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consiliomeo · 5 years ago

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How to Choose the Perfect Suitcase?

You’re standing in the airport terminal, watching a line of luggage move toward you on the conveyor belt. You eye each bag carefully, searching for your own and dreading two distinct and disappointing outcomes: Your bag could either appear dented and mauled with your underwear hanging out of a gaping tear, or, like a blind date gone horribly wrong, it could simply fail to show.

Choosing the right luggage can help prevent these minor tragedies, in addition to other inconveniences like pesky baggage fees for an oversized piece or the embarrassment of trying to squeeze your massive nylon duffel into the overhead compartment as impatient passengers struggle to get by. Pick the right hand luggage and experience the freedom of traveling with only a carry-on—you won’t have to worry about lost luggage or extra fees if you can pack what you need in a good-sized carry-on. If you do check a bag, you’ll feel confident that it will remain intact if you select a sturdy, reliable brand. Here’s how to choose luggage that’s right for you. Q. What are the most common types of luggage? A. Travel luggage comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from backpacks to rolling suitcases. Below are three of the most common types of suitcases. Rolling Suitcases

Traditional luggage, which has wheels for easy transport, comes in two models: hardside and softside. Hardside bags are molded from difficult-to-pronounce materials like polypropylene and polycarbonate. Soft bags can be made out of fabrics such as microfiber, leather, nylon, PVC, or polyester. Some soft bags are expandable and can accommodate up to 25 percent more if you need the space. (For more information on the difference between hard and soft luggage, see below.) Backpacks

Backpacks come in a variety of sizes, both with and without frames. They are a good option for anyone planning to camp, hike, or do other outdoor activities. Some backpacks include wheels, while others do not. Even large luggage pieces can become backpacks when they have padded back straps. These bags can be great—but make sure to tape down any wayward straps if you check your backpack to keep them from getting entangled in the baggage carousel. Duffel Bags

Duffel bags are no longer just a sack to cart your sweats to and from the gym. Many modern duffels have accessories like wheels and a retractable handle; these bags are often sold as “travel duffels.” While a traditional small or medium duffel bag will fit nicely in the overhead compartment, it may strain your arm or shoulder if you have to carry it for long distances. For extensive travel, always go for a piece that has wheels or back straps. Q. Hard vs. soft luggage: Which should I choose? A. Many travelers have a strong preference when it comes to hardside vs. softside luggage, but either one can work well depending on your personal travel and packing style. Below are some of the pros and cons of each type. Softside Luggage

If you want flexibility, softside luggage is the way to go. Soft bags are more common than hard-shell luggage, especially for carry-on luggage, and are easier to squeeze into tight overhead compartments. These bags may also absorb shock better than their molded counterparts. These bags are lightweight—generally lighter than hardside bags—which makes them easier to sling into overhead bins and the like. Be discriminating about fabrics, though. Look for a bag made from ballistic nylon (or another durable nylon), which provides the best protection against wear and tear. And make sure the fabric is waterproof and stain-proof. Soft bags are available in a wide variety of models; for example, you can purchase a carry-on with a zippered backpack attachment, or a duffel that can be either strapped to your back or wheeled through the airport. If you like having exterior pockets to store items such as a book or your clear plastic bag of liquids and gels, you’re much more likely to find them on a soft side bag. Soft suitcases also tend to have a single large interior compartment, with the front of the bag acting as a sort of “lid,” while most hardside suitcases are designed in a clamshell-style, with two equal halves that fold together. Hardside Luggage

It seems like hard-shell suitcases are being upgraded and improved upon almost daily. Companies are now using ultra-lightweight materials, such as polycarbonate and special plastics, to make hardside bags that are featherweight but also extremely durable and strong. Hardside suitcases tend to protect fragile items better than soft bags, which makes them increasingly popular for bags large enough to check. But because they’re stiff, they might not be able to squeeze into that last bit of space in the overhead bin—and when packing, you might not be able to cram in that one last outfit. Hardside bags are easier to clean than soft suitcases, though they are also prone to scuffs. Travelers who like to stay organized may prefer the aforementioned clamshell packing design, which forces you to divide your items into two compartments. Q. Two wheels or four?

A. There are a few things to factor in before making a choice—and note that the quality of the bag can make a difference: Some four-wheeled spinners roll like a dream while others feel difficult to control, and the same goes for two-wheeled bags. Two-Wheeled Luggage Two-wheeled luggage, also known as rollaboard luggage, has rolls forward and backward on wheels that are recessed into the case; this saves a bit of packing space and also protects the wheels from damage. The design of two-wheelers generally means they are easier to maneuver on uneven surfaces. The main drawback of this style of bag is that you must drag it behind you. This pulling motion can cause strain to wrists and shoulders. Anyone prone to pain in these areas should go with a four-wheeled spinner instead. Spinner Suitcases Four-wheeled bags, or spinners, have wheels that rotate 360 degrees, which means you can turn the bag in any direction. This provides improved mobility and gives you options: You can roll the bag next to you, push it, or pull it. But those protruding wheels take up space in the overhead bin and are more likely to snap off or suffer damage; it’s wise to check the warranty before purchasing this type of bag. In addition, if you’re considering a carry-on, make sure the dimensions listed are wheel-inclusive. Airlines will include the wheels when they measure your carry-on, so you should, too. Q. What size luggage do I need?

