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- A Buyer's Guide - |
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(This is an excerpt from an article appearing in Travelware magazine
in 1998. It's still valid today.)
How should a traveller select among the many available
styles and prices of luggage? Many pieces, may appear
to be similar until the price tag is examined. How does
one tell the difference between a $200 garment bag and
one that costs $90?
Michelle Marini Pittenger, of the Travel Goods Association
(TGA), offers some advice for travellers: When purchasing
luggage, consumers need to make informed decisions about
the materials used in constructing a piece, the type
of hardware used, and the organizational features which
give a piece versatility. They may also want to consider
new design aspects of luggage, such as "transformer" bags
which begin as one bag and end up as another, piggyback
bags where one bag is attached to another by a zipper,
or special luggage packing systems which are designed
to organize clothes and keep them wrinkle-free. A purchaser
will also need to consider whether they prefer soft
or hard-sided luggage. This choice may be a personal
preference, but the decision may be influenced by what
the traveller intends to pack. For example, if fragile
items and breakable equipment are frequently packed,
hard-sided luggage may be the better choice. Travellers,
though, should also be aware that soft-sided luggage
is available in puncture and tear-resistant fabrics,
such as Cordura nylon and ballistic nylon.
Below is a list of items to consider when purchasing
luggage.
Suitcases, Pullmans or Pullmans Suitcases range
in size from 24" to 36" and are available in three main
constructions: hard-sided, semi-soft, and soft-sided.
- Hard-sided -- Providing maximum protection
against impact from the outside, they generally have
the added security of combination or key locks. Many
hard-sided cases have wheels and pull straps.
- Semi-soft cases -- Partially framed with
soft, slightly expandable tops and bottoms, they are
lighter in weight than hard-sided cases, yet offer
good protection of contents. These, too, often have
wheels and pull-straps.
- Soft-sided cases -- Shaped by the way they
are cut and sewn, but usually with stiffeners or partial
frames to help them hold their shape, they are lightweight
and the most expandable, but offer less resistance
to crushing or impact from the outside than cases with
more solid construction. Soft-sided cases are closed
with zippers.
Carry-ons are small suitcases, sometimes called "underseaters" because
they are designed to fit underneath the seat on a plane.
Carry-ons vary in size, but generally do not exceed
22" and are designed for short trips. Many feature inside
and outside pockets, more than one packing compartment,
and shoulder straps as well as handles. Carry-ons are
made in any of the three suitcase constructions.
Totes and Casual Bags are casual, all-purpose
bags which are smaller than carry-ons and come in a
wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some totes are designed
for travel and match a full line of luggage. The simplest
totes look like open-top shopping bags made of fabric
or leather. Other totes might feature zippered, waterproof
pockets, expandable bottoms, and shoulder straps. Totes
can be used every day, as well as for carry-on necessities,
as beach bags, or as day bags while travelling.
Garment Bags are designed to enable travellers
to pack their clothes on hangers. Garment bags are designed
to hold two to four garments. Garment bags range in
length from 40" for men's suits, to 54" for women's
dresses, and many can expand to 60" for evening clothes.
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| MATERIALS |
| Nylon or natural fibers -- Is nylon,
vinyl, or natural fibers used as the primary covering
and trim? How strong is the fiber? What is the denier
of the bag? Which urethane coating has been applied to
protect the bag? Is the nylon supported by other material
such as nylon taffeta or vinyl? Is the bag constructed
of ballistic nylon? |
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Nylon is a strong, light-to-medium weight abrasion-resistant
material used for both coverings and linings. The fabric
is marked according to thickness of fiber, or denier.
The higher the denier, the stronger the fiber.
For durahbility, nylon luggage should be a minimum
400 denier, woven in a tight construction. If the denier
is less than 400, other material such as nylon taffeta
or heavy-duty vinyl (to add to its strength) should
support it. Nylon has great fashion versatility as it
can be woven in many patterns, including tweeds and
jacquards. Urethane coatings--water and stain repellents--are
applied to the nylon fabric surface to sustain the bag's
appearance. Ballistic nylon is a durable and tear-resistant
fabric commonly used in better luggage. The term ballistic
connotes a sturdy nylon weave that is similar to the
fabric used in bulletproof vests.
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| Leather -- Is the bag "top-grain" or
full-grain" leather? Is the leather less expensive because
it is "split" or processed leather? Leather is widely
used for luggage and business cases and comes in different
qualities. Less expensive leather is more likely to show
wear and have more finish to hide imperfections. |
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Leather is used in luggage construction
both as coverings and trim. It comes in different types,
with different names and expectations. |
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Genuine Leather -- Top grain or full grain
leather is the outermost layer of the skin. It is the
most desirable material because of its durability, strength
and ability to take finish. Plus, the original animal
grain markings craft a distinctive personal piece.
Splits -- The underlayers of a hide are known
as "splits" because these layers are split off from
under the top grain. They usually have a surface treatment
simulating the color and grain of top grain. Processed
-- Processed leather is one type of skin or hide made
to look like another type, such as calfskin with alligator
markings. Leather scraps that are pulverized and bonded
with glue are sometimes called "bonded leather" or "laminated
leather."
