Who doesn't love a perfect getaway from the chaos of everyday life and enjoy the escape?

The escape can be a weekend trip or an international adventure you have been planning for months; every journey starts with the essentials, such as chalking out itinerary plans, collecting data on the weather, and deciding on outfits for the trip. 

When deciding on a destination -whether mountains or beach, deciding on outfits is a piece of cake. However, the debate of the century is about what kind of luggage you should carry. Selecting the appropriate luggage for your travel ensures a smooth experience. This blog will take you through the pros and cons of soft luggage vs hard luggage and provide a deep comparison so that you can decide what kind of luggage best suits your travel needs and preferences.

What is Hard-Shell Luggage?

As the name suggests, hard-shell luggage features a rigid, impenetrable outer shell designed to provide optimal protection for the contents inside. These luggage bags are designed for durability and resistance to damage, and are usually made from polycarbonate, polypropylene, or ABS plastic. These materials protect your valuables from rain, hail, and sun; however, squeezing the hard-shell luggage into confined spaces won't be easy.

Key Features of Hard-Shell Luggage

Hard-shell luggage is known for its durability, water-resistant exterior, and strong protection for the belongings. Here are some of the key features of hard-shell luggage:

Durability and Protection

The primary features of hard-shell luggage are its construction material and durability. It is typically made from polycarbonate, polypropylene, and ABS plastic, offering a rugged exterior that protects your belongings against shocks and impacts. This is favourable for those carrying fragile items.

Size

Size is another critical factor. Hard-shell luggage comes in various sizes, from compact cabin bags to large check-in models. While packing for any trip, it's essential to consider the size that not only fits your belongings but also adheres to the airline's size and weight restrictions.

Water Resistance

Hard-shell luggage is water resistant, ensuring your belongings stay dry in rainy seasons or from water spillage. Moreover, cleaning is much easier; simply wiping with a damp cloth is sufficient to clean the exterior.

Maneuverability

Hard-shell luggage has wheels for easy transport, pulling, and navigation. This is handy, especially when walking long distances while carrying your hard trolley bag. The four wheels perfectly balance the weight of the internal components without putting any strain on the carrier's hands.

Pros of Hard-Sided Luggage

Durability: Hard-shell luggage is encased in a durable, sturdy plastic shell, keeping your belongings safe. Whether you are carrying an expensive perfume bottle or a homemade jar of pickles, you can be assured that your fragile components will survive the trip.

Aesthetic: Hard-shell luggage affords a sleek, professional look that draws all the attention. Due to its elegant finish and bright colours, it makes a popular choice among working professionals and fashionistas alike.

Stackable: Hard-shell luggage can be stacked to save space without worrying about your fragile belongings inside. This pro comes in handy when travelling in an Uber or on a train, where there is a high chance your Luggage might slide onto the other side.

Cons of Hard-Sided Luggage

Flexibility: The main drawback of hard-shell luggage is that it cannot be folded or twisted to fit in a small space. It requires a lot of room to store at home, which makes it less convenient in this sense.

No Exterior: Unlike soft-shell luggage, hard-shell luggage does not have any external pockets to quickly store your phone or magazines for easy access. Since hard-shell models use high-tech plastics, they do not have any sewn-in outside pockets for accessibility.  

But, Nasher Miles is a game changer in this regard. Our hard shell, 24-inch suitcase, Silicon Valley and Alexandria integrated with a top/front opening design that enables you to get faster access. It also includes a waterproof compartment where you can keep the toiletries with ease. 

Heavier: Hard-shell luggage is usually denser and heavier than soft-shell luggage, which adds to its overall weight and can be an issue at airports.

What is Soft-Sided Luggage?

Soft-sided luggage looks exactly as it sounds—soft. It is typically made from materials such as fabric, nylon, polyester, or even canvas. These materials are particularly chosen for their lightweight and flexibility, which makes them ideal for packing clothes and items that are less susceptible to breaking. One of the most important reasons for choosing these materials is to allow the bag to carry some extra load for last-minute packing.

Key Features of Soft-Sided Luggage

Here are some of the key features of soft-sided luggage that make it attractive:

• Lightweight: Soft-sided Luggage is generally lightweight compared to hard-shell luggage, which makes it easier to carry through airports and train stations.

• Flexibility: The flexible nature of soft-sided luggage allows it to fit into small compartments and tight overheads without the risk of breaking or tearing. This feature attracts the travellers who often travel by trains or overcrowded planes.

• Durability: Due to materials such as nylon and polyester, soft-sided luggage is durable and low-maintenance.

Pros of Soft-Sided Luggage

• Expandability: Most soft-sided luggage offers expandable compartments that provide extra space for last-minute packing and come in handy to store your essentials for easy access.

