Hard Shell Luggage vs Soft Shell Luggage

Both hard and soft-shell have their advantages and disadvantages, both of which we will go into here. Which type of travel luggage you choose will depend on your travel style, the length of your itinerary and your own personal preferences.

We’ll look at the two types of luggage and take into consideration some of the things to ponder before you outlay your hard-earned money.

Hard-shell luggage is the go-to when it comes to offering extra protection. The rigid structure of hard-shell luggage will safeguard electronics and breakable items, while the materials are weather resistant against rain and snow, keeping your belongings dry.

Many hard-shell models feature a split-opening design, which means you can pack your items on both sides, helping with organisation and making your items more accessible when you’re finally able to open your bags in the hotel room.

There are a couple of downsides when it comes to hard shell luggage, however. Being rigid and less flexible, storing your hard-shell bags in overhead compartments will require more space. This also extends to storing your luggage when not in use.

Made from fabrics like nylon and polyester, soft-shell luggage is great for packing items like apparel, footwear and other unbreakables. Unlike hard-shell luggage they include convenient external compartments and pockets to pack travel accessories and items that you may need fast access to while travelling like travel documents, chargers and a change of clothing.

More forgiving when you really need to jam-pack your belongings, soft-shell luggage is more flexible thanks to their expandable design.

They will however suffer the elements more than their hard-shell cousins, feeling the effects of any wet weather, potentially also damaging the contents if they become water-logged.

Many people choose to have both hard-shell and soft-shell luggage in their collection.

If you are driving to your destination, soft-shell luggage can more easily be stored in the boot of a car and will be protected from the elements. Soft-shell luggage is also more easily stored away when not in use, however, make sure to cover them to protect from dust and moisture.

If you are flying with breakable items and electronics, we’d suggest hard-shell luggage. The extra protection of hard-shell luggage will keep your items safer over the journey, surviving the bumps and jostling of the airport life.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your travel needs. If you want protection and organisation, hard-shell luggage is what’s needed. For versatility and storage, soft-shell luggage shines.

For carry-on luggage check out our range of backpacks and tote bags.