Our general catalog of suitcases will help you to get acquainted with the offered assortment and choose the model yourself. You may also be interested in the following articles with a selection of the best suitcases: "Luggage with you: TOP 5 suitcases for hand luggage" and "A guide to roomy suitcases for travel".

Tip 1: Start with the volume

The volume of the suitcase is the primary criterion of choice, as it determines the capacity. In addition, this indicator directly correlates with dimensions and weight, and they somehow determine convenience. A lot of things will fit into the most voluminous copies, but their weight and size can become a problem both in operation (for example, for a fragile girl) and in storage at home.

The dimensional grid of suitcases on wheels.

By analogy with the size grid for clothes and shoes, suitcases also have their own gradation. It is designed to simplify the search for a suitable model for spaciousness:

  • 1. Size XL. Their volume usually starts from 100 liters, and the height exceeds 71 – 75 cm. Such suitcases are suitable for large families of 4-5 people and more or longer trips. There is a place not only for numerous clothes and spare pairs of shoes, but also some specific equipment, like tennis rackets.
  • 2. Size L. The volume of such a suitcase often ranges from 76 to 100 liters, and the height is from 65 to 76 cm. The model is suitable for a vacation trip for most families with one or two children.
  • 3. Size M. The capacity ranges from 51 to 75 liters, and the height is around 55 — 72 cm. Such suitcases are usually suitable for traveling together, they can also be considered for individual trips, in which you need to take a lot of things, including two additional pairs of shoes, some souvenirs, etc.
  • 4. Size S. These are small suitcases that can hold up to 50 liters. Their height, usually, does not exceed 55 – 56 cm. This model is also called a single one. It will fit all the necessary things of one tourist for a short or medium-long trip.
Approximate dependence of the suitcase volume on the duration of the trip (for 1 person).

Suitcases that can be taken in hand luggage should be included in a separate category among the S models. They do not need to be checked into the luggage of the aircraft, worry about loss or damage. However, the size requirements differ from airline to airline. Usually, bags and suitcases with dimensions up to 55x40x20 cm or the sum of values in three dimensions (height, length and width) of less than 115 cm are allowed on board the aircraft.

Most low-cost airlines impose stricter restrictions on free hand luggage. For example, since November 2018, the carrier RyanAir has a size of 40x20x25 cm, and WizzAir — 40x30x20 cm. When choosing a suitcase for hand luggage, it is worth considering the requirements of the airline whose services you plan to use.

Sometimes suitcases have a volume change function. The main compartment can be enlarged by unbuttoning an additional section. As a result, the product will become several centimeters thicker, providing an increase in capacity from an insignificant 5-7 liters to 30 + liters (as in accordion models, like Victorinox Spectra 2.0 Expandable M from 27 650 up to 29 033 ₴.

Requirements for hand luggage of popular low-cost airlines.

Tip 2: Choose the case material

Suitcases on wheels today are made of fabric or plastic.

The strengths of fabric suitcases include the following:

  • equipped with external pockets;
  • no risk of cracks or scratches due to impacts;
  • the ability to slightly exceed the maximum volume (even dense fabric is prone to slight stretching).
Fabric suitcases differ in density. The larger it is, the better the wear resistance.

Plastic suitcases have the following advantages:

  • reliable protection for delicate and fragile items;
  • high water-proof properties (special impregnations are needed for fabric analogues to have comparable properties);
  • increased overall strength against the background of textile suitcases;
  • more attractive appearance.

The final operational properties depend on the type of material used in a particular suitcase. For example, textile models are usually made of synthetic fibers: polyester, nylon or combined compounds, less often — from leather. Polyester fabric is quite light and moderately durable. It is often used for the manufacture of suitcases of the middle price segment. Nylon wins in strength and resistance to chemical influences, retains its shape well. Any of these options can be supplemented with special impregnations, reinforcement with reinforced thread to protect against tearing, etc.

Plastic suitcases are made of ABS (affordable, wear-resistant, but relatively fragile), polycarbonate (durable, very light, but not cheap), polypropylene (wear-resistant, durable, heavier) or combinations thereof.

The main materials for the manufacture of plastic suitcases.

Both plastic and fabric suitcases are available in a wide variety of colours. The actual colour of the product is considered to be a purely individual factor of choice. But when traveling, even the coloring can play a significant role. Most buyers make a choice in favor of plain and not very flashy models: grey, black, dark blue. They have less visible pollution, besides they belong to the unisex category, that is, they are suitable for both men and women.

Bright and colorful models, including those with textured prints or drawings, also have their own plus. They stand out on the baggage carousel at the airport and immediately catch the eye. This can be considered their small competitive advantage.

A bright suitcase is immediately noticeable, which reduces the risk of loss or even theft.

Tip 3: We deal with the wheels and everything connected with them

When choosing a suitcase, it is necessary to pay attention to such a constructive element as wheels. According to their number, two-wheeled and four-wheeled models are distinguished. The first ones are more affordable. Their wheels are slightly recessed into the body, which adds reliability and reduces the risk of premature failure. They are better suited for situations where you have to navigate rough roads. At the same time, a two-wheeled suitcase must be constantly carried in an inclined form, feeling part of the weight on itself.

