Travel luggage has been around for centuries, playing an essential role in humankind’s journeys and travels. The concept of packing portable possessions has been around since antiquity, but it was in the Middle Ages that luggage began to take the form we recognize it by today.
Over the centuries, travel luggage has evolved from being a practical necessity to a fashion trend. Read on to explore the long and fascinating history of travel luggage and its accompanying styles, materials, and designs.
Earliest Forms of Travel Luggage
Travel luggage has been around for centuries. While modern luggage may look completely different from its earliest predecessors, the core purpose of transporting belongings on the go has remained the same. Let's take a look at some of the different forms of travel luggage that were used throughout history.
1000 BCE - Ancient Egypt
Since Ancient Egypt travelers have taken provisions with them while traveling. The earliest known form of travel luggage was the carryall – a large leather bag that was created from animal hides. This bag was taken on long journey by stream, horseback or foot.
200 BCE - Ancient Rome and Greece
Ancient Rome and Greece saw an increase in travel for both individuals and for trade. This increase led to the production of more sophisticated bags. These bags included canvas and leather shoulder bags, as well as more luxurious trunks and chests.
1000 CE - Medieval Europe
Travel in Europe became much more popular during the Medieval period. This is when some of the most iconic pieces of luggage first appeared. From beautiful chests covered with intricate carvings to metal steamer trunks, Medieval Europeans preferred strong and secure luggage.
1400s CE - The Age of Exploration
With exploration becoming more popular, there was a need for lighter and more durable luggage. Explorers relied on leather and canvas duffel bags to carry their belongings. These bags spread to sailors, and eventually became popular among common travelers as well.
1800s CE - Modern Travel Luggage
The Industrial Revolution ushered in a new era of modern luggage. Manufacturers began to experiment with different materials such as canvas, cotton, and even metal. By the start of the 20th century, the modern suitcase had been born.
Travel luggage has come a long way since its earliest days. From the leather carryalls of Ancient Egypt to modern suitcases, travelers have relied on luggage to travel with their possessions for centuries.
Advent of Rolling Luggage
The idea of rolling luggage was first dreamed up by Bernard Sadow as an invention issue patent in 1970. It was not until 1987 that Bernard Sadow's vision became reality when two brothers, Richard and Robert Crew, improved and created the first prototype rolling suitcase. The Crew brothers used a lightweight aluminum frame for the rolling suitcase and added fabric for the main body.
The idea of rolling luggage quickly took off. By 1992, airlines were already allowing people to bring the new rolling luggage onto planes. It soon become a standard sight at airports and train stations around the world. Today, rolling luggage is available in sizes from tiny handbags to giant suitcases and in many colors, shapes and varieties.
Having the ability to roll a suitcase with ease has revolutionized the way that people travel. Long gone are the days of manhandling heavy suitcases and fretting over weakened arms and back pains. Rolling luggage has become a necessity for modern travelers who are looking for convenience and comfort in their travels.
Expansion of the Suitcase Industry
Suitcases have been a popular form of travel luggage for centuries, as evidenced by archaeological findings of suitcases dating back to the early 1500s. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that the suitcase industry began to expand. With the advent of modern travel by train and ocean liner, people began to require larger and sturdier suitcases to accommodate their journeys.
In 1843, the Rogers Brothers Company began manufacturing suitcases with leather interior and exterior, as well as leather-reinforced corners, which made them much more durable than the traditional cloth suitcases used up until then. By the end of the 19th century, the suitcase industry had grown exponentially, and suitcases soon became available in various colors and sizes. Suitcases were also now being manufactured out of more lightweight materials such as canvas, which made them less bulky and easier to transport.
In the 20th century, the suitcase industry continued to grow, as air travel became increasingly popular. Aircraft companies began to include specialized luggage compartments and requirements for passengers’ luggage. To meet these needs, suitcase companies began to manufacture suitcases made out of sturdier, more lightweight aluminum and plastic materials.
Today, the suitcase industry has expanded even further to include specialty and designer brands, modern materials and designs, and luggage accessories such as wheels and straps. Suitcases are now available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and sizes to meet the needs of any traveler.
Smart Luggage and Technology
As technology has become an inextricable part of modern life, so too has that technology become embedded in travel luggage. The 21st century saw the debut of 'smart' luggage that incorporated all the tech features anyone could need for a stress-free journey. This new breed of case had a bevy of innovative features, such as USB ports for charging your phone, an app that linked it to your phone so you could always track it, and Wi-Fi capability to access the internet at any point.
The trend continued, as companies sought to outdo each other. In the past few years, 'smart' cases have included features such as fingerprint scanners, GPS trackers, and even a built-in scale capable of measuring the case's weight.
Smart luggage is poised for continued growth and development, as companies struggle to make their cases as convenient and user-friendly as possible. In an ever-shifting world of travel, smart luggage is the perfect companion, giving travelers the confidence and peace of mind to focus on their destination.
Different Styles of Luggage
Travel luggage has evolved greatly since its introduction centuries ago. In the old days, travelers used sturdy cloth bags and metal chests. But today, travelers have plenty of different styles and materials to choose from – from vintage hard case styles to modern wheeled bags.
Vintage Hard Case Styles:
Vintage hard case styles are perfect for those who like to add a classic touch to their travels. These cases are typically made from durable materials like metal, wood, or leather and feature intricate details like hand-painted designs and latches. Many vintage hard cases also come with handles, straps, and accessories like travel compartments and hatboxes.
