Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Luggage That Lasts: How to Spot Quality When Buying Your Next Suitcase.
There is a plethora of options when it comes to buying bags and luggage. But with so many brands, materials and features to pick from, how can you guarantee your investment will last over countless trips and adventures? It is important to know how one can tell if a suitcase is of good quality. So, what to look for the next time you’re looking for a good suitcase?
Luggage That Lasts: How to Spot Quality When Buying Your Next Suitcase
Investing in quality luggage is essential for frequent travelers or those looking to avoid the headache of broken zippers, torn fabric, or damaged wheels. Knowing how to spot a durable suitcase can save you from these frustrations and ensure your belongings are well-protected during your travels. Here are the key factors to look for when shopping for your next suitcase.
1. Material
There are two types of luggage available – hard and soft.
Hardshell bags are made from polycarbonate, ABS plastic, and aluminum. Polycarbonate is extremely lightweight while being highly resistant to multiple impacts. In addition, it offers a tiny bit of flex in it which is meant to avoid cracks. ABS, on the other hand, is considered cheaper and less resistant to impact. It will probably be a good idea to skip a suitcase made from this material, even if it has excellent design. Aluminum is the most expensive, durable, and secure material one could opt for in terms of safety and quality. It is often used in top-of-the-line luggage.
The main materials of which softshell bags are made are nylon and polyester. High-denier nylon is especially strong and resistant to tearing, being called high-performance. However, there is a less expensive option of polyester which will not survive much stress. Look for the terms like ballistic nylon which signify top-level fabric.
When it comes to women suitcase, whether or not one decides on hard or soft luggage entirely depends upon how they like to travel and what type of traveler they are. A soft bag may be a better option because it can squeeze, compress, and fit into smaller spaces such as an overhead compartment or car trunk. You can also keep items in the outside pockets of these soft suitcases, which makes for easy storage access (for example, travel docs or snacks, etc.) They are also usually lighter than a hard-shell case, and you can easily carry and manoeuvre them through packed airports or stations.
Pro Tip : If you choose soft-sided luggage, make sure it has reinforced corners and seams, as these are common weak spots that can tear with heavy use.
2. Construction and Craftsmanship
The way a suitcase is constructed is another determining factor of its being resilient.
- If you are purchasing a suitcase with wheels, choose one that has spinner wheels, preferably made of polyurethane. They should rotate 360 degrees and be firmly attached. Also, they should roll smoothly and be securely attached to the case.
- Go for nothing but heavy-duty zippers. Look for YKK zippers as they are the best in the business. Zippers should open and close with ease and should feel like they are heavy-duty. You shouldn’t feel that they will slide with the least pressure.
- The rows of stitching should be straight even, and not be frayed. Stitching that is doubled or reinforced also contributes to said luggage’s ruggedness.
- If your luggage has a telescoping handle, it should have several locking positions and should not feel flimsy or loose when it’s fully extended.
Pro Tip : Look for luggage with reinforced wheels that are attached with screws rather than rivets, as these are easier to replace if damaged.
3. Interior design
The interior of a suitcase can easily be designed in ways that make the chore of packing less irksome:
- Lining: The lining of a suitcase should be sewn or glued into the case and should be supple and made of a durable material that’s easy to clean.
- Compartment: Look for a bag that has mesh dividers, shoe pockets, or compression straps so that you can secure your items and pack wisely.
Pro Tip : Some suitcases also feature removable laundry bags or wet compartments for separating dirty or wet items from clean clothes.
4. Brand Reputation, Warranty, and Testimonials
It would be good to look up some information about the brand. Getting an established brand of known quality is often the way to go. Furthermore, it is better to check what warranty comes with the suitcase. Suitcases bearing a lifetime warranty automatically stand out from the ones without one.
Now, some time should be spent on browsing the internet. Reading user reviews and testimonials is the best insight one could possibly get and see how the suitcase performs over time.
Pro Tip : Longer warranties are usually offered for better-quality suitcases, which reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.
5. Price Point
After doing all of the above, I would never keep price as the central criterion by which to judge whether to purchase a product or not. While with some other products price is often directly correlated with the quality, it is never as simple with travel gear.
Generally, it is best to avoid the cheapest options, as they are frequently built from sub-optimal materials or bad design solutions. In order to get the best quality-to-price ratio, I would recommend buying the suitcase in the mid to high tier for suitcase costs.
Pro Tip : If you’re a frequent traveler, investing in a more expensive, high-quality suitcase is worthwhile in terms of durability, comfort, and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts : Luggage That Lasts: How to Spot Quality When Buying Your Next Suitcase
Finding quality luggage requires attention to detail. Check out the listing material, construction, design, brand reputation and user reviews before picking your choice.
Regular flyers may want to invest in good quality suitcases of the highest possible endurance models. If, however, one travels occasionally, the alternative is to choose a middle-range model for the best balance of quality and price.
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