A. As a general rule, go for a carry-on no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches and a checked bag no larger than 62 inches (length plus width plus height), which are the standard for most major airlines in the U.S. Note that many bags marketed as “carry-ons” are a little larger than the above measurements, especially once you count the wheels—which could lead to unpleasant surprises at the airport if you’re forced to gate-check. Although you may want to bring as large a bag as you can on the plane, remember that if you can’t lift your carry-on bag above your head, you will not be able to place it in the overhead bin. Check the websites of the airlines you fly most frequently for information on what size bags you can check or bring onboard, and keep in mind that many airlines have different size requirements for international vs. domestic flights. If your new suitcase pushes the limits of the airline’s size restrictions, you’re going to have to deal with the consequences (read: fees). What you want in a suitcase is best summed up by the Goldilocks principle: a bag that is not too big, not too small, but just right (for you). When flying on a smaller airline in a foreign country, acceptable baggage weight and size requirements can be a crapshoot. You don’t want to discover that you have to leave behind one of your bags or pay extra fees when you attempt to board a 20-seat plane for a domestic flight in Costa Rica. Check baggage requirements for each flight on your itinerary. In addition to airline requirements, think about your own requirements: your lifestyle, health, and particular needs. Do you have a bad back? You’ll want to look for an ultralight suitcase, such as Samsonite’s Lite-Box 20″ Spinner, which weighs less than five pounds. Q. What’s the best place to buy luggage?

A. You can buy just about anything at Amazon.com, and luggage is no exception, with suitcases available from reputable brands such as Delsey, Eagle Creek, and Travelpro. You’ll also want to check out luggage retailer eBags.com, which carries a full line of luggage, garment bags, briefcases, duffel bags, carry-ons, and more. You may likewise need to purchase legitimately from the maker; famous gear brands to consider incorporate Away, Briggs and Riley, Samsonite, and Tumi. It's occasionally better to shop in a genuine store rather than on the web, as that will enable you to test the sack before obtaining. Basically any retail chain or huge box store (like Target or Kohl's) will have a determination of baggage, however, the quality can change generally. Altogether read the guarantee approach before obtaining a pack. In a perfect world, you need to purchase from an organization that gives lifetime guarantees on its gear. Organizations with probably the most far reaching guarantees out there incorporate Victorinox, Briggs and Riley, and Eagle Creek. Before you choose to keep another sack, test, test, test. Stroll around for a piece and check whether the handle is long enough for you, on the off chance that you like the vibe of the texture, if the backlashes are agreeable, and if the bag feels tough and sturdy. On the off chance that you look for a pack on the web, request it, in any event, a month prior to your outing so you can send it back on the off chance that it doesn't feel directly for you. Q. What amount would it be a good idea for me to pay for a bag?

A. Consider contributing somewhat more to benefit from your bag, particularly on the off chance that you travel much of the time. The expense of supplanting a modest pack each couple of years will include inevitably, so spend somewhat more direct to get a bag that will be with you for the long stretch. Regardless of whether you select a hardside bag or a delicate one, be recognizing materials and development. Think about your bag as your eternity companion. You need this relationship to endure forever, isn't that so? All things considered, originator baggage is a more a style image than a movement instrument and isn't the decision of most experienced voyagers. A $1,000 bit of gear isn't probably going to be considerably more valuable than a decent quality $200 or $300 sack. Q. What's the best shading for baggage?

A. Gear is accessible in pretty much every possible shading and example, from metallic solids to panther prints. Exemplary dark, for the most part, shows a minimal measure of mileage, but at the same time, it's the most well-known gear shading—as proved by the endless ocean of dark packs rearranging by on the baggage merry go round after pretty much every flight. Picking a more brilliant shading for your checked pack will make it a lot simpler to spot. In the event that you do decide on a dark, tie some shaded lace or a scarf to the deal with or lash on a splendid baggage belt. Q. Which additional highlights would it be a good idea for me to consider? A. Contrast distinctive baggage insides and outsides with seeing what suits your style. Bunches of compartments and pockets are extraordinary for the super-sorted out packer, and highlights like a plastic waterproof pocket can hold wet bathing suits or cracked cleanser bottles. Consider where and how you travel and what you will in general pack while considering these bag highlights. Handles

Search for a durable handle that feels good and is ergonomically planned. A handle framework that is incorporated within the pack is best in light of the fact that the handle is shielded from harm. Test out the handle: Extend it to its full length, ensure it bolts (and stays bolted), and take the sack for a turn. On the off chance that the bag is hitting you in the backs of the legs, that implies the handle isn't long enough for your tallness. Packs with a separable piggyback cut, a circled clasp on the highest point of the sack close to the handle, enable you to cut a second pack onto a bigger one. At the point when you get your checked pack, cut on your carry-on or individual thing, and presto—you have a free hand. Zippers

The greater and sturdier the zipper, the more it will last and the better it will confront the maltreatment of movement. Go for metal over plastic, and search for self-fixing zippers—purported in light of the fact that in case of a tangle in the zipper's teeth, pulling the zipper down and over the obstacle fixes the issue and reseals the teeth. TSA-Approved Locks

In the event that you need additional security, pick a sack that incorporates a TSA-affirmed lock. While you can likewise buy a lock independently, numerous voyagers think that its progressively advantageous if the lock is incorporated with the bag. Pockets and Organizational Systems With regards to pockets, softside sacks for the most part win. (The development of hardside bags doesn't take into consideration numerous additional pockets and external compartments.) If you love association—a spot for everything and everything in its place—there are bunches of packs available for you. One extraordinary model is GeniusPack's inventive Supercharged portable luggage, which highlights everything from a shrouded clothing sack to "virtuoso pack" compartments for each comprehensible garment class. USB Charging Ports

Numerous more up to date portable models remember worked for USB charging ports so you can control up your telephone in a hurry. Please send us comments or questions as you usually do. Thanks, /Simon

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