Choosing between a soft-shell or hard-shell suitcase goes beyond aesthetics – though stylish contenders exist in both categories.
It’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages, as hard-shell suitcases offer durability, security, and sturdiness, whereas soft-sided suitcases provide flexibility and ease. Both have clear pros and cons.
In this section, we’ll guide you through the different materials used in the construction of these suitcases and also highlight the emerging popularity of eco-friendly luggage.
Soft-Shell Suitcases
Known for their flexibility and versatility, soft luggage materials have been trusted by travellers worldwide for decades. Made predominantly from high-quality fabrics like nylon or polyester, their standout features – flexibility, lightweight, zippers that allow for expansion and external pockets – contribute to their popularity, especially in smaller suitcase sizes.
Polyester
Average carry-on weight: 2.7 – 3.2 kg approx.
Polyester is popular for soft-shell suitcases due to its affordability and versatility. This fabric suitcase offers a lot of flexibility due to its stretchy quality. It’s not as durable as nylon but is lightweight and available in various designs. However, the soft nature of the fabric means less protection for valuables. Moreover, the suitcase will easily become wet if the fabric does not have a waterproof coating like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
Nylon
Average carry-on weight: 3.2- 4.1 kg approx.
Nylon suitcases are a step up from polyester ones in terms of durability, as they have exceptional tearing resistance. We prefer this over polyester, especially for those who travel frequently. Despite being slightly more expensive, the longevity of nylon suitcases often justifies the extra cost. Like Polyester, Nylon suitcases are not waterproof but offer excellent water-resistant qualities.
Ballistic Nylon
Average carry-on weight: 3.6 – 4.5 kg approx.
It’s basically a higher-grade variant of the standard nylon. Ballistic nylon offers unparalleled durability and protection in soft-shell suitcases and is well-regarded for its resistance to wear, tear, and abrasions. We love the Alpha 3 FXT Ballistic Nylon Luggage solutions from Tumi, where the fabric is paired with moulded impact-resistant side panels for superior performance.
Please note that these values are approximate averages. The exact weight and can vary based on factors such as the brand, size, and design of the suitcase.
Soft-shell suitcases provide unparalleled flexibility and easy access to your belongings. They’re well-suited for road trips, flexible packers, and those who love having external pockets for additional storage.
Things to consider:
- Flexibility: A soft-shell suitcase can squeeze into tighter spaces, like an overhead compartment on a plane. It’s also easily expandable to accommodate that extra pair of shoes or souvenirs you want to bring back from your holiday.
- Weight: Soft-shell cases are generally lighter than their hard-shell counterparts, making them an excellent choice for meeting strict airline weight limits. This basically means you can pack a few extra things! win-win.
- Accessibility: The external pockets make it easier to quickly access items such as travel documents, chargers, or snacks during your journey.
- Waterproofing: Although most fabric suitcases offer superior water resistance properties, almost all options are not 100% waterproof. Depending on your travel requirements, this may or may not be a problem.
- Protection: Any valuables must be packed carefully, usually sandwiched between softer clothing or materials to keep them intact and damage-free.
Take a look at our 7 Best Soft Shell Suitcases for a truly lightweight travel experience.
Hard-Shell Suitcases
Having a larger product offering of the two – Hard-shell suitcases have gained widespread acclaim for their durability and robust design. Crafted from tough materials such as polycarbonate or ABS plastic, they offer excellent protection for your belongings during transit. The rigid outer shell provides a sturdy barrier against rough handling, ensuring your items remain intact throughout your journey.
One of the standout features of hard-shell suitcases is their resilience to external pressures, making them ideal for protecting fragile or valuable items. The tough exterior minimises the risk of damage caused by impact or crushing, providing peace of mind to travellers concerned about the safety of their belongings.
Polycarbonate
Average carry-on weight: 4.1 – 5 kg approx.
