How to Select and Maintain Durable Luggage

Luggage is a big investment, and you want yours to last. A durable suitcase can help prevent damage caused by airline baggage handling, and it will resist wear and tear from frequent use.

Hard-sided luggage is available in aluminum, polycarbonate and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic. Aluminum is the most durable of these materials. Polycarbonate and ABS are lighter than aluminum but offer similar durability.

Hard-sided luggage

Unlike soft-sided luggage, which can sometimes crack or puncture under the pounding of a trip’s jostling on conveyor belts and carousels, hard suitcases offer extra protection for your belongings. They also tend to be lighter, which can give you a few more kilograms toward your airline’s baggage weight limit or help you save money on a second checked bag for longer trips.

Most hard luggage is made from durable plastics like polycarbonate, which can withstand a beating while still looking good. More affordable models often use ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a cheaper thermoplastic that may scuff or scratch easily. In more expensive bags, a stronger material like aluminum is used, which is lightweight and highly durable.

In addition to a sturdy shell, look for hard luggage that offers plenty of interior space and organization. Many brands offer multiple compartments, dividers, zippered sections and other organizational features that make packing and finding your items easier. Some also have a removable laundry bag, garment sleeve and other travel-friendly accessories.

This hard-sided carry-on suitcase from the luxury luggage brand Rimowa earned praise from GH’s textiles lab experts, who note that its four 360-degree spinner wheels and TSA-approved locks will hold up well on a long trip. It’s also relatively compact and expandable, allowing you to fit a bit more in.

Soft-sided luggage

While soft-sided luggage might not be as durable as hard-shell suitcases, a high-quality piece can still stand up well to airline baggage handlers. Look for a fabric that’s woven to move and yield, such as ripstop nylon, cordura, or ballistic nylon (which differs from ripstop in that it’s softer and more abrasion-resistant). Look also for a higher denier count to ensure your suitcase will be tough enough.

Soft-sided luggage tends to be a little lighter than hard-shell options, which backpack carry on may help you stay within your airline’s carry-on or checked bag weight limit. They’re also less likely to crack or dent, which is important if you’ll be lugging around fragile items in your bag. However, they’re more susceptible to stains and can be easily ripped or cut if the fabric isn’t reinforced.

This Samsonite bag is a great choice for those who want a durable suitcase that won’t dent or scratch, even when thrown around by baggage handlers at the airport. The polycarbonate shell is both impact-resistant and flexes to prevent cracks, while the interior is lined with compression straps that keep your clothes organized. A zippered pocket covers the main opening, which allows you to pack more than a week’s worth of clothing. It also has a sleek aesthetic, which makes it an attractive option for travelers who value looks in their luggage as much as durability and capacity.

Wheels

Luggage wheels are a huge factor in how durable your suitcase is. They need to be able to handle the abuse of being dragged across airport floors, over curbs, and into overhead bins. Look sling bag manufacturers for a suitcase with quality, oversized wheels. The best luggage wheels are made of polyurethane, which is ultra-durable and offers the smoothest, most silent roll. Other luggage wheels are made of rubber, which can be less durable but offer a more affordable option.

Another thing to consider is how the wheels are fastened to the luggage. A quality set of wheels will be screwed onto the luggage, which is more secure than rivets. The wheel bearings also need to be good quality. They should have a solid core, be sealed and lubricated, and have full corner protection.

You can find high-quality luggage with great wheel systems from brands like Samsonite, Travelpro, and Rimowa. Other options that are highly durable include the Db Hugger, which is a softshell bag with hard ABS ribs built into it. These ribs give the bag extra rigidity and durability, while still making it lightweight and maneuverable. The Db Hugger also has an innovative patented system that allows you to attach it to a matching carry-on from Db, which makes it easy to travel with multiple bags without having to juggle them.

Zippers

A broken luggage zipper can ruin your trip and cause your belongings to spill out onto the airport floor. Fortunately, you can prevent these unfortunate events by buying durable luggage with quality zippers and maintaining them well. This luggage guide will show you how to select the best luggage for your next adventure and also teach you how to repair minor zipper damage yourself.

Luggage zippers are the most vulnerable part of your suitcase and can easily break under pressure if they’re not properly maintained. The first step is choosing a durable luggage brand with good customer service that stands behind their products. Look for brands that offer lifetime warranties on their luggage, and read the fine print to see what is covered in the warranty.

The second step is evaluating the quality of the luggage’s zippers and other hardware. Choose luggage with YKK zippers, which are considered the best in the industry. These zippers have interlocking teeth that are fused to the zipper tape for added strength and durability. The teeth are also coated to resist catching or pulling apart. YKK zippers are more expensive than coil zippers, but they’re also much more durable and easier to use.

Finally, evaluate the quality of the telescoping handle and wheels to ensure they can withstand the rigors of travel. The handle should be sturdy, and the wheels should roll smoothly and be securely attached to the case.