Buying Luggage
Here are a few tips on what features to look for when purchasing luggage:
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Wheels: Look for wheels that have a wide track, a bearing system, and are recessed into the actual frame of the bag.
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Fabric: "Denier" only measures the weight of the thread. The higher the number, the heavier the thread. Most solid materials like nylons or polyesters will hold up better in the seams than blended fabrics.
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Ballistic: "Ballistic" indicates the material uses a basket-type of weave in the fabric and usually resists tearing. Don't be fooled by manufacturers that say "ballistic type" ; These are not usually true basket-style weaves.
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Frames: Most soft-sided luggage uses a narrow metal band for the main support and then uses thin polypropylene (plastic) boots on the rest of the bag to give structure. Better frames are called "honeycomb memory frames." They use a highly resilient corrugated plastic that is much wider and will flex instead of bending and breaking unlike common frames.
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Pull Handles: Look for recessed handles that are not exposed to damage. The exception are bags made by Briggs & Riley, which address the problems of exterior handle systems. Thicker tubing is desirable.
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Zippers: Look for name brand-name zippers like YKK. Larger zippers generally have longer lives and are easier to use.
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Size: Buy the sizes that will best suit your needs for future trips as opposed to buying for one particular trip. The most popular sizes are 26" upright, 22" upright, and tote.
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