Best Affordable Hardside Luggage (Lightweight & Secure)

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Best Hardside Luggage for Ultimate Travel Item Protection

In this blog post, I’ll be discussing the benefits of affordable hardside luggage, key features to look for, and some of the best hardside luggage options on the market. 

Top Picks for the Best Budget Hardshell Luggage

Top-3 Best Affordable Hard Case on 2023

Key decision-making factors for the best hardside luggage:

  1. Durability
  2. Protection of items
  3. Ease of use
  4. Size and weight
  5. Overall Value

In terms of durability, the luggage should be able to withstand the rigors of travel, such as being tossed around by baggage handlers and stacked with other heavy bags. Hardside luggage is known for its durability and ability to protect items, but it’s important to choose a model with high-quality materials and construction.

The protection of items is another crucial factor. Hardside luggage typically offers more protection than softside luggage, but the interior should also have features that protect items from shifting or getting damaged during transit. This may include interior dividers, compression straps, and pockets.

Ease of use is important, as travelers want luggage that is easy to pack, lift, and maneuver. The size and weight of the luggage also play a role in ease of use, as travelers must be able to lift and carry the luggage comfortably.

Finally, the overall value is a key decision-making factor, as travelers want to get the most for their money. Luggage should provide a good balance of quality and affordability, and the features should match the needs of the traveler.

Best Hardshell Luggage Carry-On Comparison

Preview
BEST CHOICE
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 20-Inch, Silver
American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Pink Blush, Carry-On 21-Inch
DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Blue Cobalt, Carry-On 21 Inch
Model
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 20-Inch, Silver
American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Pink Blush, Carry-On 21-Inch
DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Blue Cobalt, Carry-On 21 Inch
Product Dimensions
22 x 15 x 9.5 inches
9 x 14 x 22 inches
21 x 14.5 x 10 inches
Item Weight
6.81 pounds
6.3 pounds
8.4 Pounds
Warranty
10 Year Limited Warranty
10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Manufacturer’s warranty (specific duration not provided)
TSA Lock
Recessed TSA combination lock for security when checked
Yes (Integrated 3-dial TSA-accepted combination lock)
Expandable
Cases expand for added packing capacity
Zippered 2” expansion option
Yes (Expands up to 2 inches)
Material
Ultra-Light, ultra-strong hardside shells that withstand the rigors of modern travel
100% Polycarbonate
100% Polycarbonate
Handles
Retracting top and side carry-handles remain protected when checking baggage
Exterior handle on top and side
Recessed “one-button” locking handle system with industrial-grade aluminum tubes
Amazon
3,677 Reviews
7,602 Reviews
BEST CHOICE
Preview
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 20-Inch, Silver
Model
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 20-Inch, Silver
Product Dimensions
22 x 15 x 9.5 inches
Item Weight
6.81 pounds
Warranty
10 Year Limited Warranty
TSA Lock
Recessed TSA combination lock for security when checked
Expandable
Cases expand for added packing capacity
Material
Ultra-Light, ultra-strong hardside shells that withstand the rigors of modern travel
Handles
Retracting top and side carry-handles remain protected when checking baggage
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Preview
American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Pink Blush, Carry-On 21-Inch
Model
American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Pink Blush, Carry-On 21-Inch
Product Dimensions
9 x 14 x 22 inches
Item Weight
6.3 pounds
Warranty
10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
TSA Lock
Expandable
Zippered 2” expansion option
Material
100% Polycarbonate
Handles
Exterior handle on top and side
Amazon
3,677 Reviews
Buy on Amazon
Preview
DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Blue Cobalt, Carry-On 21 Inch
Model
DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Blue Cobalt, Carry-On 21 Inch
Product Dimensions
21 x 14.5 x 10 inches
Item Weight
8.4 Pounds
Warranty
Manufacturer’s warranty (specific duration not provided)
TSA Lock
Yes (Integrated 3-dial TSA-accepted combination lock)
Expandable
Yes (Expands up to 2 inches)
Material
100% Polycarbonate
Handles
Recessed “one-button” locking handle system with industrial-grade aluminum tubes
Amazon
7,602 Reviews
Buy on Amazon

