If you want a softside suitcase, the lightest luggage materials are polyester and nylon. If you're a hardside fan, look for suitcases made of polypropylene, polycarbonate, or ABS (in that order). The design of the bag makes a difference too.
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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.
Because softshell luggage has more give, a hard shell suitcase can be better at protecting fragile contents, assuming you cushion it well inside. On the other hand, that rigid exterior makes hardshell bags unable to be compressed to squeeze into tight spaces like softsided bags are more apt to allow.
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.
Samsonite is known for making some of the lightest luggage available, including the popular Cosmolite range – but it tends to be priced at a premium. Samsonite's more affordable sister brand, American Tourister, also makes quality lightweight luggage, as do other major brands including Antler.
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.
Durability and securityMore 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.
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.
Few things add weight and bulk to a suitcase more easily than shoes. If you're traveling somewhere cold, wear your heavier boots during the journey there rather than placing them in your bag. For warmer leisure travel, find a pair of comfortable-but-stylish walking shoes and some versatile flats.
If you're trying to learn how to make luggage lighter when traveling, consider the different ways you can pack. Rolling your clothes won't make them weigh less, so they won't make your luggage lighter.
Hard-Shell LuggageThe 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.
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.
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.
It's Incredibly DurableIt's high-strength, lightweight, and provides elasticity and resiliency. 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.
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.