There are some things in life you don't think you have strong opinions about either way. Things that exist in the world but aren't worth giving too much thought to, they just are what they are.
Up until a few weeks ago suitcases would be on that list for me.
A suitcase is a suitcase, right? As long as it gets you to your destination with all your belongings intact and withstands being chucked onto luggage carousels without suddenly bursting open showing your dirty washing to the world, what does it matter?
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Even embarking on our first post-covid long-haul family holiday in the summer, where we had to get two young children and three suitcases across a busy airport, it never really occurred to me that your choice of suitcase could impact the experience.
Everyone feels like highly-stressed, arm-flailing octopuses in these situations, when you're alternating trying to hold little hands, get little hands to hold onto sleeves or - one particular desperate low - trying to push 20kg of case along with a knee while half carrying a sobbing child, right?
It would turn out the answer to that is a resounding no and techie suitcase firm Tach is on a mission to transform luggage with their Tach V3 range.
The cases come in three different sizes - including one perfect for hand luggage - and can be bought as a set of three or individually.
They come in six colours ranging from the classic, subtle, some may say a little boring (black, grey, midnight blue) to red, sky blue and my favourite - a cheery purple that is never going to go unnoticed on a luggage carousel and was my choice when it was time to pick.
At first glance you notice combination locks attached as standard (no more faffing with teeny tiny keys) and are sturdy hard cases, but that's just the start.
They are packed full of features which I'd never really considered as especially necessary in my luggage but which are all aimed at making life and travel simpler.
The key factor, and functionality so unique that the team behind the suitcases have actually patented it, is that whether you have two, three or ten cases they can be connected together using a clever male/female case design and panels made of what is basically industrial-strength velcro.
Not only is it easy to put everything together - and they stay together once you have - but when you attach them you end up with little additional storage spaces perfect for slipping water bottles into the side, meaning everyone has a drink easily to hand.
Once everything is connected you can use the handles on the largest case to pull the whole train along but for ultimate manoeuvreability there is luggage strap included that makes it even easier to move.
I tried using it both ways and definitely find the strap more helpful for when you've packed heavy as you really can pull the whole lot with minimal effort one-handed.
But this is just one of a host of other things that made me fall in love with the cases.
I've never really considered whether my hand luggage needs USB ports. But having sat on the floor in the corner of an airport lounge by a plug socket desperately trying to give my children's tablets a burst of charge before we got on an eight hour flight, discovering that the Tach set does was a bit of a revelation.
You simply plug your own battery charger into a little internal pocket and then the case itself has two ports allowing you to charge your devices without even having to open the bag.
Meanwhile when you open each case there is a five pocket zippable interior which helps keep everything organised.
No more keeping a bag for life on the hotel room floor with everyone's dirty clothes until it was time to pack for the journey home. I could move dirty washing into the separate large pocket in the lid, keep clean things in the main compartment and ensure other essentials didn't get lost by tucking them into the smaller sections.
Since they arrived, I've had a chance to use the cases as a set of three on a big family trip and then the smaller case on a separate weekend with my husband. It might sound daft, but each time I've opened them I've felt a little spark of joy at the simple features and how they make my life easier.
Buying the full set is definitely an investment, with the RRP for the three-piece set £345. But as someone who has used the same cases for almost a decade and was shocked at the price of a bog-standard case when I went to buy one last year (I paid £75 for a large case alone) I'd definitely consider them worth the investment. This is especially true at the moment as the three piece set is currently available with £75 off using the code HOL75 through Tach Luggage direct, getting it down to £270.
Meanwhile a set of three or individual cases are also available through Amazon.
These cases were originally designed by and aimed at parents travelling with children and so many details are perfect on that front for helping to cope with the stresses of travelling with kids.
But if you're someone who travels a lot, particularly if you take lots with you, they are the ultimate suitcase option and if I had to replace my cases tomorrow I'd absolutely get another set.
It would appear I am now someone with very strong opinions on luggage and the Tach set is absolutely my go-to.
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