Update date: 2026.01.09

Suitcases you shouldn't buy: How to choose the right one and recommended brands

Title

A suitcase is essential for travel preparation. However, if you choose the wrong suitcase,

Things can break during your trip, your luggage can get wet, and you can end up stressed, all of which can ruin your trip.

In this blog, we will narrow down the characteristics of suitcases that you should not buy to seven points and explain in detail the reasons and risks involved.

In addition, we will introduce how to choose a suitcase that will not disappoint you and our recommended brand, New Trip .

Please use this as a reference to make your next trip more comfortable!

Title

table of contents

2. Characteristics of suitcases you should not buy

　1. Poor quality: "Cheap materials" that break easily

　2. Insufficient Functions: Causing Trouble During Your Trip

　3. Poor design balance: Heavy, doesn't fit, difficult to use

　4. Untrustworthy Brand: Regretting the purchase

3. How to choose the right suitcase

4. Recommended Brand: New Trip Suitcases

5. Summary

五、よくある質問（FAQ）

6. Summary

＼Reader-exclusive 500 yen OFF／

Sign up for the New Trip newsletter and receive a 500 yen OFF coupon valid on all products!

Coupon code: NT500

Simply enter the code at checkout to get your new travel companion at a great price. 

Thank you for registering!

一、買ってはいけないスーツケースに共通する4つの特徴

Here are seven characteristics of suitcases you should avoid buying:

We will explain each feature in detail, including the specific reasons, risks, and alternatives.

1. 素材・パーツの品質に不安がある

Reason : The thin ABS plastic often used in cheap suitcases is weak against impacts and prone to cracking and breakage during handling at airports.

Low-quality plastic zippers and poor stitching can also cause items to break easily.

-Risk : The suitcase may break at the airport, exposing or damaging your luggage.

If the zipper breaks, you won't be able to get your luggage out while traveling.

In fact, there have been reported cases where the zipper on a suitcase costing around 5,000 yen broke after just one trip.

・Recommendation : Choose materials that are both durable and lightweight, such as polycarbonate or aluminum alloy .

Choose a high-quality zipper such as YKK and check for models with careful stitching.

New Trip 's polycarbonate models are highly rated for their durability.

2. 必要な機能が自分の旅行スタイルに合っていない

Reason : Cheap plastic casters are unstable and wear out or fall off when traveling over uneven surfaces or long distances.

A wobbly handle or one that is difficult to adjust is difficult to use and prone to breaking.

- Risk : If the wheels break at the airport or station, you will not be able to pull your suitcase and will have to carry it by hand.

If the handle gets stuck halfway, it becomes stressful every time you lift it.

There are many reviews of cheap suitcases whose wheels broke on the second trip.

・Recommended : Choose four-wheel casters made of rubber or ABS composite material with ball bearings.

Models with replaceable casters will last longer, and handles that can be smoothly adjusted in multiple positions are recommended.

New Trip 's 360-degree rotating casters are highly rated for their smooth movement.

<Related Articles>

・Suitcase caster strategy! How to choose and easy care

・[Travel Troubles] What to do if your suitcase breaks? A thorough explanation of the parts that break easily and how to deal with them

3. サイズ・重量・収納のバランスが悪い

Reason : Suitcases without TSA locks

When traveling internationally (especially to the US), the lock may be broken during security checks.

If your luggage does not have waterproof zippers or materials, it will get wet in the rain or humidity.

- Risk : Without a TSA lock, your suitcase may be broken during inspection, increasing the risk of theft and loss of your luggage.

Without waterproofing, your clothes and electronic devices will get wet when traveling during the rainy season or in humid regions (e.g., Southeast Asia).

There have been cases where cameras have broken down in non-waterproof cloth suitcases.

・Recommendation : Choose a suitcase with a TSA-approved lock to ensure safety on international travel.

Models with waterproof zippers and polycarbonate material protect your belongings even in rainy weather.

New Trip 's TSA-locked models are highly reliable in terms of security.

<Related Articles>

・How to use a suitcase TSA lock (part 1) - Zipper lock

・The appeal of TSA locks and frame types - choosing the best suitcases!

4. 購入後のサポートが不明確

Reason : Heavy suitcases are difficult to carry and can easily exceed airline weight limits (e.g., 23kg for economy class).

Models with inefficient internal designs or no expansion features can hold less luggage than their apparent size suggests.

Risk : Heavy suitcases can be exhausting at airports and up stairs, and you may end up paying excess baggage fees.