Wheeled Luggage:
Wheeled luggage, sometimes called wheelie luggage, has become incredibly popular in recent years due to its convenience. These bags come in a variety of materials, from lightweight polycarbonates to durable leather. The retractable handle and wheels make it easier to maneuver and prevent back strain for travelers carrying bigger loads.
Soft-Sided Luggage:
Soft-sided luggage, also known as duffle bags, can come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are typically made with lightweight materials like nylon, polyester, and canvas. These bags are usually equipped with adjustable straps and pockets, so they’re great for carrying heavier items while keeping the weight even and off your back.
Backpacks and Courier Bags:
Backpacks and courier bags are designed to be carried on your back with adjustable straps. This type of luggage is perfect for travelers who need to carry heavier loads, and many models come with special pockets for laptops and other devices. Since these bags are made with lightweight materials and straps, they don’t take up much space, making them great for dealing with long lines at airports or other crowded spaces.
Popular Brands in the Industry
Since their invention, travel bags have evolved drastically and so has their popularity. Some well-known luggage brands for reliable and stylish bags over the course of this history of travel luggage include:
Samsonite
Samsonite is a leading luggage provider, having been founded in Denver, Colorado in 1910. Founded as a trunk company, Samsonite quickly grew and is now the world’s largest luggage manufacturer, producing more than 30 million pieces per year. Popular Samsonite bags range from carry-ons to larger suitcases for extended trips.
Travelpro
Travelpro was founded by a former Pan American pilot, Robert Plath, in 1987. Thanks to its iconic “Rollaboard” suitcase, Travelpro has consistently produced stylish and durable luggage in the decades since. With its unique rollaboard design and reinforced exteriors, Travelpro offers a reliable solution for frequent flyers.
Delsey
Delsey is a French luggage manufacturer and one of Europe’s most successful, producing more than 24 million suitcases per year. Established in 1946, Delsey created the line of ultra-lightweight suitcases made from helicopter blades. As time has passed, Delsey has kept up with the times, providing innovative designs with safe and effective travel solutions.
Tumi
Tumi is an American-based travel bag brand founded in 1975. From their soft-sided suitcases to aluminum-clad hard-cases, Tumi has consistently produced stylish, comfortable and reliable travel bags for their customers. Thanks to their commitment to quality and design, Tumi bags are often considered to be a luxury item for those who love to travel.
Popularity of Reusable Luggage
Reusable luggage has become especially popular since the earliest days of air travel. This type of luggage is lightweight, stylish, and durable, making it a perfect choice for frequent travelers. It is also very affordable, allowing travelers to easily get the same product in different styles, sizes, and colors, making it a perfect choice for those who don’t want to break the bank.
The popularity of reusable luggage can also be attributed to its increased durability. Reusable luggage is typically made of strong, hard-wearing materials, like polycarbonate, nylon, and other synthetic materials. This means that these types of bags are much more resistant to everyday wear and tear. It is also much easier to repair and clean. Since they last longer, there is less to replace and less cost associated with maintaining them.
Many people find that reusable luggage also makes packing for long trips easier. This type of bag is flexible and can be easily folded and packed up for storage, allowing travelers to bring along more items than would be possible with other types of bags. Some travelers prefer to carry their reusable bag as their personal item during long trips, since it is easy to keep organized and store away items during stops.
With the popularity of reusable luggage on the rise, travelers are able to save money and make their trips as comfortable and as convenient as possible. This type of bag is often just as stylish, yet significantly more durable and cost efficient than other forms of luggage.
Sustainable Travel Luggage
Sustainable travel luggage has been growing in popularity in recent years, as people become more conscious about their environmental impact and the resources they use. Sustainable luggage is made from materials that are recyclable, renewable or otherwise environmentally friendly. In addition, some companies producing sustainable luggage are committed to preserving the environment while creating designer-quality travel accessories.
Popular sustainable luggage materials include jute, hemp, bamboo, cork and recycled plastic. Jute is a strong natural fiber made from the fibers of jute plants and is a popular choice for sustainable luggage. Hemp is also a popular choice due to its strength, durability and sustainability. Bamboo is a durable, lightweight, anti-bacterial, ecofriendly material that is perfect for environmentally conscious travelers. Cork is a high-performance material with natural insulation, breathability and water-resistance. Finally, some brands are using recycled plastic to create sustainable, stylish and durable travel cases.
Besides materials, sustainable luggage is also characterized by its production practices and ethical production of goods. For example, some companies opt for using natural dyes for their travel cases, as synthetic dyes can cause environmental damage. Other companies use renewable energy sources in the production of their cases and use recycled materials whenever possible. In addition, many organizations are committed to some degree of fair trade practices, paying workers a fair wage and providing safe working conditions.
By supporting brands that prioritize sustainability, you can help reduce our dependency on unsustainable practices and production and make a positive impact on the environment. So if you are looking for a stylish, environmentally friendly and ethically made travel case, be sure to check out the latest range of sustainable travel luggage.
Conclusion
The history of travel luggage reveals many changes as technology has improved to provide more and better storage solutions. From the first humble leather traveling bag to the ever-evolving style and function of modern suitcases and travel bags, design has always been at the forefront of a successful journey. As travel luggage continues to evolve, we can only assume that the ease and comfort of travel will continue to improve.
Whether you pack for a weekend getaway in a stylish, retro-styled suitcase or opt for the lightweight convenience of a modern hard-case piece of luggage, you can be sure to find the perfect solution to your next adventure.
