Lightweight suitcases

Since the days of the travel “trunk,” we have come along way in improving ways to transport out belonging when going on a trip.  Suitcases come in many shapes and sizes; some with handles, some with wheels, some you carry on your back, and some still, are better off being ferried around in a cart.

Since the ubiquitous modern suitcase has a retractable handle and wheels, the traveler can move it about with relative ease around the airport terminal and sidewalks. One, perhaps, wouldn’t normally expect to consider its weight an issue… but when your suitcase is full of shoes, parcels and other belongings, its weight can add up quickly, especially for a larger suitcase.  Most seasoned travelers can attest to the fact that there are stairs to climb with your suitcase, car trunks to lift it into, shuttle buses to drag it into, and luggage racks to lift it onto.  Funny how the floor height bus racks get filled first!

When shopping for a suitable suitcase, it’s worth noting that the models in the store that we are inspecting are empty, and we don’t always think to consider how heavy it might be under full load; especially the larger suitcases. You may be busily considering the style, color, or the price (of course). All are valid considerations, but lightweight suitcases can be affordable, and are available in many styles and colors.

Typically a cheaper quality suitcase will have a heavier canvas or nylon style fabric covering, which may seem like a light fabric, but it has little to no structure and has to be heavily reinforced with steel which can add to its weight. This won’t help you much with the suitcase weight restriction rules imposed by airlines. I know I’ve stood there in the airport terminal, bent over my opened overweight suitcase, trying to determine what to throw out and what to keep.

Typical, genuinely lightweight suitcases will have an ”engineered to be lightweight and durable” nylon or polyester fabric covering.  The frames will be a honeycomb structure, and as well some manufacturers will use graphite to help reduce weight.  Leather luggage provides the ultimate is looks and class, but it won’t help your sore back one bit.

Hard shell polycarbonate abs lightweight suitcases are a great option for keeping the weight down as well.  The shell is the structure and the unique blend of the two afore mentioned shell construction materials give it a flexible impact resistance while being able to retain its structure and rigidity.

Having a lightweight “carry on” suitcase is easily just as important as having a lightweight standard suitcase, if not more.  This is the one bag that you will have to lift over your head into the storage compartment of an airplane.  If you can get away with a shoulder bag as carry on, and don’t require the size or structural rigidity of a larger carry on “suitcase” you may be better off.  Some folks, however, pack their entire belongings for the trip into their carry on bag, so a proper, quality lightweight suitcase is essential.