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How to Choose Rolling Luggage for Your Next Adventure
How to Choose Rolling Luggage for Your Next Adventure
Are you dreaming of a month-long trip through Brazil? Or have you been planning a quick weekend getaway to New York? Whatever you have arranged for your next vacation, you need a comfortable bag by your side. That’s when rolling luggage comes in handy.
Rolling luggage, or wheeled suitcases, are bags with two or four wheels at the bottom. Thanks to a telescopic handle, you can wheel them around with ease on most surfaces. Wheels on suitcases or luggages were first introduced around the 1970s.
There are plenty of options when it comes to rolling luggage bags. There are the traditional two-wheel check-in bags or the more roomy duffels with wheels. You can choose rolling carry-on luggage with hard shells or soft ones. So how do you pick the right one for you? Let’s find out.
What to look for in rolling luggage
The first thing to do is consider what works best for your personal preferences and circumstances. The main features available are listed below, and can help in making the right luggage choice.
Size
The main decision you have to make is if this bag is going with you on the plane or if you’re going to check it in. There are pros and cons for each situation.
Rolling carry-on luggage is great for short trips where you don’t want to pay extra for a checked bag. These bags are enough for all your clothes and also save you time as you don’t have to wait at baggage claim. Remember, the recommended size for a carry-on is no more than 22” x 9” x 14” but be sure to check with your airline.
Some backpacks also come with wheels. This helps you use them as both carry-on and day bags on your travels.
As for larger rolling luggage, it's useful when you plan a long-haul trip or even a move. Those are the times when you’ll have a heavy suitcase and need those wheels the most.
Hard or soft shell
The outer material of rolling luggage bags can make or break your trip. It can be the difference between landing in a foreign country with wet clothes and broken electronics, to having an uneventful travel experience. As a general rule, hard shell rolling luggage is preferable. It’s more difficult to get into, waterproof, and protects your valuables better.
However, there are situations where a soft shell has its pros. For instance, soft shell bags are much more flexible and forgiving if you're not a light packer. Think about a duffle with wheels. You could pack those to the brim. It’s also easier to squeeze a soft-shell rolling carry-on into the overhead compartment if it’s not the perfect size. And unlike the hard shell, you can repair this one, making it more sustainable.
Two or four wheels
If you’ve ever tried rolling carry-on luggage with four wheels, you know what a joy it is to handle. It’s also called spinner luggage since it can turn in any direction and spin on its axis. This means that, unlike two-wheel bags, you can roll it by your side. It puts no weight on your wrists and glides like a dream. It also stays upright, even if you over-packed your bag, and is easy to maneuver on uneven ground.
With that said, two-wheel bags still have their benefits. Since the frame of the bag encases the wheels, it means you have more space to pack in your carry-on. The four-wheel carry-on has to account for the space that the wheels take, which is noticeable. In addition, the four-wheeled case might stay upright, but it can also roll away while the two wheels always stay in place.
And once again, from a sustainable point of view, the older method wins. The two wheels are easier to repair since it’s usually a matter of them wearing down. With four wheels, it’s more likely that you’ll knock one off with a hit on the curb.
Additional features
Several other elements are worth considering when picking rolling luggage. These, unlike the previous features on our list, are more straightforward choices:
– Weight
Most airlines have limitations on the weight of your luggage, whether it’s carry-on or check-in. This means the more your bag weighs, the less you can pack.
– Color
The easiest to find, and the cheapest, is going to be black rolling luggage bags. But we recommend that you pick a distinct color or print. That way, it will be easy to spot on the baggage claim. It also reduces the chance of someone taking it by mistake.
– Telescopic handle
If possible, try out the bag’s handle before you buy it. You want to make sure it’s not too short or too long. One can result in the bag bumping into your ankles; the other, with the weight hurting your wrists.
– Tie-down straps
Most modern suitcases have these, which are great for keeping your belongings in place. You can also go further and look for a bag with compression dividers. These will help you compress your clothes and pack in more things.
Invest in a good bag
Rolling luggage bags are more than a one-time investment. These suitcases can last for years to come as long as you treat them well. They can accompany you on long journeys and short trips, making your life much easier. So it’s worth investing in a good quality one. Kipling has a variety of rolling suitcases to choose from, so you can find the best one for you.
