Advantages of Hardside Luggage
- Durable
- Hard shell protects luggage contents
- Easy to clean
- Easy to pack
- Easy to stack
Disadvantages of Hard-Shell Luggage
- Can be heavy
- Low-quality suitcases are susceptible to cracking
- Not as much “give” as softshell luggage
Softside Luggage
Packing Space and Capacity
While hard-side and soft-shell bags have similar packing capacities based on size, soft-side luggage has a little more “give” on the sides, which can be helpful if the bag is extremely full. Consider a soft-sided suitcase with an expandable zipper if you tend to overpack.
Soft-sided luggage like the Platinum® Elite 21” Carry-On Spinner usually has exterior pockets for last-minute items and essentials you don’t want to carry in your backpack or tote–a favorite feature of new parents hauling already-overstuffed diaper bags. Front pockets are ideal for anything you wish to access while en route to your destination.
Softside Front-Open Luggage
Soft-side luggage usually opens to one main compartment that may have interior pockets, suitors, or other packing accessories. Softside luggage may allow you to pack a little more due to the flexible nature of the soft fabric. Front-open luggage allows you to access items packed at the top of the bag quickly when needed.
Durability
Soft-side suitcases have a reputation for being less durable than hard-side luggage, but this isn’t always true. Soft-sided bags can tear or rip if made from the wrong fabric but are very durable when made from high-quality materials. For built-in durability, look for luggage made from high-density fabric. Travelpro® soft-shell bags undergorigorous fabric testingto produce durable, high-quality luggage.
Either hard- or soft-shell suitcases are water resistant if they have the right coating. Look for soft-side bags made with water-resistant DuraGuard® fabric to protect your belongings from rain and moisture. This coating helps make our ultra-tough, high-density fabrics resistant to water, stains, and abrasions. While water may get in through the zippers if your bag is submerged or caught in heavier downpours, your items will stay drier in a suitcase with the correct materials and coating.
Other important durability features that will help keep both hard and soft bags looking and performing well include corner guards, reinforced molding on high-wear points, and, for rolling bags, with well-designed, protective wheel housings. Look for reinforced stitching,resilient zippers that stay on track and stay closed, sturdy handles, and strong extension handles that don’t bend or buckle.
Weight
When empty, a soft-shell suitcase is usually lighter than a hard-shell case of similar size. This affects how much you can pack and still fall within your airline’s weight restrictions. Depending on the quality and materials used to make each bag, your choice of soft- or hard-shell luggage can mean a difference of several pounds of weight.
Softside: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Soft-Shell Luggage
- Lightweight
- Slightly more packing room than hard-side bags
- Durable
- Easy access to items packed at the top of the bag
- Water-resistant
- Exterior pockets are more common
Disadvantages of Soft-Side Luggage
- More maintenance than hard-shell bags
- Not as durable
FAQs about Hard and Soft Suitcases
Do Airlines Prefer Hard or Soft Suitcases?
While you can find some sources claiming airlines prefer hard suitcases over soft-side luggage, airlines don’t have a preference. Airlines are more concerned with the size and weight of checked and carry-on bags than with the bag’s construction.
Is Hard or Soft Luggage Better for Carry-On?
How you travel determines if hard or soft luggage is better for carry-on. Soft-side carry-ons may be easier to pack into a crowded overhead compartment, while hard case bags provide greater protection for fragile belongings. Soft-side bags are also more likely to have external pockets to easily access tablets, chargers, and other small items.
Should You Choose Hard or Soft Luggage for International Travel?
Whether you should choose hard or soft luggage for international travel depends, in part, on your destination. If you’re traveling to Europe for a shopping holiday, the extra packing room of a softshell suitcase may be necessary. If you’re planning an African safari where your luggage will bounce around in the back of a jeep as you explore dirt roads and remote campsites, hard-side bags will weather the environment better and provide more protection for your belongings.
Chose the Luggage That Meets Your Travel Needs
Ultimately, whether you choose hard-shell vs. soft-sided luggage depends on the way you travel and what you pack, combined with your tastes. Once you understand these factors, buy the best luggage that fits your budget and look for reliable warranties to protect your investment for the long haul. Happy Travels!
