Which suitcases last longer?

Hard-Shell Luggage ABS is the lightest, but polycarbonate is more durable. The most durable, but also the heaviest, is aluminum.

For those looking to secure a sturdy and dependable checked baggage option, Monos' large Check-In is made out of aerospace-grade polycarbonate, known for its extreme durability, and features tough YKK zippers that can withstand every type of pull.

Our top picks:

Hard-shell luggage is the way to go for durability and maneuverability, but soft-shells often pack more easily.

High-quality, durable luggage can last for over a decade of frequent use. Less well-made bags have much shorter lifespans.

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.

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.

Durability

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.

A suitcase of size M (50 – 80 liters) or L (80 – 100 liters) is suitable for 23 kg of luggage.

Best Overall Luggage: Samsonite

Both hardside and softside styles from the brand have excelled in our tests. We've also been impressed by each of the sizes, including carry-ons, checked bags and underseat luggage.

Hard-sided luggage: Pros and cons

Water- and stain-resistant; easy to wipe spills off. Rigid exterior protects fragile contents. Variety of four-wheel spinner styles. Option to personalize with stickers or decals.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On

It's no secret that Travelpro is one of the most recommended brands by flight attendants, and this Maxlite 5 softside carry-on is a great example of why.

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.

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.

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.

It is slightly cheaper. The 2 wheel also is easier on cement, non smooth surfaces. The 4 wheel bags don't hold up nearly as well over time , If frequent traveling. For the average person traveling 3-5 times a year the 4 wheel is fine.

The main selling point for the soft option is its superior flexibility. Built from a malleable material, this pliable fabric-encased bag can be contorted to squeeze into small spaces, be it an overhead compartment or the gap underneath your bed.

How To Know When It's Time For New Luggage

4-Wheeled Suitcases Will Get Rolled Onto Plane

From her experience, Rachel said that bags with two wheels are going to get tossed, and alternatively, a bag with four wheels is going to get rolled. This means that a wheeled piece of luggage will be less likely to come out of that plane hold with any signs of damage.

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.

25" - 27" Checked Luggage

These sizes are the most popular size of luggage to check. They are ideal for trips of 5 to 7 days, or longer, depending on how you pack. They have a large capacity for multiple outfits, shoes, and toiletries.

Things to Remember

If you're travelling for 7-10 days then we recommend a suitcase with sizing between 65cm and 70cm. These generally offer enough capacity for your travels, but this does depend on where you are travelling (colder climates) or if you travel with a lot of stuff (do you need THAT many shoes??)

Hard-shell luggage is the way to go for durability and maneuverability, but soft-shells often pack more easily.

Hard-shell suitcases

They are also waterproof and can be cleaned more easily when they get dirty. Hard-shell suitcases also have disadvantages: Cheap models made of ABS plastic are usually heavier than soft-shell suitcases. However, the weight of suitcases made of polycarbonate and polypropylene is comparable.