They tend to feature expandable sides, offering you additional internal capacity. Soft-sided suitcases are made of polyester, nylon or a mix of the two. They don’t have external pockets, but there are usually one or two inside. Newer models are lightweight and many have an internal divider for better organisation. Hard-sided suitcases have a rigid exterior that’s most often made from moulded polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS plastic or aluminium these materials are used to make car bumpers and crash helmets, so you can rest assured that they’re durable. External pockets, usually only found in soft-sided suitcases, are useful for stowing additional items that you want to grab quickly. Look for small integrated pockets, larger pouches that can fit a laptop, removable laundry bags, and garment sections that help keep suit jackets crease-free. Storage: Internal pockets can be found inside most hard and soft shell suitcases. Suitcases with handles on the top and side, in addition to the towing handle, are easier to lift onto luggage racks, airport baggage scales and off baggage carousels.Įxpandability: Many suitcases – including five in our round-up – feature an expandable panel that can be unzipped for at least 10% additional packing space. Handles: Most towing handles are telescopic and retractable for comfort. Two-wheeled suitcases tend to have slightly bigger wheels and can be easier to pull up and over kerbs, but we generally prefer the versatility and balance of spinners. Wheels: Most suitcases are four-wheelers, sometimes referred to as spinner suitcases, that can be wheeled alongside you as well as pulled behind. It should be sturdy enough to handle bumpy terrain and easy to manoeuvre along bustling streets. If you’re a frequent traveller, it might be worth investing in some luggage scales.ĭurability: Checked baggage must be able to withstand the rough handling it will inevitably encounter during transit. The lightest suitcases we've featured weighs just 3.1kg when empty, with bulkier options coming in at up to 5.9kg. Weight: The weight limit for checked baggage varies between airlines look it up before you travel as excess baggage charges are notoriously extortionate. Size: Will the suitcase fit in your car’s boot and be easy to lug about? If you think you might struggle, look for a robust yet lightweight option.

Try to consider the practicalities before being enticed by the endless colours and styles available! The type of luggage you should buy depends on the way you travel. What should I look for when buying a suitcase?

Easiest to spot on luggage belts: American Tourister Soundbox Spinner Expandable 77cm.

Best budget hard shell suitcase: Aerolite Large Lightweight ABS Hard Shell 4 Wheel Hold Suitcase.

Best budget soft shell suitcase: M&S Two Tone 4 Wheel Large Suitcase.

Most robust soft shell suitcase: The North Face Rolling Thunder Luggage 30”.

Best lightweight hard shell suitcase under £100: Tripp Escape Large 4 Wheel Suitcase.

Best for range of design features: AWAY The Large.

Best expandable and lightest soft shell suitcase: Samsonite Base Boost Spinner Large Expandable Suitcase.

Biggest capacity suitcase and best for easy wheeling: Antler Clifton Large.

Best expandable hard shell suitcase: Victorinox Lexicon Hardside Large Suitcase.

Best suitcase for durability: Horizn Studios H7 Check-In Luggage (90L).Best suitcase made of recycled materials: Samsonite Magnum Eco Spinner 75cm 4-Wheel Large Suitcase.Best for ease of packing: Delsey Moncey 76cm 4 Double Wheels Trolley Case.Best hard shell large suitcase: American Tourister Airconic Spinner Suitcase.Best soft shell large suitcase: Eastpak Double Tranverz Large Suitcase.Whether you’re jetting away for a fortnight, consolidating two people’s clothing into one bag or simply don’t do ' packing light', the GHI is here to help. It must be spacious enough for all your holiday essentials, durable enough to survive baggage handling and light enough when empty to pack everything you need without exceeding your airline's weight limit. Summer holiday season is here, and wherever you're headed for your next big adventure, you’ll need luggage you can rely on.įor longer getaways, however, there are a few key boxes the best suitcases have to tick.

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