Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
It’s the age old debate when it comes to suitcases: hard vs soft luggage? What’s best? Find out as our readers share their opinions on the best type of luggage!
Hard Sided vs Soft Sided Luggage
Table Of Contents
Travel Fashion Girl Help! A reader asks:
Buying luggage today. What are people’s thoughts on hardside vs. softside luggage?
One of the most common questions people ask about luggage is whether or not to buy hard or soft luggage. There isn’t a simple answer, as there are pros and cons to both, and it partially depends on a traveler’s preference.
Read the ultimate guide on how to choose a suitcase!
While I own both styles, I do prefer a soft suitcase vs a hardside because of the opening. I like having a simple, rectangular suitcase with a wide open space that I can customize with luggage organizers. I don’t like having built in internal compartments within my luggage as I don’t use them.
This type of wheeled luggage was especially useful for me as a long-term traveler. A soft suitcase like the Osprey Ozone allows me to pack things like scuba diving gear that wouldn’t have fit very easily in a hard shell due to its rigid shape.
The one time where a hardside suitcase was an absolute lifesaver was when I traveled to London from my home in the countryside during a snow storm. I had to trudge through the streets to get to the train station and that would not have been fun with a soft side. Using the hard side suitcase in wet or snowy weather was a major benefit!
Another time when I do find a hardside suitcase better than a soft side is when I share a carry-on on short trips. Each traveler gets a side making it extremely useful to keep our own belongings organized.
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
To find out the pros and cons of using soft vs hard luggage, I turned to our readers so their opinion can help you choose what’s best for you:
The Benefits of Hard Case Luggage
Hard shell suitcases are everywhere, and they look chic. Plus, if you aren’t using it as a carry on, they won’t get as damaged or beat up during air travel. TFG readers have given their expert input on why they prefer hard case luggage, too!
Many TFG readers prefer the two halves of hard cases, because they’re much easier to pack and organize. One reader says, “I put my shoes and other things on the zip side, and my clothes in about three packing cubes on the other side. I like that the smaller things are zipped up and secure.”
Others mention that they have more peace of mind with hard case suitcases, especially with how rough luggage can be handled at airports and while in transit. A hard shell won’t budge under pressure, so your belongings inside will be safe and sound, even with harsh impact or consistent pressure. When traveling with fragile items or electronics, readers tend to opt for a hardside.
Hard suitcases can also protect your belongings from unexpected weather or spills. One TFG reader agrees, sharing, “I had a bad experience with some kind of alcohol leaking all over my soft side suitcase when debarking a ship. Everything was soaked inside my suitcase. And it wasn’t my booze! I feel a bit more protected with the hard shell.”
Additionally, hard suitcases are often very lightweight and spacious, and are sometimes even lighter than soft suitcases! This is a big plus when trying to keep your baggage weight to a minimum, or when you’re traveling carry on only and want to keep things as light as possible.
We’ve rounded up some of the best hardside luggage. Take a look at our twelve fabulous finds!
More Reader-Recommended Hardside Luggage
Shop: Walmart
Delsey Paris Helium Aero 21” Hardside Expandable Luggage
The Delsey Helium Aero 21” Hardside will make you feel like a queen as you glide down the airport with ease. It’s lightweight and the spinner wheels make for a smooth ride. It can expand up to 2” for extra packing space (or to even add the odd souvenir or two), and there’s any easy one-button locking system. It weighs a fairly light 8.4 lbs!
It comes in beautiful, bright colors that are easily recognizable from afar, and the durable, scratch-resistant cover will ensure it looks just as good off the plane as it did getting on!
The Delsey Helium 19” version is a great carryon option for European flights, if you’re headed that way.
Shop: Samsonite
Samsonsite Omni 20” Hardside Expandable Luggage
Samsonite’s Omni 20” makes for effortless travel at only 6.8 lbs! The 20” size fits in the overhead compartment of most major airlines, the 360-degree wheel spinners are easy to maneuver, and its scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell will most definitely hold up against all the rigors of a trip.
Users rave about the quality and security due to the TSA side mounted locks! The Omni comes in a variety of colors too, including some fun, bright options. Also available as part of a 3-piece luggage set!
Shop: Travelpro
Travelpro Maxlite Air 21” Hard Case Spinner Wheel Luggage
The Travelpro Maxlite Air 21” comes highly rated and recommended by our readers. It has such a sleek look, and its incredible design and functionality allow you to stroll through the airport with style and ease. This is a lightweight option at only 6.3 lbs yet the exterior is tough enough to handle impact and stay looking fab!