Polycarbonate suitcases lead the hard shell category due to their balance of durability and flexibility. They are resilient and can withstand high impact without cracking or breaking due to their high tensile strength. Generally regarded as a sustainable material, it’s fully recyclable. The various designs available in this material are due to their amorphous (having no definite form) nature, as manufacturers can easily mould them into unique shapes, making this material a favourite choice for many travel brands.
Polypropylene
Average carry-on weight: 3.2- 3.6 kg approx.
Polypropylene suitcases are the lightest in the hard suitcase category. Due to its weight and flexibility, do not be fooled by the cheap feel of this highly resilient material. Polypropylene suitcases are very flexible and have less chance of developing cracks. It is usually more affordable than Polycarbonate because it is manufactured more easily. The downside to this material is its very low UV resistance, which causes the plastic to fade on exposure to the sun.
ABS Plastic
Average carry-on weight: 4.1 – 5 kg approx.
Due to its low production costs, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is the most affordable option in suitcase choices. While less flexible than polycarbonate or polypropylene, ABS is robust enough to endure regular travel without breaking the bank. This extremely rigid nature of this material, however, makes it prone to damage if knocked about excessively.
Aluminium
Average carry-on weight: 5.4- 6.4 kg approx.
Aluminium suitcases are the epitome of hard-shell luggage. Despite being heavier and pricier, they offer unmatched style, durability, and security, making them a preferred choice for luxury travellers and professionals. Lookout for the Hybrid options that combine the best polycarbonate and aluminium materials in one.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Average carry-on weight: 3.6 – 4.5 kg approx.
PET suitcases are a great choice for eco-conscious travellers. They combine durability, flexibility, and a lighter carbon footprint. You might also come across rPET (recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate), which has exactly the same characteristics but is regarded as completely sustainable and environmentally friendly to its parent counterpart. This material seems to be a preferred choice for backpacks over larger luggage types, with uses found in the lining of suitcases in the latter type, however.
Please note that these values are approximate averages. The exact weight and can vary based on factors such as the brand, size, and design of the suitcase.
Hard-shell materials offer robust protection and security with varying weight and flexibility. They are ideal for those seeking to shield delicate items or frequent flyers who need luggage that can withstand being tossed around in transit.
Things to consider:
- Protection: The sturdy exterior of hard shell suitcases offers superior protection for fragile items.
- Security: These cases usually come with integrated locks, providing an added layer of security against potential theft.
- Weather Resistance: Unlike soft shell cases, hard shells are not porous, meaning they offer better protection against rain or snow.
- Extensive Choice: Being the most popular choice between hard or soft luggage, the popularity of hard-shell allows for a larger product offering.
Eco-friendly Luggage
A new era of sustainable luggage, characterised by 100% plant-based, biodegradable materials, is on the horizon. Manufacturers are exploring new materials, designs, and production methods that lessen the environmental footprint of their products.
This ranges from using recycled or plant-based materials to reducing carbon emissions during production and ensuring the long-term durability of luggage to limit the need for replacement and waste. With innovative materials that mimic the strength of traditional ones, these green alternatives are redefining sustainable travel and offering travellers a chance to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing style or durability.
Conclusion
Hard-shell materials are better at protecting your belongings, from the robust resilience of polycarbonate, polypropylene, ABS, and aluminium to the eco-friendly durability of PET. They stand against the rigours of travel, protecting fragile contents from impact and weather elements while expressing a sleek, modern aesthetic.
In contrast, soft shell materials like polyester and nylon embrace flexibility and adaptability. They often come with an integrated array of external pockets, making it easy to pack those extra souvenirs. Soft-shell suitcases are the chameleons of luggage, ready to adjust to your packing needs.
As lightweight suitcases continue to gain popularity, brands are innovating to merge the worlds of hard and soft shells. These hybrids aim to offer the best of both worlds—combining robust protection with featherlight comfort.
Moreover, the rise of eco-friendly, luxurious luggage reflects a growing awareness of our environmental footprint. These suitcases, made from 100% plant-based, biodegradable materials, are not just making a fashion statement. Still, only the future can tell if they will stand the test of time and remain a declaration of commitment to a sustainable future.