Suitcases and travel bags: everything you need to know

Luggage materials

Suitcases – be they hard-shell cases made of plastic or aluminium or luggage made of textile – can be made of various materials. New models combine different options to get the best of both worlds. The materials used in luggage offer a number of properties:

• Polycarbonate (plastic) shell: impact-resistant, flexible and lightweight

• ABS plastic shell: slightly cheaper than other hard-shell cases, but less flexible and therefore less durable – especially at low temperatures.

• Polypropylene (plastic) shell: very hard-wearing, resists extreme temperatures

• Aluminium shell: very robust, but heavy and expensive

• Textile: very flexible, easier to stash away (e.g. on buses) and easier to repair than hard-shell cases. They are available with wheels, for example, and without poles. When you get to where you’re going, these models can be rolled up and take up next-to-no space. Disadvantage of these models: if they’re not full, they sag and your heels will hit them when you’re walking.

• Hybrid models: combine the best of both worlds – a stable shell underneath, flexible textile on top. These suitcases offer more protection than, say, duffel bags and give you more room when packing than a hard-shell case.

The material you choose for your suitcase primarily depends on how often you travel. If you’re going to be using it frequently and taking delicate items with you, an aluminium suitcase is the best choice. If you want a suitcase that’s as light as possible, you should opt for one made of plastic Cases made of polypropylene tend to be the most expensive, but are also very robust and durable. Textile is highly flexible and versatile, but offers the contents very little protection against pressure. In turn, though, it’s easier to store, which comes in handy if you’re travelling in vehicles where space is at a premium (such as a safari jeep). Also consider whether and how often you need to carry your luggage: for example, if there are lots of gravel paths or untarmacked roads, a suitcase that you can carry on your back or a duffel bag is a boon.

Suitcase closures: differences and recommendation

Hard cases come with various types of closure, which primarily differ in terms of security and user-friendliness. The most common closures for suitcases are:

• Zips: this is a common, tried-and-tested fastener. Make sure that the zip is robust by checking the brand: YKK is a very widespread and durable brand. Additionally, the wider the zip, the more resilient it will be – and plastic teeth are better for travel luggage than metal teeth. A zip with a double row of teeth ensures greater security.

• Bolt clasps: often found on expensive models, offer a high level of security and are frequently more durable than zips.

• TSA locks: if you want a suitcase with a lock, this should be a TSA lock – whether it’s pre-installed in the suitcase or purchased subsequently. Locks compliant with this global security system from the USA allow security authorities in many countries to open the suitcase – without damaging it – if any suspicions are raised. This is particularly important when flying to the USA.

Suitcase sizes for checked and hand luggage

It’s up to the airlines to decide how much luggage is allowed on flights. Most airlines allow hand luggage measuring about 55 x 35 x 20 cm, which corresponds to roughly 35 litres and is usually sufficient for short holidays or weekend trips.

Checked baggage allowances may vary by airline. Often, your luggage will need to fit in a suitcase or backpack of about 150 cm (length + width + height). Baggage ranging from 70 to 100 litres is suitable for this purpose.

In addition to luggage size limits, weight limits must also be observed. These, too, vary depending on the airline and the class booked. Hand baggage can usually be around 7 to 10 kilos, while checked baggage limits are normally no more than 23 kilos for economy and up to 30 kilos for business and first class.

Travel bags and duffel bags: pros and cons

Travel bags and duffel bags have shoulder straps, so you can carry them on your back. Kit bags are said to be the predecessor of modern-day duffel bags. They’re a popular choice both for outdoor sports and for travel and city breaks.

Pros: they offer plenty of storage space and, thanks to their flexibility, are easy to transport, for example, when stowed in a bus or fastened to a jeep.

Cons: they offer little protection for fragile objects, they aren’t comfortable for trekking or covering long distances on foot, and they lack the hip belts and the padded back of a backpack. Because duffel bags are usually just one large compartment, stuffsacks are a good call so you can keep an overview of what’s in your luggage.

Luggage: what to bear in mind

Whether it’s a suitcase, bag or backpack, your luggage should be made of robust, durable materials. Ideally, it would also be waterproof. For hard-shell cases, this could be aluminium or high-quality plastic; for bags and backpacks, this could be nylon or polyester. Leather is durable and looks classy, but it is also heavy and requires quite a lot of looking after.

The seams on your luggage should be even and the threads neatly stitched. If it has a zip, the slider should glide effortlessly through the teeth; other closure systems should also work without any effort. When it comes to rolling suitcases, good wheels are important. Make sure you also have a comfortable pull grip that can be adjusted to your height.

Regardless of the material, the weight is essential. Your luggage should be as light as possible – once it’s filled with your clothing and equipment, it’s usually going to be heavier than expected anyway.

Luggage packing tips

Travel packing list: this may seem tedious at first, but it’s very helpful and helps you keep track of everything.

Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This saves space and minimises wrinkles. Packsacks help to keep your suitcase or backpack tidy, and also save space by compressing your luggage.

Avoid gaps: for example, you can stuff shoes with socks or your camping pan with crockery or pre-packaged food. Find out what you’re allowed to bring into – and take out of – the country in question in advance.

Place heavy items close to the back of backpacks to make them more comfortable to carry. For rolling suitcases, position heavy items as far down as possible so that the suitcase is stable.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about suitcases and luggage