The wheels are smooth and sturdy, and the handle is adjustable, with a comfy, ergonomic grip. The Maxlite Air comes in a variety of pretty colors, too!
Some of our readers have reported using this 21” for international travel, but the 20” carryon may be a safer bet, especially for European travel!
The Benefits of Soft Case Luggage
TravelPro Maxlite 5 Softside Suitcase
Soft shell suitcases may be traditional, but that doesn’t mean they’re old school. There are a number of modern styles made from durable fabrics. Many TFG readers are “team soft side luggage,” and have given some great reasons why!
While some readers like the two halves of a hard shell, a lot of TFGs actually find that much less convenient. The top opening of a softshell is quick and easy to open in tight spaces, especially on an airplane!
TFGs say that having one, deep space to fill is much more practical, and they can fit a lot more in a softside, because the fabric has a bit more give. Softside suitcases can usually squeeze into overhead bins a little bit easier, and some readers report having trouble fitting their hard shell suitcases into those overhead compartments.
Read TFG’s review to out why our readers can’t stop raving about the Travelpro Maxlite 5!
Samsonite Solyte DLX Suitcase | Kohl’s
Another common issue that readers bring up is being able to set their case on a suitcase stand in a hotel. Many feel a soft case is easy to handle. One reader reiterates this, “I use a soft shell case because I like being able to use luggage stands and racks in hotels. I really detest putting my stuff on the floor.”
Overall, readers say soft side suitcases are lightweight, much more packable, and tend to be easier to work with. A TFGer says, “I’ll only travel with soft sided luggage, it’s lighter and more practical. Plus, they don’t slide around and stack easier.”
These are the best softside suitcases – all in one place!
More Reader-Recommended Softside Luggage
Shop: Macy’s
Delsey Optimax Lite 2.0 20” Softside Expandable Luggage
The Delsey Paris Optimax Lite 2.0 20” is a beauty at 6.9 lbs, with silver metal accents and a beautiful exterior and interior! Constructed of durable and elegant MicroBallistec with twill design included.
The spinner wheels roll so smoothly, and exterior pockets allow for easy access to essentials. Your belongings will stay safe with the zipper locks, and its corner protectors and kick plate will combat the wear and tear of travel.
Another popular Delsey suitcase is the 21” Paris Max 2.0 Carry On, which is made of a super durable micro ballistic fabric, neoprene handles, and nine pockets for major organization! It’s lightweight but very resilient.
Shop: Kohl’s
Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea 20” Softside 8-Wheel Spinner Suitcase
Kenneth Cole’s Chelsea 20” Suitcase is super stylish! The polyester-twill exterior not only looks great, but holds up super well. It has eight multi-directional spinner wheels for the smoothest of rides where you won’t feel the weight!
Great interior organization allows you to perfectly fit everything you need, and at a mere 6.4 lbs, it definitely won’t weigh you down. In fact, because it’s on the smaller side, some users report being able to use this as their personal item!
Shop: Tumi | Nordstrom | Macy’s
Tumi Alpha 3 Continental 4 Wheeled 22” Carry-On Soft Luggage
Though at a higher price tag, the Tumi is popular with TFG readers for frequent trips and its ability to last years and years. The Alpha 3 Continential Carry On is 22” and weighs a light 11.1 lbs. It’s roomy too, expanding to 11” when packed and the compartments are well designed to accommodate a wide range of clothes and shoes (having a garment sleeve and a hanger bracket).
With extras like a USB port and dual TSA locks, this also moves like a dream down plane aisles.
What About a Hybrid Suitcase?
Osprey Transporter Hybrid Carry On
Yes, there’s such a thing! To address travelers’ concerns and desires about hardside vs. softside, many brands offer hybrid suitcases, which is a hard case on one side and a soft case on the other. Readers share some great reasons why they love hybrid suitcases.
Readers love that hybrids have the protection and durability of a hardshell, with the wiggle room and single opening of a softside. One reader shares that the soft part can be compact or expanded, while the hard part keeps your belongings protected from being crushed or from rough impact.
Hybrid carry ons have the flexibility of a softside suitcase, so they’re able to be maneuvered into tight spaces or stuffed into small overhead bins, which readers really like, too.
Here is a quick list of the best luggage brands according to top travel experts!
More Reader-Recommended Hybrid Luggage
Shop: Osprey
Osprey Transporter 38L Carry On Wheeled Luggage
Readers LOVE Osprey, and the Transporter Hyprid Wheeled Luggage is a fantastic pick that offers 38L of storage in an incredibly durable package! The material is waterproof and super strong, while the spacious interior is super easy to pack.
The padded front sleeve will keep your laptop safe, and its multiple interior and exterior pockets will keep you organized!
