(June 9, 2023) Can’t decide? Making the right choice can seem tricky, considering the numerous options available in the market. Before making a big purchase, it’s important to identify your needs and consider various factors. Here are some things to consider when deciding between soft or hard shell luggage.
Durability is often a common concern for travelers, especially when carrying delicate electronics like laptops, iPads, and cameras. Hard shell luggage offers better protection for fragile items. While most hard shell cases are not completely water-resistant, they are easier to keep dry in rainy or snowy conditions and provide better protection against spills and accidents.
Additionally, hard shell luggage is easier to keep clean. Soft cases can absorb water and are more susceptible to stains and odors. If you plan to travel to rugged locations or during winter, hard-shell luggage may be a better choice.
LuggageX, a newcomer from the UK, has gained a reputation for being practically indestructible and inexpensive. During durability tests, their suitcase survived being crushed by a Prius. Prices for LuggageX range from $50 to $200.
It’s worth noting that hard shell luggage has undergone significant improvements in recent years. Companies have made changes to enhance overall quality. Many hard shell pieces are now made with polycarbonate, a flexible material that absorbs impact when dropped or thrown onto hard surfaces. Polycarbonate luggage is scratch-resistant, lighter than plastic or aluminum cases, and can even be lighter than some soft luggage.
Traveler’s Choice hard shell suitcases, made of polycarbonate ABS, are less likely to crack or scratch during travel. Prices for single suitcases range from $60 to $170.
If you anticipate doing some shopping during your travels, it may be more difficult to fit extra items into hard shell luggage. Soft luggage, on the other hand, can stretch more around the edges. Soft luggage is also easier to manipulate into small spaces, such as overhead bins or luggage racks on buses. The Samsonite Luggage Hyperspace Spinner is a soft luggage option that fits into an overhead bin, weighs only 11.4 pounds, and provides compact packing and expandability. It is available online for $129.59.
When it comes to maneuverability, hard shell luggage tends to be easier to handle in airports or train stations due to the prevalence of four-wheeled designs. While it is possible to find soft luggage with four wheels, it is less common. The 360-degree spinner wheels on hard shell luggage make maneuvering much easier and minimize the risk of flipping or losing balance. This feature is especially beneficial for those with heavy items or multiple flights.
Rockland is a brand that offers reasonably priced luggage with four wheels. Their suitcases feature 360-degree turning spinner wheels and a lightweight design, making traveling a little bit easier. Three-piece sets from Rockland start at $139.
Customization and visibility are important considerations for many travelers. Hard shell luggage often comes in various colors and patterns, making it easier to spot among a sea of black bags on the baggage carousel. Soft cases also come in different colors, but colored luggage tends to get dirty and show wear and tear more easily.
To make your luggage stand out, regardless of its type, consider personalizing it with luggage tags, ribbons, stickers, or duct tape. Opting for suitcases with unique colors, patterns, and prints can also make them more visible at the baggage claim. Heys USA offers a range of options, from prints of world maps to Disney princesses. Individual suitcases from Heys USA range from $109 to $300.
Accessibility is a significant advantage of soft luggage. Front pockets on soft cases allow for easy access to items you’d like to keep handy but don’t need in your carry-on, such as a change