Buying luggage for the first time, faced with a multitude of brands, sizes, and materials, can be overwhelming. Buying one too small and it's not enough; too large and you're stopped at check-in; too cheap and it breaks after one use—these pitfalls can all be avoided. This guide starts with the most basic questions to help you make the right first purchase.
Before Buying, Ask Yourself These Three Questions
There's no "best choice" for luggage, only "the most suitable choice for you." Clarifying these three things before buying will make your decision much easier.
What will you mainly use it for?
Domestic travel, short international trips, long journeys, business trips—different purposes mean different priorities for size and features. If you only travel occasionally, a 20–22 inch carry-on might be enough; for long journeys or family trips, 26–29 inches are necessary.
Will you carry it on or check it?
Carry-on luggage has strict size limits; most airlines require the sum of the three dimensions not to exceed 115cm, so under 20 inches is generally safer. If you frequently fly budget airlines, pay close attention, as some have even stricter limits.
What is your approximate budget?
Luggage prices range from hundreds to tens of thousands. For beginners, buying the cheapest is not recommended; low-quality luggage wheels and handles break quickly, costing more in the long run. It's advisable for a first purchase to budget around NT$2,500–5,000; this ensures basic quality without feeling too much regret.
Four Key Buying Points Dissected
Once you understand your needs, let's look at the four most critical aspects when buying.
Size: Don't just look at inches, look at actual capacity
Even if two cases are advertised as 26 inches, the actual capacity can differ by 10–15 liters between brands. When buying, in addition to inches, also check the liter capacity. General reference values: 20 inches approx. 35–45L (1–3 days), 26 inches approx. 70–85L (4–7 days), 29 inches approx. 100–120L (7+ days). The NaSaDen Hohenzollern Series 29-inch has a capacity of 118L, expandable to 136L, making it a super-large capacity in its size category.
Material: PC or ABS+PC are fine, avoid pure ABS
Pure ABS material is hard but lacks toughness; it's prone to shattering upon impact and is currently less recommended. PC material is lightweight and highly tough, while ABS+PC composite material balances hardness and toughness. Both PC and ABS+PC are safe choices for beginners.
Wheels: Choose double-row, rubber material
Wheels are often overlooked but significantly impact the user experience. It's recommended to choose double-row wheels (two wheels side-by-side in one casing) for more stable rolling; choose rubber wheels for quietness and durability. In humid climates like Taiwan, be mindful of whether the wheels might suffer from hydrolysis.
Locks: Always choose TSA-approved locks
TSA-approved locks are the current industry standard. With a TSA lock, when traveling to the US, Japan, Europe, etc., customs can open your luggage for inspection with a special key without damaging your lock. Luggage without a TSA lock might be forcibly opened and damaged in the US.
Four Common Pitfalls for Beginners
Only considering aesthetic appeal and ignoring the quality of wheels and material, resulting in stuck wheels on the first trip abroad.
Consider both aesthetics and quality. Choose brands with SGS or third-party certifications to ensure basic quality standards are met.
Thinking the first purchase doesn't need much spending, buying the cheapest, only for the handle to loosen after one use.
Budget NT$2,500–5,000 for an entry-level case. Within this range, choose models with brand warranties for the best value for money.
Buying a 29-inch large suitcase directly, then dragging a heavy, bulky case on short trips.
For your first case, start with 20–22 inches or 26 inches. Once you understand your travel habits, then decide if you need a larger case.
Not checking carry-on dimensions, arriving at the airport with a 20-inch suitcase only to find it exceeds budget airline limits and is forced to be checked.
Before departure, check the airline's carry-on baggage regulations to ensure both the sum of the three dimensions and weight comply with limits.
Recommended First Luggage for Beginners: NaSaDen Rhine or New Worry-Free II Series
Choose based on your travel habits
NaSaDen Rhine, New Worry-Free II, and Hohenzollern series, your reliable first luggage purchase
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