Need some new luggage, mine is ancient and busted. Are the hard case type better or stay with soft, leather, etc.

So what do you think?

We went with the flexible hard side type. It has held up pretty good and it very light weight.

We have had really good luck with the fabric cases. Heading for Alaska next week with them. Hope you have as good luck as we have!!

Have both hard and soft sided options, and use them interchangeably for different trips. The only one that goes with me on every trip is my 21" hard sided, rolling, carry on.

My wife wanted new luggage for our upcoming trip to France. She decided on trying out a hard sided suitcase from Away. Should be arriving any day. Depending on how we like it, I'm going to buy one for myself. We decided on the hard sided case this time due to the numerous amounts of wine, champagne, and Scotch bottles we always return from France with. Won't have to worry about wrapping them up as much.

I prefer soft side. The hard shells lack the extra zipper compartments on the out side.

The flexible hard side with zippers instead of latches has served me well over the last 5 years or so- I think it’s the best combination as it’s very lightweight and strong at the same time. They also seem to wear very well when side by side with soft side fabric cases.

Extremely happy with Travelpro luggage with spinners. Soft sides. Light and holds up to my use perfectly fine. We have carry ons and large sizes.

They are lightly framed and covered in heavy duty nylon material.

I travel weekly and just got my first hard sided suitcase about 3 months ago, a samsonite. It already has a pretty large dent in one corner and another small one. I also don’t like that it is difficult to add things to the case without opening the whole thing. With a soft sided case I could just unzip the top and shove something in, this is much more difficult to do that with. The other day I brought a rifle with me that was too long to fit in the suitcase so I figured I could leave part of it sticking out the top of the suitcase but the case wouldn’t let me do that.

Finally I don’t like that when you open it, both sides open equally. So it’s virtually impossible to use a luggage stand in a hotel. I either have to lay it out on a bed or couch or the floor.

If I decide to get another hard sided case I’ll just buy a big pelican case. It will be a lot more durable and the way it opens will let it fit on a regular luggage stand.

I didn't think about just unzipping a part and shoving stuff in, I do that all the time.

Soft it is

quote:

Originally posted by Oz_Shadow:
Extremely happy with Travelpro luggage with spinners. Soft sides. Light and holds up to my use perfectly fine. We have carry ons and large sizes.

They are lightly framed and covered in heavy duty nylon material.

That's what we have. We have two sets of 3, large and medium check in and carry on. They store neatly inside the next size.

The biggest difference to me is when you are trying to fit luggages in a vehicle like a taxi at the airport, the hard shell cases do not give and it's harder to make them fit.

What I like about the the traveller is that they are lightweight but are highly rated in being long lasting.

Not related to the topic, but I also suggest using a luggage strap for extra security and a contrasting color to your luggage to make identification easier on the carousel. I also tie a bright colored ID shoelace string.

Bags get beat to hell and straps get caught/busted or rot with time/storage. Get was used most functional for you. We have a pelican air for flying to pistol matches and use soft cases for clothes.

I used to get hard cases. But for the last 10 years, I've used soft cases (but rigid on the sides). I found that soft cases allow for give and the flexibility to put them into tight spots (ie - in overheads, on trains, in taxi's, etc) that may be more difficult for non-conforming hard shells.

I just get Kirkland branded suitcases now - they have held up pretty well for me.

But I just carry clothes (and maybe a bottle or two). If I carried lots of bottles or special things like pistol, I may get a hard case (Rimowa or something).

quote:

Soft it is

Not advisable if traveling to many countries (& some US airports). My wife & I have had luggage slit open with a knife.

quote:

Originally posted by Anush:

quote:

Soft it is

Not advisable if traveling to many countries (& some US airports). My wife & I have had luggage slit open with a knife.

I can pick the lock on a hard or soft case just about as fast as I can use a key to get in it. I'm sure the thieves are faster than me.

My wife and I each have a set of Away that we just love. The main drawback as stated above is that there is no outside pockets on ours. Away has come out with a carry on that has a zippered outside pocket, but the color selection is limited.

So, as for this upcoming flight we have, when not carrying my computer case, I will take my old soft side carry on with several zippered pockets.

I go with the soft, more room, more pockets

Pale Horse made some excellent points. I may rethink my earlier decision to try out a hard sided suitcase. I really like those Travelpros.

We'll see what my wife thinks of her new Away luggage once it arrives. I'm thinking it might actually not be big enough for her needs. The Soft sided bags seem to have a great deal more internal space.

I prefer the hard case with zipper.

I have gone with the 4 wheel spinner, it roles through the airports really easily.

there are about 10 brands that come out of the same factory in China.

You cannot tell the difference from my travel pro or sharper image.

I got the copper color so it is easy to spot on the belt.

I also like the ability to stack a second small case or backpack or briefcase on top as I role it.

I have a Samsonite spinner office case for my computers when traveling for longer business trips or my computer backpack for shorter ones.

The both can be slid over the handle of the carry on for rolling, then slide it off on the plane and put them in the overhead bin.