Which suitcases are the most durable?
Updated: LW Lena WernerA WINGS brand expert in travel luggage, specializing in selecting suitcases, accessories, and practical solutions for travelers. She combines industry knowledge with a practical approach to travelers’ needs, focusing on durability, functionality, and comfort of use.Share
Soft or hard suitcases – which are more durable?
Whether it is a large suitcase or carry-on luggage, like a cabin suitcase, they should be durable and resistant to many factors. Unfortunately, they are not always handled with proper care, as often experienced by airline passengers. Ground staff usually do not take much care to avoid damaging the suitcase.
A good suitcase is one that is resistant to various external factors. The first thing to consider when choosing a suitcase is whether it should be a hard or soft travel suitcase. Which one is better? There is no clear answer. It depends on how you travel and what factors the material should resist. On one hand, a soft suitcase won’t crack. However, it can tear. On the other hand, a hard suitcase protects well against getting wet but is prone to cracking. Each material has its pros and cons, so it’s worth thinking about what you expect from it before buying.
What are the best suitcases resistant to?
Manufacturers of travel suitcases use various materials to reduce the risk of damage. Depending on the material the suitcase is made of, it can be resistant to:
- cracking,
- getting wet,
- impact,
- being thrown,
- pressure,
- damage to additional parts like rubber wheels or telescopic handles.
Of course, no travel suitcase lasts forever, but by choosing luggage suited to your travel style, it’s easier to maintain its durability and enjoy using it for a long time.
The strongest suitcases – discover the super materials used in suitcases!
Various materials are used to make suitcases. Some of them are really strong. One of the best is polypropylene, known for its flexibility. It is more likely to dent than crack. Such a dent can be easily fixed by pushing it out from the inside. It is an extremely damage-resistant material. It rarely cracks and is not very sensitive to mechanical damage.
Hard polypropylene suitcases should not crack, even when thrown by airport staff. So if you are looking for an ultra-strong suitcase resistant to mechanical damage, a travel suitcase made of polypropylene is a perfect choice. With such luggage, you can travel for years.
Which suitcases are resistant to cracking?
But should only hard travel suitcases be considered when choosing durable luggage? Of course not. Soft cabin suitcases or large travel suitcases can be made from durable and resistant materials. Such suitcases obviously do not crack, as the nature of the material does not cause such damage. They can tear, but such damage is much harder to cause because it usually requires force that leads to tearing the material. Of course, seams can also split, but the best soft material suitcases are sewn and designed so that this happens very rarely. So if you are looking for a suitcase resistant to cracking, choose a soft suitcase made of durable material like Cordura or a hard suitcase made of flexible polypropylene.
What about water resistance? Will a soft suitcase protect your luggage?
Solid luggage must protect the inside of the suitcase. Whether it is a cabin suitcase, medium or large, a durable travel suitcase should be water-resistant. Hard polypropylene suitcases have this property, as do ABS suitcases. The latter is a hard material that protects against getting wet but is not very resistant to cracking. However, if you usually travel by car or train, where you can take care of your luggage yourself, an ABS suitcase will also be a great choice. Contrary to appearances, soft suitcases are also water-resistant. They are usually coated with a special layer that protects the material from soaking through.
When is it worth choosing the most durable suitcases?
It is not always necessary to have a super-durable suitcase. For occasional car trips, ABS suitcases are certainly sufficient. In such conditions, no one throws them around. Such a functional suitcase is useful when you can watch over your luggage yourself during travel. Durable suitcases are essential when you travel by plane, especially with checked baggage. And if you also like to travel often, a solid suitcase is indispensable. By investing in durable material, you can enjoy your suitcase for many years.
What else should you pay attention to when choosing a suitcase?
What kind of travel suitcase should you buy to ensure comfort and luggage security? It’s good if the suitcase is equipped with a combination lock. The best suitcases have a combination lock that allows airport security to open the luggage with a master key while protecting the suitcase from unauthorized access. Both soft and hard suitcases come with wheels. It’s worth paying attention to their quality. The most convenient wheels rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to pull and push the suitcase. Regardless of the suitcase’s capacity and whether you take it on board or check it in, it’s important that the suitcase protects the interior and is comfortable to carry. Both compact suitcase versions and large travel suitcases have telescopic handles to make carrying easier. Suitcases with interior straps to secure luggage provide great convenience. These straps not only secure the contents and provide comfort but also prevent excessive strain during rough handling of the suitcase.
How to increase the durability of your suitcase?
No matter which travel suitcase you choose, you can further protect it from damage by using travel accessories. These include straps that secure the luggage from opening. Special luggage covers work similarly, protecting the entire suitcase from spilling contents and reducing the risk of surface damage. This way, the suitcase will not only be more durable and last longer but will also look better, protected from scratches and abrasions.
By choosing a durable and sturdy suitcase, you can enjoy a worry-free trip without surprises and use the suitcase for many years while maintaining its beautiful appearance and functionality.
