Hardside vs Softside luggage – Which is Best in 2023

Picking the right luggage for your upcoming journey can be a challenging task. From hard-side suitcases to soft-side duffels, there are so many options and styles available today that it’s often difficult to decide which will best suit your needs. But with all the advances in manufacturing processes and materials over the years, each type has distinct qualities – both have advantages and disadvantages regarding comfort, convenience, performance, reliability – even price! So how do you come to know which is best suited for you in 2023? We’ve got you covered; read on to find out more about hardside vs. softside luggage –and get some helpful tips to make an informed decision before your next flight.

What is soft-side luggage? 

Soft-side luggage is made up of fabric. Fabric quality is a significant factor to consider if you purchase this bag. In soft side luggage, you can adjust more things because it is flexible it allows you to fit more content.

Soft-side luggage mostly comes with two wheels and This type of luggage does not come with an integrated lock.

Pros: 

• Soft-sided luggage is usually lightweight. If you are going on a long international trip, you can use this bag because this is ideal for Checked luggage.
• Soft shell luggage is very flexible and not made of hard materials – you can stuff them with more content. 
• The outer pocket of soft-sided luggage is a great plus, helps a lot in last-minute packing. 
• Due to their flexibility, this kind of luggage can easily fit in small spaces, like in overhead compartments.
• They are very durable; if you buy high-quality soft-shell luggage, it won’t let you down. They won’t crack and extreme temperatures can not damage
• Storage space – they take significantly less space and are very easy to store them. 

Cons:

• Soft-sided luggage provides less security to your content. It is very easy to tear them with a sharp knife or blade. They don’t come with an integrated lock system. If you have some valuable things to travel with, you need more security which soft-sided luggage fails to deliver.
• They mostly come with two wheels, and moveability is difficult with two wheels. If you are at the airport or in the hotel lobby, you will find it difficult to move this bag.
• Soft-shell bags do not have water resistance. They don’t keep your content secure in the rain or snow. If you have to leave your luggage in heavy rain or snowstorm for a few minutes – your content will surely ruin.
• Soft-sided luggage is very hard to clean. You can spot-clean them. You need to wash them with a brush, which will take hours to dry.

What is Hard-side luggage?

Hard-side luggage is made up of hard plastic or aluminum. There are different hard shell luggage available in the market; their cost varies due to the material used to make them.

Some are made up of low-quality material(ABS), which tends to low prices but no protection. Other’s shell is made of Polycarbonate, a perfect option for the frequent traveler because it is very lightweight, durable, and provides security to your content.

The third type of material is Aluminium, which is used to make high-quality luggage. It gives ultimate protection to your fragile and valuable content, but this is not a lightweight option.

Pros:

• Hard-sided luggage provides ultimate security to your content. 
• They are water resistant; if you leave your hard-side luggage in the rain or the snow, there are fewer chances they will get wet. 
• It mostly comes with four wheels that make it easy to move. If you are at the airport or in the hotel lobby and have to handle your luggage alone, hard-shell luggage will relieve you greatly. 
• Easy to clean, you can clean with a wipe or with an old wet towel. No permanent spots and dirt can stay on the slippery outer.
• Their designs and colors are more attractive than soft-side luggage. Hard-sided luggage looks more stylish, sturdy and sleek.

Cons:

• Hard-shell suitcases are not very lightweight. Although with new technologies, manufacturers are making lightweight hard-sided luggage.
• They are not flexible, and you can not squeeze them in small places. They have a definite shape, so they need a solid place to fit in.
• Due to rigid texture, you can’t overload them with stuff.
• No exterior pocket – you need to open the whole bag again for last-minute missing items.
• Even though they are not easily breakable, extreme weather can affect them.

Comparison of Hardside Vs Softside luggage

• Hard-side suitcases typically offer more protection for vulnerable items and maximize space by utilizing a hard shell for storage. However, this type of luggage is also heavier and cannot expand or mold to fit unusual sizes.
• Soft-side bags are often lighter and have built-in compartments that separate clothing sections, but they may not offer enough protection if something falls on them while in transit. 
• Hard-side luggage is often more protective for fragile items and keeps your belongings organized and secure. On the other hand, soft-side luggage is usually more lightweight and flexible, making it easier to store in tight spaces. 

