What is Samsonite hard luggage made of?

The Samsonite Omni PC combines scratch-resistant textures with the polycarbonate construction, ensuring your luggage looks as great on the 100th trip as it does on the first.



Samsonite's hardside luggage in 2026 is primarily constructed from three advanced materials: Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, and Roxkin™. Polycarbonate (used in the Omni and Voltage lines) is the most popular choice because it is incredibly impact-resistant; when it takes a hit, it "flexes" and pops back into shape rather than cracking. For those seeking the absolute lightest weight, Samsonite uses Polypropylene, specifically through their patented Curv® technology, which involves weaving polypropylene fibers to create a material that is exceptionally strong yet light enough to lift with a single finger. The newest innovation, Roxkin™, is a multi-layered material developed to be virtually indestructible while maintaining a slim profile. All these materials are chosen for their ability to protect fragile contents from the rigors of automated baggage handling systems. Additionally, most modern Samsonite shells now feature a "micro-diamond" or "sand-blast" texture, which is engineered to hide the scuffs and scratches that inevitably occur during international travel, keeping the luggage looking newer for a longer period.

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Polycarbonate has high tensile strength and is extremely long-lasting. Of all hardside, plastic suitcase materials, it is by far the most durable.

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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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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. The FERGE brand makes a TSA-lockable suitcase on wheels using polycarbonate ABS.

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Hard case luggage doesn't easily fit into compartments the way soft luggage does. A con of some hard surface luggage pieces is that they can be much heavier than cloth cases. On the other hand, a pro is that many are available with extending handles, bottom wheels and other innovative features.

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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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Polycarbonate is more flexible than ABS and has a higher impact resistance. As a result, it makes for a stronger suitcase. ABS suitcases are cheaper than Polycarbonate ones, but they are often heavier and do not last as long.

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The company's top executive stepped down this week after being accused by a short seller of falsely claiming to have a doctoral degree. Samsonite said on Friday that it had accurately represented the academic credentials of the executive, Ramesh Tainwala, ever since going public in Hong Kong in 2011.

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While all three types of plastic are at least somewhat durable, polycarbonate luggage is going to be the most durable. This type of plastic is both impact and scratch resistant, which makes it stand out the most in the durability category. Polypropylene is the second-most durable of the three types of plastic.

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Best Overall Luggage: Samsonite It's certainly not inexpensive, but as direct-to-consumer luggage brand prices have skyrocketed, Samsonite's have remained fairly consistent. Both hardside and softside styles from the brand have excelled in our tests.

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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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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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Weight. Soft-shell luggage tends to be a tad lighter than hard-sided, which lets you carry more contents without exceeding the airline weight limit.

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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-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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In 1993, American Tourister was acquired by Astrum International, which also owns Samsonite. Astrum was renamed as the Samsonite Corporation two years later. Their products include backpacks, suitcases and wallets. Today, the American Tourister brand is sold as a more affordable brand in the Samsonite portfolio.

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