Are you someone who always thinks of things you need to squeeze into your suitcase just before you leave? Or are you perfectly organized and want your things to stay that way when you travel? Here you will find the right transport box for you. IMAGE: ©Dulúapics | Stock.Adobe.com

Renting suitcases is sustainable

Personally, I have spent almost my entire life traveling with borrowed luggage. This is part of a lifestyle that involves reducing consumption. Suitcases are rarely used and are therefore ideal for renting. However, it is (admittedly) a bit time-consuming to organize.

But since I am constantly on the go with different suitcases, I can tell you a thing or two.

Suitcase guide: Which suitcase is best for me?

The following recommendations for brands and products are 100% personal and not paid advertising. There are no affiliate links or other benefits for us; they are provided for informational purposes only.

#1 – Choose a spinner, not a trolley

A trolley has two wheels, a spinner has four – and that makes it so much easier to handle! I’ve been able to test this out on many trips! Even children can maneuver a (good) spinner weighing 23 kg more easily than an 8 kg carry-on trolley!

I still remember the days when luggage was carried by hand. Then came the “wheeled suitcase” with two wheels and a short handle, then the trolley with two wheels and a long (extendable) handle, and now the spinner with four wheels – and that’s currently the highest level of development! In the future, suitcases will probably follow you around on their own using GPS navigation – but until then, buy a spinner.

#2 – Wat nix koss, es och nix

This Rhineland saying means, “If it doesn’t cost anything, it’s not worth anything.” It’s true for suitcases – to a certain extent. With brands like Louis Vuitton, you know that you’re paying mostly for the marketing budget. Global fashion shows, celebrities, premium advertising, rents for flagship stores in the best locations… But – again, in my personal experience – suitcases from genuine suitcase brands such as Rimowa or Samsonite are really better than no-name products! They are easier to roll, have better zippers, don’t dent as easily, last longer and are therefore a more sustainable purchase!

#3 – TSA locks are unnecessary

Suitcases must not be locked when traveling by air because aviation authorities have the right to open them at any time. Security reasons. TSA locks are designed so that you can lock your suitcase with a 3-digit code and the security authorities can open it. However, this does not apply in all countries around the world, but primarily in the US and a few others such as Japan and Israel. And who wants to fly to Trump’s America right now? In my opinion, suitcases don’t need locks – but that’s perhaps a matter of your personal sense of security.

#4 Stiftung Warentest test winner

In my opinion, the German consumer magazine Stiftung Warentest is a reliable guide for evaluating suitcases. Here you won’t find “buyer reviews,” but instead suitcases are dropped from a height of 1 meter, sprayed with water, and their zippers are pulled (with a force of 150 newtons), etc.

The most recent test was conducted in 2021, and here are the results:

• Test winner, hard-shell suitcase: “Rimowa Essential Trunk Plus” (grade 2.2)

• Test winner, soft-shell suitcase: “Samsonite X’Blade 4.0” (grade 1.9)

• Best value for money: Travelite Crosslite (grade 2.5)

#5 Hard-shell suitcase

A hard-shell suitcase is right for you if you are organized, plan your luggage carefully, and want to know that your belongings are in good condition and safe. A hard-shell suitcase can stand outside in the rain and its contents will not get squashed. The best brand for hard-shell suitcases is (I already knew this before the Stiftung Warentest results) Rimowa. A traditional German brand that became famous for its aluminum suitcases. Unfortunately, they are quite expensive, but they are a purchase that will last for many years of great travel. In my family, we are very happy with Rimowa. (I just spoke to my brother. He says that his Rimowa hard-shell suitcase has suffered a few scratches over time, but as the plastic is dyed throughout, they are not noticeable and do not affect its otherwise excellent functionality).

#6 Soft-shell suitcases

Soft-shell suitcases are ideal if you think of something at the last minute that you want to squeeze into your suitcase. Especially the ones with multiple zippers so they can get bigger and bigger. The quality of the zippers is very important here – the best zippers in the world come from the Japanese manufacturer YKK, and all high-end suitcase brands use them, so keep an eye out for that!

Samsonite is a fairly popular and recommended brand for soft-shell suitcases. The American company started out in 1910 with heavy wooden transport crates that carried immigrants’ luggage. Another quality brand is Delsay from France, which has impressed in the past, for example in a test by the Swiss consumer magazine Saldo.

Sustainability of suitcases

The suitcases mentioned above score highly in terms of quality, practicality, and durability. A durable product is definitely more sustainable than a fast-fashion suitcase. Unfortunately, however, the brands mentioned are not particularly notable for their sustainability. Delsay manufactures in China, while Rimowa manufactures some of its products in Germany (as well as the Czech Republic and Canada) but uses petroleum-based materials. Samsonite has factories in Hungary and Belgium for the European market, but does not use sustainable materials either.

Sustainable suitcase brands

#1 NORTVI.

NORTVI. is a company based in Amsterdam that manufactures its suitcases using the most sustainable materials possible, such as recycled fabrics. Production is also based in Amsterdam. Part of the proceeds are donated to WWF and environmental projects. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to test one yet, but before I would buy an American product like Samsonite, I would personally check out a Nortvi first – I really like the look, price and concept of these suitcases!

#2 GOT BACK

GOT BACK has a suitcase and a carry-on spinner made from recycled ocean plastic. The ocean plastic is collected in Indonesia and production is based in China. Personally, I think the use of ocean plastic is cool, but I would rather go with a suitcase manufacturer whose main business is suitcases.

#3 PARAVEL

Paravel is an American brand and manufactures some of its products in Italy. The company is committed to sustainability, uses recycled materials, and supports a climate partner to offset its CO2 emissions. Quite expensive.