What is the best way to pack a hard shell suitcase?

Pack Strategically On the open side of the bag pack shoes down by the wheels up along the sides of the bag, balancing the weight to help stabilize the bag when upright. In the space between the handles, pack a long packing cube with smaller items like socks and underwear.

Rolling your clothes in your suitcase will generally save space. This is because it squeezes air from between folds and means the most of available space is used. If done correctly, rolling can also ensure less wrinkles in your clothes.

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.

The New York Times' 'How to Pack a Suitcase' guide claims you can get through a week away with only "five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat," though the article allows you to adjust the formula to suit your needs by throwing in "a swimsuit and exercise gear or a suit ...

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.

The Best Ways to Pack Your Clothes

As we mentioned earlier, a hard-shelled suitcase will also strictly limit how much you can stuff into your bag — a benefit if you tend to pack too much. And since the new models are made with lightweight polycarbonate, they don't scratch easily and aren't heavy.

You may want to buy hard-shell luggage if you'll be packing breakable items. It could offer better security than soft-sided baggage because it can't be ripped open as easily and usually has integrated locks.

It's true in the debate between hard or soft luggage. What–and how–you pack should be factored into your decision on which type of luggage is best for you. If you like to squeeze the maximum capacity out of your suitcase, the construction of a soft bag naturally offers more give than a hard-sided suitcase.

So which technique should you use? Your packing technique of choice will very much depend on your priorities. Vertical folding is the best compromise for those short on time, while bundling is the ultimate technique if you have an hour or two at your disposal and want to maximize space without creating wrinkles.

Do the clothing countdown: If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip: Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat. The list should be adjusted to suit your needs.

Hard shell bags are typically made with “split construction”–meaning the bag zips down the middle and opens into two shallower main compartments, like a clamshell. Hardshell bags take up more space when open but stack better when closed.

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.

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.

Method 2: Shoes Down at the Bottom

This keeps your heaviest items on the bottom, which reduces any chance of luggage tip-overs. Lay your luggage open on the floor, and follow the same rule of thumb by stuffing the insides of your clean shoes with small items.

A rule of thumb is to stick to three pairs or fewer. Finally, don't pack in a hurry. Waiting until the last minute to pack in a frenzy will cause unneeded stress. The more time you have to plan and get organized, the more efficient you will be with the limited space in your suitcase.

Place the shoes in the main compartment at the bottom of your luggage, where the wheels are. If you are using a hard sided case, distribute the shoes evenly between both compartments.

If you have unlimited suitcase space and don't want to do any laundry, a two-week trip means packing 14/2 = 7 bras and at least 14 pairs of underwear. That consumes a lot of valuable suitcase space! To reduce the number of pieces that need to be packed, simply commit to doing laundry on the road.

Start with the longest pieces first, placing them in the bottom of the suitcase with the ends hanging over the sides of the case. Then place smaller items on top of those. Keep layering until you've packed everything you need.

Most suitcases these days have a zipper in the lining, sometimes hidden by having the pull to the inside. This isn't just an incredibly obvious place to hide your valuables; it allows luggage repair people to get at the luggage frame without ripping up the lining.

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

How to pack a suitcase in 12 steps

It's Incredibly Durable

Our hard shell luggage is made out of 3-layer, 100% virgin Makrolon® polycarbonate material. It's high-strength, lightweight, and provides elasticity and resiliency.

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.

Soft cases are usually lighter and more flexible than hard cases, so they can fit into tight spaces or be easily carried around with less effort.