I’ve been looking for a new piece of luggage and I’m torn between hardside and softside.
Everyone seems to have an opinion on what type is better, so I decided to do some research.
Is hardside luggage really the best choice? Or should I go with a softer option?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both types to see which one comes out on top.
When it comes to deciding between hardside and softside luggage, there are pros and cons to each type.
We’ll examine how they compare in terms of durability, portability, price point, design options, ease of carrying, security features, and more.
By taking all these factors into account, we can get an idea of which type might be the right choice for your travel needs.
Durability
I personally find hardside luggage to be better than softside. The main reason is that it’s much more durable. It won’t rip or tear easily, and the wheel strength can handle a lot of weight without any problem.
Packing capacity is also greater with hardside luggage, as you don’t have to worry about items being squished in transit. Plus, you don’t need to worry about your belongings getting wet if there’s rain during travel either!
All these factors make hardside bags superior for anyone looking for something that will last them many trips. Of course, they may not fit into tight spaces like softside luggage sometimes can but overall I would always choose the former over the latter.
Portability
I’m trying to decide whether hardside or softside luggage is better for portability, and I’m trying to figure out which one is more durable and mobile.
I’m leaning towards hardside because it seems like it would be more durable, but I’m also worried about how heavy it might be and how hard it might be to move around.
On the other hand, softside luggage seems to be more mobile, but I’m concerned about whether it could handle a lot of wear and tear.
I’m not sure which one to choose!
Durability
When it comes to durability, I always opt for hardside luggage. It’s lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand wear and tear, no matter how much weight capacity you have in the interior space. Plus, its protective construction can safeguard your contents from impact or accidental drops.
Not to mention the smooth rolling wheels make transporting it a breeze! With hardside luggage, you don’t need to worry about items being crushed due to lack of structure like you would with softside bags – everything stays neatly contained within its shell.
All that said, if you’re looking for ultimate protection combined with maximum portability, go for hardside luggage every time.
Mobility
When it comes to mobility, hardside luggage is definitely the way to go. While some bags may have a lot of packing capacity and weight allowance, if you can’t move them around easily then they’re not much use.
With hardside luggage, I don’t need to worry about that – its four-wheel design allows for easy maneuvering in any direction without compromising stability or balance. Plus, the telescoping handle makes it simple for me to adjust my grip depending on how much weight I’m carrying.
Another thing I like about hardside luggage is that most styles come with an expandable feature so I can fit more items into one bag while keeping within airline regulations. That’s really helpful when traveling long distances and trying to minimize what I carry!
Finally, because of their lightweight construction, these suitcases usually weigh less than 10 pounds so they won’t add too much extra bulk when I’m already at max capacity.
In short, whether you want maximum portability or ultimate protection, hardside luggage has got you covered!
Price Point
When it comes to portability, both hardside and softside luggage have their advantages. Hardside is more durable and better able to protect its contents from the elements, while softside luggage is lightweight but still quite resilient. Depending on your needs for a given trip or situation, one type may be preferable over the other.
When comparing these two types of luggage in terms of price point, there isn’t necessarily a clear winner. Generally speaking, you can find good quality options within any budget range no matter which style you choose.
The major differences come down to security features and weight capacity. Hard-sided suitcases tend to offer improved locking mechanisms that provide added peace of mind when travelling with valuable items inside the case. Additionally, they often feature higher maximum load capacities than their soft-sided counterparts – great if you’re looking for a bag with plenty of room for packing everything you need without breaking airline rules about total baggage weight!
Ultimately, understanding what matters most to you will help determine which type of suitcase best suits your travel needs. If strength and security are top priorities then hard-shell cases might be worth considering; whereas those who value lightness above all else should look into getting a softer piece of luggage instead.
Design Options
I’m often asked which type of luggage is better, hardside or softside? It’s a difficult question to answer because everyone has their own preferences.
But one thing I can tell you is that both types offer unique style choices and packing options.
Hardside luggage typically uses plastic, polycarbonates, or aluminum as the main material for its construction. They are known for being more durable than softside bags since they don’t get damaged easily from impact due to their rigid exterior shell. Additionally, they come with locks built-in and have plenty of organizational pockets inside so it’s great if you need something secure and organized when traveling.
