While there are plenty of quality budget brands out there, the upper echelon in the world of luggage boasts features you simply can’t get with cheaper brands, along with durability that can last a lifetime. High-end luggage is less about stylish design and more about functionality, allowing you to keep your things organized and protected for whatever length of trip you’re going on.
The most highly prized pick in this category is the Tumi Alpha 3 International Carry-On, which offers quality materials and a range of pockets and compartments as well as unique features like Tumi Tracer. If you're ready to move beyond a cheap duffel and spring for a high-end suitcase or luggage set, there are a few things you should look for to make sure you get something that will meet your needs and hold up for years of travel.
What to know before you buy high-end luggage
Softside vs. hardside
The two main types of luggage are softside, which offers the convenience of external pockets and a bit more give when you stuff your bag full, and hardside, which can protect better against the elements and overzealous baggage handlers. The choice comes down to personal preference and whether you think you'll need the added protection hardside luggage provides. However, that doesn't mean softside luggage isn't durable, as many of the best choices out there are softside options. For more information, take a look at the full softside luggage buying guide from BestReviews.
Carry-on vs. checked bag
If you pack light, you can avoid having to wait at the baggage claim by purchasing a suitcase that meets your airline’s carry-on requirements. There are a lot of high-end bags that can be stored in the overhead compartment so you can keep everything in the cabin with you. Carry-on requirements vary by airline, and European carriers often have smaller allowances, so it’s good to do your research. Many American carriers allow up to 22 inches in height, but be warned that many brands don’t include the wheels in their measurements, so it might be best to stick to a 20-inch option unless you’re sure the dimensions are accurate.
Single suitcase vs. set
While most luggage is sold separately, it’s possible to buy a matching set, which can be advantageous for a variety of reasons. For one, everything will match, so it’ll be easy to keep track of which suitcases are yours. Second, it saves you the hassle of buying everything separately. Third, you may have some trips that are multiple weeks and others that are only a few days; a single suitcase might not meet your needs for both types of trip, so purchasing both a carry-on and checked suitcase at the same time means you’re prepared.
High-end luggage features
Spinner wheels
Upright luggage started out with two wheels, but this limited your mobility as you had to pull your bag through airports and heave it onto cramped escalators. The best modern options feature four independently moving spinner wheels. This feature ensures the bag won’t tip over when you let go of it and allows you to push it through the airport, saving your arms and shoulders some strain.
Internal and external pockets
There may be times when you want to grab something from your bag quickly, and it can be a hassle to set it down and open it up to find what you want. Luggage with external pockets allows you quick access to important items without needing to dig through the main compartment. Also pay attention to the number of internal pockets, which can keep you organized and keep shoes and toiletries away from clean shirts or dresses.
TSA-approved locks
It’s understandable that you want to protect your belongings, but you can’t just put any lock on your suitcase. If the TSA decides to inspect it and can’t get it open, they’ll cut your lock, which is why many high-end bags offer TSA-approved locks that can keep pickpockets out while allowing government officials to do their jobs.
High-end luggage cost
High-end choices are luggage that’s $500 or more. There are plenty of budget options out there, so if you want to save money on a suitcase, there’s no shortage of choices. If you want the top-of-the-line and are willing to pay for it, you can easily spend $1,000 or more.
High-end luggage FAQ
Do airlines care about how heavy my luggage is, or just its size?
A. While the dimensions of your suitcase are what's important when determining if it can be used as a carry-on, checked baggage is usually weighed to make sure it's not over the limit. Depending on the airline you're using, fees for exceeding the weight limit can be quite pricey. Make sure to weigh your bags before you go so you don't go over the limit; just because it all fits inside doesn't mean it isn't too much.
Is spinner luggage better for those with back and shoulder problems?
A. One of the big advantages of spinner luggage is that it can be gently pushed through the airport rather than being dragged. While every user is different, the simple fact that you can nudge it through tight spaces instead of whipping it around behind you may make the price difference worth it.
Which high-end luggage should I get?
Best of the best high-end luggage
Our take: Even among luxury suitcases, the Alpha 3 stands apart by offering a wealth of external and internal pockets, an integrated USB power port and a built-in garment sleeve for packing dress clothes, all in a bag small enough to be used as a carry-on.
What we like: Integrated TSA-approved locks allow you to lock both front and main compartments. Tumi Tracer technology helps track lost luggage. Expands up to 2 additional inches. Four spinner wheels and abrasion-proof ballistic nylon construction.
What we dislike: It's a bit heavy even when empty, but luckily there are a lot of other sizes available.
Best bang for your buck high-end luggage
Steve Madden Signature 6-Piece Luggage Set: available at Macy's
Our take: Different trips require different suitcases, which is why Steve Madden offers this set with six matching bags including both checked and carry-on suitcases along with a duffel, shoe bag, accessory kit and handbag.
What we like: Duffel and uprights feature telescoping handles. Shopper handbag and duffel have external zippered pockets while uprights offer durable hardside protection. Smaller bags are lightweight. Available in black or pink.
What we dislike: While this set is a bargain, the individual pieces are not best-in-class, so if you're willing to spend more and take the time to shop around, you could put together your own mix-and-match set of higher-quality items.
Honorable mention high-end luggage
Our take: Business travelers may become frustrated with how most suitcases leave their nice clothes wrinkled, which is why this bag is designed to protect suits and other garments with a variety of useful pockets and compartments.
What we like: Clamps for hangers and mesh pockets for ties and socks. Removable zip-in extender panel to prevent wrinkles from folding clothes. Unconditional lifetime guarantee covers damage repair and replacement.
What we dislike: This suitcase is too big to use as a carry-on with most airlines, so you'll have to wait at the baggage claim upon arrival.
Gregg Parker is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
"luggage" - Google News
September 24, 2021 at 01:23AM
https://ift.tt/3kALT4B
The best high-end luggage - Chicago Tribune
"luggage" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2MXqDoI
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar