According to USA Today's Travel Tips, luggage is made of either soft fabric sides or a hard-shell plastic case. Soft-sided luggage stretches easily, enabling more lightweight belongings to be packed.
Hard-shell luggage protects the contents better than soft luggage materials. USA Today's Travel Tips also explains that hard-shell luggage is ideal for fragile contents. However, hard-shell cases usually weigh more.
Lightweight luggage pieces with strong and long-lasting frames are ideal for traveling. Fiberglass, aluminum and durable plastic luggage frames are all heavy-duty and lightweight.
Retractable luggage handles made out of materials like aluminum, nickel and brass may make luggage easier to transport, but the additional metal parts also add weight. Extra pockets, compartments, wheels and hardware can also slightly add to overall luggage weight.
