Anytime I travel, I always get so many questions asking about my luggage. Anything from what I use, to if I like it, how it’s held up, how much it holds, etc.
It’s so important to make sure your luggage will help you have the easiest trip possible and won’t hold you back. I can’t tell you how many carryons and larger hard side luggage brands I’ve tried and was disappointed with the quality, heaviness and ease of use.
Sometimes it came down to poor planning on my part. To make it easy for everyone to learn from my mistakes, I’ve detailed everything to consider, from fabric, weight, TSA luggage size regulations & quality! There are pros and cons to soft-sided luggage and hard side luggage, so take into consideration each when you plan your trip 🙂
Okay, Let’s Get Into it: Hardside vs Softside Luggage!
Table of Contents
Hardside Luggage:
Most of today’s hard shell luggage is made with plastics like ABS & polycarbonate. I would recommend either since they both are durable and reasonably lightweight. Aluminum is another option that looks beautiful but can be pretty heavy!
Hard sided luggage is usually water resistant, has a 50-50 split opening with an interior strap or middle divider. This is super helpful especially if you are packing any breakable items. It’s important to look for a piece of luggage that has locks, can withstand wear and tear and has spinner wheels for easy transport!
Perks of Hardside Luggage:
- More storage
- Spinner wheels = easy transportation
- More durable & is better at withstanding wear and tear
Drawbacks of Hardside Luggage:
- Higher price point
- Can be easily scratched depending on the material
Best Hardside Luggages:
Calpak
I’ve been using the Calpak Ambeur Rose Gold set for two years now and I LOVE them. I was using one in the Naples airport last summer and the bottom corner was cracked open slightly. It was totally still usable for the trip home but Calpak sent me a brand new suitcase anyway and let me keep the old one. 🙂
Mark & Graham
A bonus of these top rated suitcases is that they offering monogramming. SO cute!
Open Story by Target
Target has launched Open Story, what it calls a “premium” travel brand of bags, suitcases and other carry ons “made for travel lovers by travel lovers.” It’s priced 20-30% lower than premium brands and is comparable to AWAY and Samsonite! It’s so cute too.
Softside Luggage
Soft shell luggage is made of fabrics that move and yield, usually woven nylon, such as cordura, ballistic, or ripstop.
Soft side luggage is my go-to for a weekend trip and carryons. There are so many cute and affordable options that last SO long!!
Perks:
- Lightweight
- Easy for carryon storage
- Lower price point than hardside luggage
Drawbacks:
- No wheels
- Not as durable
- Usually less packing space than hardside luggage
Best Softside Luggages:
BEIS
Shay Mitchell’s travel line, BEIS, makes the cutest travel bags! Nordstrom usually has them in stock online.
Vera Bradley
I’ve had the same Vera Bradley duffell bag for 8 years and it still looks brand new! I highly recommend these, especially since they are easy to spot at bagage claim if you check in them. They’re also great at fitting under your seat and stuffing into overhead bins on planes and buses. Super easy to wash too!
TUMI
This is definitely a premium option that is meant to last 10+ years. I’ve heard really good things about TUMI!
Hardside vs Softside Luggage: Which Is Better?
After hundreds of flights, I am 100% for a hard side suitcase because my personal preference is to haul something around with wheels (my arms are not that strong, ha!).
The one exception to this is if the trip you’re planning requires soft side luggage for storage purposes. This is the case for Yacht Week and sailing trips, since the yacht cabins have itty bitty cabinets to store your luggage. The same thing goes for hiking and safari trips. You definitely want a soft side carryon while trekking through the jungle, but that should go without saying!
If you’re really on the fence about which style of luggage to choose from, consider a few things:
- Will you be okay with hauling the luggage through an airport for up to an hour?
- Is the luggage suitable for the trip you’re planning?
- Is it your personal style?
I hope that helps! Let me know your go-to luggage brand in the comments!
XO
