With so many options out there, shopping for luggage can be overwhelming! Let our guide below help you choose the right suitcase for your budget and needs.
Many travellers start out with a used piece of luggage previously stored in their parent’s basement. Eventually, most will upgrade to a practical hiking pack, which is an optimal choice for backpacking trips.
But as you mature and begin travelling for different reasons, your choice of luggage likely will, too. The perks of a suitcase are tempting: ease, professionalism, organization and of course, convenience.
A good quality suitcase is a worthwhile investment for any traveller, but it can be hard to know which one is worth the cash. What is the best carry-on suitcase? Should you go with a backpack or wheelie suitcase? This guide will help you to narrow your search and make the decision a whole lot easier.
Find the Best Luggage: What to Consider
Wondering what aspects you need to consider when in the market for the best luggage? Here’s some guidance:
Size
The first step in narrowing your search for a new travel bag is to decide what size you’re looking for. Are you a budget traveller? Buying a carry-on sized suitcase can help save on baggage fees. Business travellers are also likely to want a carry-on sized luggage case for ease and time-saving benefits.
If you’re more of a leisure traveller and like to pack with liberty, get yourself a medium to large-sized backpack or suitcase! But be sure that you can manage the weight of the luggage yourself. This is where investing in a high-quality luggage case really comes into play. If you’re thinking of investing in a backpack, you’ll want a comfortable fitting one, with lots of well-crafted straps, zippers, and materials that will stand the test of time.
Whether you’re travelling with carry-on or checked bags, be sure to check the baggage allowance of the airline you’ll be travelling with beforehand.
Durability
Next, you’ll want to consider the durability of the suitcase. With the right choice, this luggage case should get you through vacations, weddings, conferences and business trips for many years to come!
It goes without saying that you’ll want to choose a good quality bag. No one wants to run for their flight at the airport and climb stairs in a subway station with a busted piece of luggage. But what should you take into account?
Material: Hard or soft? Soft bags, while less durable, are best for carry-on luggage because they’re easier to squeeze into the overhead compartment. Plus, they’re lightweight! Hardshell suitcases are much more difficult to damage and are more suitable for being thrown around amongst other checked bags.
Handles: A broken handle can be enough to disrupt your entire travel day. Inspect the quality of the handle carefully! Does it feel flimsy? If you think it might break, chances are it will. You should also be sure to test the length of the pull-out handle and make sure it’s comfortable for you. If you’re ordering online, make sure to order a month or two before your trip so you have time to test it out before committing.
Wheels: Cheap plastic wheels are easily broken when smashed onto the ground. Look for quality wheels when purchasing any suitcase for travel (think rollerblade wheels). The classic choice of two-wheeled luggage makes it easier to drag behind you quickly, while four-wheeled bags, often called “spinners” allow you to glide your bag beside you. That decision is up to preference!
Extra Features: Modern luggage is getting more creative with its user-friendly features. Be mindful of extra features that might be useful to you. A TSA-sized toiletry bag, USB port and/or battery, ergonomic handle grip, package cubes… these are just some examples of extra luggage features on the market.
Weight
When deciding on a new travel bag, consider the weight of the bag itself. A lighter bag will mean cheaper fees and more allowance for souvenirs! But a heavier bag may also mean better quality. In a market full of options, there’s definitely a sweet spot between the two. Aim for that if you can. But also consider your travel habits. If you’ll be lugging your bag around through train stations and layovers, you might want to opt for a lighter option. If you plan to check your luggage and take a cab to your hotel, then a heavy-duty bag might not be an issue for you.
Where Should I Shop for the Best Luggage?
There are so many brands of luggage out there, it’s tough to know where to start. You should start with…
- Check the luggage company’s warranty and return policy. If you’re making an investment, you’ll want the security of knowing the bag’s quality is guaranteed. Plus, if the company is confident enough in their luggage to provide a good policy, that’s a positive sign for their product.
- Read reviews online. Perhaps obvious, but just a friendly reminder: read the reviews before making your choice! The internet is a wealth of honest user feedback. Use it to your advantage.
Checked luggage? Carry-on suitcases? We’ve covered some of the best items for both types of travel below. Take a look at some of the top luggage cases on the market.
Best Luggage for Checked Baggage
1. MEC Convoy Roller 2 – 80L
Capacity: 80L (also available in 40L carry-on size and 125L)
Dimensions: 70 x 44 x 31cm
Weight: 4.18kg
Main features:
- Zipper mesh compartments inside for easy organization
- 60mm skateboard wheels
- 600-denier polyester fabric
Adventure outfitters like Canada’s own Mountain Equipment Co-op is a good choice for travel bags and other travel items because of their quality guarantees. Did your bag’s zipper break? Trade it in for a new one, or get your money back. The MEC Convoy Roller 2 is a popular option for travellers looking for mid-range, durable luggage. Available in two bright colours.
2. Osprey Farpoint
Capacity: 52L (Small/medium) or 55L (Medium/large)
Dimensions: 65 x 32 x 32cm
Weight: 1.69kg (Small/medium) & 1.76kg (Medium/large)
Main features:
- 210-denier ripstop nylon
- Padded sleeve for your laptop
- Padded hip belt and harness
- Comes with a detachable daypack (13L)
Osprey’s popularity has only risen over the past few years, and they are consistently a top choice with all types of travellers. The Osprey Farpoint backpack series is ideal for people consistently on-the-go, and don’t want to deal with luggage that’s too heavy or clunky.
Best Carry-On Luggage Cases
1. The Carry-On
Capacity: 39.8L
Dimensions: 55.1 x 34.8 x 22.9 cm
Weight: 3.7kg
Main features:
- TSA-approved lock
- 360° spinner wheels
- Ejectable battery option
- Available in a variety of colours
This increasingly popular and chic luggage brand boasts an affordable line of high-quality hard shell (polycarbonate) suitcases in a variety of sizes and shades. The company offers a 100-day return policy, and the bags come with a repairs lifetime warranty. Their popular lightweight carry-on suitcase is also available as a bigger carry-on, medium, and large size; all ideal as checked baggage.
2. Osprey Fairview 40 Pack
Capacity: 38L/40L
Dimensions: 54 x 35 x 23cm
Weight: 1.4kg (Extra small/small) / 1.44kg (Small/medium)
Main features:
- 210-denier ripstop nylon
- Padded hip belt
- Mesh pockets on the side
- Interior pocket for your laptop (with lockable zippers)
This no-nonsense backpack is just the right size if you’re looking to travel with carry-on luggage only, but still want plenty of space for your stuff (and some souvenirs from your trips). It’s durable, easy to travel with, and has pockets and compartments inside and out to keep your stuff safe and secure.
Looking for more travel tips?
- Best Lightweight Suitcases for 2019
- Canadian Airlines: Checked Luggage and Carry-On Baggage Rules
- Useful Travel Accessories to Keep Your Luggage Safe
- How You Can Find First Class Flights on the Cheap
