What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Softside Luggage

As a seasoned traveler who has taken countless flights, I know how important it is to have reliable luggage that can withstand the rigors of travel. While there are many types of luggage on the market, softside luggage is a popular choice for its flexibility, durability, and lightweight design. But with so many options available, how do you know which one to choose?

In this blog post, I will be sharing my top picks for the best softside luggage based on my personal experience and research. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a casual traveler, finding the right softside luggage can make all the difference in your travel experience. From the materials used to the size and features, I’ll be covering everything you need to know to make an informed decision on your next softside luggage purchase. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and discover the best softside luggage options available on the market today!

Best Softside Luggage for Business Travelers

Best Softside Luggage for Customization

Best Classic Style Softside Luggage

Best Softside Luggage for Durability

Best Softside Luggage for Tech-Savvy Travelers

Quantitative measurements about the performance of the five best softside luggage options:

Travelpro Platinum Elite:

1. Weight: 7.8 lbs
2. Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 9 inches
3. Capacity: 46 L
4. Maneuverability: 10/10
5. Durability: 9/10
6. Value: 10/10

Overall, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is a great all-around choice for those looking for durable and spacious luggage that is easy to maneuver.

Briggs & Riley Baseline:

1. Weight: 11.1 lbs
2. Dimensions: 28 x 20 x 12 inches
3. Capacity: 97.9 L
4. Maneuverability: 8/10
5. Durability: 10/10
6. Value: 8/10

The Briggs & Riley Baseline is a great choice for those who prioritize customization and durability, but it can be a bit heavy and difficult to maneuver.

Delsey Chatelet Soft Air:

1. Weight: 10.4 lbs
2. Dimensions: 28.75 x 19.5 x 12.25 inches
3. Capacity: 107.4 L
4. Maneuverability: 8/10
5. Durability: 9/10
6. Value: 8/10

The Delsey Chatelet Soft Air is a stylish and durable choice, but it may not be the most maneuverable or affordable option.

Samsonite S’Cure DLX:

1. Weight: 10.3 lbs
2. Dimensions: 31 x 21 x 13 inches
3. Capacity: 141.5 L
4. Maneuverability: 9/10
5. Durability: 10/10
6. Value: 9/10

The Samsonite S’Cure DLX is a great choice for those looking for durable and secure hard-shell luggage, but it can be heavy and inflexible.

Tumi Alpha 3:

1. Weight: 11.2 lbs
2. Dimensions: 31 x 20.5 x 13 inches
3. Capacity: 123.4 L
4. Maneuverability: 9/10
5. Durability: 10/10
6. Value: 8/10

The Tumi Alpha 3 is a tech-savvy and durable choice, but it can be quite expensive and heavy.

Other comparable products to consider include the Victorinox Werks Traveler 6.0, the American Tourister Moonlight, and the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds. Ultimately, the best softside luggage for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, such as budget, size requirements, and desired features. In my personal opinion, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is a great all-around choice for most travelers, but those with specific needs or preferences may benefit from considering other options.

When choosing the best softside luggage, there are several key decision-making factors to consider:

1. Durability: The luggage should be able to withstand the rigors of travel, including being tossed around by airport baggage handlers and bumped against other luggage.
2. Capacity: The luggage should be able to fit all of your belongings, while still meeting airline size and weight restrictions.
3. Maneuverability: The luggage should be easy to move around, especially in crowded airports and tight spaces.
4. Features: Depending on your needs, the luggage may have features such as expandability, compartments for organization, and TSA-approved locks.
5. Price: The luggage should be priced reasonably for its quality and features.

When reviewing the products in the best softside luggage category, we should rate their performance in each of these key decision-making factors. For example, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is an excellent choice for durability, as it features high-density nylon fabric with a DuraGuard coating that resists stains and abrasions. It also has excellent maneuverability, with eight MagnaTrac self-aligning spinner wheels and a height-adjustable PowerScope handle. The SwissTech Executive has great value, with a reasonable price and a generous 15-year warranty, while the Tumi Alpha 3 has excellent features, including an integrated USB port and Bluetooth locator.

