What's the Difference Anyway?

As the names indicate, the exterior material is the critical difference between soft-shell and hard-shell luggage. However, that's where the easy delineation ends, and the endless options begin. The most common material found in hardside suitcases is polycarbonate, which tends to offer a cost-effective option without sacrificing quality. Inexpensive hardside products utilize polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). By the way, all three material names are fancy terms for "types of plastic." One final hard-shell option is aluminum, which generally comes with the steepest price tag, but presents a near-indestructible design.

As for soft-shell luggage, most fall into four categories: polyester, nylon, canvas, and leather. Like its hard-shell counterpart, soft-shell suitcases often trade one feature for another with each type of material. Polyester offers upside in the form of cost but is less scratch-resistant and tear-resistant. Nylon actually comes in three forms: standard, Cordura, and ballistic, with each iteration increasing in durability, but also price. Meanwhile, canvas and leather offer superior durability but often at the detriment of your wallet.

So… How Much is This Going to Cost?

Simply put, it all depends. Let's begin with hard-shell luggage, which can range from $75-1,000 for a carry-on. A wide range, indeed. Typically, most consumer carry-on products will settle in the $100-150 range, increasing in price for the large, checked product version. This price point is saturated with polycarbonate models that balance durability, lightness, and price point.

Softside luggage carries similar price tags, though the cost can quickly climb with premium leather and particular nylon products. Specifically, the lure of ballistic nylon is its near-travel-proof nature, which is why travel backpacks and duffel bags also utilize the material.

What Are Important Features?

Are you ready for even more options? When you choose your next piece of luggage or luggage set, there are additional features to consider. Interior storage, weight, mobility, and size are important aspects and vary from product to product, even within the same sub-group.

Many products will come with built-in ways to organize your clothes, travel accessories, garment bags, laptop, and other devices. You may also choose to supplement your suitcase with a separate organizer to maximize space and increase capacity, which, if we're being honest, we all end up needing to do when traveling.

Portability is also an essential factor; after all, your luggage isn't going to wheel or carry itself. Size, weight, and wheels will also go a long way towards determining the ease of traveling. In this instance, exterior material does matter, with hard-shell products containing aluminum and soft-shell products containing canvas and leather posing a potential increase in weight. You will also want to take into account if you hope to store your suitcase underseat, overhead, or have it checked. The good news is airlines have standardized sizes you can check ahead of time before purchasing.

Summary

Overall, both options present pros and cons for your next weekend getaway. Whether you want a piece of carry-on luggage or a large checked bag, both types of suitcases can fit the bill. You can choose a cheaper plastic hard-shell or a polyester soft-shell piece of luggage if you're seeking a lightweight, economical product. Of course, the trade-off with exploring this route is the lack of durability and longevity. These products tend to break down quicker than their rugged counterparts, a costly problem if you're a regular traveler. Additionally, these may not be the best options if you wish to ensure safe passage for a laptop and other fragile belongings, particularly softside products.

The inverse is true for polycarbonate hard-shells, as well as nylon, canvas, and leather softsides. These products offer exceptional durability but will present you with inherently heavier luggage, regardless of how many travel accessories are inside. They also carry an increased initial investment, but if you're a frequent flyer, the benefits of a high-quality product may prove worth it. Regardless of exterior material, if you hope to purchase a water resistant bag, be sure to check the product specifications ahead of time.

Whether you're traveling with a softside and hardside luggage set, reserving your parking space in advance means you have one less thing to worry about when it's time to leave. With open-air, covered, and even valet parking, we can get you the spot you need to make your trip that much easier.

For additional travel tips for airline travel, see our safety tips and tips on how to pack a carry-on bag for five days.

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