A convenient, reliable and fairly compact suitcase is a must on any trip. There will be no comfort, and pain in the arms and back is guaranteed if the travel accessory is chosen incorrectly.
It is quite possible for a person to travel like a snail that carries its house with everything necessary. You just need to decide on the format of the road attribute and take into account all the details, even insignificant at first glance, when choosing it.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the size of the luggage space. After all, it is important that all the necessary things fit into the suitcase, and at the same time it can be easily moved. And according to the requirements of the air carrier for dimensions and overweight so that it was suitable. Not only appearance matters, but also consumer qualities: the number of pockets, the quality of the "snake", the presence of a good lock.
Manufacturers offer a huge variety of models. Large suitcases, trunks and compact bags of small size, with or without wheels, made of metal or plastic - in such an assortment you can really get confused.
There are two main types of travel suitcases - a trolley and a spinner:
- The spinner suitcase is equipped with wheels at each of the four corners of the bottom. It is very convenient to transport it, as the wheels rotate 360 degrees.
- The trolley case has a different design: a two-wheel chassis and a telescopic handle.
The material from which the luggage packaging is made is of great importance. The most commonly used plastic (polypropylene or polycarbonate with metal chips), as well as fabric (nylon, polyester, suede). Less common are leather and metal. These are expensive and impractical types of travel accessories, although very stylish and elegant.
The advantage of plastic products is that the shape of the suitcase does not change, no matter what circumstances it happens to be: it does not get wet and does not fade under the influence of sunlight, it is not afraid of bumps and falls. But the disadvantage is that it is easily scratched, does not have small external pockets. A rigid frame is sheathed with fabric, there are small convenient pockets here. The durability of such a suitcase depends on the density of the textile and its processing: if the label indicates 600 D, there is a waterproof impregnation - the safety of things is guaranteed. Other advantages of a suitcase made of fabric are light weight and the ability to increase the capacity (stretches up to 5 cm). In addition, with the same size, it costs much less than a plastic one.
When buying a suitcase, the traveler should pay attention to the presence of a good lock. It can be built-in or hinged, with a key or with a code mechanism. It is better to keep the keys in different places: in case one is lost, there will always be a spare copy.
The choice between a latch and a zipper on a suitcase is a matter of taste. If a latch, then it is better equipped with a built-in lock. Zipper requirements: strength and flexibility, especially when there are many things. No matter what material it is made of (metal, rubberized, plastic), the main thing is the width (up to 8 cm) and a light "slider".
The optimal number of handles on a large travel accessory is three: one retractable and fixed on the body, one on top and one on the side. On a high-quality suitcase, the retractable handle "loosens", the metal inserts go deep into the plastic, for which the hand is taken. And the upper handle, which takes the main load when lifting, is not sewn in, but is fixed with special metal rivets.
The ability of suitcases to roll on wheels (plastic or rubber) makes it almost twice as easy for a person to load. But they move differently depending on the design, and this must be taken into account. In two-wheeled models that ride well on a slope, the load pressure is on the body. To prevent the bottom from touching the ground, the wheels should protrude slightly from the frame. It is better if they are located on the same axis, and each with its own mount. On four-wheeled suitcases, the load presses on the chassis. With reinforced or double rear wheels, luggage can roll at an angle and maneuver. Ideal cases for reducing friction are equipped with bearings - the support on which the axle is mounted.
In conclusion, it should be noted that travel suitcases must not only meet the specific needs of the owner, but, of course, fit his height. It's easy to check: the handle is located at such a level that when transporting luggage you do not have to bend over.