Which suitcase material should you choose?

When buying a suitcase, besides the size, the material it is made of also matters a lot. If you are buying one for the first time, it can be confusing. What kind of suitcases should you buy? Hard or soft? Is it just a matter of taste and appearance? It turns out that the type of material also affects the functionality of the suitcase. So what should you choose?

Hard or soft travel suitcases – which to choose?

When choosing a good suitcase, attention is paid to its most important parameters, and the material is one of them. Which suitcases are better – hard or soft? There is no clear answer here. Suitcases made of hard materials are very popular due to their attractive design. Available in many colors and patterns, they fit well with different tastes. They are resistant to damage and convenient during travel. Soft suitcases protect luggage just as well. They usually have two wheels and are meant to be pulled. Their undeniable advantage is the presence of additional external pockets and compartments. These are invaluable especially when traveling with children. They allow you to store the most important accessories that you can always have at hand, whether it is a small or large piece of luggage. Various materials are used to make suitcases, resistant to mechanical damage or soaking, to maximally protect the interior of the luggage.

Hard suitcases – types of materials they are made from

Hard suitcases are made from three most popular materials. All of them protect the inside of the suitcase well, differing in resistance to various external factors. It is worth familiarizing yourself with their properties before buying a suitcase.

Polypropylene suitcases

If you are looking for a durable suitcase resistant to mechanical damage, polypropylene is a great choice. It is also a flexible material resistant to dents. Even if dents appear, they can be easily repaired and the original appearance restored. Polypropylene suitcases are slightly heavier than suitcases made of polycarbonate, also called polycarbonate. Their characteristic feature is a good quality-to-price ratio.

Polycarbonate suitcases

These are lightweight models that are also very durable. Polycarbonate is used to make toys, and this material is even used in astronaut helmets and Formula 1. Its durability works especially well for suitcases placed in the luggage hold, where airport staff do not always handle luggage carefully.

ABS suitcases

Suitcases made of ABS plastic are very hard. However, they are not resistant to cracking, so when choosing such a suitcase, you need to handle it carefully. It is worth always packing it fully, as this cushions impacts, reducing the risk of cracking. ABS is a material resistant to high temperatures. Suitcases made of ABS are very popular. An undeniable advantage is the price of the suitcase. It is lower compared to suitcases made of polypropylene or polycarbonate.

When choosing suitcases, it is worth remembering that suitcase sets are always a more cost-effective option than single pieces. So if you plan to buy several, it is worth considering this option.

What are soft suitcases made of?

Suitcases made of soft materials are equally durable and protect the inside of the luggage well. Their advantage is that there is no risk of cracking or scratching. However, such a suitcase can be torn or cut. Therefore, it is worth choosing suitcases made of good quality materials to reduce the risk of such incidents. What soft material should you choose for a suitcase?

Suitcases made of Cordura 1200D

Cordura is one of the best soft materials from which a soft suitcase can be made. It is a material resistant to tearing and damage. Very durable and thick, so such suitcases work great even in difficult airport conditions. Cordura is coated with a waterproof layer that protects the inside of the suitcase from getting wet.

Suitcases made of polyester 250D

These are also strong and damage-resistant suitcases. Although polyester is naturally not waterproof, a special coating it is covered with protects the inside from moisture. It is a safe and durable material.

Suitcases made of nylon

Nylon is a material also used in soft suitcases. It is the most budget-friendly option. Such suitcases have an excellent quality-to-price ratio. If you travel infrequently, it is a great choice.

Which cabin suitcases to choose?

A cabin suitcase does not have to be made of the most durable and resistant materials. You take it on board the plane and watch it yourself, so the risk of damage is lower. You can therefore confidently choose a hard material like ABS. This material will work well even if you travel often and the suitcase is heavily used. It is worth remembering that ABS is not scratch-resistant, so it is better to choose cabin suitcases without gloss if you use them often, to keep their beautiful appearance without worrying about visible scratches. Carry-on luggage can also be made of soft materials. This is a good option, especially if the suitcase is your only luggage. Additional external pockets and compartments allow you to store items you want to have at hand without opening the suitcase. This is very convenient during travel.

Checked luggage – hard or soft suitcases?

If you travel by plane with checked luggage and wonder which suitcase to buy, choose models made of the most durable materials. Why? Although they have their price, they provide the greatest durability and resistance. Unfortunately, once you check in your suitcase, you no longer have control over how airport staff handle it. And it varies. Loading luggage is hard work, and sometimes the people doing it throw suitcases and do not handle them gently. It is better to protect your luggage with a sturdy suitcase and even an additional cover for protection. What suitcase will be best? It is worth choosing suitcases made of plastics – polypropylene and polycarbonate. They are strong, resistant, and quite flexible.

You can also choose soft suitcases – with two or four wheels – made of Cordura 1200D or polyester 250D. Such a suitcase reduces the risk of luggage damage.

It does not matter much whether you choose hard or soft suitcases. You can be guided by your own preferences and needs. A suitcase made of plastic or synthetic fibers can be equally practical.

When is it worth paying extra for a stronger material?

The choice of material a suitcase is made of depends on the conditions in which you travel and how often. If you fly often, it is worth choosing the strongest and most resistant materials, especially for checked luggage. Carry-on luggage does not need to be as resistant. The same applies to suitcases transported by car – ABS or nylon works great when you supervise the suitcase. The same goes if you travel rarely. In that case, a nylon or ABS suitcase will still last a long time. For frequent travel by various means of transport, especially by plane, it is worth choosing polypropylene, polycarbonate, Cordura, or polyester suitcases.

When choosing travel suitcases, it is therefore worth paying attention not only to design and color but also to the type of material so that the suitcase meets your expectations and suits your way of traveling.