Different Types of Tween Luggage

Before we jump into all our favorites in detail, it’s important to consider what they will need the luggage for; is this for school camps and simple road trips, or will you be jetting off overseas and need something that can handle baggage carousels and multiple stops on a family vacation?

There’s a balance to be had when choosing tween luggage between something that’s stylish and suits their growing maturity and something that’s practical that they can actually lift and carry!

You’ll find often there’s a big trade-off between weight and style features. Whilst rolling wheels and extendable handlebars are great, they make the luggage heavier, the same with much more durable materials.

The main types of luggage to consider are:

• Travel Totes – This type of luggage, with straps for a single shoulder, is larger than regular shoulder totes. They are ideal for a few clothes and other essentials and day trips to the beach, though not great for long periods of carrying. Some totes come with wheels for easy carrying.  
• Backpacks – Small luggage with straps carried on both shoulders. Ideal to be used as a carry-on for flights or for short trips where extensive carrying may be necessary, it’s more practical than a tote but has a similar capacity.
• Rucksacks – More structured than a backpack, rucksacks are also designed to be carried on both shoulders but are larger in size so you can fit more in. These are best for outdoor adventures, but watch the size; the greater the capacity, the more difficult for a smaller-framed child to carry.
• Duffel Bag – A wide, cylindrical luggage with a top opening, a duffel bag is flexible and heavy-duty. It can carry bulky products easily but must be kept light enough it can still be carried over the shoulder (though some larger duffels also come with wheels).
• Scooter Luggage – A class all of its own, this is a hybrid between a carry-on suitcase and a scooter, it can be a really fun addition, though the more grown-up models without novelty characters for little kids do come at a cost.

Remember, there may not be one ultimate solution when it comes to your tween’s luggage; if they are regularly at sleepovers and camping trips, they are likely to need something small like a tote or a duffel for use near home.

For your annual vacations, however, you may want a larger, more durable option with wheels that will last them well into their teens.

More Features To Look For In A Quality Suitcase for Tweens

It’s crucial to keep a practical mindset when it comes to letting your tween pack for a trip. If their packing is left unchecked, they may end up bringing unnecessary items “just in case.” Therefore, it’s essential to consider whether they can realistically fit all the necessary items into a small enough luggage that they can carry independently.

Here are a few of the essential factors to think about to ensure you are making the right choice:

Shoulder Carrying vs Wheeled Luggage – How far will your tween be carrying their luggage? All types of luggage can have wheels; primarily, you’re probably thinking suitcases but even backpacks, totes, and duffels can be wheeled for ease of carrying.

Wheeled luggage comes in a few styles to be mindful of too, each going up in price but also practicality!

• Inline wheeled cases with just two wheels and a stabilizer
• 4-wheeled in-line suitcases that can only be rolled in one direction
• Spinner cases with four wheels that can move independently and be dragged and pulled in any direction for maximum maneuverability (where budget allows, always choose this!)

If you are on smooth surfaces such as an airport concourse or traversing through hotels, rolled suitcases can be great. For any rough or rocky terrain, wheeled cases are far from practical, and the frame and wheels will only add weight; you are much better with sturdy shoulder straps.

Hard vs. Soft-sided Suitcases – Soft suitcases allow more flexibility as the sides can bend and flex to fit more in – especially if they have an added expander zip. Hard suitcases, whilst less flexible, are more durable and better at protecting what’s inside. Hard suitcases, unless you can afford the top of the range, are generally heavier to lift than soft cases, so they are not always practical for a young tween but should last them many years.

Checked vs. Cabin-Sized Luggage – When traveling by plane, your tween can keep cabin luggage under the seat or in overhead lockers. Not just suitcases; these can be totes, backpacks, and rucksacks. Checked luggage is anything too large to fit inside the aircraft, so it needs to go in the hold under the plane. Carry-on rules vary by airline but aim for under 22″ long by 14″ wide to be compliant.

Durability – Your tween’s luggage will no doubt go through a fair bit of rough handling – zips will be tugged and over-packed, not to mention wear and tear from luggage carousels, drops from the back of the car, bouncing on pavements and rough terrain – you name it!

Even the most careful of tweens need luggage that can last the distance; resist buying cheap materials such as thin polyester or cheap plastic; you really get what you pay for when it comes to luggage. Check for tear-resistant materials and robust zips when comparing reviews.

Size – Remember, despite the huge number of prized possessions your tween thinks they need for a week away, they still need to be able to independently lift their luggage. Most tweens hate bulky suitcases that are too heavy to lift, so look for luggage with appropriate grab handles and either wheels or shoulder straps as an alternative transport method.

Style – Although your tween’s taste and favorite animal or character probably changes faster than their favorite YouTuber, look for a design to fit their growing maturity.

Stick to fairly mutual colors and patterns if your child frequently changes their mind, as you’ll be surprised just how quick Llamacorns or Spiderman suddenly go out of favor; at the same time, avoid boring old black so your tweens luggage is easily identifiable – and don’t forget a name tag!

Best Types of Travel Luggage for Tweens

Now you know what to look for in tween luggage, let’s take a look at each of the different types. After many years of our tweens testing different kinds of luggage around the world with their globetrotting family, these are our favorite brands:

Best Rolling Duffel for Tween Boys: Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag

Best Tween Girls Shoulder Duffel: Kids Overnight Duffel Bag Girls

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Best Tween Boys Shoulder Duffel: Atripack Tactical Duffle

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Best Foldable Tween Luggage: Girls Cute Floral Weekender