“Don’t fit your luggage, choose luggage that fits you!”
Trying to organise all of your holiday essentials so that they fit neatly in your luggage is a struggle that we all face. Whilst you want to choose a bag with plenty of room, you also don’t want to exceed baggage weight limits and size restrictions. Instead of packing according to what your luggage can accommodate, why not choose a bag to accommodate you?
That being said, no single piece of luggage is perfect for all kinds of travel. So, to help you decide which bag best fits your needs we’ve come up with a handy buyers guide. For each luggage style we’ve reviewed the best features to look for, ensuring you get the most out of your baggage.
First of all, answer a few considerations about your trip:
• What type of trip are you taking?
• What kind of activities are you planning to do?
• How much do you need to bring?
Once you’ve identified these essential factors, all you need now is a quick understanding of the various bags available to you.
The Personal Item
Some airlines allow passengers to carry on one cabin bag and one ‘personal item’. This can usually be anything you want: a handbag, laptop bag, briefcase or backpack. As long as it can fit under the seat in front in there are few restrictions.
If you do intend to carry a ‘personal item’ with you, we would recommend one with a good comfy shoulder strap. An easy access internal pocket for your passport and boarding pass is also recommended. This will leave your hands free for other pieces of luggage.
The Carry-On
The carry-on is undoubtedly the most popular and most used piece of luggage. For this reason it is important you chose one that ticks every box.
Ensure that your carry-on will meet the limitations and restrictions of any major airline. On budget airlines such as Ryanair.com the maximum dimensions measure 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.
You’ll likely prefer to roll your carry-on, so look for a bag with four swivelling wheels that lets you roll the piece in any direction. Check the quality and durability of the wheels and make sure that the bag has reinforcements around them to absorb impact from pavement curbs and stairs.
The best carry-ons have a number of exterior pockets. You should be able to empty your pockets into one of these exterior compartments before going through security and even pack your laptop if required.
A telescopic handle that can lock into any or a range of height positions will also make manoeuvring the bag a lot easier and more comfortable.
ECH recommends: The Samsonite 21” Lift Spinner
Travel Packs
Travel packs are essentially a carry-on/backpack hybrid. They’ve got the packing and organisational perks of a carry-on, but excel where wheeled luggage cannot, i.e. on gravel, cobblestone streets, and stairs.
The best travel packs are lightweight. Despite being light they still match carry-on dimensions.
Look for panel loading styles rather than top-loading, built-in security features, lockable zippers rather than drawstrings and minimal hideaway straps.
A good travel pack should also sport an internal frame ensuring your comfort whilst carrying it.
ECH recommends: Rick Steves Carry on
Hand luggage restrictions can vary depending on which airline you are travelling with. Check out our tips to avoid hand luggage surprises and avoid paying extra charges.
The Wheeled Suitcase
The wheeled suitcase is essentially a scaled-up version of a carry-on. Look for styles that feature four durable swivel wheels and a telescopic handle for ease of mobility and organised packing compartments.
Since you will be checking this item, it is weight you will need to consider rather than size.
We recommend choosing a suitcase that measures 66cm in length. Anything larger and you’ll find the bag’s original weight will start to eat into your weight allowance of 20 kilos. The lightest checked luggage weighs in at around 3kg, however avoid anything over 4.5kg.
Whether you choose hard-sided or soft luggage is purely personal preference. Whilst hard-sided bags offer greater protection and better security, soft bags are usually lighter and can flex and compress to conform to different spaces.
For an additional functionality perk, choose a bag with a strap and quick release buckle at the top. This will enable you to attach your carry-on, allowing you to move both with one hand.
ECH recommends: Tripp four-Wheel Suitcase
The Duffel Bag
A fourth bag may seem excessive but it is always good to have a duffel in your arsenal. These bags are lightweight and easily transportable. If you’re worried about weight limits on your flight a duffel bag allows you dedicate nearly the entire allowance to clothes and other items.
An empty duffel also folds up to a small size making it great for storability.
If you’re worried about carrying a larger bag, never fear duffels also come on wheels!
ECH recommends: EBags Mother Lode Wheeled Duffel
Other factors you may need to consider when you reach your destination are whether your suitcase will fit neatly into the boot of your rental car, and whether you have expandable options for souvenirs. You may also want to consider choosing your luggage in a particular pattern or colour to make it easily identifiable.
Are there any particular features you look for in a piece of luggage or a brand you would recommend? Let us know by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, head to our packing guide for a few nifty tips and tricks to help you pack more efficiently!
You have given good advice. Hold luggage I have seen a two in one a hard case attached to a soft case but conforms to size. Soft luggage for either hold or cabin gives more flex for squeezing into awkward places and are lighter also many have wheels attached. If you have breakables put them in boxes either cardboard or plastic wrapped in bubble wrap or similar impact absorbing material. If there is still room in the box add other items to max the space available