Summer is the time for vacations and travels. It's time to take care of acquiring a quality and roomy suitcase, which fits everything you need. The choice of this simple device must be considered carefully, since a heavy and inconvenient luggage bag that has broken on the way can ruin the impression of rest and cause a lot of unnecessary trouble. Let's learn how to find a good and high-quality suitcase that will become a faithful companion for many years.
Content:
The best manufacturers of luggage on wheels - which company to choose
On the shelves of shops you can see a variety of different suitcases popular and lesser-known manufacturers. But the best are produced by old firms that have been manufacturing travel bags for decades. Their products are always of high quality, attractive appearance and durability.
You can safely take any bag you like, if it has one of these names:
1. Tumi
2. Delsey
3. Roncato
4. Rimowa
5. Samsonite
Also with the search for a good suitcase our recent article will help you, where we have examined in detail best travel models. However, you yourself can choose for yourself a great option if you familiarize yourself with the basic nuances.
Suitcase device
Any suitcase is just a box for things with a carrying handle. But modern models for convenience are equipped with additional elements:
- Wheels on the bottom for transportation.
- Legs or stops for stability in an upright position.
- Telescopic handle.
Other small items make using the case even more convenient. This includes accessories (zippers, latches and high-grade locks), as well as a number of accessories: a case, a shoulder strap, a can of lubricant, etc.
Types of luggage on wheels
Depending on the material from which the suitcase is made, several types of these devices can be distinguished. To understand what kind of bag suit you, consider in detail the advantages and disadvantages of each family.
Soft
Suitcases made of cloth are most popular with customers due to the minimum weight and reasonable price. Synthetic materials used in their manufacture (polyester, nylon, polyamide, tarpaulin) are also impregnated with special protective compounds during production. As a result, soft fabric covers become waterproof, acquire antistatic and dirt-repellent properties.
Pros:
- Low weight;
- An empty suitcase folds compactly;
- Radial zipper and soft walls allow you to increase capacity by 20%;
- Many internal compartments and external pockets;
- A variety of designs and colors;
- Affordable price.
Minuses:
- Failure - fabric wears out quickly;
- Soft walls do not protect luggage from being squeezed.
Leather cases stand apart. Most often, these are not mass-produced models, but elite products made to order. They not only perform their basic functions of storage and transportation of things, but also emphasize the status and wealth of the owner. Any bag made of genuine leather has an impressive weight, it is easily scratched when careless handling, but serves for decades.
Plastic
Plastic products are also very popular among tourists due to the solid, but lightweight frame that protects the inner contents from external influence. Most high-quality models are made of ABS, but polypropylene and polycarbonate also show themselves well.When choosing such suitcases, you should focus on the price tag - the higher it is, the more reliable the case will be. And in the production of budget models are used the simplest plastics, which easily crack from a blow or when falling from a height.
Pros:
- Good resistance to abrasion - scratches will appear, but before the holes the box will not rub;
- Relatively light weight;
- Protection of fragile things from squeezing and shocks;
- Water resistant;
- Easy to care.
Minuses:
- Too cheap suitcases can not boast of high quality;
- Poor lineup.
It is worth paying attention to the combined suitcases made of plastic and sturdy fabric. They combined the advantages of both materials: light weight, attractive design and sufficient strength.
Metallic
Do not be afraid - it is not steel safes on wheels. Today metal suitcases are made of ultralight aviation aluminum alloys. But their strength can indeed be called unsurpassed - at least for the average traveler or vacationer. Such products are not afraid of any mechanical impact, or water, or fire.
Pros:
- Exceptional durability - at least 10 years at any intensity of operation;
- High strength and relatively low weight;
- Resistance to water and fire;
- Tightness.
Minuses:
- High price.
Suitcase selection options
Weight and dimensions
The weight of a suitcase is certainly an important selection criterion, especially for those who are going to travel by plane. There are rules for baggage transportation by air, according to which an economy class passenger can carry no more than 23 kg of baggage with them, and the rate for a business class is 32 kg. So, the heavier your suitcase, the less things you can take on the road. Do not forget that the stairs will have to be carried in the hands - the wheels here will not help. Therefore, before you buy, hold the bundle you like for a few minutes: even if it is empty it will seem heavy to you, then it will be full of things full of things.
The amount of hand luggage is also taken into account when boarding an airliner. The sum of the height, length and width of the travel bag must not exceed 158 - 203 cm (each airline has its own requirements for this item). Alas, in stores luggage is classified by other parameters.
Here they are divided into 3 types:
1. Small - up to 55 cm high and up to 25 liters.
2. Average - 65 cm and 70 liters, respectively.
3. Large - over 80 cm tall and a volume of 70 liters.
Wheels - the number and material of manufacture
Depending on the number of balls installed on the bottom, the suitcases are divided into two-wheeled models and more maneuverable spinners (not to be confused with a popular toy) on 4 wheels.
