While travel essentials like a neck pillow, sweater and a comfortable pair of shoes are key to keeping you cozy mid-transit, a reliable piece of luggage guarantees your possessions are protected and organized throughout your journey.
But how do you choose the right luggage?
We’ll help you decide by breaking down different types of luggage and sharing key factors to consider when purchasing a new travel companion.
Plus, discover our very own reliable and stylish luggage for your next adventure!
Luggage Types According To Size
Luggage size determines how much you can pack, which is especially important if you are going on a longer trip or need specialized items like sports equipment or formal attire.
While smaller luggage helps you avoid checked baggage fees and waiting at baggage claims, larger luggage offers more packing space for longer trips, bulky items, or souvenirs, making it convenient when you need to bring more essentials.
1. Checked Luggage
A checked bag is any type of luggage that’s too large to fit into a plane’s overhead compartment. Its most common size ranges from 24.8 to 27 inches in height, with various width options available.
It usually features a retractable handle, zippered compartments and wheels, making it easier to maneuver with ease.
Thanks to the ample space in checked luggage, it’s typically used for extended trips, such as long vacations and international travel, or when you have a longer list of essentials.
2. Carry-On Bag
A carry-on bag is a type of luggage that is compact enough to bring on board an airplane.
With a standard luggage size of 22″ (inches) long, 14″ wide, and 9″ tall for most U.S. domestic airlines, carry-ons are stored in the overhead compartment.
You can use a carry-on bag for short trips or even longer trips if you’re packing light, helping you avoid the hassle of checking a bag and any associated fees.
Find more insights on carry-ons vs. checked bags in our detailed guide.
3. Travel Tote
Resembling a large handbag, a travel tote is a type of carry-on luggage that features shoulder straps and holds fewer travel essentials, such as electronics, a book, makeup, and a few pieces of clothing.
Travel totes come in various sizes, with the most common being 10″-14″ or 12″-20″. These sizes make them compact enough to fit under airplane seats or be easily carried.
Great for weekend trips or when on the road, a travel tote provides quick and easy access to your essentials.
4. Duffel Bag
A duffel bag is a tube-like type of carry-on that features heavy-duty straps, zippers and multiple compartments to safely store your belongings.
A duffel bag is commonly used to carry sports clothing or equipment, but it has also become a popular travel bag over the years due to its light weight and capacity.
The standard size is just small enough to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat on an airplane. Similar to travel totes, duffel bags are ideal for short weekend trips.
Types Of Luggage According To Material
When you say goodbye to your luggage at check-in, the chances of your bag being treated with the utmost care remains a concern. In fact, a recent study found that in 2022, the global rate of mishandled bags was 7.6 per 1,000 passengers.
While soft-sided luggage is lightweight and often has exterior pockets for extra storage, hard-shell and water-resistant luggage are more durable and provide better protection for fragile items against rough handling and spills.
1. Hard Shell
Hard shell luggage is a durable, waterproof bag with a hard exterior.
This type of luggage is typically made of polycarbonate shells — a type of plastic material that can withstand impact — aluminum, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic.
Thanks to its tough exterior, hard shell luggage can withstand the stress of a bumpy ride on the conveyor belt or in tight travel compartments.
2. Soft Shell
Soft shell luggage is a flexible bag with a soft exterior.
Typically, this type of luggage is made of fabric, canvas, nylon, or polyester, making it lighter than hard-shell luggage and easier to carry.
Thanks to its flexible material, soft shell luggage can stretch around the edges, providing extra room for your essentials. Another benefit? You won’t have to worry about dents, scratches, or cracks!
For more information about hard vs. soft luggage, check out our recent article.
3. Leather
Leather luggage has come a long way since it was first created around 1500 BC. Today, it is valued for its classic, sophisticated appearance and timeless elegance.
Leather luggage can be made from either real or faux leather, with some types treated to resist stains and water damage.
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Luggage
Choosing the best suitcase for your trip can be slightly overwhelming with all the options at hand, but we’re here to help! Here’s what to consider before making a purchase:
1. Size
Determine the size you’ll need to store your essentials.
- For short trips (1-3 days) like a quick camping excursion or a weekend at the beach, opt for carry-on or small-sized luggage — it’s ideal for easy handling and speeds up airport processes if you are traveling by plane.
- For longer trips of a week or more, or when traveling to cooler destinations that require bulky coats, sweaters and boots, choose medium- to large-sized luggage to accommodate more clothing and essentials.
2. Security Features
Next, consider the features you want in a travel bag to prevent unauthorized access and theft. This will give you peace of mind, knowing your items are secure throughout your journey.
- Opt for reinforced straps and handles to ensure durability and resistance to tampering.
- Consider anti-theft features, such as hidden pockets or anti-slash materials, to protect your valuables.
- Go for TSA-approved lock that allow you to easily change the code if needed.
3. Durability
Whether you’re cruising over turquoise seas, going on a cross-country road trip or flying to the other side of the world, traveling can cause wear and tear on your luggage.
- Opt for high-quality materials like polycarbonate or aluminum to ensure your travel companion can resist impact and remains by your side for years to come.
- Go for water-resistant or waterproof coating to protect your belongings from rain and spills and keep them dry during travel.
- Look for hard-shell designs that can absorb and deflect shocks, minimizing damage from bumps and drops.
- Choose scratch-proof surfaces, such as textured or matte finishes, to reduce visible wear and maintain a cleaner appearance over time.
From water and impact-resistant to scratch-proof and shock-absorbing exteriors, the type of bag that’s right for you will depend on how often you travel and the mode of transportation you use to get to where you’re going!
Rollink Hard Shell Luggage You’ll Love
Whether it’s a bumpy ride on the airport’s conveyor belt or taxi driver tossing your bag into the trunk, you won’t have to worry about your belongings or suitcase getting damaged with a hard shell exterior.
Our Rollink Flex Vega is a durable, lightweight and sleek line of luggage you can use as a carry-on or checked bag. Built for your busy lifestyle and made to last, Flex Vega is scratch-, water- and impact-resistant, making it the ideal travel companion for any type of adventure!
If spills happen, cleaning is a breeze thanks to the polycarbonate hard shell exterior. To clean your Flex Vega, simply use a soft cloth, dipped in warm, soapy water to wipe off any dirt or debris from your travels.
After your trip, fold your Flex Vega to just 2” and tuck it away until next time.
Available in three sizes, Flex Vega features include:
- Durable polycarbonate hard shell
- Scratch-, water- and impact-resistant
- Silent, coated wheels for smooth gliding
- Hassle-free storage at home and on the go
- Quick-access side pocket for essentials
- Height-adjustable telescopic handle
- Fits carry-on requirements for most major airlines
At Rollink, our durable, lightweight and fashionable suitcases are in it for the long run. Use them to keep your essentials safe on your next getaway!
Types Of Luggage: FAQs
Check out answers to some frequently asked questions to help you choose the best option for your travels.
How does luggage weight affect my travel experience?
Lighter luggage makes it easier to handle and transport your belongings, especially when navigating airports or lifting it into overhead bins.
What are the advantages of using hard-shell luggage?
Hard-shell luggage offers better protection against impact and water damage. It is also more durable when handled roughly.
How can I find luggage that meets both style and functionality needs?
Look for luggage that combines aesthetic appeal with practical features, such as sleek designs, versatile compartments and durable materials. At Rollink, we offer modern lightweight luggage solutions in versatile colors to ensure you travel in style and convenience.
What are the benefits of using foldable luggage?
Foldable luggage is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel and easy to store when not in use. It’s a great choice for trips where you need extra storage capacity or when traveling to destinations with limited space.
