Hardside vs Softside Luggage - Pros & Cons

When you enter the store looking for new luggage, the first thing that you’ll be asked is: do you want hardside or softside luggage?

If you’ve done many travels, you will most likely already have a preference for one over the other. Truth is, there are so many nuances with each type that it all boils down to simply what you like. But if you’re in the market for your very own first piece of luggage, here are some factors that can help you decide.

Hard Side Suitcase:

Protection

Luggage will always be filled with something breakable or expensive. The upside of hard side luggage is its rigid frame. This means that it’s more difficult to squeeze and press into the luggage because of the hard shell, protecting valuables inside. A common concern for hard side luggage is the fear of breaking or cracking the shell.

Another big plus is weather resistance. Most cases are not completely waterproof because of the zippers and other small openings.  But with hard side suitcase your belongings will be sufficiently protected from rain and moisture.

The same goes when it comes to cleaning your luggage. Hard side materials are more often than not easy to clean – simple by wiping the surface. Soft side luggage, on the other hand, absorbs water and are more prone to retaining stains and smells.

Security

It’s not all the time that strangers attempt to steal your stuff, but when they do, they’re less likely to cut through a hard shell. While both types of luggage will offer security features on the zippers or openings, there are still cases where slitting or simply cutting the bag open should be avoided.

This is almost impossible to do for hard side luggage, but quite simple to do for bags made of canvas or nylon.

Colours

While both soft side and hard side luggage come in different colours and patterns, stains and wear and tear show more prominently with brightly coloured soft side luggage.

Hard side luggage, on the other hand, tends to come in a wide range of colours and designs. And, because the shells are usually made of polycarbonate, there are many more colours available from very bright to muted ones. Not to mention a range of patterns and textures!

Soft side Luggage

Flexibility

With more softer and flexible materials, soft side luggage are great for packing more than what you had planned for. It’s just far easier to stuff more things inside a soft side luggage.

They also works better than a hard side if you need to pack irregularly shaped items. Hard shells won’t budge, but soft shells have a little bit more wiggle room to help you out.

This also comes in handy when it comes to stuffing your luggage into small spaces. It’s easier to manipulate something into overhead bins or luggage racks on trains and buses when it’s soft. Hard side luggage will only take up space and compete with other bags. Flexibility is not its forte!

Most soft side luggage also has an expander option where you can unzip a portion of the bag (along its spine) to provide more space. 

Organization

Another huge plus for soft side luggage is the availability of external pockets. You can store things that will come in handy like jackets and toiletries by easily stuffing them in the bag if you don’t need them for carry-on. It’s also easier to dump things you only remembered to bring at the last minute.

For hard side luggage, you have no choice but to lay the bag down, open the main compartment and all (often) for just for one item.

Some hard side luggage has internal pockets, but it’s not very common.

Soft side luggage would usually feature both external and internal pockets. It’s easier for you to separate small from large items and find what you need quickly.

Resilience

A big complaint for hard side luggage that put all the advantage on the soft side's court is the ability of the bag to absorb that typical airport abuse. While stains and dirt do show on soft side luggage, it has the ability to be tossed and turned and squeezed and dragged but still, come out alive at baggage claim.

Hard side luggage will most likely come out scratched and bruised. If not broken.

For hard sides that have very little flexibility, dents are likely to occur. Dings and tears don’t usually make a difference to soft side luggage, but can be irreparable for hard sides.

Hard vs. Soft Luggage Comparison

There really is no one piece of luggage that will address all your needs. It’s just a matter of personal preference and what kind of traveller you are. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide and make that hard or soft luggage purchase a very happy one.