A 2-wheeled suitcase takes 70% of the load, and the remaining 30% is the user's task.

Four-wheeled suitcases move in an upright position, completely removing the load from the user. If necessary, you can carry the model in a tilt. Usually all the wheels here are rotatable, which adds manoeuvrability, but on a bad surface, such a feature, on the contrary, turns into a problem, making it difficult to move. The disadvantages of 4-wheel suitcases include a higher price and an increased risk of damage or breakage, since the wheels protrude strongly beyond the ends of the case.

On a good paving stone or asphalt, a 4-wheel suitcase rides without problems.

Silicone, plastic and compounds based on them are usually used as materials for the manufacture of wheels. From the point of view of practicality, silicone models, including those made of cast silicone, show themselves well. A reliable addition to them are metal fasteners and bearings that reduce friction. For rough terrain conditions, the optimal wheel diameter starts from 5 cm.

You can check the quality of this hardware by the ease of rotation and the absence of noise. If the course is difficult, there is a ringing or creaking, it is better to abandon such a suitcase. Also remember that the more the wheels protrude beyond the body, the higher the risk of their breakdown, and vice versa, the more they are sunk, the longer they can last.

Tip 4: Look at the handles, locks, fasteners and other accessories

The optimal number of handles in a suitcase is three. Two of them are located on top: extendable and fixed, they are respectively designed for transporting and carrying luggage. The set is complemented by a fixed handle on the side, which allows you to carry the suitcase in a more convenient horizontal position.

The main load, usually, falls on a pair of upper handles.

The fixed handle should ideally be with metal rivets, which will ensure its durability. Although in fabric models it is often textile. The handle of the retractable handle must be securely attached to metal inserts, for example, with screws. It is better not to choose models in which the guides are very loose or made of plastic. But they still need minimal freedom, otherwise it will take more effort to extend and fold, and this will accelerate wear. Even the most reliable extendable handle will eventually break if it is not used for its intended purpose, that is, to lift and carry a suitcase.

The presence of a lock excludes arbitrary opening and is a basic measure of protection against unauthorized access. He will not fully insure against the opening and theft of valuables. Plus, for example, attackers can cut a fabric suitcase with a knife. For more life hacks on the topic of safety and security, read the article "10 tips to help keep luggage on trips".

Code locks of the TSA standard are increasingly being offered. They can be opened for inspection by representatives of the airport security service using a special key. And they don't need to know your code.

The TSA lock is a standard piece of equipment in the USA, Israel, Canada and other countries.

Suitcases with ordinary combination or complete padlocks are also on the market. They are also a preventive measure of protection against hacking. The potential disadvantage of such locks is that, if necessary, baggage inspection, airport employees have the right to crack them.

You can buy a padlock for any ordinary suitcase model. Among them there are products with keys, code and even TSA.

The vast majority of suitcases provide zippers, and only some have latches with combination locks. The first option is familiar, practical and affordable. Plastic is considered the optimal material for making a zipper. It is more flexible, therefore more reliable than metal. The latter, usually, breaks faster in the area of bends. If maximum protection from moisture is required, then choose rubberized zippers.

Additional equipment of modern suitcases include shoe bags, shoulder straps, protective cases, USB connectors (Power bank is connected to them from the inside, and mobile gadgets for charging from the outside), coloured stickers, etc.

Tip 5: What's inside the suitcase?

The interior space of the main road accessories can either not provide internal partitions at all, or have various compartments. Plastic models often have 2 large sections: one with pressure straps, and the other with a closing partition.

As noted earlier, fabric suitcases are often equipped with external pockets. Here they place those things that need quick access, like food or water, or various trifles. Valuable and fragile items are not left here: they can be stolen, and the risk of damage is higher.

Internal compartments help with the competent organization of luggage, simplify access to things and their search. For this purpose, partitions are often made of mesh or translucent material. But unlike backpacks or bags, the abundance of compartments in suitcases is rare. Especially if they are large models. So, they are not always at hand: they are checked in at the airport or lie in the boot of a bus or car. In addition, excessive fragmentation of the interior space complicates the packing of things.

To ensure the safety of the laptop, you should choose a suitcase with an appropriate compartment.

Of those internal pockets, which are almost always justified, it is worth allocating a laptop compartment. Its features, in addition to convenient access to equipment, usually include additional protection from shocks and reliable fixation. It is only important to make sure that the corresponding compartment of a particular model is designed for your laptop diagonal.

A well-chosen suitcase will be convenient for any travel: air travel, train or bus trips, car rally. First of all, decide on the appropriate volume, then with the material and the number of wheels, and then sort out the proposed equipment. It is best to evaluate the quality and reliability of the product and its accessories live. And if there is no such possibility, then the name and reputation of the manufacturer, as well as the cost of the suitcase, can act as a guide.