Luggage comes in many different materials and the options can be overwhelming for someone interested in purchasing a new suitcase. Here's a simple guide to the most common materials and what to look for when evaluating each one.
Ballistic Nylon Suitcases and Cordura Nylon Luggage Comparison
Probably the most popular material for luggage these days, nylon bags are strong, durable and offer stylish looks. The two major types of nylon are ballistic nylon and Cordura nylon.
Ballistic nylon luggage is made of a strong, tough material originally designed to be part of bullet-proof clothing in World War II. While it won't actually stop bullets, ballistic nylon luggage can take quite a bit of abuse without becoming damaged.
Cordura nylon is a blended type of material, made from a mix of ballistic nylon and metals. It tends to be heavier and more expensive than ballistic nylon, but is also more durable than any other kind of soft-sided luggage.
Anyone buying nylon luggage should pay careful attention to the weave and thickness, also called the denier, of the fabric. A higher number is better, with 400 denier being the minimum for a high quality bag. However, don't be fooled by bags with a "1680 denier" rating, as these are often inferior quality. Nylon luggage in 1050 denier usually has the highest quality and durability.
Buying Leather Luggage for International and Domestic Travel
Suitcases made of leather are considered elegant and strong and they project an aura of sophistication for the traveler who chooses them. Potential buyers should be aware that leather bags come in two types, top grain leather and split leather.
Top grain leather, also called full-grain leather, is made from the outside layer of animal hide. It is the strongest and most beautiful type of leather, which also makes it more expensive than split leather luggage.
Split leather comes from the deeper layers of hide that are split off and processed, which can lower the cost of a leather suitcase, but also compromises durability and style.
Travel Suitcases Made of Unusual and Eco-Friendly Materials
As more and more travelers become concerned about protecting the world around them, some people search for eco-friendly alternatives for their luggage.
Hemp suitcases are a popular option for eco-conscious travelers, with many companies now offering durable hemp bags in their luggage lineup. Suitcases made of organic cotton are another environmentally friendly luggage option.
Recycled material suitcases, some made from recycled clothing, plastic bottles or aluminum, have also begun to hit the travel luggage market. These stylish, eco-friendly bags fill a niche market for travelers looking to make their vacation experiences as low-impact on the environment as they can.
The materials that make up travel luggage are important, but there are other things to consider when buying new bags as well. Check out the article Options for Buying Overseas Travel Luggage to learn more about all the things to consider when purchasing a suitcase.
Bridget Coila - I'm a cell and molecular biologist, freelance writer and photographer currently living in Beijing, China. I'm fascinated by science, ...
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