Soft or Hard Suitcase - Which to Choose?

When going on a trip, especially by plane, we usually pack a wheeled suitcase. It is probably the most practical type of luggage, allowing us to move around very easily, even if we pack heavy items inside. The selection of suitcases on the market is vast, but every small and large suitcase has certain features that make it work better in some conditions than in others. Hard-shell or soft-shell—here are a few words about choosing a suitcase.

Functionality is what matters most

Browsing through suitcase collections can be a bit overwhelming. It’s all the more time-consuming when you really want to make a successful purchase and ensure the suitcase stays in great condition for many years. Is there a good, large suitcase that will work perfectly in every situation? Certainly, modern suitcases are designed to withstand a wide variety of conditions, but some models are better suited for certain tasks than others. For this reason, before buying a suitcase, you should always consider where you travel most often and what type of transportation you use. The suitcase’s intended use will determine its shape as well as the material it’s made of. As for the latter, we have a choice between soft-sided and hard-sided suitcases. Each type of material has its own distinctive properties.

Soft-sided suitcases – advantages

Soft-sided suitcases remain very popular. Models available in Wings store They are made of extremely durable nylon, so they are just as sturdy as hard-shell suitcases, yet flexible, lightweight, and waterproof. You’ll also find a soft-sided suitcase made of very strong 1200D Cordura fabric. This material is resistant to mechanical damage, tearing, and ripping. The biggest advantage of soft-sided suitcases is that they can be easily stowed in the overhead compartment, slightly changing their shape if necessary. This makes this material particularly suitable for carry-on suitcases that need to be stowed in the overhead compartment on an airplane. They also usually have front pockets and sometimes side compartments, which makes packing and organizing your belongings easier. 

Limitations of soft-sided suitcases

The disadvantages usually cited are that these types of suitcases offer less protection for their contents, are more prone to creasing, and get dirty more easily than hard-shell models, and they are certainly a bit harder to clean. They offer less protection for fragile items, so in soft suitcases it is better to secure them additionally by placing them between clothes, and even, if necessary, in bubble wrap. 

Advantages of hard-shell suitcases

Hard-shell suitcases also have their fans. The materials they’re made of—especially those used in Wings suitcases, such as ABS Plus or polypropylene—are resistant to dents and scratches, and are also harder to cut open if an unauthorized person tries to get inside. For this reason, a large hard-shell suitcase is always a good choice. We have to check this type of luggage into the hold; we don’t have it with us, and we’re very concerned about protecting its contents. We also don’t know if every airport employee handles our suitcase with sufficient care. It is also definitely a suitcase for those who care deeply about keeping things clean. A hard-shell suitcase is easier to wipe down to remove dust and even to thoroughly clean if it gets very dirty.

Disadvantages of hard-shell suitcases

Keep in mind that hard-shell models can be difficult to fit into a small overhead compartment, and they also lack exterior pockets and compartments, which can be inconvenient if you want to keep small items close at hand. Although it rarely happens, hard-shell suitcases can crack if subjected to excessive pressure or if they are thrown around. This can happen at the airport, where staff do not always handle the suitcase with proper care.

What kind of suitcase should I take on a plane?

Soft-sided or hard-sided suitcases—which are better for air travel? It depends. Large checked luggage, which is placed in the cargo hold, should be damage-resistant. Both types of suitcases have this feature, but you need to choose the best material, one that can withstand various conditions. W a soft suitcase, it’s worth opting for a material like Cordura 1200D. Such suitcases are resistant to tearing or cutting. The strongest Wings hard-shell suitcases are made of polypropylene. These are sturdy, durable, hard-shell suitcases that provide excellent protection for their contents. W a soft-shell suitcase, you can pack your carry-on luggage to have convenient access to small items, thanks to the additional external pockets. 

Hard-shell or soft-shell suitcase—which one should you choose when traveling by train or car?

Choosing a suitcase for travel by train or car is a bit easier. In these cases, we always have direct control over our luggage and can take care of its condition. We can therefore choose a hard-shell suitcase or a soft-shell one made of a material that is less resistant to damage. Such material provides excellent protection for the interior and ensures the suitcase’s durability, but it is also a slightly more affordable option. Among soft-sided suitcases, nylon deserves special attention, and among hard-sided suitcases, ABS+. We can therefore choose models made from various materials and enjoy the durability and comfort a suitcase offers, regardless of whether we opt for a soft or hard model.

Soft-sided suitcases – perfect for traveling with a small child

While a hard-shell suitcase works great for almost any trip, a soft-shell suitcase may be more practical when going on vacation with a small child. Why? It’s all about the numerous exterior pockets and compartments, of course. A small child needs many accessories that make caring for them easier. Diapers, a change of clothes, but also pacifiers or rattles—it’s all good to have on hand. Putting them in a suitcase means having to open it every time, which—with a child, often in your arms—can be very cumbersome. The presence of compartments makes things much easier. You can quickly reach into an external pocket to change a diaper or hand the little one a toy.

Which suitcase is the best?

There is no single answer to the question of what makes the perfect suitcase. It always depends on its primary purpose, as well as on each person’s individual preferences. When buying a suitcase, we need to ask ourselves which feature matters most to us. It’s also a good idea to get two suitcases, a small one and a large one, each made of a different type of material. Soft-sided carry-on suitcase Wings HUMMER fits perfectly in the overhead compartment on an airplane. The large hard-shell suitcase, on the other hand, Wings ALBATROSS effectively protects its contents even in the most extreme conditions. Whether hard-shell or soft-shell—the most important thing is that it’s functional and practical. It must perform well on the road and suit our individual needs and preferences.

Which suitcase should you choose? First and foremost, one that suits you. It’s important that, in addition to the material, it also has high-quality wheels and other components that ensure comfort while being durable. That’s what all Wings suitcases are like!