Luggage Buying Guide
from Overstock.comA good piece of luggage makes traveling so much easier, because when your suitcase is organized, you feel like your life is in order. Here are some tidbits from our luggage buying guide to help you find the perfect set of luggage.
When purchasing luggage you should ask yourself a few questions. How often will you be traveling? Why do you travel? Where will you be traveling? Then think about what kind of luggage you would be comfortable carrying. Knowing a little bit about the different types of luggage available also helps. Suitcases are the most common, but business cases, duffle bags, garment bags and backpacks are also useful.
Suitcases
While suitcases come in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, most fall into one of three categories: hard-sided, soft-sided and semi-soft.
Hard-sided suitcases provide maximum protection and durability. They are usually made of hard plastic or metal, which makes them difficult to expand.
On the other end you have soft-sided suitcases. These are easily expandable and lightweight, with many more options for exterior storage pockets. They won't provide as much impact protection as a hard-sided suitcase though.
In the middle you have semi-soft suitcases. These provide the best of both worlds - soft sides with a solid frame. They are easily expandable, and they provide more impact protection and security than soft-sided bags. They also weigh less than a hard-sided suitcase. Most of the suitcases and rolling luggage sold today fit into this category.
Other types of luggage
Carry on luggage is any suitcase or bag that is small enough to fit under the seat on a plane. That means it is usually no larger than 22 inches. Carry on luggage can also be soft-sided, hard-sided, or semi-soft.
Duffle bags are large, roomy soft-sided bags. They are great for storing sports apparel and equipment. Today you can find duffle bags with wheels and pull-out handles for easy maneuvering through crowded airports.
Business cases are large briefcases designed to hold a laptop and important papers. They are designed to have a professional appearance and are usually made of leather. Many also have enough room to hold a change of clothes for an overnight stay.
Garment bags allow travelers to keep their clothes on hangers. A folding garment bag is easy to carry and helps avoid the need for excessive ironing on your vacation. You can even get garment carriers that allow you to hang 10 or more articles of clothing. Men's garment bags are usually 40 inches long for suits, while most women's are 54 inches for dresses. They can also be found in 60-inch lengths for evening clothes.
Backpacks are a little more casual, for those shorter trips where you will be doing a lot of walking outdoors. Rolling backpacks are also available.
Luggage materials
Most luggage pieces are made of nylon, polyester or leather. Probably the strongest type of nylon used in luggage is ballistic nylon, which is a fabric developed by the United States Department of Defense. It is very durable and strong. Ripstop nylon is another common type that is strong and water-resistant.
If you are looking at a leather briefcase or bag, you want to make sure the leather is high-quality. Genuine (often called full-grain) leather is the strongest and best looking. It is durable and breathable, and it will age better than other lower-grade leathers.
Top-grain leather has been stamped, sanded and painted. Though the grain has been removed, it is still good quality, especially for the price. Suede and splits (the layers split off from under the top grain) are lower-quality leathers which are heavily treated to simulate full-grain leather.
Can I get a luggage set that will be easy to find at a baggage claim?
Most suitcases you see at baggage claim are black. Overstock.com has many luggage sets that come in multiple colors, so you can select one that will be easy to spot. To make it even more noticeable and unique, you can tie a short, colorful ribbon around the handle or stick some bright tape to the exterior of the suitcase.
What special features should I look for in a suitcase?
A detachable vinyl pouch saves space and is handy for holding toiletries and other things that could make a mess. Plus, you can take it out of the suitcase and leave it in the bathroom when you reach your destination. Shoe pockets are something else to look for, to keep your shoes from getting the rest of your clothes and things dirty.
Want a little more direction for your personal situation? Here are some ideas to help you be ready for your business trip, family vacation or globe trotting adventure.
Business traveler
Overstock.com has many full-grain leather briefcases that will protect your computer and keep your papers organized. If you need to stay longer than a day, we also have single upright carry-on suitcases with a special compartment for your laptop computer. You can avoid the check-in lines and still have enough room to pack for two or three days.
Family traveler
A luggage set would provide matching bags for each family member. Overstock.com has discounts on luggage sets ranging from two bags to five, so the kids could carry the small ones and Mom and Dad the big ones. We also have suitcases, duffle bags and backpacks in a variety of fun, bright colors the kids will love.
International traveler
Overstock.com has lots of 3-piece luggage sets that would be perfect for the international traveler. You get two bags to check in and one to carry on. With that much space you'll have room to bring back all sorts of souvenirs. Also, go to our book section to check out our huge selection of travel maps and guides to help you plan your trip.
Overstock.com makes it easy to find the perfect piece of luggage for your trips. Your new suitcases will keep you feeling at home around the globe, and you can relax knowing you got a great deal at Overstock.com.