Hard Shell vs. Soft Carry On Luggage (In-Depth Buyer's Guide)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 พ.ค. 2024
- Which type of Carry On Luggage is Best? Hard Shell or Soft Sided Luggage? Click "Show More" to see ad disclosure.
In this video, I compare hardside luggage and softside luggage and give key considerations, plus pros and cons for each type.
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Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Luggage
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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 Hard Shell vs. Soft Carry On Luggage
0:24 Materials
0:40 Best Hard Shell Luggage Material
1:00 Soft Shell Luggage Materials
1:10 Carry on Luggage Materials: Key Differences
2:38 Common Carry On Luggage Features
2:56 Best Carry on Luggage Wheels
3:19 Carry on Luggage Zippers
3:36 Carry on Luggage with Pockets
4:12 Clamshell Style Suitcase Pros and Cons
4:46 Why You Should use Packing Cubes
4:57 Best Luggage for Souvenirs
5:14 Expandable Luggage?
5:28 Which Carry On Luggage is Right for You?
5:55 Best Hardsided Carry on Luggage
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#carryonluggage #packing
Which one do you use? P.S. Get 10% off any piece of luggage from LEVEL8 Cases when you use the code "awaytogether".
As a baggage handler at the airport, please do yourself a favor and get hard sided, 4-wheeled rollers. The soft sided ones often have multiple pockets that jut out and get caught on other luggage. The pockets tend to open up if not locked. Also, hard sided stack neater and glide/slide easier over bags as they are loaded and unloaded into/out of the cargo pits & bag carts.
As a retired road warrior, I've owned just about every kind of bag imaginable. My preference is soft sided, for a completely different reason. Most hardsided bags are clamshell design. When they're completely open they need twice the horizontal space to access both sides, sitting awkwardly on a luggage rack. Most soft side bags position the zipper for a lid design. The lid leans back against the wall using half the horizontal (floor) space. My favorite brand is Briggs & Riley, with Travelpro coming in second with price as a consideration.
I Totally agree! After spending 3 months touring with a different hotel every night, You don't want to continually unpack and repack everyday . The offset lid of the soft side bag allows you to open the bag and flip back the lid and leave it still packed [only taking out what you need]
Exactly, but best made with hard shell material.
many hard shell luggage has lid opening lately
@@egaskrad they may have lid opening but it opens right in the center and not off set is what we are talking about.
@@SanSan-lb9iv not in the center. at one side, or the top if you lay it down. I was trying to buy one only a month ago and I checked out some shops. the first surprise, hard case baggage opening like a cookie box.
BUCKET!!! (Carry-ons with wheels) Soft-shell suitcases work better on a hotel luggage rack with the "lid on a bucket" design. The main body of the case fits on the luggage rack, and then you just lift up the "lid" and rest it against the wall, to access the contents. The hard-shells with the 50/50 clamshell design don't work well on luggage racks nor even lying on the room's desk. You have to open those spread out on the bed because it doesn't fit on a luggage rack completely open. If you put half of it on the luggage rack, and the other half resting against the wall like a soft-shell, the contents fall out of the vertical half! Why don't they make hard-shell luggage that has just a "lid" on one side over a deeper "bucket" on the other side like the soft-shell? Until they do, I'm sticking with my Swiss Gear soft-shell. I also prefer the outside pockets.
excellent point! I was thinking about going with a hardshell because I like the look. Now that you mentioned the functionality at a hotel I need to rethink it. Thanks!
100 % agree with this comment and it is the main reason I prefer soft-shell. Like most travelers I don't unpack at everyplace and I take the items I need directly from the suitcase. This is the deciding factor for me.