The first roll in a tilted position, with a third of the weight of the luggage accounted for. But this unit has a high cross on the road. Such constructions must be complemented by legs or folding legs, which will serve as points of support for the suitcase in an upright position. The spinner is more comfortable for the passenger, as it stands on the ground thoroughly with all 4 steering wheels. To carry such a device is very easy, but only on a perfectly flat surface.
The best wheels are silicone on metal mounts - they are durable and virtually silent. A plastic or semi-silicone breaks down quickly on a rough road, scratches easily and rattles mercilessly while driving.
Pens
A good suitcase should be easily transported, not just using wheels. For carrying, side handles can be used, for which a heavy bag can be carried horizontally. Also in the upper part is a reinforced handle with rubber or fabric linings, reducing the pressure on the palm. Well, if the shoulder strap is included in the package of the bag. He will help you out in the event of a wheel breakdown or when climbing a ladder.
Mandatory element of the suitcase on wheels - retractable telescopic handle.Ideally, it should be made of metal, because plastic is very fragile and breaks easily, especially in the cold. Its extreme positions are fixed by a button or a special mechanism. It is important to choose the length of the telescopic handle for your height, as it usually does not provide for intermediate options.
Interior compartments and pockets
The compartments in the suitcase are used for sorting and storing as much as possible. They can be both big and small. If you take a formal suit or an elegant evening dress on a trip, purchase a device with a port office (there may even be several). Such a device will not allow clothes to be washed due to the special soft fillers in the folds. You can place things in them on a hanger or fix them with special belts.
Outer pockets are made only on fabric or combined suitcases. They are necessary for storing items that should always be on hand (tickets, napkins, sandwich, finally!) On the way. These units will be especially useful when traveling by car or train. The flat transparent pocket in which you can put a card with your personal data will not interfere either - so the case will not be confused and not be lost. Child traveler, better to insert your photo here.
Fasteners and locks
Cloth bags are always equipped with a zipper. It should be wide (more than 1 cm), with metal or large plastic teeth and have 2 sliders - it is more convenient to zip up the overflowing bag. The tongue is needed large enough and strong, with clamps to prevent the spread of lightning.
Plastic and metal suitcases are completed with latches installed along the entire perimeter. They provide good protection against burglary, and rubber seals on the edges of the coffer guarantee it also waterproof. The reliability of locks directly depends on the price of the bag.
Also, for the safety of things, manufacturers often complete their trunks with built-in code or even mechanical padlocks. The advantage of the first is that they do not scratch a suitcase and have a high level of protection against hacking. But the attachment can be knocked down in case of loss of the key. Maximum security will provide the twin locks of both designs.
Quality sewing / assembly
When buying a suitcase in a store, ask the seller for a certificate to verify the quality of the materials used. But do not blindly trust the paper - a visual inspection also tells a lot about the selected model. Curved stitching stitches and thread sticking out of them indicate a poor-quality product. Tight and jamming lightning also takes a lot of trouble.
Be sure to check the wheels: they should be without visible damage, easy to rotate, but not hang out on the mounts. Sufficient rigidity and strength are required from the bottom of the suitcase. It is also desirable that the corners are protected by rubberized, leather or at least plastic linings.
Which suitcase on wheels to choose
1. For a lone traveler, a medium-sized (up to 65 cm high) fabric or plastic suitcase with several large compartments will be the optimal choice. If the trip involves meeting in compliance with the official dress code, choose a model with a portlet that will keep the business suit in perfect condition.
2. It is better to go on a family trip by plane with several medium fabric or plastic cases. So you protect yourself from excess baggage allowance. Yes, and drag one heavy trunk with the things of the whole family - not the greatest pleasure.
3. Elderly passengers, people with disabilities and children are easier to handle with small light spinners on 4 wheels. It is better to have the suitcase turned out to be fabric or plastic, with a pocket-window for the card, where the personal data of the owner are indicated.
4. On a trip, which involves the use of public transport or walking on the road, you can not do without a quality model on 2 strong silicone wheels. If you roll a suitcase only around the station or platform, buy a spinner.
5. Do you like to bring fragile souvenirs from your trip? Get a solid plastic travel bag - so all the contents will arrive safe and sound.
6. Those who need not just a suitcase, but a real safe for fragile things or valuable documents are definitely worth buying a metal case. It will protect your cargo from shock during loading, heavy rain and even fire.
How much is a good quality suitcase
1. The cost of fabric bags ranges from 1200 to 90000 rubles, depending on the promotion of the brand.
2. The plastic model will cost around 1800– 70000 rubles.
3. A wardrobe trunk made of aviation aluminum costs about 20-50 thousand rubles.
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