Is Hardside or Softside luggage more durable?

A hardshell suitcase is typically better than a softside bag for protection (as long as your items are packed safely inside, too). However, all hardshell materials are prone to getting scuffed, scratched, or possibly cracked more so than with fabric suitcases.



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Hard-shell luggage is the way to go for durability and maneuverability, but soft-shells often pack more easily.

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Hard-Shell Luggage The most durable, but also the heaviest, is aluminum. Hard-shell luggage often features a 50/50-split opening, allowing you to pack two sides equally and stabilize the contents with an interior strap or a middle divider.

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The main drawback is that hard-shell luggage can't be twisted to fit into a small space. Hard-shell suitcases also require a lot of room to store at home, making them less convenient in this sense.

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Soft Versus Hard Shell Hard shell suitcases can crack, which causes them to fall apart more rapidly than soft luggage. To avoid this concern choose a suitcase made from polycarbonate ABS that stands up to the rigors of travel.

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Soft Versus Hard Shell Hard shell suitcases can crack, which causes them to fall apart more rapidly than soft luggage. To avoid this concern choose a suitcase made from polycarbonate ABS that stands up to the rigors of travel.

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Hard-shell luggage is the way to go for durability and maneuverability, but soft-shells often pack more easily. American Way, Hemispheres, CultureMap, JohnnyJet, and more.

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Swedish pilot Maria Pettersson prefers “half soft-sided” luggage, which offers a bit more support than the typical soft-sided luggage, but provides more flexibility than hard-sided luggage.

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Consider hard-shell luggage if you want durable, easy-to-maneuver luggage with a robust exterior to protect your valuables. Soft-shell luggage can be for you if you're seeking versatility, ease of packing, and a big interior.

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What to look for when shopping for the best hardside luggage
  • Aluminum is the most durable material for hardside luggage, but it's much heavier than other options and can be pretty expensive.
  • Polycarbonate is the most popular material for hard luggage.


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Our top picks:
  • Best Overall Luggage: Samsonite.
  • Best Value Luggage: American Tourister.
  • Best Carry-On Luggage: Away.
  • Best Luggage for Frequent Flyers: Hartmann.
  • Best Fashion Luggage: Calpak.
  • Best Under-$100 Luggage: Amazon Basics.
  • Best Luggage for Long Trips: L.L.Bean.
  • Best Luggage for International Travel: Briggs & Riley.


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Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On It's no secret that Travelpro is one of the most recommended brands by flight attendants, and this Maxlite 5 softside carry-on is a great example of why.

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For maximum durability, the handle should have little to no wiggling or rattling as you pull the bag. Also, check for smooth movement as you pull it up and retract it. The suitcase's wheels should roll smoothly and stay in place. Gently jiggle the wheels with your hands to make sure they are firmly attached.

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25 - 27 Checked Luggage They are ideal for trips of 5 to 7 days, or longer, depending on how you pack.

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For business and frequent travelers: Go with polycarbonate luggage, as it's the strongest luggage plastic. It's sturdy enough, very resistant to cracks, and it isn't too heavy. For airline crews and extra-frequent travelers: Go with aluminum as it's the most durable material used in luggage.

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Soft-sided luggage is generally lighter than hard luggage, so if you're worried about going over an airline's weight limit, it's a smart option, as it gives you more leeway to use those pounds for your belongings rather than for the suitcase.

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We all use Ziploc bags for carry-on toiletries, but it's worth zipping up full-sized items like shampoos in your checked bag so they don't leak. Keep larger baggies to pack your wet bathing suits and workout clothing so your unused clothes don't get damp.

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How long luggage lasts depends on multiple factors, including how often you travel, the quality of your luggage, and how well you care for your suitcases and bags. High-quality, durable luggage can last for over a decade of frequent use. Less well-made bags have much shorter lifespans.

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It's Incredibly Durable Not only is it some of the most durable luggage around, but it also can handle anything from rain puddles to being thrown onto the baggage drop, which is good news for all of your belongings inside.

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In short, the 3-1-1 rule is: Each liquid you bring through the TSA checkpoint must be in a 3.4-ounce or smaller container (3), all containers must be placed inside one clear quart-size plastic bag (1) and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag (1).

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