Choosing the right suitcase involves more than picking a size or color you like. Your suitcases must keep your items safe, offer enough packing space, and be movable easily throughout your trip. But hardside and softside suitcases have pros and cons, and it can be difficult to choose which type to buy.
To help travelers decide, TACH Luggage has considered how you pack, where you go, and what you look for in luggage. By understanding the differences between these two types of suitcases, you can choose one that fits your travel style and makes your travels easier and more convenient.
1. Understand Hardside Vs. Softside Luggage
When comparing hardside vs. softside luggage, the main difference is the material used for the suitcase's exterior. Hardside bags are hard and are often constructed of polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or polypropylene. Softside luggage is made of soft materials like polyester and nylon.
Each construction has its own advantages to consider before buying. Hardside suitcases are sturdy and hold their shape, offering a rigid outer layer of protection for packed items. Softside suitcases offer greater flexibility and usually include exterior pockets and expandable compartments for a variety of storage options.
Choosing the right TACH Luggage suitcase starts with deciding what matters most to you. A hardside suitcase might be a good option for those who want to keep their belongings safe and maintain a neat, orderly interior. If you prefer a soft-side storage solution and want easy access to common items, soft-side luggage might suit you better.
Neither choice is necessarily better than the other. Your choice should depend on how you travel, what you pack, and how much you are willing to spend.
2. Choose Hardside Luggage for Structured Protection
Suitcases can face pressure, impact, and rough handling during travel, especially when you check them in at airports. Several factors can damage packed items, and hardside bags offer a more rigid exterior to help protect them.
This construction can help if you are transporting electronics, souvenirs, or anything that isn't easily compressible. But the shell material and overall construction also matter for protection. Polycarbonate is flexible and impact-resistant, and ABS is sometimes more economical. Also consider polypropylene, which is a lightweight material.
Remember that a hard shell is not indestructible. High impacts can cause cracks or dents, and the quality of the wheels, zippers, hinges, and closure system can affect the product's longevity.
When researching TACH luggage, consider the materials and features that will help you use the hardside suitcase day to day. A strong shell is good, but strong wheels, a comfortable handle, and a practical interior make for a valuable shell.
3. Consider Softside Luggage for Flexibility
Soft-sided bags also have advantages, particularly for those who prioritize flexibility in their travel needs. They're useful for packing items inside and outside the suitcase, as they can bend slightly to fit in a car trunk or another tight space.
Many softside suitcases also have exterior pockets. You can store travel documents, chargers, small accessories, or other items you need to access without opening the main compartment. Some models also have an extendable body to add more packing room when you need it.
These features can be especially useful when traveling with soft luggage for family vacations, road trips, and multi-stop trips. But fabric quality matters, too. Nylon and polyester differ in how they resist abrasion, tearing, and moisture absorption, so check the construction before you buy.
TACH Luggage's suitcase selection guide should encourage people to think about how they'll use their suitcases. If you need flexibility and easy pocket access, soft luggage might be a better fit.
4. Compare Weight and Maneuverability Before Buying
While a suitcase can provide great storage space, it can be cumbersome if it's not easy to pick up or move. This is especially true when traveling through busy airports, on trains, or when carrying suitcases up flights of stairs.
There are lightweight designs of both hardside and softside suitcases. Depending on the plastic used in construction, you can make a hardside model that is surprisingly light and a softside model that doesn't require a fully rigid shell. The actual weight will vary, however, depending on the suitcase's dimensions, materials, frame, and extra features.
Wheels and handles also affect manoeuvrability. Four-wheel spinner suitcases are easy to manoeuvre in small spaces and travel in various directions. Two-wheel designs tend to follow the rider and can work better on rougher terrain. Neither setup is best in every scenario.
Before choosing a suitcase, find the empty weight and compare it to your airline's luggage limit. Test that the handle extends comfortably and the wheels roll smoothly. These materials can make a bigger difference to your travel experience than the exterior metal or fabric.
5. Find the Right Balance Between Packing Space and Organization
The space you need depends on trip length and how you pack up. Common features of hardside suitcases include two main compartments, dividers, and straps to hold the luggage. However, when full, they are not very flexible because of their hard shells.
Softside suitcases expand easily and may have outside pockets for quick access to essentials and extra storage. When deciding, consider the interior structure, the suitcase's capacity, and whether it will be too cumbersome to carry with your usual travel gear.
6. Match Your Suitcase to Your Travel Style
If you take regular flights, hardside bags could be ideal for those who prefer a more structured look. However, check the weight and size against airline guidelines. For road trips, softside bags are versatile for packing into the cramped spaces of a car trunk.
If you travel for business, both types can work well, as long as they offer neat compartments and space-saving features. For long vacations, you may need a larger, durable suitcase with convenient storage options to accommodate your belongings. Finally, choose the design that best suits your packing style and travel needs.
7. Check Essential Features Before Making Your Choice
Before buying a suitcase, check the wheels, telescopic handle, zippers, seams, and carrying handles. They impact durability and usability.
For heavy-duty bags, check the material and how it is secured. If it's a softside model, check the pocket construction, stitching, and fabric. In wet conditions, choose waterproof clothing, but keep in mind it doesn't mean it is 100% waterproof. Last but not least, check the warranty, returns, and repair options.
Make Your Next Suitcase Purchase With Confidence
With an understanding of the various advantages of each type of luggage to offer the traveler, it would be easier to choose between the hardside and softside ones because every type of luggage would be utilized for different purposes. Hardside suitcases have a structured exterior, while softside suitcases offer more flexibility, pockets, and oftentimes, expandable pockets.
TACH Luggage's tips for buying the right suitcase come down to matching these features to your priorities. Think about what you are bringing, how many times you travel, and how you move from one place to another. After comparing materials, weight, storage capacity, wheels, and the warranty, you are ready to choose.
With these points in mind, you can choose the bag that matches your travel style, keeps your things organized, and makes it easier to get to your next destination.
