Are hard suitcases bad?

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.

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.

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.

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

Hard-sided luggage is dented: Most hard-sided luggage that has a dent is made of ABS and can be repaired. Manufacturers like Samsonite commonly use ABS in manufacturing luggage. Use a 1600w or higher hair dryer to heat up the area where the dent is.

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.

They can also help you avoid bringing bed bugs home. 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.

Both hard-shell suitcases and fabric suitcases have advantages and disadvantages. When deciding on a type of suitcase, you have to weigh up what you value most: Hard-shell suitcases are much more sturdier and protective. In addition, they are more resistant to weather conditions and are easier to clean.

The construction of the bag also impacts the weight of the suitcase: In hard-shell bags, polypropylene, polycarbonate and ABS are the lightest options. By contrast, soft-sided bags made with durable yet lightweight nylon or polyester tend to weigh the least.

Polycarbonate is the most popular material for hard luggage. It is both lightweight and durable, but it can scratch easily. ABS is a plastic material that is more affordable and even more lightweight than polycarbonate, but it is a bit less durable.

Hard-sided bags are the most unforgiving; you can't squeeze them into a storage space. Soft-sided, structured bags have a little forgiveness on the front and back. If you have no place to store a stand-up suitcase, you may want to limit yourself to duffels. What Size Luggage Do You Need?

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Carry-On Spinner

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I learned an important tip from CD when he said, “Don't check-in a hard sided black suitcase. It's the most common type of suitcase in the world. In the baggage industry, it's 22HW type and almost regarded as the default bag type.”

American Tourister is a brand of luggage owned by Samsonite. Brothers Sol and Irving Koffler founded American Luggage Works in Providence, Rhode Island, United States in 1933. In 1993, American Tourister was acquired by Astrum International, which also owns Samsonite.

If you're not familiar with the brand, Samsonite makes some of the most durable, reliable and high-quality bags for travelers. Whether you're looking for a new expandable model or a spinner suitcase, we found the top-rated Samsonite luggage, according to reviewers.

I travel professionally but not frequently and I generally check one bag and throw my laptop in a backpack as a carry on since my trips tend to be longer and a carry on doesn't cut it. So my experience doesn't match their need. I recommended travel pro. It's what I see most with flight attendants.

Bag Wrap, just one company that will sheath your luggage in cling film, with locations in airports all around Europe, states five: that it protects your luggage from damage, deters thieves, weather-proofs it, makes it easily identifiable, and reduces the risk of someone slipping illicit goods into your bag.

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.

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.

Use a flashlight to check seams, folds and pockets for bugs or eggs. Vacuum the suitcase using a brush and crevice tool attachment. Once finished, enclose the vacuum bag or the dirt into a plastic bag sealed with tape. The suitcase can then be washed with hot soapy water or other common household cleaners.

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.

Bedbug numbers in France have surged in 2023. There's been a 65 percent increase in pest control visits for the insects across the country this year compared to last, says France's Union Chamber of Insect Control.

Aluminum is lightweight and is much more durable than other materials like plastic or polyester. You can find the right size and features you want at a reasonable price. It won't melt like other plastics; it supports the weight of heavier items inside the bag, including golf clubs and snowboards…etc.

Hard cases are under 4.5kg. With some large hard cases weighting just 3.5kg. If you would like advice on the choosing the right size suitcase for your trip, we would be delighted to help.

Best Value Luggage: American Tourister

There are lots of options if you prefer bright colors and fun prints, plus there are cases for the entire family, including a Disney collection. Ideal especially for vacationers, the models are fun and functional between the designs and versatile offerings.

More Reader-Recommended Hardside Luggage

It can expand up to 2” for extra packing space (or to even add the odd souvenir or two), and there's any easy one-button locking system.

Although there are various shapes and sizes, most 23 kg suitcases have large and extra large suitcase dimensions and are appropriate for checked-in travel on airlines. Typically, a 23kg suitcase size will have the following measurements: Length: 71-81 cm (28-32 inches ) Width: 43-51 cm (17-20 inches)