Suitcases

A suitcase doesn't stay on its wheels for the whole trip. You may have to carry it up stairs, lift it into a car trunk, or find space for it on a train. Flying brings size and weight limits into the picture, too. So think about your route, not just how much you plan to pack.

What Size Suitcase Should You Choose?

Size labels XS, S, M, L, and XL are useful guides, but actual dimensions and capacity vary by brand and collection.

For traveling light, start with compact XS and S models. Size S is often chosen for carry-on luggage, but check the airline's size limits before buying. Wheels, handles, and other protruding parts count toward the overall dimensions.

If you need more room, consider medium-sized M suitcases. Large L models work well for bulky winter clothing, longer trips, or shared luggage for two. Don't rush into XL, though: extra space is easy to fill, and you'll still have to lift a heavy suitcase yourself.

Compare capacity in liters, external dimensions, and the suitcase's empty weight. For flights, check your airline's baggage limits and weigh your packed suitcase before leaving.

Planning to bring home a few purchases? An expandable suitcase can help. Compare its depth and capacity both before and after expansion. The extra space may push your bag beyond the airline's size allowance.

Hard-Shell or Soft-Sided Suitcase?

Hard-shell suitcases retain their shape and offer better protection against crushing. Their surfaces are generally easy to wipe clean after a trip, although scratches and scuffs are still part of normal use.

Soft-sided models have a little more give when packing. Many feature exterior pockets, which come in handy when you need to grab small items along the way. The trade-off is less protection against pressure, while stains on fabric may take more effort to remove.

Both types are suitable for air travel. The better choice depends on what you're packing, how you prefer to organize your belongings, and how often you need access to them during the trip.

Common hard-shell materials include polypropylene, polycarbonate, and ABS. Polypropylene is often used for lightweight, flexible shells. Polycarbonate can also flex slightly under pressure, while ABS is found in many more affordable models. Still, suitcases made from the same material can differ considerably in weight, construction, and overall finish.

Aluminum suitcases are easy to recognize by their distinctive metal shells. They're generally heavier than plastic models and often use latches instead of zippers. Over time, the surface can pick up scratches and small dents.

Two Wheels or Four – Which Is Better?

A four-wheel suitcase is easy to roll beside you across smooth airport, train station, or hotel floors. Swiveling wheels let you change direction and move the suitcase sideways through narrow spaces.

A two-wheel suitcase rolls behind you at an angle. Models with relatively large wheels recessed partly into the shell can be easier to manage on cobblestones and uneven pavement. Wheel size matters just as much as wheel count.

On stairs, the advantages of wheels disappear – you'll have to lift the suitcase. That's where top and side carrying handles come in, along with an extra grip underneath on some models. Pay particular attention to these handles when choosing a large suitcase.

Check how high the telescopic handle extends. It's not meant for lifting a fully packed suitcase – use the carrying handles on the body instead.

If you travel often, it's worth finding out whether the wheels and handles can be replaced. Repair options and spare parts availability vary by brand and collection.

What to Look for Inside a Suitcase

Suitcases can be arranged quite differently inside. Some open into two halves, while others have one deep packing compartment beneath a lid.

A two-sided layout makes it easier to separate clothing and shoes. Compression straps and zippered dividers are common features. The drawback is that you need enough room to open both halves fully, which isn't always convenient in a small hotel room.

A deep compartment can be better for bulky items. When shopping online, look at photos of the suitcase fully open. Two models with the same capacity can have very different compartment shapes and layouts.

If you need a suitcase with a laptop compartment, check the compartment dimensions, padding, and whether you can take out your laptop without opening the main packing area.

Most suitcases close with zippers. Expandable models have an additional zipper, while some hard-shell cases use latches. Consider how easily the closures operate and the quality of the hardware.

For trips through airports that use the Travel Sentry system, a TSA-accepted lock can be useful. It allows security officers to open the suitcase with a special tool without damaging the lock.

Two suitcases can look almost identical yet carry very different price tags. The difference isn't always down to the brand or shell material – compare empty weight, wheel and handle construction, interior layout, and warranty terms.

At Koffer.UA stores in Kyiv, you can open a suitcase, roll it around, and compare it with other models. You can also order online for delivery anywhere in Ukraine. Products come with official manufacturer warranties, and it's best to check availability before visiting if you have a particular model in mind.