Choosing the right type of luggage is one of the most underrated travel decisions — the wrong bag costs you time, money and nerves. Hard or soft, four wheels or two, suitcase or backpack — each option has its place. Let's work out which one is for you and how to choose one that lasts for years.
🧳 Hard vs soft suitcase
A hard suitcase (polycarbonate, ABS) protects fragile items better and is water-resistant, but offers less flexibility — it can't "stretch" when overpacked. A soft suitcase (nylon, polyester) is lighter, has external pockets and squeezes into a narrow closet easily.
For frequent flyers and fragile items — hard; for those who cram bags and value outer pockets — soft. Weight matters too: a lighter case leaves you more room for belongings within the baggage limit — see the baggage fees savings guide.
📏 Size — carry-on, medium or large
- Cabin size (55×40×23 cm): 1-3 day trips, savings on low-cost — see carry-on luggage rules
- Medium (60-70 cm): 4-7 days, the most versatile size
- Large (75+ cm): 1+ week or family travel
- Remember: a big suitcase tempts you to overpack — you'll exceed the weight limit easily
🎒 When a backpack is better
A backpack is ideal where wheels won't help — cobblestoned old towns, hiking routes, frequent moves between cities. Your hands stay free and stairs are no longer a problem.
The downside — carrying weight on your back is tiring over long distances. If you mostly move from hotel to city center, a wheeled case is better. For mixed routes, a cabin-size backpack is the sweet spot; for that, the hand luggage only tips come in handy.
🛞 Wheels, lock and details
- Four wheels (spinner): ideal on flat floors, spins easily in the airport
- Two wheels: better on rough surfaces, less prone to breaking
- TSA lock: essential for travel to the US — opens without the customs key
- Handle and straps: a sturdy telescopic handle lasts the longest
✅ Tips before you buy
Buy one quality suitcase instead of several cheap ones — a broken wheel or zipper ruins a trip. Check the warranty and consider color: a bright or bold suitcase is easy to spot on the baggage belt.
Before you pack, read the suitcase packing guide to use the space to the maximum. To plan trips and find cheap flights, use the Travel365 price calendar.
Airline carry-on dimensions vary slightly — before buying, check the limit of the airline you fly with most often.
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