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| Plastics and Metals |
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Hard-sided cases are usually made of materials
such as polypropylene, ABS plastics, or metal; or box-constructed
cases with metal or wood frames on all six sides, covered
with leather, vinyl or fabric. |
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Molded Materials -- Injection molded
cases are made by pouring molten plastic (usually polypropylene)
into a cavity to make a hard seamless shell. Vacuum-formed
cases take a sheet of plastic (usually ABS, or Acrylonitrile
Butadiene Styrene), heat it, and suck it down into a
dye. These cases usually have a vinyl copy sheet which
allows for greater variety in surface appearance and
are extremely durable. |
| Vinyl -- Vinyl, a moderately priced
plastic material, is used for both coverings and trims.
Available in a wide range of colors, the material has
strong stain-resistance, and can be wiped clean. Vinyl
is sometimes treated to resemble leather--check the labeling
on the product. |
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| EDGES |
| Edges -- Are the edges
turned, bound, welted or burnished? Does the edge offer
protection and attractiveness to the bag? |
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Edges protect the sides
of a piece of luggage. There are four basic types of
finishing edges, offering both good protection and an
attractive appearance. |
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Turned edges --
One surface where materials meet is turned completely
over all the other edges. |
| Bound edges -- A separate material
is sewn completely over all the edges. |
| Welt edges -- A material is sewn
between the seams and covers all edges. |
| Burnished edges -- All edges are
cut off uniformly, then colored, and polished. |
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| HARDWARE |
| Zippers --
How is the zipper constructed? Is it manufactured using
polyester coils, continuous molding, or brass? Will it
self-repair? How is the zipper applied to the bag? Is
the size of the zipper relative to the size of the bag?
How durable is the zipper? |
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Construction, application
and size are important elements in zipper longevity.
Zippers are manufactured in three basic constructions: |
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Polyester coils --
Made by weaving or sewing the nylon coil to the tape.
These zippers do not have individual teeth and can take
a great deal of pressure. If they do pop open, they can
be rezoned and "healed." |
| Continuous molded zippers -- Which
do have teeth, are also woven or sewn onto tapes and
are extremely durable. |
| Nylon zippers can be dyed to match
luggage and leather. |
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Brass and other metal zippers -- Made by feeding
a woven tape through a chain machine that crimps individual
teeth onto the tape.
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| Locks --
Is the lock made of plastic or metal? Is there a built-in
combination lock? Is the lock mounted using a prong screw,
or rivet? |
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Built-in combination locks are most often found on
hard-sided luggage. Padlocks and key locks that attach
to zipper pulls are used on soft and semi-soft constructions.
To determine a lock's construction, open it and look
at the underside; if it is stamped, you will see the
places where the parts are joined.
The way a lock is mounted on a case is an important
element of its durability. Locks are mounted in three
ways: with prongs, screws, or rivets. The more screws
or rivets used, the more stable the application. Locks
should also be mounted straight so that the two parts
meet properly.
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Metal
lock constructions include: |
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Solid brass --
Solid mass of metal often plated for appearance or durability. |
| Die-cast locks --
Metal such as zinc or steel, often plated for appearance
and durability. |
| Stamped hardware --
A flat piece of metal that is bent into a desired shape. |
| Plastic locks -- Made of polypropylene
or nylon, plastic locks have become popular for their
durability and rust-resistance. |
| Wheels --
Are the wheels retractable or removable? Do the wheels
provide stability and improved handling? Does the bag
offer ball-bearing wheels? How are the wheels attached
to the bag? Do the number of wheels correspond to the
bag's size? |
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Wheels
maximize maneuverability and minimize damage to the bottom
of the case. They are attached to frames with metal backplates
and rivets or screws. Wheels are sometimes retractable
or removable. Two and four-wheeled systems are available
to ensure rolling stability and improve handling. |
| Handles |
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The handle on a piece of
luggage is one of the most important elements. The most
durable handle -- mounted using metal or metal-reinforced
bases with a number of rivets, screws, or prongs attached
to the frame of the case itself --increases the load-bearing
area. Handle systems housed inside a bag are least likely
to sustain damage. Some companies offer recessed handle
systems that include single-handed push button release
and a recessed handle cup that reduces the possibility
of damage. |
| Corners |
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Corners and feet
protect luggage from damage. They are often reinforced
with metal, leather or vinyl. |
| Pull-straps |
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Pull-straps are
frequently attached to suitcases with wheels. These,
too, should be mounted with solid hardware and reinforced
backing to prevent damage. |
| Shoulder Straps |
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Shoulder straps,
many of which are detachable, are mounted at a bag's
stress points. Strong hardware and reinforced mounting
areas protect shoulder straps from tearing off or snapping
out. Gripper pads keep straps from sliding off the shoulders. |
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| ORGANIZATIONAL
FEATURES |
| Is there an accordion
pleat or gusset on the sides of the bag for more flexibility
and accessible storage space? Are there outside pockets?
Does the bag or case contain a packing system for neat
and wrinkle-free packing? Are mesh pocket dividers available?
Does the bag have wetpacks for storage of wet and soiled
garments? |
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Luggage
is designed to anticipate a variety of needs. One of
the keys to satisfaction is the extent to which each
item helps travellers organize, and get ready access
to their possessions. |
- Gussets -- An accordion pleat on the sides
of a case or pocket creates more flexibility and accessible
storage space.
- Wetpacks -- Wetpacks allow easy storage for
wet and soiled garments.
- Mesh pocket dividers -- Accessibility and
visibility are two advantages of using mesh pocket
dividers.
- Outside pockets -- Outside pockets allow
travellers to reach items they need without opening
the case and increase packing options.
- Packing systems -- Nylon and mesh envelopes
in various sizes include rigid folding boards for neat
and wrinkle-free packing.
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| Copyright © 1998-99. Travel Goods Association |
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