They do make one- saw it here on TH-cam. But I can’t remember the name of it
Away just came out with 70/30 trunk size
I was ten years on business travelling with both types of luggage. Soft and hard version, but both in 50/50 design and zipper or locks at the half of the hight. You are right, the space for the luggage on the racks or beside the cabinets is very limited. But my experience with the hard shell luggage was far better than with the soft shell. Open the soft shell half upright in a 90° position ends always in a unstable wrecked half which also slack the straps to fix the content and it falls out. With the hard shell luggage, the opened half hold the position and every thing stays at his place. And finally in most cases when the storage box was too small I place the luggage on the floor beside the desk or wherever a space was available. During the travel with the hard shell I got also the better experience. For sample to have a seat or a place to locate the business trolly on top during transport (the luggage was a mid-size Rimowa, expensive, but with the best rollers and movability, I got at the end)
One advantage of hard-sided luggage is that it is more secured and don't have pockets which allow people to drop drugs or bullets into it. In many developing world countries, there are such scams going on where unwitting tourists become drug mules for drug gangs as they dropped drugs into side pockets of luggages and then pick them up later. In some countries, having illegal drugs in your possession, whether knowingly or not, incurs an automatic death sentence penalty. In some countries, the customs and baggage handlers will place drugs or bullets in your luggage and the officers will 'suddenly' discover them, and you will be 'persuaded' to bribe them.
I like that you always put yourself out there with your personal preference. Not all reviewers do that.
Good presentation! I got a Level 8 Road Runner in Aug 2021 and have used it on over 100 flights. I love it, and my wife bought one a year ago. We have no regrets! And would not consider any others. What you need matters most but if this looks good, I think you’ll love it too.
I have both hard side and soft side with spinner wheels lugguages. I always use a luggage strap with checked suitcase to ensure it doesn't pop open during transit.
Bucket. Love your videos. I also prefer hard sided luggage but occasionally use soft-sided for certain trips. Your reviews and comparison videos are amazing. Clear, concise and fun to watch.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
We've used max carry-on size (14x9x22 inch) Eagle Creek backpacks for years for travel. We've traveled all over Europe using those and they're great for travel by train (which we love). The bags are nearly indestructible. Lately we've been cruising, and after a recent cruise I ordered TravelPro soft-sided for each of us, because we're now over 70 and the backpack is tough for my wife to wear. Love the TravelPro bags - we'll continue using those for cruising, but we'll revert back to the Eagle Creek backpacks for European travel. Driving trips in the US - either will do. So no hard-sided bags for us.
I really love my hybrid Ebags Motherlode. I've been using it for nearly 5 years, averaging more than 100 flights a year and it's still in great shape. I love that one side is hard to protect items, while I can pack all my clothes on the soft side for maximum flexibility. Best of both worlds.
Here's a tip he didn't mention. If you check your luggage or travel to places that might steal from your bags, get a hard shell bag WITHOUT a zipper. Get one with locks. Zippers are easily broken into. I haven't seen a soft sided bag with locks instead of zippers. If theft isn't a concern where you travel or where you are checking your bags to, then no worries. A friend just had his expensive luggage destroyed and looted here in Colombia.
U should not lock your bags in case they need to inspect them at security, or they will break your luggage
@@bambinaforever1402 They are talking about latch style hardside luggages. They have TSA locks on them so there would be no need for them to break the luggage
Soft sided Travel Pro Platinum Elite that you show in this video. They are awesome. I think soft sided bags can often be heavier.
Thanks great info. I've used both and I prefer the hardside. I almost never open my carry on inflight, it remains in the overhead. If I have to check it, I'm more confident it will hold up better than softside. I don't mind scuffs, I actually welcome them to give my bag a well-travelled patina. When I think back to softsides I've owned, it's like dumping everything into a deep canvas bag. What you are looking for is always at the bottom. Hardside had the two sides so if you are rummaging through it to find your nail clippers you don't have to empty the entire case find them.
I like softsided luggages: 1) light weight 2) expandable 3) it offers the traditional 2-wheel version with wheels better protected. They are not as versatile nor spin freely as the 4 wheel version but the wheels can last a long long time.
Ageed. My 24" soft sided luggage lasts almost 2 decades and I travel around 3-5 times a year on average, I got it very cheap (like USD2x) on the street in Shamshuipo in Hong Kong.
The wheels are huge and built in the suitcase and super duper durable. I am planning to retire it cuz the zippers on the external pockets fell off and the stitches on the handle also show sign of RIP too.
Thanks for your comment. I’m looking for a smaller, lighter suitcase and tempted to get a spinner but I keep wondering about the long-term durability of the wheels.
We bought a set of softsided luggage for our honeymoon two decades ago. It's black, still looks great and the carry on bag is light, wheeled and has external pockets. What I like best about this luggage is, it is nesting. We only have to have space to store the largest suitcase because the other three nest inside it. The only reason I want a BUCKET list is, I miss placed the keys and I would like to have bags I can secure, if necessary.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
What a science! Hard sided for carry on and soft sided for the check in.