Shop: Osprey
Osprey Transporter 40 Rolling Duffle Bag
Osprey has done it again with this awesome Transporter Rolling Duffle Bag that gives you plenty of storage space while still being compact enough to use as a carry-on (for most major airlines!). Its aluminum structure is strong and reliable, yet lightweight for easy rolling or carrying!
The zippers are lockable and it comes with rain flap protection, so you’ll have peace of mind with this one.
Check out our readers recommendations for the most lightweight rolling duffel bags!
Shop: Eddie Bauer | Macy’s
Eddie Bauer Expedition 22 Duffel 2.0
The Eddie Bauer’s Expedition 2.0 Rolling Duffel is efficient, easy to carry and maneuver, and holds up super well over time. It fits almost all airlines’ carry-on requirements, and its organizational features make traveling so easy! The inner compartment is split up into three sections, and compression straps keep everything snug.
Hard Sided vs Soft Sided Luggage Comparison Chart
WATCH THE BEST HARD SHELL AND SOFT LUGGAGE REVIEW:
Whichever style you end up choosing, always use packing cubes. They’re the ultimate tool to travel in a carryon! They changed everything for me and millions of our readers. See my packing tutorial on how to use them! Trust me, they are a must!
What are your thoughts on hard shell vs soft shell luggage? Share in the comments below!
For more suitcase recommendations, please read:
- How to Choose a Suitcase
- Best International Carry-on Suitcases
- Best Lightweight Luggage Under 5lb
- Best Checked Luggage
LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
For many years I traveled many places in thenUS and abroad with either a carryon size or a checked bag made by TravelPro. It took a while for me to try a hard side again but I do love the Monos I purchased a couple of years ago. I still have a soft side and use both, depending on the situation p, where we’re going and what I need to pack. I will say, I was able to cram a lot of work clothing and some workout clothing in my old 22” TravelPro. I was sad to see it go. I have a 23 or 24” Eagle Creek soft side I love for long trips when I need more than carry-on.
I would highly recommend, for hardside luggage, Monos. I have two of their bags and LOVE LOVE LOVE them – easy to roll and carry. However, I would get a dark colored one as the check-in bag I own is lighter in color and of course, has been marred. Can’t get away from that problem. Tumi also makes GREAT softside bags. My husband has one and I love getting to “borrow” it from him.
After reading article on luggage. I decided on soft side!! thanks!!
I have always had soft sided luggage. I bought a hard shell. If that does nto work I will buy another case
I prefer hard sided and love the Away carry on!
I go back and forth in my head all the time which to get, but I think I am going to settle on soft sided. thanks for the pros and cons!
I usually like soft sided but I just ordered a “hybrid” style bag. Has anyone tried the new Biaggi Runway? Its hard sided but opens from the top like a soft sided bag which I prefer with a large exterior pocket. It’s under 6 pounds too. I will use it for the first time in 2 weeks. I hope I like it as much as my TravelPro Maxlite luggage I usually use!
Great informative article!
Such a great article! I love the look of the hard sided case, but I have always used the soft sided ones. I just may have to give one a try.
I got a Hardcover Delsey Carryon after reading TFG’s and love it, perfect for when it rains especially because it’s lightweight; the wheels are easily maneuverable. I aspire to pack COO, still working on that!!
I have looked at so many luggage brands and still haven’t committed to one yet.
I am on team softside. And I also prefer the 2-wheel versus the 4-wheel spinner style! They are easier to maneuver on cobblestones in Europe, there are less wheels to damage and they take up less room in the overhead bin (or reserve more room for your space!) I currently use the ebags motherload as a carry-on and while I do love it; the older model I have doesn’t have a side handle for lifting. And I’m in need of replacing my suitcase for checking. I got rid of mine a few years ago and it lasted 10 years, but for the life of me don’t remember what kind it was! Based on your recommendations here, I’m thinking of investing in TravelPro…
This was a helpful list. I have both a hard side and a soft side depending on where I’m traveling. The packing cubes make all the difference.
There are so many great hardshells on the market now. It’s hard to know which one to pick! It’s so silly but I kind of just want to get one that’s a cute color and matches my backpack since they all seem like great bags!
I love my CalPak suitcases. They make travel easy!
I love this list as I know time and effort were put into it especially when it comes to the weight of the bag empty! The lighter the bag – the more we can take 😍
Just got back from a trip to Portugal and I purchased the Travelpro international carryon with 2 wheels. It was perfect- you can fit more in with 2 wheels vs 4 and it held more than I thought it would. Plus it has an expandable zipper which helped on the way home:) Highly recommend!
