We take for granted that suitcases are so well-designed nowadays.
It wasn’t long ago that we were lugging suitcases with a leash across airport terminals.
However, there is one debate when it comes to luggage that continues to confuse travelers
shopping for a bag … and that’s deciding between two wheels and four wheels.
Hey, how’s it going everyone?
It’s Ernest from Trip Astute.
In this video, we explore the benefits and drawbacks of both types of suitcases, and
discuss which might be a better fit for you.
We’ll also share how you can win a set of compression cubes to help you pack your bag
more efficiently.
To be honest, I’ve always been a two-wheel luggage kind of guy.
But it’s only recently that we’ve added a few four-wheel suitcases to our travel gear.
Specifically, we recently received an Away suitcase as a wedding gift from Sebastian
and Mandy over at Ask Sebby.
They were so generous to send us this suitcase as a present, and we were completely floored
by their generosity.
As a result, I’ve traveled a few times with the Away suitcase, and I’m planning to do
a full-review on it soon.
However, I thought I’d focus this video on the debate between two-wheel and four-wheel
suitcases.
But before we get started, if you’re new here, welcome to our channel.
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and more enjoyable.
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For those of you that haven’t shopped for a suitcase recently, there are basically two
options and styles.
You have the traditional two-wheel design that is meant to be dragged behind you, and
the more modern four-wheel design that you push along.
There are definitely pros and cons to both approaches, so I thought I’d list out the
differences.
Starting with the traditional two-wheel suitcase, there are several benefits:
Wheels take up less space in the suitcase: Since the wheels tend to be integrated into
the suitcase, they tend to take up less capacity.
For example, a 22 inch long two-wheel suitcase will usually have more space than a four-wheel
version since the wheels take up less space and do not stick out.
Wheels tend to be more durable: Since two-wheel suitcases tend to have wheels that do not
pivot or spin, they tend to be more robust and durable.
Less expensive: Two-wheel suitcases are usually less costly than four-wheel models.
In terms of drawbacks, most two-wheel suitcases suffer from the following issues:
Difficult to move multiple suitcases: This is a big one.
It can be difficult to move multiple two-wheel suitcases at once.
You can use straps to connect multiple two-wheel suitcases.
However, it’s just much more easy to push along multiple four-wheel suitcases.
Can’t move sideways through aisles: This can also be a challenge for some travelers.
Most two-wheel suitcases cannot be rolled down the airplane aisle, or at least without
taking out some passenger’s arms.
Prone to falling over: My two-wheel suitcase tends to fall over when I stuff anything in
the front pocket.
It seems to be much more sensitive to the distribution and balance of weight.
Wrist and arm strain: Pulling a suitcase behind you can be straining on your arm and wrist,
especially if you’re dragging it over long distances.
Now if we look at four-wheel suitcases, here are the benefits:
Easier to move around: Since you are pushing the suitcase, it is generally easier to move
than pulling a bag behind you.
More stable: Four-wheel suitcases tend to have fewer issues with tipping over.
It can be pivoted and pushed: Since the suitcase can be pivoted sideways, it makes it easy
to roll down the airplane aisle until you’re ready to place it in the overhead bin.
For cons, four-wheel suitcases have the following problems:
Roll away on uneven surfaces: This tends to happen in the worst times too.
If your bag is on an uneven surface, it can roll away from you.
More vulnerable wheels: Since the wheels are more complex in their assembly, they tend
to be less durable when it comes to moving on uneven or bumpy surfaces.
Also, since the wheels on a four-wheel bag tend to stick out at the end, they are more
likely to be damaged when checking in your bag.
Less useable space: As I mentioned earlier, the wheels can take up room since they stick
out the bottom, so you often lose a bit of space in the suitcase.
I decided to rate the two styles on a series of factors.
If we look at our summary sheet, you’ll see that for movement, four-wheels are usually
better than two-wheels.
I say usually since four-wheel allows you greater mobility on smooth surfaces, it can
be difficult when moving over rough or uneven terrain.
Two-wheel bags, on the other hand, tend to be better suited for a wide range of surfaces,
but lack the pivoting and maneuverability of a four-wheel suitcase.
Some of you might wonder which is faster to move around with at the airport.
I think that pulling a bag was faster than pushing one.
However, after using the Away bag and seeing how it can swivel, it allowed me to walk between
and past people that would not have been possible with my two-wheel bag.
So I think it’s pretty even.
You might have more speed with a two-wheel suitcase, but you get more maneuverability
with the four-wheel suitcase.
For space, two-wheel bags tend to have more room since the wheels are usually integrated
into the body of the suitcase.
