DIY Network

Buying Carry-On Luggage Find out what to look for when purchasing carry-on luggage. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-111

Guest Carolyn Forte joins host Stephanie Lydecker and shares great tips on buying carry-on luggage. She will point out features that will help you decide what kind of luggage to buy.

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	Carolyn shares tips on shopping for carry-on luggage and how to pack properly.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Buying Carry-On Luggage

• There are many types of carry-on bags. Make sure the bag is stable. Check out the maneuverability and durability. Also, make sure that the bag complies with the carry-on size rules. You also have to look at your personal needs, like if you have a laptop, you will need a different piece than someone without one.

• Stability--In order to tell if a bag is stable, look at the frame. It should be heavy-duty and give good support to the bag. Pull up on the handle. Make sure it is the appropriate size (not too short, not too tall), and sturdy, not bendable. Look for well spaced feet (figure A) and wheels for balance, and even straps inside to hold clothes in place so they don't shift and throw the bag off balance. Finally, look for a bag that maneuvers smoothly. Wheel it around the store, on different surfaces and around the corners to be sure.

• Durability--To make sure the bag is durable, you must look at the material used to create it.. This is very important. You want a carry-on that can handle a beating and stay dry in the rain. Just because it's durable does not mean it has to weigh a lot. Look for models made of ballistic nylon (figure B), which is a basket-woven fabric that helps add abrasion resistance. This material was actually, at one time, used by the US Department of Defense for bullet-proof vests.

• Features to Look for That Create More Space--A lot of this is personal preference, like if you have a laptop, you always want to have quick access to it. Look for a zippered, padded outer pouch with an inner Velcro strap that keeps the laptop securely in place. But, with these, there isn't a bunch of room for much else, so think about if you really need to bring your laptop. You may have to leave out that great pair of shoes. Is it worth it? Some bags have an added piece that will unzip to expand the bag (figure C). Even if you don't bring your laptop, you could put books or other things in its place. If a laptop is not a priority, you really need to look for a roomy interior. Look for a large vinyl pouch for damp or dirty clothes and mesh pockets for random things. The crisscross straps keep the clothing secure so they don't move all around and get wrinkly. The outer pockets are padded for protection.

• Something for Neat Freaks--Look for a carry-on that has a garment bag (figure D) with a hanger for carrying a suit coat or a dress. This will reduce the space you have for other items, but everything you put in this one will be virtually wrinkle-free. Crisscross straps will hold the clothes in place. If it's too big, it will only fit in the overhead, not under the seat.

Packing Tips:

• Know what NOT to bring. Check the weather for your destination and call the hotel to see if they have irons and blow dryers.

• Make a list of what you are going to bring.

• Mix and match. Organize your wardrobe into two or three color schemes.

• Pack twice. Lay out your items outside your luggage before you place them in your bag so you won't forget anything.

• Use plastic. Lay plastic down between clothes. Clothes won't wrinkle as easily.

• Roll clothes. Rolling clothes saves so much space.

• Size matters. You don't have to pack to the limit. Leave a little space. Then you can bring home souvenirs to the family and clothes will be less wrinkly.

GUESTS :

Carolyn Forte
Home Care Director
Good Housekeeping Institute
E-mail: cforte@hearst.com
Website: www.goodhousekeeping.com