I love my Away bag. It has so many features that are helpful such as the compression flap and the lock which we use when we leave the room.
I like a soft side bag that I can stuff and expand for carry on and a hard sided spinner when I’m checking my bag!
What a great help in choosing luggage. I think I am going to go with the soft sided and try to do COO on my next trip. Thank you for all the great advice.
TFG has helped me enjoy my vacations by preparing me to be the most organized traveler!
TFG has helped me enjoy my vacations by preparing me to be the most organized traveler!
So many great choices! I really need to take my time in choosing the right carryon to take abroad. No specific trip planned yet but soon I hope.
Thank you for this information! Very helpful!!
I have been trying to decide whether to replace my current carryon with one with better wheels-mine gets stuck on carpet every single time. This article convinced me to go for it. Thank you for all the great information! I love everything about travel-it’s good to know how many people feel the same way.
Thanks for all you do. I travel a lot and I am so happy to have found you!
I appreciate hearing arguments for both types of luggage. Your expertise is welcome as I try to decide on the perfect luggage for carry on!
Love my soft side two wheeled 21” travel pro that I bought based on your site recommendations 🙂 maybe you can use your influence to get them to make a 19” !!
So glad to see Tumi on the list. It’s been my favorite luggage for decades!
I travel internationally a lot for business. I have used both hard shell and soft sided carry-ons. I really like my Travelpro Max lite5 the best. It is roomy, easily fits in the overhead, and has a very strong zipper. I highly recommend this carry-on!
I prefer hard side because I feel like it’s harder to mess up. Mine has all kinds of scratches on it from airlines and I can only imagine the shape a soft sided case would be in now.
Love your posts – thanks for all the awesome information!
Just had our carryon luggage ruined by United when we checked it due to full flight. They broke off the zipper pulls and the TSA lock we had on there. Probably can rig it for one or two more flights, but now have to start the search process again! Thanks for this article to get us started!
I want to find a very light bag, with all the weight restrictions out there now!
Thank you for this! The zipper on my checked size soft sided luggage just broke, and I’m exploring cost to get the zipper repaired, or just getting a new bag.!
I’m torn. I absolutely loved my set of Biaggi soft sided expandable underseat, carryon and checked bags that can expand to accommodate purchases during a trip but for longer trips especially if checking I feel safer items more protected in a hard side piece.
I wanted to find a cost effective hard sided COO piece of luggage that had two zipping compartments (one on either side), so that clothes didn’t tumble out of one side when opened. It also needed to have a zipper for extra space. Found one made by Samsonite at Marshall’s that is perfect. It is very hard to find one with two closed compartments and there is no search entry that will help. If anyone knows of any others, I would appreciate it.
I wish there were more hardside bags that didn’t zip in the middle–makes it hard to use on a luggage stand. I like that soft side bags open on the top.
I love my softsided TravelPro Crew Versapack Global Carry-On constructed with ballistic nylon. Plenty of packing room inside for 5 days or more of travel, compression straps and zipped expansion if you need just a little more space, included transparent liquids bag with its own convenient special zippered pocket, variety of zip in organizers available to customize your packing although it comes with a nice large zip in organizer, comfortable handle adjustable to different height levels, great wheels that help you glide through the airport with ease, handle not only on the top but on the side and built into the bottom for easy lifting into airport overhead bins, and opens conveniently on a luggage rack. After travels, it looks like new unlike the scuffed up and scratched up hardside luggage I see everywhere.
Thank you for sharing your review of your suitcase with us all Margaret!
I am a real fan of Briggs and Riley. It’s guaranteed for life..my luggage has traveled so much over 100 countries. and is still in great condition. I have a bunch of pieces and every trip I use a different configuration of them depending on the style and type of trip. For things like cruises and long term stays I use my rolling garment bag. So easy to pack and unpack.
For shorter trips I use my expandable 22 or 26 inch depending on how much I want to shop. I also have a roll on cabin bag plus tote that’s my go too. It’s pricy but a good investment. Imho.
One thing though.. I like two wheels better than four. I just can’t maneuver 4 wheels on any kind of carpet.
Before I bought my Away luggage I did research and found this article very helpful!
I vote for soft sided!
I love soft sided suitcases for many reasons, but one of the reasons I go with hard-sided is actually perception. I was traveling with my mother. She had a hard sided suitcase with measurements slightly larger than my nice rolling duffle. I was asked to check my bag size (by placing it in the sizer) at the airport and she was not! Obviously it was fine and not a huge inconvenience but it is something to consider. If I had been running late that would have been really upsetting.
Thank you for this through article!
Thank you for this through article. I am a recent convert to hard sided. I like how you can’t overstuff it and fool yourself into thinking you have more space when all you have is a jam packed bag.
