Packing the right bag is essential for a successful and comfortable journey, but deciding between hardside or softside luggage can be tricky.
Hardside bags offer enhanced durability but may lack storage space or flexibility for oddly shaped items; whereas, soft-side luggage may provide more interior space but could potentially be prone to damage when put under strain.
In this blog post, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both types of travel bags in order to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
With careful consideration of your itinerary, budget, and size requirements, you can find the perfect bag that will make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
Softside Vs Hardside Luggage
Feature Hardside Luggage Softside Luggage
Durability High - As these bags have a rigid frame, they can withstand more wear and tear than softside bags. It is also easier to access items that are stored within the bag as it holds its shape even when opened Low - Due to their flexible material, softside bags are more prone to damage than hardside luggage. They also don't hold their shape when opened, making it a bit harder to access items within them.
Storage Capacity Lower - Hardside bags usually have fewer pockets and storage compartments than softside ones. Higher- Softside bags often come with multiple pockets and compartments that help keep your belongings organized. They can also be expandable, allowing you to fit extra items inside your bag if need be.
Weight Heavier - Since these types of luggage have a heavier frame and thicker material, they tend to weigh more than softside luggage. Lighter- Softside luggage is made of lighter material which makes them generally lighter in weight than hardside luggage.
When comparing hardside vs softside luggage, there are a few key metrics to consider
- Strength: Hardside bags generally offer more durability compared to their softside counterparts, thanks to their rigid outer shell.
- Storage Capacity: Softsides usually have more internal storage capacity than hardsides, allowing you to pack more items into a single bag.
- Weight: Softsides tend to be lighter in weight than traditional hardside luggage, making them great for the traveler who wants to avoid extra baggage fees.
Both types of luggage have their own pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your budget and size requirements when deciding between them. Overall, you should find the product that suits your needs best – whether it’s a hardside or softside bag – so you can enjoy a stress-free journey.
Hardside Luggage
When it comes to hardside luggage, I think the biggest advantage is its durability. The rigid outer shell of these bags makes them strong enough to handle the wear and tear more effectively than their softside counterparts. In addition, they can also offer a little extra protection for any fragile items you may be carrying during your travels.
On the flip side, hardside luggage usually has less internal storage capacity than softsides, making them better suited to short trips with just a few items. They are also typically heavier than softsides, so if you need to travel light then this type of bag might not be ideal for you.
Best Hardside Luggage on Amazon
Softside Luggage
Softside bags can be great for travelers who want plenty of storage space for their belongings, as they usually offer more space inside than traditional hardside luggage. Plus, they are usually lightweight, which can make all the difference when trying to avoid additional baggage fees on flights.
However, these bags don’t offer as much durability compared to their hard-sided counterparts, so if you’re planning an extended trip with lots of stops and packing several items then you may want to opt for a sturdier bag instead.
Overall, both types of luggage come with their own advantages and disadvantages depending on your requirements. To get the best out of your travel experience I recommend considering your budget and size requirements carefully when deciding between them!
Best Softside Luggage on Amazon
HardSide Luggage Equipment
Equipment Description
Interior Padding Provides extra protection for your belongings.
Metal Zippers Sturdy metal zippers for long lasting security.
Handle Straps Comfortably carry luggage by hand or shoulder.
Retractable Handles Easily adjust luggage to the ideal height for transport
Wheeled Base Wheels are designed to provide stability and durability on any surface.
SoftSide Luggage Equipment
Equipment Description
Water-Resistant Fabric Protects your items from moisture and humidity.
Expandable Storage Space Maximize packing space with expandable sections inside the bag.
Reinforced Straps Providing even more strength and durability than basic handles & straps.
Below are two resources that I have personally found to be incredibly useful when it comes to comparing hardside and softside bags.
- The Samsonite website is a great place to start if you want to compare the features offered by different models of hard and softside luggage. They also provide detailed information on how to care for your bags so they can last you many years of travel.
- On the other hand, if you’d like to glance at ratings and reviews from other customers who have used both types of luggage before, then Ebags is definitely worth checking out too! They not only offer a huge selection of bags from various manufacturers but their customer ratings and reviews are sure to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Hard or soft luggage for international travel
Deciding between hard and soft luggage for international travel can be a difficult decision.
- Hard cases are the “cylinders” that open up with latches. They have a metal or fiberglass shell over a foam core, usually with locks. They offer great protection but can be heavy when fully packed and may incur an overweight fee at the airport.
- Soft luggage is made from lightweight fabric such as nylon or polyester, making it more compact and easier to store in tight places. It also comes in more shapes than hard cases, so you can fit more items inside the bag. However, soft bags provide less protection against rough handling compared to their hard counterparts.
When I travel internationally, my choice depends on how long my trip will be and where I’m going. If I’m only traveling for a few days then soft luggage often works just fine, especially if I’m visiting cities with relatively flat streets! For longer trips with outdoor activities, however, hard shells are better protected from bumps and dings that can occur during outdoor adventures or when being moved around in tighter spaces.
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference and your needs for a particular trip. Take into account factors such as size limits, ease of transportability, available features such as added pockets or straps and any associated fees due to weight restrictions before deciding which type of luggage will work best for you!
What are the main differences between hardside and softside luggage?
Which type of bag is best suited for traveling?
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