Types of Luggage Explained: Size, Material, and Travel Style

Choosing a travel destination is hard, choosing a luggage may be even harder. There are so many types of luggage that it becomes difficult to pinpoint what the best one is for your travel needs. From carry-ons to checked bags, softside to hardside, and spinners to duffels, luggage comes in many forms. This guide breaks down the main types of luggage by size, material, mobility, and use, so you can choose the best option for your travel style.

Types of Luggage by Size & Use

Checked Luggage

Checked luggage is ideal for long trips where you need to pack more. Typically from 24 to 30 inches in height, these types of suitcases are designed to be stowed in the airplane’s cargo hold and can even have an expandable width. Medium checked luggage is roughly 24-26.5 inches whereas a large checked luggage is around 28.5-30 inches. Some additional features to look out for in a checked luggage include smooth-rolling spinner wheels, TSA-approved locks, and durable composition such as hard shell or soft sided. 

Pros 

• Spacious enough to fit everything you need and more for your trips
• No need to lug it around the airport (only after you get it from baggage claim)
• Great for travelling to places where you will be bringing plenty back home (ex. international travel)

Cons 

• Weight restrictions as most airlines have a standard weight limit of 50 pounds
• Additional costs to check in the bag and if the bag is overweight 
• Extra time needed to check in the bag and get it at luggage claim

What It’s Best For: Checked luggage is best for long vacations, family trips, or international travel. 

• Checked In Luggage
• Medium Check In Luggage
• Large Check In Luggage
• Expandable Luggages

Carry On Luggage

Carry On Luggages are small enough to bring onto an airplane to be stored in the overhead bin or under the seat. These bags are typically not more than 22 inches in height. Carry ons keep your essentials safe and close to you throughout your flight. These can range from small rolling suitcases, large backpacks, and even duffel bags. 

Carry ons are perfect for shorter trips and convenience when travelling by saving some time by avoiding baggage claim. Look out for bags with smart organization features such as pockets and compression straps. If you are going with a rolling carry on, aim for ones with 360° spinner wheels for seamless mobility as you’ll be bringing this along with you in your travel journey.

Pros 

• Time saving as you don’t have to worry about picking your bag up at baggage claim
• Quick and easy access to your belongs as it is always by you throughout your flight
• Cost saving as you don’t have to worry about checked baggage fees

Cons 

• Limited space which requires strategic packing
• May still need to be checked on smaller or more crowded planes
• Carrying restrictions such as restrictions on product weights like liquids

What It’s Best For: Carry On Luggages are best for shorter trips, light packing, and avoiding baggage claim. [One-liner. Ex: “Light packing and multi-purpose use”]

Soft-Sided Luggage

Soft-sided luggage is made with fabrics like nylon or polyester on the exterior, offering flexibility and extra pockets for easy access. These lightweight bags are great for travelers who need to squeeze in just a little more as they can expand to fit more items. 

Soft-sided luggage is also easier to fit within smaller spaces as they can squeeze in without the risks of breakage. One of their stand-out features is their external pockets, making it accessible for things like headphones, eyemasks, and other essentials for your flight.

Pros 

• Flexible to fit in more items and fit into smaller spaces
• Additional pockets on the exterior to quickly access items
• Typically lighter than hardshell luggage options

Cons 

• Less protection for more fragile items
• Can experience more wear and tear due to its material
• May not hold its shape well over time

What It’s Best For: Soft-side luggages is best for travelers prioritizing flexibility and extra storage.

Hard Shell Luggage

Hard shell luggages are lightweight and durable as they are made of polycarbonate shells and are built to resist scratches, spills, or rough handling. There are also ABS plastics which are lower in cost but also lower in protection. Some are also aluminium which offers impressive strength at a greater cost. For their interior, they will typically contain zippers for protective storage on one side and compression straps on the other. Hard shell luggages also have a great aesthetic appeal of their modern, sleek designs allowing a minimalist look with maximum protection. For a deeper dive on these two luggage types, check out our article on hard vs soft sided luggages.