Bucket! After traveling for 6 years with hard sided luggage, I switched a year ago to good quality soft sided luggage (Travelpro Platinum Elite) and I'm much happier with the additional flexibility, the extra pockets, and even the occasional use of the expansion zipper when I'm coming back with a few more things than I left with. The extra flexibility allowed me to make several trips with only my backpack and carry-on, something I greatly appreciated. Also, the bucket style is so much nicer to use in the hotel room. When I had the hard sided luggage, the clam shell design often meant I had to put it on the floor because it took up so much more horizontal space when opened up. I would love to see a comprehensive comparison of soft sided luggage.
Softshell bucket!! Moved from the old and heavy Delsey Axiom 2 wheel hard-shell in the 90s to the soft American Tourister spinners with 4-double wheels.
TIP: do like we backpackers and line your suitcase with trash compactor or contractor grade bags to prevent moisture! You can pack inside them or just use them as a liner so they overlap at the zipper. A bonus is using them as your dirty laundry bag as well. And I prefer hard sided since I like discipline of not over packing - again, backpacker. 😂 My rule is that if I can’t pick it up and carry it myself without wheels, it’s too heavy. Period.
Bucket!! I too have had both hard sided and soft sided luggage. I’d love to hear your impressions when comparing. The hard sided vlog was great!
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
Love both. Bucket for sure, since I do have soft side luggage, I-fly, but I want to try hard shell. Thanks for the tips.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
Great review of the differences. Some other considerations. Expansion bags are good contingency bags. You obviously don’t overpack on the way out, you consciously decide to check your carry on as a checked bag. But if you have extra items on the way home, you can expand and check your carry on or buy a new bag on your trip. I’ve never used a hard sided bags before of the inefficiencies of packing, but now they have a few hard side “bucket” style bags, so that might be the best of both worlds. You might seek a few out and do a review. One thing that IMO is the most important consideration in a bag is the quality the wheels. But, I guess that’s not a hard to soft consideration, just a which one consideration.
Yes! Is there a bucket style hard shell?
Really nice job 👍
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
Great specific content and delivered soooo well... good stuff mate, cheers!
Wow thanks! Glad to be of value.
Definitely Hard Shell for me. But those can be further divided into those with both halves connected somehow wobbly with a zipper and those with an aluminum frame, a real hinge and traditional suitcase locks. I think those with a zipper can be seen more often and their advantage is that they are lighter. Anyway, I don't really trust those zippers and the overall stability. Not sure if this really justified, but I prefer those poly-carbonate hard shells with an aluminum frame. Probably those lighter zipper suitcases are good enough as carry-on, but sometimes it is necessary to check your luggage in, which requires better durability.
Yeah, but if you get a scratch or a scarf that won’t come off a hard shell, just get some travel sticker or a bumper sticker and slap that sucker on there and it looks cool like you did it on purpose and it helps you recognize it if it ever gets checked
Thanks for this video. Very informative and well made. I don't have carry on bags with wheels currently but if I'm going to get one, I think it'll be the soft one but I'll also probably get a cover/rain cover for it.
I own both for different uses and trips. Also, I've never had a problem with wetness for my soft sided as I make sure that I give it multiple layered sprays of waterproofing before I use it on any trip. It lasts even through a 2 week trip very well. Sometimes I'll even bring both, one for my items and one for anything I get during the trip. Then I can decide which one to use for what. Though usually it's the soft sided for my stuff and the hard sided for any items I get while on the trip. The only real thing I don't like about the soft sided which wasn't mentioned in this video is, that when fully packed a soft sided that has the two wheeled design, tends to want to fall over on the non-wheeled side a lot. Even though it has the brace that's supposed to keep it upright.
Soft is best. I've seen so many hardshell luggage on the airport conveyer with their corners dented in. My son had one that actually cracked rather than dented in. You have to flip over one whole filled side of your luggage onto the other to close a hardshell. Our family barely made the weight limit on each of our 5 suitcases before the airline would have increased the charges dramatically - we would not have been under that limit with hardshell. Scratches and scuffs on hardshell make your luggage look ratty real fast. No way we had room in our hotel or cruise ship cabin to open hardshells flat. I just dont roll my luggage outside through rain too much to worry about that.