Best Budget Hardside Luggage Comparison Chart

Preview
BEST CHOICE
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 21-Inch, Powder Blue
Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner, Orange
Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds, Kelly Green, 20-Inch Carry On
Title
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 21-Inch, Powder Blue
Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner, Orange
Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds, Kelly Green, 20-Inch Carry On
Material
Injection-molded polypropylene
Extra-thick ABS hard shell
Durable, lightweight hard ABS exterior
Durability
Rigorously tested to meet stringent standards, comes with a 10-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
Reliable strength, scratch-resistant Orange finish
Reinforced protective molded corner guards for maximum impact resistance
Finish
Scratch-resistant texture
Scratch-resistant Orange finish
Hard ABS exterior
Maneuverability
Superior – Double spinner wheels on each corner for added stability and ability to roll over slightly rough surfaces
Easy to move with 4 double spinner wheels, telescoping handle, and short handle
Premium 4-wheel multi-directional spinners for 360°-degree free-weight maneuvering
Size
21.25″ x 15.25″ x 10″
13.58″ x 9.45″ x 19.09″
19.5″ x 28″ x 9.5″
Weight
6.5 lbs
7.34 lbs
6.25 lbs
Capacity
95 Liters
39 Liters
20-30 Liters
Expandability
Cases expand for added packing capacity
Expandable for up to 15% more packing space
Not Specified
Compartments
Not detailed, but commonly Samsonite luggage offers multiple compartments and pockets
Interior organizer with divider, plus 3 zippered pockets for smaller items
Fully lined interior with double-sided packing, zippered organization pocket, and garment restraint straps
Special Features
Recessed TSA combination lock, Ultra-light yet strong shell, Retracting top and side carry-handles
Fully lined 150D-polyester interior
Top and side grab handle, four molded side feet, fits most U.S. airline overhead bins
Amazon Reviews
BEST CHOICE
Preview
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 21-Inch, Powder Blue
Title
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 21-Inch, Powder Blue
Material
Injection-molded polypropylene
Durability
Rigorously tested to meet stringent standards, comes with a 10-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
Finish
Scratch-resistant texture
Maneuverability
Superior – Double spinner wheels on each corner for added stability and ability to roll over slightly rough surfaces
Size
21.25″ x 15.25″ x 10″
Weight
6.5 lbs
Capacity
95 Liters
Expandability
Cases expand for added packing capacity
Compartments
Not detailed, but commonly Samsonite luggage offers multiple compartments and pockets
Special Features
Recessed TSA combination lock, Ultra-light yet strong shell, Retracting top and side carry-handles
Amazon Reviews
Buy on Amazon
Preview
Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner, Orange
Title
Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner, Orange
Material
Extra-thick ABS hard shell
Durability
Reliable strength, scratch-resistant Orange finish
Finish
Scratch-resistant Orange finish
Maneuverability
Easy to move with 4 double spinner wheels, telescoping handle, and short handle
Size
13.58″ x 9.45″ x 19.09″
Weight
7.34 lbs
Capacity
39 Liters
Expandability
Expandable for up to 15% more packing space
Compartments
Interior organizer with divider, plus 3 zippered pockets for smaller items
Special Features
Fully lined 150D-polyester interior
Amazon Reviews
Buy on Amazon
Preview
Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds, Kelly Green, 20-Inch Carry On
Title
Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds, Kelly Green, 20-Inch Carry On
Material
Durable, lightweight hard ABS exterior
Durability
Reinforced protective molded corner guards for maximum impact resistance
Finish
Hard ABS exterior
Maneuverability
Premium 4-wheel multi-directional spinners for 360°-degree free-weight maneuvering
Size
19.5″ x 28″ x 9.5″
Weight
6.25 lbs
Capacity
20-30 Liters
Expandability
Not Specified
Compartments
Fully lined interior with double-sided packing, zippered organization pocket, and garment restraint straps
Special Features
Top and side grab handle, four molded side feet, fits most U.S. airline overhead bins
Amazon Reviews
Buy on Amazon

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TOP 3 Hardside Luggage for Ultimate Travel Item Protection

Quantitative measurements and comparisons of the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner, Travelpro Hardside Spinner, and Delsey Helium Aero

Starting with weight, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner is the lightest option, weighing only 6.5 lbs. The Travelpro Hardside Spinner weighs 7.2 lbs, while the Delsey Helium Aero weighs 8.2 lbs.

