Hard Shell vs Soft Shell Luggage: Which Is Better?
Choosing between hard shell and soft shell luggage is one of the first decisions you'll make when buying a new suitcase. It affects how well your belongings are protected, how much you can pack and how easy it is to clean after a long trip. Between security features, weight allowance impact and weather protection, we'll help you decide on the right suitcase for your needs!
What is Hard Shell Luggage?
Hard shell suitcases have a rigid exterior typically made from ABS plastic, polycarbonate or aluminium. ABS is usually the most common material: it is lightweight, impact-resistant and holds its shape well. Polycarbonate is slightly more flexible under pressure. Aluminium is the most durable of the three but also the heaviest.
What is Soft Shell Luggage?
Soft shell suitcases are made from fabric materials such as nylon or polyester stretched over a flexible frame. They tend to be lighter than hard shell options and often include external pockets that hard shell cases cannot offer. The flexible material means they can be compressed slightly when space is tight.
The Benefits of a Soft Shell Suitcase
- Easier to pack: Because of its flexible fabric material, a soft shell suitcase can be more forgiving when it comes to fitting everything in.
- Generally lighter: Our Jetset suitcase weighs 1.4 kg whereas our hard shell Skywander suitcase weighs 2.2 kg. That difference can matter when you are watching your baggage allowance carefully.
- Expandable pockets: Soft-shell suitcases tend to have extra storage at the front, allowing you to stash a few extra things when packing for holidays.
The Benefits of a Hard Shell Suitcase
- Peace of mind: Hard shell suitcases protect your belongings better and can handle knocks on the baggage carousel. They are also harder to break into and typically come fitted with a TSA lock for extra security and and ease of travel.
- Does it crack? Modern ABS and polycarbonate shells are engineered to flex under pressure rather than crack, unlike older hard shell materials. A good quality hard shell suitcase will absorb impact rather than split.
- No risk of bed bugs: Bed bugs are still a serious problem with luggage. With a 65% year-on-year increase in bed bug infestations in the UK, suitcases and clothing have become their favourite hiding spots. A hard shell case gives them far fewer places to settle.
- Easier to clean: You’d think fabric would be easy to clean but actually, it’s doubtful your soft-shell suitcase would fit in your washing machine. Opt for a hard-shell version instead and simply wipe it down whenever it needs a clean-up.
- Waterproof build: The hard “shell” of suitcases, often in ABS or aluminium are perfect to keep your belonging dry in adverse weather conditions. In the UK where it can rain up to 200 days a year, that’s certainly something to think about!
- Removable wheels: Some of Lugg hard shell suitcases come with 360 degree removable wheels, which can help you gain a few vital centimetres when dealing with stricter airline size gauges.
- Long-term durability: At Lugg, our hard shell suitcases usually come with a warranty. That kind of peace of mind is hard to put a price on.
Which Should You Choose?
Both types have real strengths. The right choice depends on how and how often you travel.
Choose hard shell if you are checking your luggage into the hold and want maximum protection for your belongings. It is also the better choice if you travel frequently and need something that will hold up over many trips, if you want waterproofing for unpredictable weather or if security is a priority. The Lugg hard shell suitcase range covers everything from cabin-sized bags to large check-in cases.
Choose soft shell if you tend to overpack and need that bit of give at the gate, if you are travelling with carry-on only and want the lightest possible bag or if you need the extra storage that front pockets offer. Browse the Lugg soft shell suitcase range if you’re looking for more luggage flexibility.
Just as a brief note, hybrid suitcases blend a semi-rigid frame with fabric panelling - but they don't always deliver the full benefits of either a dedicated soft-shell or hard-shell case.
