For help understanding suitcase sizes, simply check our size guide for useful tips on the main suitcase sizes.

If you are unsure which type of luggage you require, why not take a look at our online guides "Luggage recommendations" and "How much will fit in?"

Hard or soft luggage?

Hard side suitcases are very strong and provide the highest level of protection from damage.

Soft side suitcases often include an expansion feature, allowing you to adjust the amount the case can hold. Soft cases are more flexible, allowing you to squeeze extra in when needed.

Tripp is constantly striving for and using new technologies and materials in order to provide the lightest luggage for travel.

What to look for

Here are the key features to look for when selecting your luggage. Each product description outlines the features available.

Materials
Hard cases are generally constructed from ABS, polypropylene or polycarbonate. ABS is the material used for car bumpers, offering lightweight and impact resistant strength. Polycarbonate is a modern plastic that is lighter than the alternatives, offering similar strength and resistance as ABS. Polypropylene is the toughest, an extremely durable material, which is heavier than the other hard materials.

Most soft cases are polyester or nylon, both tough synthetic fibres. The weight of the thread is measured in denier (normally ranging from 600 - 1200), the higher the number the heavier the thread. Some luggage features a blend of threads to optimise weight and strength. Some suitcases feature EVA panels, increasing the rigidity of soft cases.

All leather used by Tripp and Joseph Verity and Jasper Conran at Tripp has been approved by the BLC Leather Technology Centre which works to ensure product quality in the leather industry.

Weight
Most Tripp suitcases are made with lightweight materials and construction. When identifying a range as lightweight we weigh the large suitcases. Large soft cases generally weigh 5kg or less, whilst large hard cases weigh 6kg or less to be classed as lightweight. The smaller cases in each range naturally weigh less.

Super-lightweight cases are 25% lighter than their lightweight equivalents. If you are looking for the lightest way to travel then also consider using large wheel duffles - these are often the lightest option due to their deconstructed design. The benefit of using super-lightweight cases are that you will be able to carry more belongings within the same airline weight allowance.

Wheels
Our two wheel suitcases are made with rubber wheels for a silent roll and with the suitcase angled the user has complete control with manoeuvrability. Most 2-wheel cases feature a trolley handle for ease of use.

4 wheel cases also feature a trolley handle and are easier to manoeuvre in any direction. Rather than pulling the case behind you, you simply drive it alongside in front. This makes it a breeze to get through the terminal.

Expansion
Expandable cases feature an additional zipped section that can be opened to create more room in your case, normally around an extra 20%. Simply zip it back up when you do not need it. This feature is mostly available in soft side cases and is particularly useful to pack in any shopping done while away, or if you would like a single case to cover trips of varying durations.

Organisation
External pockets can be handy for newspapers, magazines or travel documents - particularly when using a smaller cabin friendly case. Also, store anything that you will need straight away when you arrive in external pockets where featured.

Check the internal features of the case, which generally feature fully lined interiors and packing straps. Also look for internal zipped or gathered pockets, meshed pockets, dividers and laptop compartments. Premium options can feature shoe bags, laundry bags and wet pockets.

Security
For security, look for kissing locks, generally secured by padlocks (key or combination) on the main compartment of soft cases. Hard cases either feature the same, or in-built combination locks. Three point locking systems on hard cases secure the luggage on three separate sides.

Most Tripp cases features either a sewn on lD tag on the reverse or separate luggage address label holder.

Laptop friendly
Cases that indicate laptop friendly will include a specially designed place to fit your laptop in safely and securely. Often a separate laptop sleeve will be fitted for added padding.