Suitcase Buying Guide: How to Choose The Best Luggage for Your Next Trip

Lojel Cubo features a front-opening design for small spaces | Source: The Travel Store

A reliable suitcase can make all the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one. Investing in luggage that lasts for years not only saves you money in the long run but also ensures peace of mind every time you travel. From durability and storage to mobility and design, the right luggage gives you freedom and convenience on the go. If you’re not sure how to select the right one, don’t worry. Here are a few key factors to consider when finding the perfect suitcase for your travels. 

1. Consider Your Travel Destination, Duration, and Purpose

Eminent Funloader converts into a table top for dining | Source: The Travel Store

Start by asking yourself three simple questions: Where are you headed? How long will you be away? And what type of trip is it? The destination, duration, and purpose of your trip would often determine the type of luggage you’ll need. Here are some examples: 

• Business trip: Pick a sleek yet professional suitcase, preferably with compartments designed to hold your laptop and important documents—such as Echolac Celestra.  It should also complement your formal attire if necessary. 
• Leisure or personal holiday: Have a little fun with a suitcase that’s stylish yet practical, like Echolac Dynasty. Despite looking elegant, this beauty’s EchoLite™ Polycarbonate shell is super durable, elastic, and resistant to scratches.
• Outdoor excursions: Get something more rugged and weather-ready, like Eminent Funloader, that’s built with outdoor travel in mind. When laid horizontally, its shell transforms into a mini dining table, complete with two circular cup slots.
• Family getaways: Go for larger, more spacious cases to fit everyone’s essentials. An expandable luggage like Eminent Shield 29” can give you 16% extra packing volume for last-minute souvenirs and more.

2. Luggage Size: Carry-on or Check-in?

Echolac Celestra in size S (20-inch cabin bag) and size M (24-inch check-in bag) | Source: The Travel Store

Knowing the difference between cabin and checked luggage helps you pack smarter. Cabin or carry-on luggage (around 20 inches) is ideal for short 2–4 day trips as it’s light, compact, and easy to stow in overhead compartments. When it comes to check-in luggage, medium-sized suitcases (approx. 24 inches) work well for week-long vacations, while large checked bags (28” and above) are best for longer journeys or family trips.

If you travel light, go for ultra-lightweight designs like Echolac Oxygen, which weighs just 2.1kg—one of the lightest in its class. For small spaces or city stays, Echolac Celestra or Lojel Cubo Small Lite are great picks thanks to their front-opening design. Need more room? Try Echolac Celestra Fit or Echolac Dynasty Trunk, both designed for long-haul adventures with ample capacity. 

Reminder: Before flying, always check your airline’s size and weight limits to avoid extra fees.

3. Luggage Frame: Hard or Soft Shell?

Echolac Dynasty features a hard-side EchoLite™ Polycarbonate shell | Source: The Travel Store

Choosing between a hard or soft shell suitcase comes down to your travel habits. Hard shell luggage offers better protection for fragile items and resists harsh impact, making it perfect for frequent flyers. What’s more, it’s usually made from materials like polycarbonate or polypropylene that are durable yet lightweight. Eminent Shield, for instance, uses 100% premium polypropylene with corner protectors to withstand rough handling.

On the other hand, soft shell luggage offers more flexibility and is easier to squeeze into tight spaces or car trunks. It also often features external pockets for quick-access items like passports and chargers. However, since they’re usually made of polyester, nylon, or a mix of both, they’re far less impact- and water-resistant compared to hard shell suitcases. 

4. Luggage Closure: Zip or Zipperless?

Eminent Shield features water-resistant zippers | Source: The Travel Store

The closure system is another important consideration when choosing your luggage. Zippered suitcases are the most common type as they’re typically lighter, easier to open and close, and often come with expandable compartments, giving you extra packing space when needed. Zippered luggage also tends to be more affordable and flexible, making it a practical choice for most travellers.

