There’s one thing I wished I’d known before I decided to choose my luggage, and it concerns two main types: Softside luggage and hardside luggage.
Although their names tell pretty much everything about their differences, there are numerous details and nuances you need to pay attention to when you’re choosing your own luggage.
The Softer Side
Usually, the term softside luggage refers to a nylon or canvas-like bags, which don’t handle pressure very well, as they tend to flex if you put too many stuff inside. Many people choose softside over hardside luggage anytime, and there are so many reasons for that.
Gotta Be Flexible
When we talk about flexibility, softside luggage has a significant advantage over hardside. Canvas, nylon and such materials are naturally flexible, so logically, it’s much easier for a softside luggage to click right into small space, or bend over if needed, in order to make space for some other bags. Also, there are more ways to expand softside luggage (for example, Samsonite Lift Spinner). This feature could be crucial if you’re going on a trip, and you know you’re going to buy things there. So, when you end up coming back with more than you initially had, you don’t have to worry, because your luggage is expandable.
Look Soft. Stay Tough
On the other hand, there’s a possibility you’re going to stumble upon some softside luggage that only looks soft. That kind of luggage isn’t completely flexible, and behind their surface they are hiding reinforced shells.
For example, Travel Pro Maxlite is that kind of softside-looking luggage, meaning it combines all of the “soft” qualities with “hard” usage, too. In case you don’t know anything about Travel Pro Maxlite, don’t worry, you can see it here.
Take Some Trauma
Softside luggage materials have another advantage – if you accidentally spill something on them, you can just use wet towel or something similar, and everything is going to be okay. Also, Softside luggage is kinda “resistant” to such things as scrapes, because they don’t leave any trace on the softside luggage surface.
Hard Options
When we talk about hardside lugagge, there are two basic types: hardsides and hard cases.
Hardsided, not hard headed
When you hear the term “hardside luggage”, that means the exterior of the case is almost entirely solid. However, the shell is most often not completely solid, because designers were more focused on making it less flexible.
If you have something easily breakable or very important in your case, you’re naturally going to choose hardside luggage. However, you should note that your stuff can still be damaged. If you like to have more options when choosing your luggage, then The Rockland Melbourne 3-piece set would be a great thing for you, because they have plenty of textures to choose from.
Rigidity For A Reason
While softside cases are prone to flexibility, things are a bit different with hardside luggage (for example, take a look at Samsonite Luggage Fiero and everything is going to be much clearer). As I’ve mentioned before, breakable objects can be safely put in hard cases, which is why they don’t usually have very much pockets or expansions.
Rigid Is Rigid Whether You Like It Or Not
While rigidity can be an asset, it can also become a problem when you need your case to show some flexibility. For example, exterior pockets found on softside cases can be very handy when you’re in a hurry and you need to grab some of the basic stuff, such as your wllet or something like that. With hardside cases, you need to open the whole case, which can be very impractical.
Also, a great number of hard cases don’t really show any versatility when we talk about the size. With soft cases, you can unzip some additional space and extend your luggage. However, there are some hard cases which provide an option for additional space (such as Delsey Helium Expandable Spinner).
Hard Issues to Sort Through
Probably the worst part of hard cases is the fact that they are very prone to showing scratches and other trauma traces. With soft cases, they are going to return to the previous state in case you drop them, but with hard cases, prepare for exterior marks.
Another problem when we talk about differences between hardside and softside lugagge are dents. Something that could probably be a hardly noticeable blemish on the soft case, can prove to be very hard to come off.
How Flexible Does Your Luggage Need To Be
Anyhow, you’re still going to need some researching before you finally decide which kind of luggage suits you best. If pick less expensive cases, there are great chances they won’t be so durable, so it would be better if you stick with familiar luggage brands which actually make difference between hard cases and soft cases.
To conclude, you should choose your bags based on the stuff you’re packing. If you have something precious, hardside cases would probably be better choice, but if you’re packing lighter, then soft cases should be your choice. Anyway, make sure you are fully informed on all the possibilities and disadvantages of both hardside and softside cases, before you decide to make your final pick.