Pros 

• Protective of fragile items
• Great long term as it is less prone to damage or scratches
• Easy to clean 

Cons 

• Hard to overpack
• Less or none exterior pockets
• Typically heavier than soft-sided luggages

What It’s Best For: Hard Side Luggages are best for international travel, fragile items, and long term use.

Duffel Bags & Weekenders

Duffel bags & weekenders are perfect for short trips or as a carry on or personal item as they offer a casual, hands-free way to carry your essentials. Duffel bags are similar to a soft-side luggage through its lightweight fabrics but remain heavy duty. Offered with or without wheels, these bags have a tough exterior with nylon or canvas materials. 

Wheeled options are usually larger and can offer a larger assortment of zippers, pockets, and straps. Those without wheels are great as a personal item to keep essentials like laptops and neck pillows close by. These bags are also great for outdoor travel or gym sessions. 

Weekenders are similar to our non-wheeled duffels but are best for additional storage. Our weekender totes offer plenty of storage options such as a dedicated shoe compartment alongside multiple interior and exterior pockets. Both the duffel bags and weekenders are versatile and can often fit under airplane seats or tight spaces.

Pros 

• Portable and easy to carry
• Fits into small spaces (cars, trains, planes)
• Easy to clean

Cons 

• Lacks structure, can get messy if overpacked
• Limited protection for more fragile items
• Not ideal for longer trips

What It’s Best For: Duffel bags and weekenders are best for short trips, light packers, or to use as a gym bag. 

Which Luggage Type Is Best For You?

To choose the best luggage for you it ultimately depends on your travel style and distance. 

• For a frequent flyer a carry-on or hard-shell suitcase can keep things efficient. Consider looking into our 2-piece or 3-piece luggage sets to get more and save more. 
• For long trips, carry-ons and checked luggages give you space.
• Weekend vacations call for a duffel or weekender.
• For more flexibility a soft-sided luggage is perfect to adapt to your packing needs.

Before buying, check out our article on the best time to buy luggages. 

If you are still unsure check out our full Luggage Collection to find your perfect match!

Backpacks

Backpacks are a convenient luggage option for travel, commuting, and outdoor trips, offering a hands-free way to carry your essentials. Similar to soft-sided luggage, backpacks are made from lightweight yet durable fabrics like nylon or polyester, making them easy to carry while remaining sturdy for everyday use. Many travel backpacks feature padded compartments and multiple pockets to keep items like laptops, chargers, and travel accessories organized and easy to reach.

Available in a range of sizes, backpacks can be used as a personal item or carry-on depending on capacity and airline guidelines. Some styles feature padded shoulder straps and breathable back panels for added comfort, while wheeled backpack options offer extra convenience for travelers who want the flexibility of both carrying and rolling their bag. Backpacks are ideal for city travel, weekend trips, and active travel where mobility and easy access are key.

Pros 

• Hands-free and comfortable to carry
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver in crowded spaces
• Great organization with multiple compartments

Cons 

• Limited capacity compared to suitcases
• Less structure and protection for fragile items
• Weight rests on your shoulders during extended wear

What It’s Best For: Backpacks are best for travelers who prioritize mobility, organization, and hands-free convenience, including commuters, weekend travelers, and adventure seekers.

Types of Luggage by Material & Structure

Softside Luggage

Soft-sided luggage is made with fabrics like nylon or polyester on the exterior, offering flexibility and extra pockets for easy access. These lightweight bags are great for travelers who need to squeeze in just a little more as they can expand to fit more items. 

Soft-sided luggage is also easier to fit within smaller spaces as they can squeeze in without the risks of breakage. One of their stand-out features is their external pockets, making it accessible for things like headphones, eyemasks, and other essentials for your flight.

