What are the suitcase types? What are the best types of suitcases?
As a traveler, choosing the right type of suitcase, with its varying shapes, sizes, features, and materials, can be a perplexing experience. However, with this ultimate guide to suitcases, you’ll be able to gain insights on the different types, their pros and cons, and how to choose the right one for your travels.
1. Types of Suitcases
Let’s discuss the most popular suitcase types.
1.1 Hardshell Suitcases
Hardshell suitcases are typically made of plastic, polycarbonate, or aluminum, making them more durable and sturdy than softshell suitcases. They have a sleek and fashionable appearance that allows them to stand out in the sea of other suitcases at the airport. Additionally, they offer greater protection to your belongings from water, dust, and physical harm.
However, the limitation of hardshell luggage is their rigidity and lack of flexibility, which can make it challenging to fit into tight spaces or overhead compartments.
1.2 Softshell Suitcases
Softshell suitcases are usually made of canvas, nylon, or polyester.
They are lightweight, easy to carry, and have multiple compartments, which makes them an excellent choice for transport in tight spaces. However, unlike hardshell suitcases, they offer less protection to your belongings from physical harm, water, and dust. They are also more susceptible to wear and tear over time, which can be a disadvantage if you intend to use them frequently.
1.3 Hybrid Suitcases
Hybrid suitcases represent a versatile and innovative option in the world of luggage.
By blending the best characteristics of both soft-shell and hard-shell suitcases, this type of luggage offer a unique combination of durability and flexibility to globetrotters. Unlike their rigid and inflexible hard-shell counterparts, hybrid suitcases feature a semi-rigid exterior that provides exceptional protection for your belongings while still allowing for some flexibility. This thoughtful design enables hybrid suitcases to withstand impacts and rough handling better than most soft-shell alternatives.
Simultaneously, they offer more give and expandability than hard-shell luggage, allowing you to effortlessly accommodate that extra souvenir or clothing item you picked up during your travels.
1.4 Spinner Suitcases
Spinner suitcases have four wheels that spin in every direction, making them very easy to maneuver through a crowded airport or on different types of terrains. They are typically pushed alongside the body and are often preferred by travelers who may have difficulty lifting and carrying heavier bags. Spinner suitcases can also be pushed parallel to your side, making them easy to navigate through cramped spaces such as airplane aisles or busy city sidewalks.
However, one downside is that spinner suitcases may not be as stable as two-wheeled options, especially on uneven surfaces. They may also be more susceptible to tipping over since the weight is evenly distributed among all four wheels, making them less stable overall.
Most hard-shell suitcases come with spinner wheels.
Many of the best soft-shell suitcases have spinner wheels, too.
1.5 Two-Wheeled Suitcases
Two-wheeled suitcases have two main wheels and are usually pulled behind the traveler.
These two wheels are “inline skate wheels”. Inline skate wheels are called that because they are similar to the wheels found on inline skates. These wheels have a straight-line design and are typically two fixed wheels placed at the back of your luggage. The front of the luggage remains open to allow the bag to be tilted and pulled.
While two-wheeled suitcases are typically considered less maneuverable than spinner suitcases, they offer better stability and control. This is especially important for travelers with heavier bags or those who will be traveling to destinations with rough terrains such as cobblestone or other uneven surfaces.
This type of luggage is great for people who will be pulling their bags for extended periods of time or over a variety of surfaces.
2. Choosing the Best Suitcase for Your Needs
Now that you know the differences between spinner and two-wheeled suitcases, it’s important to consider which will be the best fit for your travel needs. Both types of wheels have their pros and cons, so it depends on your travel needs. Two-wheeled suitcases are perfect for outdoor activities and uneven terrain, such as cobblestone streets. They have a narrower wheel profile, and they won’t roll away unintentionally, which can happen with spinners. They’re also more durable since there are fewer moving parts.
Spinners are better suited for travelers who need to move quickly and navigate crowded areas. Because spinner wheels allow for easier navigation of your luggage. They rotate 360 degrees, which makes them perfect for tight spaces and stairs. However, spinner wheels might not offer the same level of stability on rough surfaces.
But what about luggage material? When to choose hardshell vs. softshell suitcase?
If you plan to travel by air and need to check in your luggage, a hardshell suitcase would be the best option as it offers better protection regardless of the handling process during transit. Moreover, if you’re traveling with valuable and fragile items such as technology equipment, a hardshell suitcase will offer the best protection. On the other hand, if you plan to travel light, move around frequently, and have a carry-on suitcase, softshell luggage would be the best option as it’s easier to maneuver and often expandable.
Read more: Is It Better to Travel With a Backpack or Suitcase?
Featured photo by Asad Photo Maldives from Pexels