In terms of durability, the Travelpro Hardside Spinner and Delsey Helium Aero both have a polycarbonate shell, which is known for its strength and resistance to impact. The Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner has a hardshell made of a durable, high-strength polymer.

When it comes to storage capacity, the Delsey Helium Aero has the largest packing capacity, with 39 liters of space. The Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner has a packing capacity of 28.5 liters, while the Travelpro Hardside Spinner has a packing capacity of 30.4 liters.

Regarding maneuverability, all three options have four spinner wheels, which make it easy to navigate through airports and other tight spaces.

Based on these measurements, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner is a great lightweight option for those who want a durable and easy-to-maneuver suitcase. The Travelpro Hardside Spinner offers a good balance of weight and durability, making it a great option for those who want a high-quality suitcase that is still relatively lightweight. The Delsey Helium Aero offers the largest packing capacity and is a great option for those who want plenty of storage space.

Overall, the best luggage option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize lightweight and maneuverability, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner is a great choice. If you want a balance of weight and durability, the Travelpro Hardside Spinner is a solid option. And if you need plenty of storage space, the Delsey Helium Aero is a great choice.

Hardside luggage is a popular choice for travelers who seek durability, security, and protection for their belongings. Based on my experience and research, here are three manufacturers that I recommend for high-quality hardside luggage, along with my personal opinions about their products:

  1. Samsonite –  https://samsonite.com/  Samsonite is a renowned brand that offers an extensive range of hardside luggage options.
  2. Delsey –  https://delsey.com/  Delsey is a respected luggage manufacturer known for their stylish and functional hardside luggage options.
  3. Away –  https://awaytravel.com/ Away is a popular luggage brand that offers a variety of high-quality hardside luggage options.

Useful equipment to work with the best hardside luggage for ultimate travel item protection:

EquipmentDescription
Luggage LockA small, durable lock that can be used to secure the zippers on your hardside luggage. Look for a lock that is TSA-approved, which means that airport security personnel can open it without damaging your luggage.
Compression BagsCompression bags are similar to packing cubes, but they have a valve that allows you to remove excess air, making them more compact. These can be especially useful for bulky items like jackets or sweaters. Look for bags that are made from strong, tear-resistant materials.
Luggage StrapsLuggage straps can be used to secure your hardside luggage and prevent it from accidentally opening during transit. Look for straps that are adjustable and made from durable materials like nylon or polyester.
Waterproof PouchesWaterproof pouches can be used to protect your phone, passport, or other small items from water damage. Look for pouches that are made from waterproof materials like PVC or nylon and have a secure seal.
Electronics Organizer CaseAn electronics organizer case can be used to store your laptop, tablet, and other electronics safely inside your hardside luggage. Look for a case that is padded and has plenty of pockets to keep your cords and accessories organized.
Portable ChargerA portable charger can be a lifesaver when you’re traveling, especially if you’re using your phone or other devices to navigate or communicate. Look for a charger that has a high capacity and multiple charging ports, so you can charge all your devices at once.
Travel AdapterA travel adapter is essential if you’re traveling to a country with different electrical outlets than your own. Look for an adapter that is compatible with the outlets in your destination country and has multiple ports to accommodate all your devices.
Travel PillowA travel pillow can help you get some much-needed rest during a long flight or train ride. Look for a pillow that is lightweight, compact, and offers good neck support.

Frequently Asked Questions for Best Hardside Luggage for Ultimate Travel Item Protection

Are hardside luggage pieces heavier than softside ones?

Generally, hardside luggage pieces are slightly heavier than softside ones due to their durable hard exterior. However, there are some lightweight hardside luggage options available in the market.

Are hardside suitcases more durable than softside ones?

Yes, hardside luggage pieces are more durable than softside ones as they are made of hard exterior material that can withstand more wear and tear. They are also less likely to be ripped or punctured.

Are hardside suitcases allowed as carry-on luggage?

Yes, most hardside suitcases are allowed as carry-on luggage as long as they meet the size and weight restrictions of the airline. However, it is always best to check with your airline beforehand.

Can hardside luggage be expanded for more storage space?

Yes, many hardside luggage pieces come with an expandable feature that allows you to increase the storage space by a few inches.

Do hardside suitcases provide better protection for fragile items?

Yes, hardside suitcases provide better protection for fragile items as they are less likely to get crushed or damaged during transport. However, it is always recommended to wrap fragile items in additional padding for extra protection.

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Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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