Pros 

• Flexible to fit in more items and fit into smaller spaces
• Additional pockets on the exterior to quickly access items
• Typically lighter than hardshell luggage options

Cons 

• Less protection for more fragile items
• Can experience more wear and tear due to its material
• May not hold its shape well over time

What It’s Best For: Soft-side luggages is best for travelers prioritizing flexibility and extra storage.

Hardside Luggage

Hard shell luggages are lightweight and durable as they are made of polycarbonate shells and are built to resist scratches, spills, or rough handling. There are also ABS plastics which are lower in cost but also lower in protection. Some are also aluminium which offers impressive strength at a greater cost. For their interior, they will typically contain zippers for protective storage on one side and compression straps on the other. Hard shell luggages also have a great aesthetic appeal of their modern, sleek designs allowing a minimalist look with maximum protection. For a deeper dive on these two luggage types, check out our article on hard vs soft sided luggages.

Pros 

• Protective of fragile items
• Great long term as it is less prone to damage or scratches
• Easy to clean 

Cons 

• Hard to overpack
• Less or none exterior pockets
• Typically heavier than soft-sided luggages

What It’s Best For: Hard Side Luggages are best for international travel, fragile items, and long term use.

Types of Luggage by Mobility

Spinner Luggage

Spinner luggages are designed with four multi-directional wheels that allow for smooth, 360-degree movement in any direction. This design makes it easy to push or pull your suitcase alongside you without needing to tilt it, helping reduce strain on your arms and shoulders. Spinner luggages are commonly available in both carry-on and checked sizes and often include features such as telescopic handles and smooth-rolling wheels for seamless mobility. Their maneuverability makes them especially convenient in busy airports, narrow aisles, and crowded travel spaces.

Pros 

• Easy to maneuver in all directions
• Reduces strain on arms and shoulders
• Ideal for smooth surfaces like airports and hotels

Cons 

• Less stable on uneven surfaces
• Wheels may be more exposed to damage
• Can roll away if not secured

What It’s Best For: Spinner luggages are best for frequent flyers, airport travel, and travelers who prioritize ease of movement and convenience.

Two-Wheel Rollers

Two-wheel roller luggages are built with wheels recessed into the back of the suitcase, allowing the bag to be tilted and pulled behind you. This design offers added stability and durability, especially when traveling over uneven surfaces such as sidewalks, cobblestone streets, or curbs. Two-wheel roller luggages are commonly found in larger checked bags, as the wheel placement helps maximize interior packing space while supporting heavier loads.

Pros 

• More stable on uneven surfaces
• Better for heavier loads
• Maximizes interior packing space

Cons 

• Less stable on uneven surfaces
• Requires pulling and tilting while moving
• Less maneuverable in tight or crowded spaces
• Can be more tiring over long distances

What It’s Best For: Two-wheel roller luggages are best for checked bags, longer trips, and travel over uneven terrain.

Key Luggage Features

• TSA-approved locks allow airport security to safely inspect your luggage without damaging the lock, helping keep your belongings secure while traveling.
• Expandability gives you extra packing space when needed, making it easier to fit souvenirs or additional items on your return trip.
• Telescopic handles adjust to different heights and provide comfortable control when rolling your luggage through airports or other travel spaces.
• Organizational pockets help keep clothing, shoes, electronics, and smaller items neatly separated and easy to find during your trip.

Which Luggage Type Is Best For You?

To choose the best luggage for you it ultimately depends on your travel style and distance. 

• For a frequent flyer a carry-on or hard-shell suitcase can keep things efficient. Consider looking into our 2-piece or 3-piece luggage sets to get more and save more. 
• For long trips, carry-ons and checked luggages give you space.
• Weekend vacations call for a duffel or weekender.
• For more flexibility a soft-sided luggage is perfect to adapt to your packing needs.

Before buying, check out our article on the best time to buy luggages. 

If you are still unsure check out our full Luggage Collection to find your perfect match!