Soft-sided Suitcases

1. Why choose a Suitcase?

A Suitcase is generally lighter than a Hard-shell Suitcase. Due to its flexible shape, it can also hold more luggage. Some models have an additional zip. With this, you open an expansion gusset and increase the volume of your luggage.

Suitcases have a front pocket. This proves especially practical for storing items you always need within reach during your trip. For example, train tickets or other important travel documents. Valuables, such as cash or your mobile phone, are best not stored in the front pockets, as on train journeys your luggage is often out of your sight.

The main advantages of a Suitcase at a glance:
 

• Expandable, also with an additional expansion zip
• Very flexible
• Lightweight
• Outer and side pockets

2. For which trips is a Suitcase suitable?

Suitcases are especially suitable for trips with limited space, such as:
 

• Car,
• Ship,
• Bus trips.
   

For air travel a Suitcase is especially suitable as cabin luggage. If you aim to use a Suitcase as your main luggage, make sure your luggage and its contents can withstand heavy strain during the trip. Due to its low weight, a small fabric trolley is also suitable for Kids.
 

• For short trips/business trips: If you travel over the weekend or for a few days, a suitcase size of 55x40x20 centimeters with a volume of 30 to 50 liters is sufficient.
• For holiday: For trips lasting one to two weeks, we recommend a suitcase size between 55 and 70 centimeters and a volume of 60 to 80 liters.
• For longer trips: If the trip lasts several weeks, you need a very large packing volume starting at 80 liters and a size from 80 centimeters in height.
   

In general, Suitcases offer you a very flexible packing volume, allowing you to make excellent use of every nook and fold.

3. Suitcase with two or four wheels?

Suitcase wheels make transport easier, allowing you to simply pull the weight of your luggage behind you. The advantage of four wheels is that you can move your suitcase upright and thus feel less of the weight of your luggage. Fabric suitcases with two wheels offer greater stability on uneven surfaces than suitcases with four wheels. Four wheels that rotate 360 degrees are especially good for smooth surfaces, such as at train stations or airports.

4. Material

The outer shells of a suitcase are in most cases made of polyester, polyethylene, and nylon. All three materials have the advantage of being more stretchable than any hardshell case. However, these materials do not protect the contents as well from external impacts.
 

• Polyester: Polyester is made purely synthetically and has relative weather resistance (water-repellent) and durability.
• Nylon: Suitcases made of nylon also impress with good weather resistance, durability, and tear resistance.
   

Make a decision based on your taste. In terms of weight, both materials are almost identical.

5. Quality standards for the zip

A common annoyance with suitcases: the zips. They often get stuck, don’t open properly, and break quickly. When buying, be sure to pay attention to the quality and workmanship of the zips. Special attention should be paid to the seams: zips with multiple stitches are considered high quality. They should open and close smoothly. For slightly heavier luggage, the zip must be robust and stable so that your suitcase can still be used without problems.

6. Cleaning suitcases

For the external cleaning of suitcases, the rule is: Do not use harsh cleaning agents, only mild soapy water! Unfortunately, dirt on a suitcase cannot be wiped off as easily as on a hardshell case. When travelling, make sure your luggage does not get heavily soiled. We recommend not to clean the surface with harsh agents. with too much moisture to clean, as there is a risk that the fabric's properties will be damaged. A little tip: Dry dirt can also be easily removed using a brush Simply brush gently over the affected area. If your suitcase still has stubborn stains a common upholstery cleaner is also suitable for spot removal commercial upholstery cleaner.  

The case wheels can be easily cleaned with a brush and clear water .

To avoid unpleasant odors in the interior , remove damp towels and dirty laundry from your suitcase as soon as possible. Sand, dust, lint, or hair in the interior can be easily vacuumed out. 

Before closing the suitcase and storing it until your next trip, it should definitely be dry!

7. What to watch out for when handling your suitcase

To keep enjoying your travels for as long as possible, handle your suitcase properly. Here are a few tips:
 

• When buying a suitcase with four wheels, do not leave the suitcase unattended on sloped terrain, as there is a risk that your suitcase will roll away
• Carry your suitcase by the handles when going up stairs, not by the telescopic handle
• Do not pack fragile items if you plan to travel by plane. The soft materials do not adequately protect your suitcase contents from shocks.
• The rule of thumb also applies here: pack the heaviest items at the bottom! Especially when buying a suitcase with only two wheels, this weight distribution relieves your arms when pulling.
   

Keep these points in mind and enjoy your upcoming trips with your suitcase worry-free.  

8. The most frequently asked question: suitcase or hardshell case?

All advantages at a glance:

Hard-shell SuitcaseSuitcaseEasy to care forOuter and side pocketsRobustStretchabilityDurableFlexibilityWeatherproofLightweight