I know everyone must be going on vacation, holidays, or at least travelling… so I thought I’d do a post on what to look for in a suitcase.
Let me stress that the most important thing is that you go and you physically test/try them out in the store instead of purchasing the prettiest or the most expensive one online. You can do your research online, but try them out in person!
Do some wheelies
This is probably the most important part of everything. Rubber wheels, not plastic, and BIG wheels. They’ll be sturdier, easier to wheel, and roll easier. You can tell as you’re rolling it around, but with no weight inside it’s going to be difficult. You’re going to need to put a lot of weight in there (pack it tight) and then wheel it around to see how sturdy it is.
When you’re running for the gate at the airport to go on your fabulous vacation because the airlines decided to switch terminals, you’re going to thank your lucky stars you picked the best wheels on your luggage.
Size matters
Don’t take a behemoth suitcase that you cannot handle on your own. Don’t rely on others to help you with your luggage. Lift it, handle it by the side straps, lift it up above the stairs, anything. Try any scenario you can imagine.
Of course, common sense prevails and says: Don’t pack too much, but to really limit yourself to pack lighter, just buy a smaller suitcase.
Straps, Straps, Straps
The ones you use to carry the bag with on the sides… they should be sturdy, and properly sewn on, and comfortable to grip as if you’re going to be carrying it for a long time (assume the worst, the wheels break, whatever)..
How are you handling it?
The handle should be aluminum (nice and light) but it should be sturdy and not flimsy. Try twisting the handles to see whether or not they shift. If they shift, that’s not a good sign. You’ll be running for that terminal, and your handles are going to play havoc with your hands as you’re sprinting.. Not fun. You’re going to need a cocktail the minute you get on the plane.
Push and Pull
Try pushing and pulling the bag. Usually pulling is what you do, but you may switch or need to pus for some reason and you don’t want to be caught not being able to push it because the wheels don’t go the other way and it locks up on you.
Put your best hand forward
If the locks and the release buttons are a hassle and difficult to use without two hands, then put it back and look for buttons that are simple to use, and won’t pinch or hurt your fingers when you’re trying to use the release on it. You know what I mean…They also shouldn’t be ridiculously stiff because you’ll be cursing and struggling with the release button and hurting your hands in the process.
Expand your horizons
Look for a bag that has that expandability factor – you know, the hidden zipper so you can release them and make the bag larger to accommodate your purchase of a Tiki statue from your fabulous vacation.
Colour it happy
Please. Don’t buy black. Every bag is black. If you’re going to buy black, make it unique because when it’s on the little luggage wheely thing coming towards you, you’re going to see a sea of black bags and not be able to pick out yours.
You also want to make sure your bag is identifiable and colourful because you want to be able to notice if someone takes your bag by accident (or on purpose :\) and you can scream: “OY HANDS OFF! That’s mine!”
Piggyback if you can
Some suitcases come with a small little matching duffle bag that can piggyback on the top of the suitcase secured by Velcro or some straps. This is handy because this could be your carry-on bag with a change of clothes, the minimal toiletries (if in case your main suitcase goes to La-La Island), and it’s able to be wheeled along instead of carried in another hand. Some suitcases also have the option to put a backpack to piggyback on there (which I think is a great idea).
Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver.
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Icy: Ooo… Antler? I’ve never heard of that brand but thanks for the tip.
I’ve learned my lesson with cheap Chinatown ripoffs *rolls eyes*.. they SUCK in the snow and slush when you’re stressed 😛
I’m thinking of getting a waterproof one too because fabric stains with the salt and slush..
My two other tips are:
* Don’t buy cheap rip-offs. They’ll last exactly how long you expect them too, falling apart when you least need it (unless you travel once every 3 years, in which case go for it).
* When buying a real bag, get a warranty. A 7 year warranty means they thing they’re bag can stand up to what you throw at it (Antler are good).
Savingdiva: if you don’t travel often, then I wouldn’t worry about investing in one.. a backpack and a beat up duffle bag ought to do it.
Amy: WHEW! Thanks for the tip on the 360 degree turns. I usually do a carryon thing unless I’m going somewhere for a longggg period of time. But for sure I’ll keep in mind the size issue.. maybe I’ll just stick to my carryon 😛
Before I went to France shopped a lot for a suitcase. I decided to go with red (easy to spot). I found one that seemed great (big rubber wheels, lots of pockets, good straps, etc…). I also got it in the larger size (more room for bringing back wine).
NIGHTMARE! Trying to get it through the Metro stations was horrible. I got stuck in the gates more than once. I hadn’t anticipated the bazillion stairs everywhere. My suitcase didn’t seem that big in comparison to what my friends brought (big backpacks) — maybe it grew on the plane. It wouldn’t fit in the storage bin on the other train. Europeans seem to only carry tiny suitcases. I got stared at wherever I went with the thing — I ended up calling it “Clifford the Big Red Suitcase”. So much for blending in.
Even though I had good wheels, I still had trouble manuevering. I recommend getting a suitcase with that turn 360 degrees. That way if your bag gets heavy, it won’t fall over when you’re racing through the train station or navigating a cobblestone street.
I need to purchase a grown up bag. I still use a yellow duffle bag that I purchased at the gap my senior year of high school for $10!
I need to purchase a solid suitcase for travelling…however, I haven’t really flown anywhere in a while, so I normally just throw a bunch of stuff in my back seat.
Valley Girl: Samsonite is one of the best brands out there because of their durability, but it all depends on personal preference…
Oh! Cute luggage tags.. You can find them at See Jane Work or Wishing Fish
You can also get quirky ones like fashion heads, or ones about shopping etc…. Let me know what you’re looking for
Mrs Micah: Yes, at least you can recognize it. Everyone owns black, it drives me mad …!! I only own black in a carryon because I’ll always have it with me on the plane. But in a real suitcase, I’m picking something that stands out and/or I can really make sure is mine.
I have a floral pattern which can be a little confusing but isn’t as bad as black.
Good luck with your luggage shopping! 🙂
Great post! I def. need a new suitcase. Mine is so beat up.
And why does everyone have the same color luggage? That never made sense to me.
Any reccs on good brands? I know Samsonite and Tumi are two affordable ones.
You should do a follow-up post on cute luggage tags!!! I need some of those, too. My plastic one with my business card got torn up during my last bus. trip. =(