Softside bags usually feature fabric such as nylon or ballistic material on the outside and a flexible frame along the edges. This makes them lightweight, easier to maneuver while rolling through airports or down sidewalks, plus they compress well when packed full to maximize space in your suitcase. Furthermore, these bags tend to be less expensive than hardside cases and may fit into overhead compartments better depending on their shape.
So whether you’re looking for durability and security or prefer something lighter weight and more affordable – there are plenty of design options available for each type of luggage!
Ease Of Carrying
When it comes to design options, hardside and softside luggage both have advantages and disadvantages. While hardshell suitcases are generally more protective of your items inside, they can also be heavier than their softer counterparts.
On the other hand, softsided bags offer greater flexibility in terms of packing space utilization but may not provide as much protection for fragile items on the trip. So when choosing between hardside or softside luggage, you should consider which features are most important to you before making a decision.
Weight capacity is an important factor to keep in mind when considering either type of suitcase. For example, if you need to carry multiple heavy items such as books or electronics with you on your travels, a hardshell suitcase will likely be able to hold them better due to its sturdier construction compared to that of a soft-sided bag.
However, if weight isn’t an issue for you then either type of bag may suffice depending on how much storage space you require.
Softsided bags tend to offer better space utilization while still being lightweight enough for easy carrying. This makes them ideal for those looking for a lighter option without compromising too much on packable area. Furthermore, these types of bags often come with additional exterior pockets and straps so you can easily store small accessories like chargers and snacks while travelling.
All in all, whether you choose hardside or softside luggage depends entirely on the sort of journey ahead and what kind of protection or usability is desired from the suitcase itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Weight Can Hardside Luggage Hold?
When it comes to hardside luggage, durability benefits are a major plus.
This type of luggage can usually hold more weight than soft side bags, making them an ideal choice if you’re packing many heavier items.
Depending on the material and size of your bag, they could hold up to 100 lbs or even more!
Hardside luggage also offers some advantages when it comes to packing challenges like keeping clothes wrinkle-free – but make sure that you’re not overloading the bag so as to avoid any possible issues with airlines.
Are Hardside Suitcases More Secure Than Softside Suitcases?
Comparing hardside and softside suitcases, it’s clear that hardside luggage offers more security.
Not only are they generally made of a thicker material which is harder to puncture or break into, but they also provide enhanced durability against the elements thanks to their weatherproofing benefits.
Hardside suitcases can often handle much rougher treatment than their softer counterparts, making them great for those looking for an extra layer of protection on their travels.
How Do Hardside And Softside Suitcases Compare In Terms Of Ease Of Packing?
When it comes to packing, hardside and softside suitcases have their own strengths.
Hardside suitcases are great for protecting items due to their durability comparison, but they can be tricky to pack.
On the other hand, softside suitcases are easier to pack because of the flexibility in shape and size.
However, when it comes to handle strength, hardside suitcases tend to be sturdier than softside cases with handles that don’t break easily.
So if you’re looking for a suitcase based on ease of packing or handle strength, both types should be considered depending on your needs.
Are There Any Additional Features Offered On Hardside Suitcases That Aren’t Available On Softside Models?
When it comes to additional features, hardside suitcases generally offer more than softside models.
For starters, they provide a level of long-term durability that’s usually not found in traditional softsides.
Additionally, their construction makes them resistant to staining and other forms of damage.
They also sometimes come with unique design elements such as TSA locks or built-in laptop sleeves which aren’t always available on the standard softside suitcase.
So if you’re looking for extra protection and enhanced functionality from your luggage, then hardside might be the way to go!
Can Hardside Luggage Be Stored In Overhead Compartments On Airplanes?
Yes, hardside luggage can be stored in overhead compartments on airplanes.
Its wheelbase stability and weatherproofing make it an ideal choice for air travel as you don’t have to worry about your items getting damaged during the flight.
And since most airlines are only allowing carry-on bags due to Covid-19 safety protocols, a hardside suitcase is a great way to keep all of your belongings safe while still following the rules.
Conclusion
Overall, the decision of whether hardside or softside luggage is best depends on individual preferences and needs.
Personally, I prefer a hardside suitcase for its durability and security features. It’s also great that it can be stored in overhead compartments on airplanes, making travel easier and more efficient.
However, when it comes to packing items inside the bag, a softside model may offer an advantage due to its greater flexibility.
Ultimately, you should choose the type of suitcase that best suits your lifestyle and specific requirements.