By assessing each product’s performance in these key decision-making factors, we can help consumers make informed decisions about which softside luggage will best meet their needs.

Softside luggage is a popular choice for travelers who prefer lightweight, flexible, and expandable bags.

Based on my experience and research, here are three manufacturers that I recommend for high-quality softside luggage, along with my personal opinions about their products:

1. Samsonite –  https://www.samsonite.com  Samsonite is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of softside luggage options. I’ve been particularly impressed with their Eco-Nu series, which is made from recycled fabric and offers excellent durability and expandability. The Samsonite website provides detailed product information, images, and customer reviews, making it easy to find the perfect softside luggage for your needs.
2. Travelpro – https://travelpro.com/ Travelpro is a reputable brand that specializes in luggage designed for frequent travelers. Their Maxlite series is a personal favorite of mine, as it offers a lightweight design, durable materials, and practical features like a built-in garment compartment. The Travelpro website offers comprehensive product descriptions, dimensions, and user reviews, helping you make an informed decision when choosing your softside luggage.
3. Delsey –  https://www.delsey.com  Delsey is a respected luggage manufacturer that offers a variety of stylish and functional softside luggage options. Their Helium Aero series has been particularly impressive to me, as it combines a modern design with practical features like a built-in TSA lock and expandable compartments. The Delsey website provides detailed product specifications, images, and customer reviews, making it simple to find the right softside luggage for your needs.

These are my top three recommendations for manufacturers of softside luggage. I hope my personal experiences and opinions will help guide you in making the right choice for a durable and practical accessory for your travels. Enjoy your new softside luggage!

Overall, I recommend checking out a variety of resources when researching the best softside luggage options, as each source may provide different insights and perspectives.

Equipment that can be useful when working with the best softside luggage:

Equipment	Purpose
Luggage Scale	To ensure that the luggage meets airline weight restrictions
Packing Cubes	To keep clothing and accessories organized and compact
Compression Bags	To maximize packing space and reduce wrinkles
Luggage Lock	To keep luggage secure during transit
Portable Charger	To keep electronic devices charged while traveling
Luggage Strap	To help keep the luggage closed and secure
Garment Bag	To keep suits, dresses, and other formalwear wrinkle-free
TSA-Approved Lock	To allow TSA agents to inspect luggage without damaging it
Luggage Tag	To help identify the luggage in case it gets lost
Travel Pillow	To help make long flights more comfortable

Overall, these items can help make packing and traveling with the best softside luggage easier and more organized.

FAQ section for the best softside luggage:

What is the difference between softside and hardside luggage?

Softside luggage is made from flexible materials like nylon or polyester, while hardside luggage is made from hard materials like polycarbonate or aluminum. Softside luggage is generally lighter and more flexible, making it easier to pack into tight spaces. Hardside luggage is more durable and may offer better protection for fragile items, but can be heavier and more difficult to maneuver.

How do I choose the right size of softside luggage for my needs?

The right size of softside luggage depends on your travel needs. If you're looking for a carry-on bag, be sure to choose a bag that meets airline size requirements. If you're checking a bag, consider how much you need to pack and choose a bag that is large enough to fit all of your belongings while still meeting airline weight restrictions.

How do I care for my softside luggage?

To care for your softside luggage, wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any dirt or debris. If your luggage becomes stained, use a mild detergent and a soft brush to gently scrub the affected area. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the fabric. When not in use, store your luggage in a cool, dry place.

What should I do if my softside luggage is damaged during travel?

If your luggage is damaged during travel, file a report with the airline or other carrier as soon as possible. Most airlines have a specific process for handling luggage claims, and you may be eligible for compensation or repair services. Be sure to keep any documentation related to the damage, including photos of the luggage and receipts for repair or replacement costs.

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