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What Are Top-Opening Suitcases

The constantly changing travel industry survives on innovation; from biometric check-ins to smart luggage that syncs with your phone, they have all added convenience and security for travellers. One such latest innovation that’s been making waves is the top-opening suitcase.

Not only are they sturdy and spacious, but a suitcase that opens in a practical, efficient way can save you time and hassle. Top-opening suitcases are designed to make packing, unpacking, and accessing your belongings easier than ever. Through this guide, let’s explore why they’re awesome.

What Are Top-Opening Suitcases?

So, what makes a top-opening suitcase different from traditional luggage? Instead of a typical side or front zipper that opens the suitcase in the centre, these bags have an additional opener at the top, like a duffel bag or a top-down backpack. This opening style provides immediate access to your items, making it perfect for grabbing essentials quickly without the hassle of unpacking everything.

The biggest advantage of this design is its ease of access—there's no need to completely unzip the suitcase to find that one charger, pair of socks, or favourite snack. Just pop open the top and grab what you need. This design shines in crowded or cramped spaces where full suitcase openings can be a nuisance.

Benefits of Top-Opening Suitcases

1. Convenience at Your Hand’s Reach: The most obvious perk is convenience. You can reach into your bag from the top and grab what you need without digging through layers of items. Whether you're on a long train ride, waiting at an airport, or staying in a tiny hotel room, a top-opening suitcase allows for quick access to your essentials.

2. Space Efficiency: Packing in tight spaces can be tricky, especially when you're in a shared dorm room or trying to organise your belongings in a cramped hotel room. A top-opening suitcase takes up less room when opened and allows you to access things without needing a ton of space. It’s like a mini wardrobe that opens up, just enough for you to grab a shirt or toiletries without unfolding everything.

3. Internal Organisation: Top-opening suitcases often come equipped with internal compartments, making it easier to stay organised. From separate mesh pockets to zippered compartments for shoes or smaller items, these suitcases are designed to keep your things neatly arranged and easy to find. No more tossing your clothes around just to find that one thing hiding in the bottom corner.

Comparing the Top, Book, and Dual Opening Suitcases

Both book-opening, top-opening and dual-opening suitcase terminology refers to the combination of shell and soft suitcase styles, opening both from the top and the middle, providing maximum flexibility when you need it most.

 

All the types feature a single large compartment that opens from the front. The differences are mostly in their internal organisation, with variations in how compartments are structured or the presence of additional features like extra zippers or dividers.

How to Choose the Right Top-Opening Suitcase

Not all top-opening suitcases are created equal, so here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for your perfect travel companion:

1. Size and Capacity

Think about your travel needs. Are you going on a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure? Top opening suitcases come in all sizes, including cabin and carry-on, medium and large check-in.

2. Material and Durability

Top-opening suitcases at Strand have durable hard-shell exteriors. These hard suitcases offer better protection for fragile items with their rigid exterior from scratches, spills and moisture. Moreover, it is easy to wipe down.

3. Organisation

Look for compartments, packing cubes, and internal dividers that will help you keep everything neatly organized. You’ll want a suitcase that can help you stay on top of your packing, not make it more chaotic!

4. Travel Style

  • Business trips: Opt for sleek, durable designs with a professional appearance.
  • Short getaways: A lightweight, compact bag with convenient compartments could be perfect.
  • Long holidays: Choose a larger model with ample space, made from a durable material to protect your belongings.

 

Strand offers a collection of top-opening suitcases with different designs, so you can choose the one that best suits your travel needs, whether it’s a durable hard-shell option or a flexible soft-shell suitcase.

Popular Brands Offering Top-Opening Suitcases

Several top brands have embraced this innovative suitcase style. Here are a few you can look for:

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  • Nere Venture: Known for their stylish and practical designs, Nere Venture has a fantastic range of top-opening suitcases ideal for both city breaks and long holidays.
  • American Tourister Curio Book: Offering a combination of fun, vibrant colours and functional design, the American Tourister Curio collection is perfect for travellers looking for a trendy, easy-to-use suitcase.
  • Antler Soft Stripe: With lightweight and durable recycled fabrics, the Soft Stripe series by Antler is designed for travellers who want both style and substance.

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Whether you're a frequent flyer, a train-hopper, or a weekend wanderer, top-opening suitcases are a game-changer for keeping your stays stress-free.

Discover the collection of top-opening suitcases online from Strand to start your travel adventure with ease.