9️⃣ Buy a matching luggage set ✔️
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| Samsonite Oc2lite |
My research had me down to choosing a hard case between Delsey and Samsonite, but cost was going to be the final factor. Since 2009 American Tourister is also owned by Samsonite, although they are both the same company the suitcases differ quite a bit.
My final decision was:
💙Samsonite Oc2lite Hard case💙
Turquoise Blue 81cm large case plus the 55cm International on-board.
It is also available in 68cm and 75cm so I am thinking of a midsize case while they are still available for domestic ventures.
When I was making my final decision Samsonite Oct2lite came out on sale for 50% off and ticked all my boxes. The bright Turquoise blue won’t be missed on the luggage carousel. However, the new dusty pink is very pretty, it is very feminine; and Heath said he is manly enough to push around a pink case lol.
💙Why the Oct2lite ticks all MY boxes💙
✔️Hard shell made from durable polypropylene is more durable in the light range, easier to clean, better in wet weather or snow as they are waterproof; plus they won’t absorb smells.
✔️Polypropylene is not as durable as polycarbonate, a thermoplastic that contains carbon, but it does still have some of the same features and provides good protection in as lightweight form as possible. ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is a common thermoplastic, is lighter than polycarbonate but not as durable.
✔️With a hard-case there also less chance of fragile items being crushed. Stronger when loaded with 10 cases on top as can happen on cruise ships
✔️Comes with a 14L expander section for more storage, for extra shopping.
✔️The newly added side lugs not only protect the hinges when the case is open, but also double as hooks when the case is upright, so you can have your hands free in important moments.
✔️The grab handles are a retractable “d" shape and folds down flat on top and side of the bag, making the case easy to lift. The side handle is open to place the barcode tag at the airport. I have been caught out with a side pouch handle in a soft case and all tags have to go on the handle on top of the case.
✔️Most hard suitcases have four 360 degree spinner wheels so you can go forwards, backwards and sideways with ease and it walks with you. Great ability to roll your case sideways to move down tight aisles on a train.
✔️The best spinners have four “paired” wheels. If one wheel breaks or snaps off you still have another to get you home. Baggage handlers also like these because they don't have to throw the case down the plane when loading.
✔️ The multi-stage telescopic handle adjusts to any height for comfortable maneuvering. I like to sit my carryon bag on top, preferably with a strap handle and with 4 wheels I don’t have to drag the extra weight or drag along 2 cases. I also already have a smaller turquoise beach/carry bag I use.
✔️Better security than soft-sided baggage because it can’t be ripped open as easily and the anti-theft double zips that add to the security of the recessed TSA lock. The double zip stops thieves opening the case with a pen in the zip.
✔️Better security due to their lack of external pockets means that someone can’t simply unzip a compartment and take your belongings or worse yet stash drugs.
✔️Finally a 50/50 split with a side hinge. My old clamshell had a horizontal hinge so I could never use luggage racks in hotel rooms.
✔️The top half is a zipped compartment so it’s excellent for getting organised. I place my clothes in the bottom half and pack my shoes and toiletries in the zipped section. I find this provides a more a tapered and balanced weight so my suitcase doesn’t topple over.
✔️I like to use packing cubes or vacuum bags depending on how long or where I am travelling. All your smalls are zipped up and secure. We did travel to Europe once for 6 weeks with only 20kg each with temperatures ranging from 3oC to 45oC so vacuum bags was a must.
Disadvantages of hard cases:
✖️Little to no flexibility
✖️Soft sided cases are somewhat squashable and may fit into tight spots on trains or in the boot of a car.
✖️Soft sides cases are better for squeezing into overhead lockers. However I prefer to have an under seat bag where possible.
✖️Takes up more storage space than a soft-shell suitcase
✖️Lack of pockets and compartments
