This is a longer issue than usual.
Feel free to skim for what you need.
People ask me all the time, "What's the best luggage?"
Here's the truth. There is no best luggage. There's only the best luggage for you. The one that creates the least friction and lets you get where you're going without
overthinking it.
But here's the catch. There are so many different types of luggage that the whole process gets overwhelming fast. And what's worse? It's really easy to pick the wrong type for how you actually travel.
So in this issue, I'm breaking down the main types of luggage and when each one makes sense. That way, you can pick the one that fits your style and stop second-guessing it.
Let's get into it.
Hard-Sided vs. Soft-Sided
If you want something tough and you know you can consistently meet airline luggage restrictions, go with hard-sided luggage. It protects your stuff and holds its shape.
But if you want something more flexible, soft-sided is the way to go. It's
more expandable, so you can squeeze in extra things when you need to. And it tends to handle the wear and tear of travel a little better over time.
Four Wheels (Spinner) vs. Two Wheels (Roller Bag)
If your luggage isn't too heavy and you like the ability to turn on a dime in the airport, go with a four-wheeler. It rolls in every direction and makes navigating crowded terminals way easier.
Now, if you plan to be rough on your luggage or you're going to be walking on uneven surfaces like cobblestone streets, go with two wheels. I've also found that when luggage is really heavy, two wheels are actually easier to maneuver. They tilt back and roll behind you instead of sliding around on four wheels.
Duffel Bags
I'll be honest. Duffel bags don't really do it for me. They're large, and carrying them around puts asymmetric weight on your body, which gets uncomfortable fast. That said, if you're just looking for something for a
quick weekend trip, they can work in a pinch.
Backpacks
If you're
going to be taking a lot of stairs or your trip is on the shorter side, a backpack is the way to go. It keeps your hands free, distributes weight evenly, and makes you way more mobile. For short trips, sometimes a backpack is all you need.
Hiking Backpacks
If you're planning a trip with serious outdoor activities or multi-day hikes, get a hiking backpack. These are built differently than regular travel backpacks. They're made to carry heavier loads comfortably over long distances with padded hip belts, support frames, and ventilated back panels. Hiking backpacks are
also great if you're moving between cities a lot or staying in hostels.
When to Check Luggage
Now that some basic economy fares charge over $100 just to check a bag, I am firmly on team carry-on. It saves money and you skip the baggage carousel entirely.
But if you're going to be out of the country for a long time, maybe a month or so, I'd consider checking luggage.
At that point, you probably need the extra space and it's worth the cost.
Three Tricks to Make Luggage Easier
No matter what type you choose, do yourself a favor and add these to your routine.
Carry extra locks. You never know when you'll need to temporarily leave your luggage somewhere. Maybe you're checking out of your hotel but still want to go sightsee. Or
you arrive at your accommodation early and don't want to haul everything around with you. A lock gives you peace of mind.
Tag your luggage inside and outside. If your outer tag gets ripped off (and it happens), an inside tag means your bag can still find its way back to
you.
Hide AirTags in your luggage. Put them somewhere that's not easily visible or findable. If your bag ever goes missing, you'll know exactly where it is.
That's the breakdown. Pick the luggage that matches how you actually travel, not what some influencer tells you is "the best." The right choice is the one that makes your trip smoother.
Keep traveling,
Andrew
Are you team carry-on only, or do you still check bags? I want to hear your reasoning.