Where to Buy Travel Luggage and Backpacks in Singapore
Choosing the right type of luggage depends on your needs and purpose of travel. For instance, business travellers or those going on city holidays would likely use a suitcase to minimise wrinkles on packed clothing and to have a little extra space for new acquisitions along the way.
On the other hand, if you are going to be constantly on the move or going on an outdoor adventure, a backpack is the most convenient way to lug your gear around.
Whether you prefer a functional backpack that will allow you to have your hands free or a stylish suitcase for ease of organising, here are the best places to get your luggage in Singapore.
Where to Buy Luggage and Suitcase
Great for: Business travellers, long trips, frequent travellers, chronic overpackers
Samsonite
Various malls island-wide / www.samsonite.com.sg
For suitcases that marry form and function, you can’t go wrong with Samsonite. Popular among jetsetters for its variety of luggage styles, you will certainly find the perfect suitcase to meet your needs – ranging from the hand luggage-sized Fomma Spinner that’s made of a lightweight nylon, to the large impact-resistant SBL Cubelite hard case for longer holidays.
Also available at Samsonite boutiques are business-appropriate briefcases, trendy totes and backpacks by diffusion label Samsonite RED, and even the cutest animal-themed kids’ cases and bags for junior globetrotters.
Mustafa
145 Syed Alwi Road / www.mustafa.com.sg
Travelling on a shoestring budget? Pick out some of the best luggage deals in town at 24-hour shopping mega-complex Mustafa, which carries just about everything under the sun, including loads of no-frills suitcases that will get the job done.
Non-branded suitcases are also good for more rugged trips to places such as South America or Africa, as you won’t want to stand out like a sore thumb with an expensive, shiny suitcase.
Takashimaya Department Store
391 Orchard Road / www.takashimaya.com.sg
Check out a well-curated selection of luggage brands including Delsey, Victorinox and Zero Halliburton at Takashimaya Department Store. This is a good location to compare features among the different brands and to figure out which piece best suits your needs and budget.
Rimowa
Marina Bay Sands, Mandarin Gallery and Takashimaya / www.rimowa.com/en-sg
Rimowa suitcases may be a bit of a splurge, but you can expect this investment-worthy luggage to last a lifetime.
Rimowa’s signature Classic Flight grooved aluminium cases have a timeless appeal, while the ever-popular Salsa range of suitcases are made with robust yet lightweight polycarbonate to withstand the rough-and-tumble nature of travel without weighing you down.
Best of all, Rimowa offers a convenient 24-hour repair service at various top hotels internationally, just in case your luggage gets damaged while in transit.
Where to Buy Backpacks in Singapore
Great for: Backpacking, camping, short trips, off the beaten track
The Planet Traveller
Ion Orchard, Marina Square, Paragon and Changi Airport T3 / www.theplanettraveller.com
Not sure what type of backpack suits you best? Head to The Planet Traveller, where you can compare designs from a range of reputable backpack brands, including Eagle Creek, Tatonka and The North Face.
As a general rule of thumb, backpacks with a capacity of 35 – 45 litres are suitable for trips of up to 1 week; 45 – 55 litres for up to 2 weeks; and 55 – 65 litres for longer journeys of a month or more.
You will also want to look out for features such as padded hip belts (to distribute some weight to your hips), external pockets and compartments to keep your items separated, and padded interiors if you are carrying electronic gear such as laptops or cameras.
Outdoor Products
B2-34 Capitol Piazza / www.outdoorproducts.com
If you are planning a hiking or camping trip, head to Outdoor Products for framed backpacks that are specially designed for outdoor travel.
These ergonomic backpacks are built with support frames to give maximum comfort while you walk with a heavy load on your back. The packs come with features that trekkers will find useful, such as trekking pole holders, mesh pockets and even compartments for water packs.
This brand also stocks packs that are specially designed for women, such as the Lotus Women’s Frame Pack or the Women’s Artemis Internal Frame Pack, which are streamlined to fit slimmer silhouettes. Check these out if you have a smaller build as the larger packs may not sit on your frame as comfortably.
Cath Kidston
Various malls island-wide / www.cathkidston.com
Why not carry a dash of whimsy with you on your travels with an utterly darling backpack from Cath Kidston?
This British label is known for its quirky yet nostalgic designs such as polka dots, florals and animals. But looks aside, the backpacks, which are suitably sized for daytrips or overnighters, have smart design features too. The water-resistant fabric keeps your belongings protected in case of unexpected showers, while the padded and adjustable handles ensure the weight is properly distributed on your shoulders.
The backpacks are also thoughtfully designed with a padded laptop sleeve and an external pocket where you can easily access necessities such as your sunglasses or lip balm.