Are used to be team soft but now I have recently switched it team hard! you presented a lot of great options to consider
Good read. I have both soft and hard side for many different reasons/uses.
Thank you for comparing several of my new suitcase contenders. I need to upgrade my carry-on bag and have been going back and forth between hard-sided or soft-sided.
I love my carryon away hard suitcase. I feel like it holds more than a soft side and fits nicely in the overhead compartment. Rolls nice for tall people too. 5 stars.
Team Soft Side for sure. I’ve seen too many broken hard cases come off the conveyor belt. 😳
Great post, lots to consider when maximizing space for carry on travel! Love my Osprey luggage!
After hauling a huge suitcase 7 blocks on a cobble stone road in Italy, I quickly realized that I had an issue with packing. Your page and this article literally made my traveling so much more enjoyable! Please don’t stop this page. It’s really incredible ❤️
I’ve been trying to decide whether to move into a hard sided carry on or stick with my soft sided one. I love the look of the hard sided cases, but I think I have more flexibility with the soft sided one, plus not being able to use the hotel luggage rack is really a deal breaker for me.
Team hardside! Just did carry on only for 5 nights to Jamaica and the hard side was great since it was raining when we left the airport!
I appreciate your help with deciding between hard or soft luggage. Really going to try a carryon only for a 3 week cruise in Europe.
I love the idea of hard side luggage, just not the weight. I would love to see a piece of luggage that is international carry on size compliant, including wheels and handles, and also 3lb or less.
That would be an achievement. 😀
In May/June I traveled to Europe for 32 days using a hard side carryon, small backpack for travel days and a cross body purse. I chose the hard side because I like the two halves for how they fit my packing cubes, toiletry bag, and shoes and I don’t have to remove anything to access any item. Additionally, the hard side kept everything dry during the times we were walking in the rain with our luggage. A hard side suitcase is definitely my choice if I’m checking luggage.
Things I like about soft sided luggage are outside pockets and more flexibility/forgiving with fitting stuff and getting them in the carryon bins.
I finally dcided on both the dlsey for my husband hard shell and the it soft shell for e. they are great. THANK YOU!!!
I’ve been debating if I should purchase a new hard shell or soft shell piece of luggage. This blog post was very informative & helpful.
Thank you, this is great information.
This article gives me a lot to think about before purchasing luggage for my husband
Thanks, for all the options.
I love my Delsey Paris Helium Aero carryon! I bought the 19-inch in brick red based on reviews from TFG. 🙂 I also got a great deal on Prime Day.
I have been a hard core hard-side only girl for years, but now you have thinking back to my softer side! I still have my travel pro from when I was a flight attendant, maybe I will give ago again. 🙂
I love my Delsey Paris hard side suitcase! However, after reading your blog, I might have to rethink my next suitcase and perhaps get a soft side suitcase. I appreciate how you compile all the information from readers so we can have it in one place to make our best decision. Thank you Alex!
After reading this post, and trying out my daughters’ hard side carryon, I decided on the Travelpro Maxlite5 19” soft side carryon. I love it! It’s been on 3 international trips this year already!
This was a very helpful read! I was debating all of the luggage today and being quite indecisive. This info was super helpful!
This was very helpful information. I have been trying to decide if I want soft side or hard side luggage. Thank you so much!!!
I like the sleek look of the hard shell but worry about cracking and durability? I also feel like soft bags are more forgiving and you can cram more in them
Huge Away fan! Love being in the ‘Away Club’ when I travel;.
We are looking to upgrade our luggage to more quality pieces, as ours have taken a beating. I will have to check the links to see which one we will be investing in for our next trip.
This is very helpful info. We are ready to upgrade to better quality luggage, and sharing the brands recommended gives me a good point to start my search.
Does the Away bigger carry on meet the requirements for international travel?
I love my Away carry-on, especially for the ease of the spinner wheels and durability. The hard shell luggage also keeps me honest with my packing. What I miss the most from a soft shell bag is the single large opening and the outside zipper compartments that make tossing a laptop, liquids bag and other small necessities such a convenience.
Just added an Osprey to my cart. This will be perfect for my teenage son. Thank you for such an informative post.
I have had the eBags for years and these travel varieties have peaked my interest.
The Osprey looks wonderful! I may need to check it out!
This was super timely as I am shopping for a new carryon today! Thank you.
I appreciate recommendations for both types of suitcases! I like a soft side carryon because I can fit more in them vs hardside. However, when I check a bag it’s hardside all the way. You just can’t beat the extra protection of a hard shell and they fair better during handling too.
Great blog