If you are investing in luggage, you want it to not only look good, but also last a long time and be easy to carry.

Below are the top 9 things I learnt you need to know before you buy some good luggage.

1. You need to know about the frame

The frame is like the chassis of the bag, and can affect it in 3 ways: its shape, its strength and its weight.

Obviously the best combination is something that keeps it shape, is very strong, but is also lightweight. Traditionally frames have been made of aluminium or wood, which are strong but heavy. However today’s luggage can come with moulded plastic or fibreglass frames, which can be just as strong but make the luggage much lighter to carry.

2. You need to know about the construction

It is all about the quality of the seams and the joints, as this is where the wear and tear is going to show. Look for reinforced strips along the seams, and lock stitching, which means if one stitch on the seam comes loose, the one next to it will not. Also look for reinforced joints where the seams meet, it is best if these are covered with something hard wearing like leather or metal.

3. You need to know about the material

Like when thinking about the frame, what material the luggage is made from will be a compromise between how strong and protective it is, compared to how heavy the it is.

Much luggage today is made from nylon, which is tough and lightweight. Ballistic nylon is the best quality, but can be expensive, and Cordura nylon is cheaper but not as protective. Leather is also very popular and a classic “look” for luggage, but to get the best quality, harder wearing leather, called top or full grain, it can be very expensive.

Also, now you can get luggage made out of modern ABS plastics, these shell-like cases, popular with manufactures like Samsonite, are very tough, and quite lightweight, but are very bulky.

4. You need to know about waterproofing

You would think that most people do not plan to get their luggage wet, but there are some situations where it is unavoidable, such as when you are hiking and camping. Much luggage today will be treated to be waterproof, or at least shower-proof. But do not worry if luggage is advertised as waterproof but does not look it, often it will have been treated on the inside, so even though the outside can get drenched, you things will stay dry.

5. You need to know how it opens and closes

It might seem like an unimportant factor, but when it comes to how you open and close your luggage, the quicker and easier the better. Most times when you are carrying your luggage you are on the move to and from your destination – if you need to open your luggage quickly you will be glad when it is easy to do. The best is zippers, both because they can be quick, take a lot of strain (modern ones anyway), plus they can be easier to repair if they do break.

6. You need to know about locks

Being able to lock your suitcase is an obvious bonus. Some luggage come with padlocks already, or you will need to purchase a lock separately.

If you do have to purchase a lock separately, firstly check it will fit your luggage (check the it is not too thick to attach), plus check it will actually lock (for example, zippers will need to be two-way, so you can connect them together).

The last thing to consider is keys or combination – are you the type of person who loses keys or forgets combination numbers?

7. You need to know about handles and straps

There are two main factors when considering handles, are they well constructed, and are they comfortable?

Also think about how you want to carry your luggage. If you get luggage you carry by hand, look for extra padding and comfort. The same with shoulder straps, plus make sure they are wide for extra comfort.

For luggage with a pull out handle and wheels, go for one that locks the handle in place once extended, otherwise you will get annoyed with it retracting every time you let go.

8. You need to know about wheels

Luggage that has wheels can make life much easier when you are on even ground.

If you go for wheels, with larger luggage it is better to have four wheels, as it will be more stable, but two wheels will be fine for smaller luggage.

Also, check that the wheels are well protected as they could get damaged in transit if not. Luggage with wheels that don’t work is a waste of money.

9. You need to know about extra gadgets and features

Some luggage are very basic, just a single compartment, while other luggage come with detachable day bags or a multitude of compartments.

If the luggage has a special feature, make sure you really need it before you pay the premium to have it.

Limited discount at Luggage Online for Mobal Members!

Luggage Online are offering an extra 10% discount and free shipping to Mobal Members until March 5th 2007, when you quote code LS77JF (box for code is in Step3 of their ordering process)

(Offer excludes TUMI and Briggs and Riley products.)

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