If the capacity is insufficient, you won't be able to fit all your luggage when traveling with your family, and you'll need an extra bag.

Models that look large but only have an actual capacity of 30L are difficult to use.

・Recommendation : Choose a suitcase made from lightweight materials (such as polycarbonate) and keep the weight below 4kg.

Look for expandable models and ones where you can check the actual capacity through reviews.

New Trip 's lightweight models offer a good balance of capacity and weight.
Title

二、買ってはいけないか迷ったときに確認したいチェックポイント

To avoid making a mistake when choosing a suitcase, keep the following points in mind:

  • Choose a trusted brand :
    New Trip, of course, and many others. Reputable brands offer quality and support. Check reviews and warranties.
  • Match your travel purpose :
    For business trips, a lightweight and compact model is preferred, while for family trips, capacity and expandability are important. Prioritize functionality that suits your purpose.
  • Balance of durability and light weight :
    Polycarbonate material is both durable and lightweight, ideally weighing less than 5kg.
  • Prioritize security and waterproofing :
    TSA locks are essential for international travel, and waterproof zippers and materials are recommended for areas with a lot of rain.
  • Check actual capacity :
    Don't just look at the size, check the reviews and specifications to see the actual capacity (in liters). It's convenient to have an expansion function.
チェック項目 確認するポイント
素材 用途に合った素材か（ABS・PC・ABS+PCなど）
重量 持ち運びに無理がないか
キャスター 滑らかに動くか・静音性はあるか
収納 荷物を整理しやすいか（仕切り・ポケット）
サイズ 泊数・荷物量に合っているか
機能 自分の旅行に必要な機能があるか
保証 購入後の対応が明確か（保証期間・修理対応）

迷ったときは、このリストを基準に比較すると、自分に合ったスーツケースが見つかります。
Title

三、「安い＝買ってはいけない」ではない｜価格とコスパの考え方

This flagship model, representing New Trip, avoids the "don't buy" criteria and meets the high standards of durability, quietness, and convenience sought by travel professionals.

・The ultimate device that eliminates travel stress: "New Trip 0502"

If you're wondering, "Which one should I buy to make sure I'm not disappointed?", we confidently recommend the "0502" model. It overcomes all the drawbacks that you might regret with a budget suitcase.

  • World-renowned "HINOMOTO" casters: These wheels solve the problem of "noisy casters," the most notable suitcase issue. Incredibly quiet and smooth, they allow you to move around smartly, even in the early morning or late at night, without disturbing those around you.
  • Expandable capacity up to 115L: Avoid regrets like "I chose the wrong size." Simply open the side zipper to expand the gusset, allowing you to store souvenirs with ease.
  • Durable 100% polycarbonate body: Made entirely of high-quality, impact-resistant polycarbonate, it does not use any cheap, easily broken plastic (ABS). It combines lightness with incredible strength.
  • Zinc alloy corner pads: The corners, which are most susceptible to impact, are made of durable zinc alloy instead of plastic, ensuring your valuables are protected from drops and shocks.

価格だけで品質を判断しない

✔ How to think about models that meet the conditions

Models that meet all the conditions so far (lightweight, durable, caster performance, necessary functions) are actually limited.
Therefore, it is realistic to choose based on "all above-average balance."

