Pros and Cons of Hard-Shell Vs. Soft Luggage

Luggage technology has come a long way over the past few decades, from heavy items without wheels to lightweight suitcases and carry-ons that glide through airports on four wheels. According to Consumer Reports (CR), most Americans have chosen to invest in soft luggage, but now that hard luggage has become smaller and less cumbersome, the category is growing.

The truth is, neither type is perfect, so before purchasing, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of hard and soft luggage to see which one is best for you. Here’s what to consider.

Hard suitcase: pros and cons

Forget about your parents’ clunky suitcases in the basement: hard luggage is back in style.

pros

• More durable
• Provides better protection for contents, especially when used as checked baggage during a flight.
• Keeps contents dry when traveling during rainfall
• Most new models have four wheels.
• Safer than soft-sided luggage as it cannot be torn or cut.
• Smooth and aesthetic (not bulging or deflated)

Minuses

• It’s harder to stuff stuff, so it may not hold as much as soft luggage.
• Tends to be more expensive
• Heavier than soft luggage.
• Takes up more storage space at home
• Easily scratched and erased

Soft suitcase: pros and cons

You’ve probably traveled with soft suitcases before, so here’s a quick overview:

pros

• Reliably lightweight
• Easier to stuff clothes
• Can manipulate the shape (to a certain extent) to fit in the top compartment.
• Usually cheaper
• Takes up less storage space at home

Minuses

• Not as durable as a hard shell suitcase.
• Even higher performance materials can tear, snag, or show signs of wear over time.
• Provides less protection, especially when used as checked baggage during a flight.
• Depending on the material, it may become wet while traveling in the rain or to a show, leaving the contents more exposed to the elements.
• Less secure than soft-sided luggage as it can be torn or cut.
• Some models only have two wheels instead of four.
• Not as aesthetically pleasing as a hard shell suitcase as it can look deflated if underfilled or bloated if overstuffed.