Hardside vs. Softside Luggage - What's Best for You?

Let’s talk money first. While cost shouldn’t be your main decider, it will probably factor in at some point. The prices of softsided and hardshell luggage can vary greatly. You’ll find inexpensive luggage in both categories, but be wary of cheaply made bags.

Luggage doesn’t have to cost a ton, but it is worth investing in bags that will last and that can handle the physical demands of heavy-duty packing, rough baggage handlers, bumpy sidewalks and carousel pileups, among the other abuses your bags are likely to take.

If your budget is limited or you just like a great deal, shop the sales. Most luggage companies release new models every year or so, and when they do, you win. To make room for the newest inventory, the previous models are often put on sale with big discounts.

To get more bang for your buck, buy luggage sets. Since you’ll probably need both a checked bag and a carry-on at some point, it makes sense to buy a set. Not only will your luggage match, but the price is usually much better than buying two single bags.

Whatever your budget, don’t let price be the only factor in choosing your luggage. After all, you wouldn’t choose your vacation lodging solely because it was the cheapest place you could find.

Consider how you would feel watching your suitcase come down the baggage carousel split open with the contents spilling out among everyone else’s luggage. Or imagine the impact of a lost or stuck wheel when you have blocks, or even miles, yet to travel. Durability–like running water or electricity–is easy to take for granted, until you are without it.

Your luggage is something you will depend on greatly while away from home. Durability should be one of your top priorities, whether you’re buying hard or soft luggage, a large checked bag or a compact carry-on.

Travelpro® luggage is known worldwide for its durability and backed by reliability warranties. We stand behind every piece of luggage with our name on it, so no matter what you choose, you’ll have peace of mind that your Travelpro® luggage will hold up through rigorous use.

In general, hardsided suitcases and softsided suitcases are durable in different ways. It’s a common misconception that hard shell suitcases are always tougher than bags constructed with fabric. In reality, the bag’s “toughness” depends heavily on what type of materials it’s made of.

Travelpro® hardside luggage, for example, is constructed with a polycarbonate shell that is lightweight, extremely strong and designed to flex on impact to prevent splitting and cracking, which are critical issues that plague other hardside luggage and cause great inconvenience.
Similarly, softsided bags can tear or rip if the wrong fabric is used. For built-in durability, look for luggage made from high-density fabric treated to resist moisture and staining.
Though neither type is considered completely water resistant, the outer shells of hardsided suitcases should repel liquids and wipe clean if anything is spilled on them. You can safely clean and disinfect them with certain cleaning products, but be sure to follow the directions and spot test first.

Fabric bags treated to repel liquids and stains should not be cleaned with cleaning products that could compromise the anti-moisture coating–but they shouldn’t have to be. The coating should cause most of the liquid to just roll off, rather than soak in.

Whether you choose a hard or soft bag, always look for reinforced stitching, resilient zippers that stay on track and stay closed, sturdy handles and strong extension handles that don’t bend or buckle.

Other important durability features that will help keep both hard and soft bags looking and performing well include corner guards, reinforced molding on high-wear points and, for rolling bags, ultra-strong wheels with well-designed, protective wheel housings.

You know the old saying, “It’s what’s inside that counts”? 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. Better yet, look for expandable luggage. Travelpro® is one of the few manufacturers making both hard- and soft-sided luggage with zippered expansion options designed to increase the bag’s interior packing capacity when needed–a super-convenient feature when you bring home more than you left with.

Softsided luggage usually has exterior pockets for last minute items and essentials you don’t want to carry in your backpack or tote–a favorite feature of new parents hauling already-overstuffed diaper bags. With carry-ons, front pockets are ideal for anything you may want access to while enroute to your destination.

Travelpro® now makes hardsided carry-on luggage with a convenient, exterior front pocket that is padded to protect laptops and other electronics.
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.

Soft bags usually open to one main compartment that may have interior pockets and/or suiters. 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.

When it’s time to move, how do you like to roll? Do you prefer to pull the suitcase behind you or next to you?

Hardsided luggage almost always comes with four 360°-rotating wheels. Four-wheeled luggage–also called spinner luggage–works best rolled next to you upright and is great through twists, turns and obstacle courses. If you prefer two-wheeled bags, you may be hard-pressed to find a hardshell bag to suit you.
Softside luggage is widely available in both 4-wheeled and 2-wheeled models. Two-wheeled luggage–also called Rollaboard® luggage–handles rough terrain and high speeds a bit better. For help knowing how to decide between 2-wheeled vs. 4-wheeled luggage, check out our comprehensive comparison HERE.

If you wouldn’t dream of carrying a basic black bag or you just love to stand out, both hard and soft luggage is available in multiple colors. Hard shells can serve as a canvas for stickers that distinguish your bag from others, but any bag can be personalized with accessories, like luggage tags and handle wraps.

Ultimately, the decision between hard shell and softsided luggage should be led by the way you travel and what you pack, combined with your personal tastes. Then, buy the best luggage that fits your budget and look for reliability warranties that will protect your investment for the long haul. Happy Travels!

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