必要な機能にお金をかける

すべての機能を詰め込んだスーツケースを買う必要はありません。

自分が本当に使う機能を確認し、そこにお金をかけることが、賢い選び方です。

例：

  • 国内旅行中心：軽量性とキャスター性能を重視
  • 出張が多い：フロントオープンやPC収納を重視
  • 海外旅行が多い：耐久性とTSAロックを重視

長く使うなら保証・修理対応も見る

安価でも保証がしっかりしているメーカーを選べば、長く使えます。

逆に、高価でもサポートがないメーカーでは、壊れたときに困ることがあります。

Title

New Tripでは、手に取りやすい価格帯でありながら、必要な品質・機能・サポートを備えた高コスパモデルを展開しています。
Title

四、旅行スタイルから考える、失敗しにくいスーツケースの選び方

自分の旅行スタイルに合わせて、スーツケースを選びましょう。

短期旅行（1〜3泊）

重視するポイント：

  • 軽量性
  • 小型サイズ（S）
  • 機内持ち込み対応

短期旅行では、多くの機能は不要です。軽量でキャスター性能が良いモデルを選びましょう。

MONOMI 0801 スーツケース

MONOMI 0801

S/M/L三種類のサイズ｜ABS+PC素材

拡張機能 静音キャスター TSAロック 物掛けフック
商品を見る

出張・ビジネス旅行

重視するポイント：

  • フロントオープン
  • PC収納
  • 軽量性
  • ストッパー機能

移動中にPCや書類を取り出す機会が多い出張では、フロントオープン付きモデルが便利です。

New Trip 0501 スーツケース

New Trip 0501

S/M/L三種類のサイズ｜100%PC素材

拡張機能 USB充電ポート フロントオープン ストッパー付き
商品を見る

新幹線・電車移動

重視するポイント：

  • 取り回しのしやすさ
  • キャスターストッパー
  • 静音キャスター

電車内では、荷物が転がらないようストッパー付きモデルが便利です。

MONOMI 0802 スーツケース

MONOMI 0802

S/M/L三種類のサイズ｜ABS+PC素材

ストッパー付き ドリンクスタンド 物掛けフック コーナーパッド
商品を見る

海外旅行・長期旅行

重視するポイント：

  • 耐久性
  • 容量（M〜L）
  • TSAロック
  • キャスター性能

海外では空港での乱暴な扱いに耐えられる耐久性が重要です。ポリカーボネートやABS+PC素材を選びましょう。

New Trip 0502 スーツケース

大容量・HIMONOTOキャスターモデル

New Trip 0502

S/M/L三種類のサイズ｜100%PC素材

拡張機能 USB充電ポート HIMONOTO製キャスター スマホスタンド

¥19,980~

商品を見る
Title

五、よくある質問（FAQ）

Q1. 安いスーツケースは買ってはいけないですか？

A1：「安い＝買ってはいけない」ではありません。重要なのは、価格に対して必要な品質・機能・サポートが得られるかです。素材・キャスター・保証を確認して選びましょう。

Q2. 買ってはいけないスーツケースの見分け方は？

A2：素材・パーツの品質、自分の旅行スタイルに合っているか、サイズ・重量・収納のバランス、購入後のサポートが明確かを確認しましょう。

Q3. 高いスーツケースなら失敗しないですか？

A3：価格が高くても、自分の旅行スタイルに合わない機能にお金を払っているだけの場合があります。必要な機能を確認して選びましょう。

Q4. スーツケースを買うときに一番重視すべきポイントは？

A4：旅行スタイルによって異なります。短期旅行なら軽量性、出張ならフロントオープン、海外旅行なら耐久性を重視しましょう。

Q5. New Tripのスーツケースはどんな人におすすめですか？

A5：手頃な価格でありながら、必要な品質・機能・サポートを備えたモデルを求める方におすすめです。旅行・出張・帰省など、幅広い用途に対応できます。

Title

六、まとめ

A suitcase is an important item that determines the comfort and safety of your trip.

Avoid the characteristics of "suitcases you shouldn't buy" and keep the following points in mind.

Durable materials and components (polycarbonate, YKK zippers).

High-quality casters and handles ensure smooth movement.

TSA lock and waterproof design ensure security and luggage protection.

A lightweight model with ample capacity .

Long-term peace of mind with a trusted brand .

A model equipped with the latest technology .

Simple and purposeful design .

If you keep these points in mind and choose a suitcase from a trusted brand like New Trip , you'll be able to travel stress-free!

I hope your next trip is wonderful!

執筆・監修

New Trip編集部
本記事は、スーツケース・旅行用品ブランド「New Trip」の編集部により制作されました。
製品開発やユーザーの声を活かしながら、ユーザーに合ったスーツケースや、旅行・出張をより快適にするアイテムを発信しています。

Store Events

Related articles

How to Choose the Right Suitcase Material: A Professional Guide to Durability, Weight, and Price

総合ガイド
Aug 21, 2026

How to Choose a Business Suitcase: Features and Sizes to Streamline Your Business Trips

総合ガイド
Apr 22, 2025

Complete Guide to Choosing Suitcase Size: Explaining S/M/L Differences and Guidelines by Number of Nights

総合ガイド
Sep 02, 2025

5 Tips for Choosing a Cost-Effective Suitcase｜Why Simply Buying Cheap Can Lead to Disappointment

総合ガイド
Jun 05, 2026

Free shipping for orders over 2000 yen

All items from our store are shipped free of charge for purchases over 2,000 yen.

Customer Service

Our top priority is to provide high quality after-sales service.

Product warranty

All products are made with great attention to detail.

Secure Shopping

We integrate secure payment methods to ensure your payments are safe.