You May Also Read: What Size Is Carry-On Luggage

Factors to Consider before buying:

There is a variety of suitcases available in the market. How do you decide between hardside vs softside luggage, and what factors should we consider before buying either?

Durability

The most important factor to consider is durability, we can check suitcase durability in 4 different ways. How wheels are the working? Are Handles flexible and easy to hold? How Zips are behaving and the last thing warranty.

If wheels are stuck on the airport or the zip will not work well – causing your things to fall out is not what you want while you are on a trip – this is what we refer to as durability.

It is a myth that a hard-side suitcase is more durable than a soft side. In reality, both are durable. It depends on which material is used to make the luggage and which brand you purchase. Are they offering you any warranty claims?

For durability, you need to thoroughly check the material of the luggage, zips, lock, stitching, handles and wheels.

Mobility

Next, you need to consider how smoothly your bag moves along you. The first thing you curse about when your suitcase gets stuck at the airport is its wheels. Spinner luggage is 4-wheel luggage – mostly hard-sided luggage comes with four wheels and they move not behind you but along you. Soft-sided luggage comes with two or four wheels. 2 wheels luggage is called Rollaboard.

Price

Your budget is the next important point to consider because you can’t choose high-quality products if you have a short budget. In our opinion, your suitcase is a one-time investment. If you invest wisely, it will work for years. 

Prices of both types of luggage vary; both types are available under low budget, but you have to compromise on quality, which we don’t recommend. But don’t worry. In this post, we will suggest some decent luggage under your budget.

Security

Security is also a primary factor that needs consideration. Both types of luggage provide security to your luggage, now it depends on which kind of contents you have in your suitcase. Hard-sided suitcases provide security from water spills and rain, but they can crack if made of cheap material. On the other hand, fabric bags are not waterproof, but you can adjust more things in them.

If we talk about the lock system, hard-sided comes with integrated lock system.

Personal Preferences

Now it is totally up to you which type you need. For both kinds of suitcases, you need to consider all these factors. The soft-sided is good for you if you have more content to keep in your bag. Hard-sided luggage is best for you if you have some fragile items that need more care.

It’s important to take your decision based on how long you will be traveling, what type of climate you will be enduring, and the kinds of items you need to pack. Thinking through all these components before your travels can help you get where you’re going with ease!

Additionally, depending on your style preference, colors and designs come into play when selecting the right bag for your needs. Be sure to review the overall quality, durability and warranty of any hard-side or soft-side bag before making a purchase.

Size and Weight

Before purchasing luggage, there are a few essential factors to consider. You should also consider the size and weight of your luggage; if you are traveling extensively, choosing a lighter option may be worth the investment. 

Final Words

Hardside Vs. Softside no clue which luggage is for you? Each type has its advantages and disadvantages; it depends on your preference. If You are planning an extended vacation and more stuff you want to take, consider soft-side luggage.

On the other hand, if you are taking something valuable or fragile, you should consider a Hard-shell suitcase as it would protect your precious things more. After reading this article, we hope you will get a better idea and be able to make an informed decision.

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FAQs

Do hard case luggage break easily?

No, It depends on the material that is used to make hard-side luggage. If it is made of Polycarbonate, It will not break easily. But it does not mean it is not breakable.

Is Hard side luggage heavier than soft side?

Softside luggage is more lightweight than hardside luggage and it takes less space to store. For checked-in luggage softside luggage is the best option because you can take more items with you and it will not break the weight limit – But as technology is evolving now hardside luggage is also lightweight from my personal experience I have one which is very lightweight and stylish too.

Can hard luggage crack?

Yes! although they were made of unbreakable material still we noticed many cracked hardside suitcases on the carousel. It depends on the staff how they deal with the luggage.

You May Also Read: How Is Luggage Measured For Air Travel? – Complete Guide