What’s in a bag?
A lot especially if you are trying to pick out something you can use as a carry on bag. While many people think that just any bag will do when travelling, it actually pays to choose the best carry on luggage. With the right bag on hand you can have a stress free travel experience. Bags come in all shapes and sizes. Not to mention that each one has its own features as well. How exactly do you know which one will make the best carry on? There are a few things that should be kept in mind when searching for the best carry on luggage.
One of the first few things to consider is size. Yes, size does matter especially with carry on bags. Most airlines have a specific size for bags which are allowed inside the plane. More often than not it will have to be 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and about 9 inches high. This will allow the bag to fit in the overhead compartment or under the chair. A bag of this size should be able to accommodate enough items for 1-4 days of travel depending on what you put in it.
The next thing to consider will be the material that the luggage is made from. Bags can be made from either fiberglass or plastic for hard shelled bags. These bags are great for fragile items although it may be quite heavy. Soft bags are usually made from fabric and can easily be folded and stored. However, it does not offer any type or protection for the items stored in it. The best carry on luggage is a semi-soft bag made from nylon. This material is soft enough allowing the bag to conform to the shape of the compartment. At the same time, it is not too soft so items inside will still be protected. It is also lighter than a hard shelled bag.
Lastly, when choosing the best carry on luggage extra features need to be considered. Organizing items in a bag can be difficult so it will be best to pick luggage with compartments and pockets. This applies for both the inside and the outside of the bag. In case you plan to travel with fragile items, it may be good to pick something with padding on the inside too.
Also, the type of zipper a bag has counts as well. Metal teeth zippers are more durable than plastic coiled ones. It also pays to have lockable zippers. This means having two zippers which can be secured by a pad lock to keep things safe. Lastly, pick something that will be easy to haul around. A number of carry on bags do have wheels but it may not be very practical. The wheels may get in the way inside the compartment or under the chair. A better alternative to a bag with wheels is a bag with a shoulder strap. This is easily detachable and will still make carrying your luggage easier for you.