The Evolution of Luggage and Its Industry's Challenges and Innovations

The Evolution of Luggage and Its Industry's Challenges and Innovations

 

I. The Iconic Design Evolution of Luggage and Backpacks

 

Travel suitcases and backpacks are indispensable companions for people's journeys, and their designs are far from static. Instead, they have continuously changed with the passage of time and social development. These transformations not only reflect the characteristics of different eras but are also closely linked to people's travel needs and technological advancements.

 

The Design Evolution of Travel Luggage

 

The history of travel luggage can be traced back to ancient times. In ancient Egypt, people used wooden boxes to store valuables. The Roman era saw the emergence of a box called "locus," made from wood or leather. Before the 1860s, domed-top trunks were popular, primarily made of wood, and used for travel on horse-drawn carriages. The domed design allowed rainwater to run off quickly. However, this style of luggage was difficult to stack and transport. The advent of steam trains led to the creation of flat-top trunks, which were stackable and more durable. Louis Vuitton's first flat-top trunk, launched in 1858, featured a gray canvas and metal-bound corners, and it quickly became popular.

 

Entering the 20th century, luggage underwent more transformations. The application of zipper technology in 1913 improved security and convenience. In 1937, RIMOWA introduced the first aluminum-magnesium alloy luggage, which was lightweight and durable, leading the trend for hard shell luggage. The first American jet plane in 1954 led to the use of lighter materials like magnesium and ABS polymer. The invention of wheels and a telescoping handle in 1987 created the modern trolley bag. Later, spinner wheels were introduced, and continuous improvements were made in materials, functions, appearance, and locks. The TraveRE brand introduced expandable zipper layers to increase storage space. They also adopted environmentally friendly, antibacterial linings and built-in TSA locks. Nowadays, smart luggage has also emerged, featuring built-in GPS tracking and power bank modules, upgrading travel cases from simple storage tools to intelligent travel companions. These days, you can even find a smart cabin luggage trolley. The evolution also brought us options like a 20 inch suitcase or a 24inch luggage for varying travel needs. Some travelers opt for a soft sided luggage option for its flexibility. This includes the classic soft shell luggage and soft luggage.

 

The Design Evolution of Backpacks

 

The development of the backpack has been a long process, closely related to the military. Early climbers used military canvas bags. In 1908, a Norwegian man named Ole F. Bergans designed an external-frame canvas bag using a steel frame for support, which was later supplied to the Norwegian army. In 1920, Lloyd Nelson improved the external frame structure of Inuit packs to better distribute weight on the wearer's back, creating the first modern external-frame heavy-duty hiking backpack. This type of hiking backpack was a breakthrough.

 

In 1952, climber Dick Kelty introduced the first truly civilian mountaineering bag, ending the reliance on military surplus. In 1967, Greg Lowe moved the frame structure to the inside, which allowed the backpack to fit closer to the body, improving stability. This innovation expanded its use to activities like skiing and rock climbing. The 1970s and 80s saw the rapid development of backpacks with the emergence of mainstream brands like Osprey and Gregory. In the 90s, manufacturers focused on improving stability, comfort, and user-friendliness, though backpack weight increased. Entering the 21st century, designs became more diverse, and a travel backpack became a necessity. The rise of activities like technical climbing and trail running led to lightweight and ultralight backpacks. New materials like high-strength, lightweight nylon were also applied. For city commuters, a laptop backpack is a must-have, and for those who love travel, a versatile travel rucksack or tourist bags is a great choice. Sometimes, for short trips, a rucksack is all you need.

 

II. The Phenomenon of Price Wars and Counter-Strategies

 

Price wars are not an unfamiliar term in the travel luggage and bag industry. In recent years, as market competition has become more intense, price wars have frequently broken out. Market research shows that over 60% of consumers prioritize comparing prices across different brands when shopping for luggage. This consumer behavior makes companies believe that lowering prices will attract more customers.

 

From a positive perspective, in the early stages of a price war, consumers can purchase travel luggage at lower prices. However, the negative impacts are more significant. For companies, excessive price competition severely squeezes profit margins. According to data, during intense price wars, the profit margins of some travel luggage companies plummeted from a typical 15%-20% to below 5%. In the long run, this can lead to insufficient investment in product research and development. Some companies may also lower product quality standards to maintain low prices, which harms consumer interests and the reputation of the entire industry.

 

To counter price wars, companies should focus on product innovation to develop unique features. For example, the TraveRE brand introduced smart luggage with a smart positioning function. Companies should also strengthen brand building to enhance brand recognition and reputation. Brands like 90Fen and TraveRE have made environmental concepts a core focus, launching luggage made from recycled materials. In addition, optimizing supply chain management and improving production efficiency can help reduce costs without sacrificing product quality. Lastly, providing high-quality pre-sale, in-sale, and after-sale services can increase consumer satisfaction and loyalty.

 

 

III. The Application of New Waterproof Fabrics in Luggage and Bags

 

In daily life and travel, the waterproof performance of luggage is crucial. With technological advancements, new waterproof fabrics have emerged, bringing a complete transformation to the luggage industry. Traditional fabrics like ordinary cotton and leather have limited waterproof performance, and market data shows that around 70% of consumers have experienced items getting wet due to poor luggage waterproofing. This has driven the research and application of new waterproof fabrics.

 

Common Types of New Waterproof Fabrics and Their Characteristics

 

Polymer Waterproof Materials: These materials have excellent weather resistance, abrasion resistance, and anti-pollution properties. A dense protective film forms on the surface, effectively preventing the penetration of moisture and pollutants. An example is PVC coating, which is widely used in some outdoor bags. PU coating, on the other hand, is more flexible and maintains a good waterproof effect even in low-temperature environments. This is especially useful for soft luggage sets.

 

Nanoscale Waterproof Coatings: Based on nanotechnology, these coatings form a nanoscopic pore structure on the surface of the material, which is too small for water molecules to pass through but still allows for breathability. For example, some backpacks with nanoscale waterproof technology can effectively block rainwater while preventing the user from feeling stuffy.

 

Silicone Waterproof Materials: These materials have excellent heat resistance, cold resistance, and oxidation resistance, maintaining stable waterproof performance from -50°C to 200°C. They also have good adhesion, forming a stable waterproof layer on the fabric surface. They are also environmentally friendly, with minimal harm to people and the environment during production and use.

 

Composite Fabrics: These fabrics are made of a composite of various polymer materials, possessing excellent physical properties and chemical stability. For instance, a waterproof and breathable membrane can be combined with a high-strength textile fabric to create a material that is both waterproof and durable.

 

Application Examples

 

Many famous luggage brands are now using new waterproof fabrics. The TraveRE brand, for instance, launched a high-end travel case made from a polymer composite material, which has excellent waterproof, compressive, and abrasion resistance. Similarly, some smart luggage options now also use new waterproof fabrics to protect internal electronic components from moisture. The increased demand for travel trolley bags also means more options are available with advanced waterproof features.

 

In the backpack sector, new waterproof fabrics are widely used, especially for outdoor models. Some professional outdoor brands use nanoscale waterproof fabrics that are both waterproof and breathable. For city commuters, some brands offer products with silicone waterproof fabrics that also have anti-fouling properties. For example, the TraveRE crossbody bag uses a three-layer composite process, including a Teflon coating, a high-density weave, and a recycled polyester fiber lining. This design can even be folded to reduce its storage volume by 60%, making it a great foldable luggage bag. This makes them very practical for a busy urban life. Fashionable satchels and handbags are also starting to incorporate new waterproof fabrics to combine functionality with style.