• External pockets:  One of the most attractive features of soft-sided luggage is its external pockets, which provide convenient storage and easy access to essentials such as travel documents, medications, or even magazines.

• Versatility: Soft-sided luggage can be squeezed and compressed into places where hard-shell luggage might not fit, allowing travellers to travel worry-free.

• Security: Soft-sided luggage is easier to cut into and more prone to wear and tear when exposed to rough handling.

• Water Resistance: Made from fabric, soft-sided Luggage is less effective at protecting the components from water and moisture. This can be a concern on rainy days or if the luggage is exposed to liquids.

• Shape stability: Unlike hard-shell luggage, soft-sided luggage is more prone to losing its shape and may not protect fragile items.

How to Choose Between Hard vs Soft Luggage Based on Your Travel Style

For Business Travelers

For business travellers, choosing between soft-sided and hard-shell Luggage depends on their needs and priorities.

Choose hard Luggage if:

• You are travelling in the rainy season and need protection against water.

• You have fewer items to carry on business trips and might not need extra space.

Choose soft-sided Luggage if:

• You want to keep the luggage lightweight

• Are you travelling in crowded places that may lack extra space for hard-shell luggage

• Require extra space for last-minute shopping.

For Family Vacations

Choose hard-shell luggage if:

• You are carrying fragile items and electronics

• You are going on long trips

Choose soft-sided luggage if:

• You want to pack light

For Adventure or International Travel

Choose hard-shell Luggage if:

• You are travelling alone and need maximum security for your luggage

• You are carrying fragile items

Choose soft-sided luggage if:

• You need flexibility in overpacking

• You are travelling in overcrowded places

For Short Weekend Trips

Choose hard-shell luggage if:

• You need to protect your luggage from water or moisture

• You need extra security for your luggage.

Choose soft-sided luggage if:

• You want to travel weight-free

• You need expandable space 

Other Factors to Consider Before Buying

Weight and Airline Restrictions

Before purchasing hard-shell or soft-sided luggage, it is important to consider the weight limits and size restrictions. Check-in luggage is typically around 23 kilograms, and cabin luggage has a weight limit of 7-10 kilograms. Understanding these limits can help you avoid excess baggage fees.

Expandability and Storage Space

Consider factors beyond initial capacity, including expandability, storage, and long-term needs. Expandability accommodates future growth and last-minute packing needs, while storage spaces ensure efficient utilization of available space.

Budget and Brand Quality

Budget is a huge factor when deciding what kind of luggage to get for your next adventure. Brand quality and reputation play important roles in determining durability. 

Security and Locking Mechanisms

While considering what kind of luggage to buy, make sure to check the security and locking mechanisms of both kinds. Hard-shell luggage offers more security and protection than soft-sided Luggage. It comes with TSA-approved locks, which allow security personnel to open and close it without damaging it. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of luggage for your next adventure can transform your overall experience, but ultimately, the perfect luggage for your travel depends on your choices and preferences. For those who frequently travel and carry delicate or fragile items, Alexandria is the classy option that combines the benefits of hard and soft luggage. Whether hard-shell or soft-sided, for your every choice, Nasher Miles has something to enhance your travel experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Which type of luggage is more durable – hard-shell or soft-sided?

Hard-shell luggage is more durable due to its hard casing and choice of materials such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, and ABS plastic.

2) Is soft luggage allowed on international flights?

Yes, soft-sided luggage is allowed on international flights. However, you must adhere to airline weight restrictions to avoid an excess baggage fee.

3) Which one is better for carry-on – hard-shell or soft-sided?

The type of luggage for carry-on depends on what items you carry. Consider hard-shell luggage if you are carrying fragile items such as perfume bottles or pickle jars. But if you are carrying non-fragile items, consider going for soft-sided luggage.

4) Does soft-sided luggage get torn easily?

No, even soft-sided luggage is durable and lasts a long time due to the manufacturing materials. However, soft-sided luggage is more prone to wear and tear due to rough handling.

5) Can hard-shell luggage crack during air travel?

Typically, hard-shell luggage does not crack during air travel. However, the quality and durability of your hard-shell luggage also depend on the brand. Nasher Miles’s hard-shell luggage comes with a 5-year warranty and is made up of polycarbonate material, which makes it less likely to crack during travel.

6) Which is better for rainy weather – hard or soft luggage?

Hard-shell luggage is always better for rainy weather due to its water-resistant nature.

7) Does the number of wheels affect the durability of luggage?

Yes, the number of wheels can influence the durability of luggage. Two-wheeled suitcases are generally considered more durable for rougher travel and heavy loads, while four-wheel spinners are better for smooth surfaces and light travel.