice at one of our two stores in Leipzig or Dresden. We look forward to seeing you!
