What are the pros and cons of hardcase suitcases?

Hardsided luggage tends to be more waterproof than its softsided counterpart, so if you're trudging through rain or snow, your clothing may stay drier longer. However, hardsided luggage may sustain more scratches and scuffs when exposed to thrashes and bumps.



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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. Alisha is a freelance writer and photographer.

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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
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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Here are five things to do before you buy a suitcase, and five things to avoid.
  1. 1 AVOID - Lack Of Compartments.
  2. 2 DO - Consider How It'll Be Used. ...
  3. 3 AVOID - Dull Colors. ...
  4. 4 DO - Aim For Four Wheels. ...
  5. 5 AVOID - Buying It Online. ...
  6. 6 DO - Go For Something Noticeable. ...
  7. 7 AVOID - Going With The Crowd. ...


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Soft-sided luggage gives you more packing flexibility, but hard shells protect your belongings better. Also, hard shells tend to be heavier, but soft-sided ones can damage more easily. There are good and bad features for both and, in the end, it really comes down to personal preference.

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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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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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Hard-sided luggage is designed to handle clothing first and everything else after. That means you should arrange your clothes in the suitcase first and then find all the nooks and crannies to tuck in other items, like a dopp kit, shoes, belts, and a book.

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Hardside luggage materials offer maximum protection for suitcase contents and can withstand rough baggage handling. While stronger than most soft-side bags, hard-side luggage can be more difficult to fit into crowded overhead compartments, as you cannot compress the bags to fit in small spaces.

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That said, a hard case around your valuables can also mean they stay more protected during rough handling. Fragile items are less likely to break since the bag won't compress. Hard shell bags may also be less susceptible to slashing by thieves armed with blades.

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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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If weight is important to you for a checked bag with airline weight restrictions, you'll be better off with a lighter-weight polypropylene suitcase or a softside one. In general, a hardside carry-on will weigh anywhere between 5 and 10 pounds and a lightweight checked bag will weigh 9 to 12 pounds.

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Aluminum luggage is more durable than polycarbonate or soft-sided luggage, though it's still prone to scratches and dents. It's also more secure, as aluminum suitcases typically close via latches rather than zippers.

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High-quality, durable luggage can last for over a decade of frequent use.

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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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Sure, you can find a suitcase for $50, but if it only lasts for two trips before the wheels and zipper break, it could be more expensive in the long run than a $200 suitcase that lasts for several years. Quality is key if you're looking for good value.

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