What suitcase should I buy hard or soft?

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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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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Made of durable materials like polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and aluminum, hard shell luggage is practically indestructible. That means everything inside the bag stays well-protected, which is especially important if you're bringing home fragile purchases from your trip.

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Durability and security More and less durability can be found in softsided luggage than hardsided luggage. On the one hand, it is more prone to scratches and stains, harder to clean and less protective of valuables if the bag is thrown or pushed around during transit.

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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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Often considered the most durable type of luggage, a hard shell suitcase has a rigid exterior that is usually made from moulded polypropylene, polycarbonate or ABS plastic, with some using aluminium. They're less flexible than soft-sided suitcases, making them a better option for protecting delicate items.

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The 12 Most Durable Luggage Brands
  1. LEVEL8 Luggage. Credit: LEVEL8. ...
  2. Away. Credit: Away Travel. ...
  3. Pelican. Credit: Pelican. ...
  4. Briggs & Riley. Credit: Briggs & Riley. ...
  5. Eagle Creek. Credit: Eagle Creek. ...
  6. Samsonite. Credit: Samsonite. ...
  7. Delsey. Credit: Delsey. ...
  8. Travelpro. Credit: Travelpro.


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Use hard-cased luggage if possible. It is more difficult for bed bugs to attach to rigid materials than to fabric. Pack your clothing in re-sealable plastic bags. Plastic bags are available in up to 22-gallon sizes in hardware and other stores.

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A suitcase with 4 wheels is very convenient, especially at train stations and airports. A suitcase with 2 wheels is only an option for me if I'm traveling with a small suitcase (size S) and have to pull it over longer distances. Even more important than the number of wheels is the quality.

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Samsonite earns our top spot for the best luggage brand because it has a wide assortment for every preference — from business travelers to vacationers — and has continuously proven to be high quality as we've tested it over the years.

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Not every bag, or every traveler for that matter, is built the same – but for the more part, you can sit, lean or stack stuff on your hard luggage without worry.

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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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Bright red, bright green, bright blue, and even bright yellow are good luggage colors. They are striking enough that you can easily spot them on the luggage carousel, but they aren't light enough that they will show all the wear and tear of having been used for several trips.

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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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Weight. While polypropylene is the lightest weight material in the hardside suitcase category, other hardshell suitcases will likely still be heavier than softside bags.

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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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Soft-sided garment bags up to 51 inches / 130 cm (length + width + height) can also be taken as your carry-on item.

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