Men's Luggage: Trolleys and Travel Suitcases

The men's luggage section revolves around the men's suitcase: cabin trolley for a short business trip, medium-sized suitcase for a week, large hold suitcase for a longer stay. The travelite lines, a German manufacturer based in Hamburg since 1949, make up the essentials.

The cabin trolley for short trips

For a two-day round trip or a meeting at the other end of the country, the cabin trolley avoids waiting at the baggage carousel. It fits in the overhead compartment and comes out of the plane at the same time as you.

The size depends on the airline: many accept around 55 x 40 x 20 cm, but it's always best to check the rules on their website, including weight.

Organising a trolley for work

A suit travels better folded in half lengthwise on top of your bag, protected by a light cover. Rolled shirts occupy the sides, and shoes tucked into a bag fit against the bottom, by the wheels.

Keep your laptop and documents in a separate briefcase or backpack that you can keep under the seat.

Checked luggage: sizes M and L

Size M: a week of travel, with enough room for a spare pair of shoes.
Size L: two weeks, or a trip that requires formal wear and sportswear.

A large suitcase can quickly become heavy: check your ticket's baggage allowance before filling it up.

Expandable versions

The label "ext." refers to an expandable suitcase: a zipper goes around it and adds a few extra centimetres of volume when opened. Handy when your return trip involves more items than your outgoing journey.

For a cabin trolley, keep it closed to stay within the allowed size.

Wheels, handle, and shell

Most travelite suitcases roll on four wheels, which pivot and follow you without straining your wrist. Models with two wheels handle cobbles and curbs better.

Test the telescopic handle at its maximum height: it should reach your hand without you having to bend over.

Hard shell or soft fabric?

The hard shell is a good choice for luggage that goes in the hold: it can withstand handling and keeps your belongings dry. However, it has a fixed volume, making it less practical in a small car boot.

The fabric suitcase, being more flexible, fits more easily in a train luggage rack and offers external pockets for travel documents. It requires a bit more care in the rain, as the fabric is less waterproof than a hard shell.

By car, train or plane

When flying, weight and dimensions dictate your choice: a lightweight men's suitcase allows for more packing space. On the train, a size M fits more easily in the luggage racks than a large size L, which often ends up at the end of the carriage.

In a car, two medium suitcases fit better than one very large one and distribute more easily in the boot.

Travelite, luggage manufacturer since 1949

Founded in Hamburg under the name of Gerhard Winkler's bag manufacturing, travelite is now run by the third generation of the family. Its Air Base, Next, Crosslite, Paros, and Millennium lines cover both cabin and hold luggage.

The range also includes some wheeled bags, like the Base Camp Rolling Thunder from The North Face, designed for tougher trips.

Travelling with a set of suitcases

The set of three stackable suitcases covers all travel formats, from weekend trips to long stays, taking up the space of a single large suitcase in the cupboard.

Maintenance and storage

Upon your return, empty the suitcase, wipe the shell or fabric with a damp cloth, and leave it open before storing it. Check the wheels from time to time, as they wear out first.

Completing your equipment

A briefcase or backpack can slide onto the trolley handle, freeing your hands: check out the men's bags, or the fabric backpacks from Sandqvist. The entire range can be found under men's accessories by type and on the men's accessories page.

Frequently asked questions

What cabin trolley for a business trip?

A size S with four wheels, lightweight, with an opening that allows you to pack a shirt without creasing it. Check your airline's size restrictions before departure.