The wheels of a four-wheel suitcase tend to stick out, which means that it counts against
the length of the suitcase.
For stability, I think four-wheels is better than two.
My two-wheel suitcases have a tendency to fall over, especially if I’ve loaded the
front pockets.
For durability, I have to give it to two-wheel suitcases.
Since the wheels on a two-wheel suitcase do not pivot, they tend to be more durable and
steady.
Also, since they are often less exposed than a four-wheel suitcase, they are less likely
to get damaged when checking in your bag.
For price, two-wheel suitcases tend to be cheaper too.
However, four-wheel suitcases are more popular right now, so you’re seeing less and less
of a price difference between the two styles.
Finally, for versatility, I think four-wheel suitcases offer a lot more versatility.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can always treat a four-wheel suitcase like a
two-wheel suitcase in case you need to drag it behind you.
So, it’s tie.
Though if I were advising someone who was looking to buy a suitcase, I would recommend
four-wheels for a carry-on sized suitcase, and two-wheels for a large check-in bag.
While you might sacrifice some space with a four-wheel bag, I think you can often capture
more space by using devices like packing and compression cubes.
For example, I’ve used these compression cubes from Tripped that are essentially packing
cubes with additional zippers to compress the contents.
They are a great way to pack more efficiently.
Also, here are a few other things to keep in mind when considering which luggage to
get.
1.
Look for durable wheels and handles: When picking a suitcase, there are many brands
to choose from.
I tend to steer away from the designer brands and lean more toward travel brands.
That being said, I recommend inspecting the wheels, handles, and zippers closely when
purchasing any suitcase.
There are areas that tend to break, so it’s worth getting suitcases that have large and
durable wheels, sturdy and smooth retractable handles, and smooth and quality zippers.
2.
Determine the case material: You’ll often need to pick between hard or soft case suitcases.
I don’t think that there is a huge difference between the two in terms of protecting your
items inside.
In theory, a hard shell should be more protective, but the reality is that a soft shell can often
absorb more impact.
Also, a hard shell will likely show more wear with scuff marks.
Though when it comes to inclement weather, a hard shell definitely has the advantage
since it won’t soak up water.
3.
Check discount stores: While I love the Away suitcase and would recommend it to anyone
looking for a high-quality bag, it may not make sense if you only travel once or twice
per year.
If you’re looking for a quality suitcase but at a lower price, consider discount stores
like TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Nordstrom Rack.
These stores tend to sell different brands, from designer to more established travel brands,
at much lower prices.
I bought my two-wheel TravelPro suitcase at one many years ago, and it continues to serve
me well.
I think it was 40% off the retail price when I bought it, which was a great deal.
4.
Consider using a backpack for adventure trips: Despite two-wheel suitcases being better suited
for uneven or rough surfaces, they are a pain to drag across gravel or unpaved surfaces.
If you know you’ll be doing an adventure trip, or even a trip where you’ll be moving
a suitcase over cobblestone roads, I would consider using a backpack instead.
We did a review a while back on my favorite large travel backpack, which is the Osprey
Farpoint.
I used that backpack to travel through Southeast Asia and Central America, and it worked extremely
well!
And finally, Tripped is offering to giveaway five sets of their compression cubes to our
audience.
You might be saying, I already use packing cubes, why would I need to use compression
cubes?
It just comes down to space.
While a normal packing cube offers some elasticity, a compression cube is more aggressive when
it comes to saving space.
For example, I recently had a business trip to Oakland where I needed to pack a coat.
Rolling up my coat still resulted in a fairly bulky item in my suitcase.
However, after putting it in compression cubes, you can see that the size is significantly
smaller.
Think of them as the next evolution of packing cubes.
And with baggage fees and the hassles of dealing with check-in luggage, any savings in space
is always welcomed.
Since the airlines have become a bit more strict with it comes to carry-on luggage,
it’s become even more important to try and reduce any bulk space.
To enter, all you need to do is to fill out a form on our website.
You don’t have to purchase anything, but there are multiple ways to enter and gain
entries.
By signing up for some of the social media channels, you’ll earn extra entries into
the contest.
The more options you complete, the more entries that you’ll earn.
And of course, there’s no pressure to enter!
We’ll randomly select five winners on Dec 7th.
Keep in mind that the contest is only for US residents.
I want to say a big thank you again to Tripped for generously providing five sets of compression
cubes for our audience.
I’ve been impressed with the quality and value in their products, and can definitely
recommend them for travelers.
And I appreciate them wanting to to support our channel and connect with our audience.
What are your thoughts on two-wheel or four-wheel suitcases?
Do you have a type or brand that you swear by?
Let me know in the comment section below.
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Until next time, travel safe and travel smart.