Hard luggage is a good alternative to soft luggage, especially for people transporting fragile items or electronics. The hard shell will protect the items from impacts that commonly occur as luggage is transported from cars to trains or airplanes. Choosing the best hard luggage starts with determining your needs while keeping in mind the storage methods of trains and airplanes. Many travelers have begun using much smaller pieces of luggage to act as carry-on luggage rather than checking a bag; checked bags often require paying a fee, so people try to avoid this using carry-on luggage.
If you fall into this category, you will need to choose hard luggage that will fit in the limited space in the overhead bins on airplanes. Find out what the typical dimensions are for storage in such bins and make sure the luggage you choose will fit these dimensions. Remember that hard luggage will not yield the way soft luggage will, so you will need to choose the dimensions of the luggage more carefully than you would if you were buying soft luggage.
Choose hard luggage with wheels and a telescoping handle. This will make transport through airport terminals or hotel lobbies much simpler. The handle should some lock into place when in use, and it should be durable enough to support the weight of the bag during transport. The wheels should be made of a durable material that will last a long time and provide stability during use. Gel wheels can cut down on noise when the bag is rolling, though they can wear out more quickly than hard plastic wheels. When the bag is sitting upright, it should be stable and should avoid tipping over unexpectedly, even with the wheels touching the ground.
The hard casing will not add too much weight to the unit, though it will add some weight. Be sure to test the weight of the hard luggage you are considering to ensure it is lightweight and durable. some luggage will come in sets with several pieces of luggage instead of just one. You will be able to choose from several sizes of bags to accommodate your travel needs; this is a good way to ensure your needs are met, and sets are usually less expensive than buying each unit individually.