Interior and exterior of Echolac Fusion Frame’s 3-point buckle closure system | Source: The Travel Store

Meanwhile, zipperless luggage offers enhanced security and durability with a sleeker, more structured look. Instead of fabric zippers, these models feature a 3-point buckle or latch system that locks the case firmly shut. Designs like Eminent Vertica and Echolac Fusion Frame combine this system with strong polypropylene shells, delivering both strength and sophistication for those who value a minimalist, tamper-resistant build.

5. Luggage Wheels: Two Vs Four Double Spinner System

Echolac Celestra has smooth & silent Japanese-made Hinomoto wheels | Source: The Travel Store

Ease of movement can make or break your airport experience. Most modern suitcases now feature four double spinner wheels that rotate 360°, allowing you to glide your luggage smoothly beside you instead of dragging it behind. These wheels reduce wrist strain and make maneuvering through tight spaces effortless.

Two-wheeled designs, while still functional, require you to tilt and pull your suitcase. This is fine for short distances but may prove less comfortable on long walks through terminals. For ultimate convenience, go for 4-wheel spinner luggage, found across most Eminent and Echolac luggage online collections. Some designs, like Echolac Celestra, even feature premium Hinomoto wheels, which are known for being the smoothest, most silent wheels.

6. Luggage Expandability: a Must-Have for Last-Minute Add-Ons

Lojel Cubo gives you extra packing space on demand | Source: The Travel Store

Sometimes, no matter how carefully you pack, there’s always a little extra to bring home—souvenirs, gifts, or last-minute finds. That’s where expandable luggage comes in handy. Many designs feature an expandable zipper that increases packing capacity by up to 10–16%.

Eminent Shield, for instance, offers up to 16% more volume when expanded, without compromising on structure or weight. It’s the perfect option for travellers who want flexibility without needing an extra bag.

7. Other Important Features: Security, Handles, Internal Storage

Echolac Oxygen comes with TSA lock, top & side handles, and a spacious interior | Source: The Travel Store

When buying luggage, don’t overlook the finer details that make travelling easier and safer.

Security: Always look for TSA-approved locks, which can be opened by airport security using a universal master key. This allows them to conduct inspections without damaging your bag.

Handles: Look for top and side handles for easy lifting, plus a multi-stage telescopic handle that adjusts to your preferred height for smooth rolling through airports and city streets.

Internal Storage: Smart compartments help you stay organised. Features like zipped dividers, garment sections, and small mesh pockets are useful for keeping toiletries, electronics, and clothing separate. Front-access compartments, like those found in Echolac Celestra, add extra convenience for quick reach.

Find the Best Suitcase at The Travel Store, Echolac, Eminent & More

Buy Echolac luggage online or in-stores across Malaysia | Source: The Travel Store

Choosing the right suitcase isn’t just about style; it’s about finding the perfect travel companion that suits your destination, comfort, and needs. From lightweight designs like Echolac Oxygen to ultra-secure models like Eminent Vertica, every piece offers its own unique advantages to make travelling easier.

You can buy Echolac luggage online or explore durable favourites when you buy Eminent luggage directly from The Travel Store’s official Echolac online store and Eminent online shop. Prefer something sleek and functional? You can also buy Lojel luggage online in Malaysia, featuring minimalist yet practical options for every type of traveller.

Buy Echolac luggage online or in-stores across Malaysia | Source: The Travel Store

Want to see some of the designs in person? You may visit our retail stores at these locations or visit our standalone Echolac stores here: 

• Echolac @ Mid Valley (Lot F009, 1st Flr)
• Echolac @ Pavilion Bukit Jalil (Center Court. Lot 2.10.00)
• Echolac @ Freeport A’Famosa Outlet, Melaka
• Echolac @ Gurney Plaza, Penang (Unit 170-02-51)
• Echolac @ The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor (Lot S-043)

No matter your style, The Travel Store offers transparent Echolac luggage prices, Eminent luggage prices, and free shipping on luggage across Malaysia so you can travel smarter, lighter, and with complete peace of mind.