We like the expansion feature because we wear heavy warm clothes while we travel from a snowy climate to warmer areas. When we arrive, we expand our cases and tuck away our warm hoodies and long pants.
Bucket. Love your take on travel! Thanks for the great videos. Though, I’m still on the fence about hard sided versus soft sided… I concur with some of the other comments re: expansion - expansion is for souvenirs and checking on the way home :) And I was resistant to 4 wheels, but they make it soooo much easier to go down the aisle of the plane. So, would really love your comments on soft sided options.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
Bucket.
I am currently in the process of choosing a new carry on 20" bag, the hard sided review was awesome!
Monos, away are nice , wheels move well
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
If you travel a lot and internationally, I think the soft side is your best bet. Both don't last better one to another. I had used both, and I chose good brands like samsonite and Swiss gear. They don't last more than 3 years for travelling, but they were good for 10 years of use in daily office trip. As they both make no much difference in price and same length of time I use, I prefer soft case for a lot of extra pockets and the convenience to reaching stuffs I need during my trip on plane.
My daughter has a Tumi for work and travel. The difference is that Tumi still scratchy but keeps a good nice shape after 2 years. It's hard side carry-on. Will see how long it will last.
👍 Your video+subscribed
You make a good point. I’m just thinking now, if one uses a typical hard shell for carryon, what do you do if during the flight you need to get something out? If you’re staying in economy, opening the luggage clamshell style is very inconvenient to impossible.
I use soft sided luggage. I like having the extra compartments it is quite nice. I was in a Don Quijote in Tokyo and bought a soft luggage for all of the souvenirs I bought. It was cheaper than the hard body and had more features.
Bucket, great video, also enjoyed the videos with your Dad in Israel, my wife & I just returned from there & they were a great help! Regards from Sydney Australia
Wow, thanks for watching! Appreciate you sharing that.
I made that soft luggage video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
I have a Ricaro polycarbonate carry on bag that has been my solo travel bag, including one trip to Europe for a month with everything I took in that one bag. I occasionally lubricate the wheels so they roll VERY easy and recommend all your folks do thye same. But the best feature is the almost impossible to damage material. Last summer, we were at a train station with no elevator to take down to the transfer corridor. I just put the handle back into the bag, put it on it's flat side and shoved it down the stairs (on the flat side). It slid down the stairs to the bottom, and was fine, all contents safe. You can't do that with soft side luggage. I can also throw it off the train if it's too hard to carry down steps, etc. It's six years old, still looks and works like new. Also, it's red, makes it a LOT easier to spot in a pile or conveyor belt of luggage.
After much research, I purchased the soft-sided TravelPro's Crew VersaPack Global Carry On Expandable Spinner. I love it. It rolls easily through the airport and down the aisle of the plane. With a convenient handle on the right side of the carry on as well as the main handle, it easily lifts into the overhead bin. No worry about fit because it is the global size. The wheels are well recessed and protected. I expect to enjoy this luggage for years to come. I personally don't care for the hard shell luggage because of scuffs, scratches, and dents and the fact that most of them take up too much space when opened.
My opinion about luggage is that I carry-on soft, check hard. Soft usually has the pockets which is great while you are at the airport. I don’t consider security or it’s contents a concern as it is with you all the time.
The hard sides are excellent for durability, especially vs rough baggage handlers.
Also, I like knowing which ones can handle bumpy surfaces like ginalyons mentioned.
Yes, please do a soft sided comparisons video! Much prefer soft sided!
A hard side convert. I’ve watched luggage on the truck going to the plane from window at the gate with a long trail of luggage falling off the truck onto tarmac. I’m the pouring rain. Easily fixed if they just closed the sides of truck, but they couldn’t be bothered. All those soft side bags no doubt were soaked
Find soft lighter and easier to squeeze into an airline size checker if required. When flying hand luggage and budget airline those two things matter as weight and size restrictions keep getting worse.
Great work on the detailed analysis. Based on my experience, it matters more to checked luggage considering hard or soft cases. My opinion, hard shell suitcases are much more preferred for checked in luggage if you can afford.
BUCKET! I have the Delsey Paris Chatelet medium hardside suitcase, the under seat carry-on, and the matching backpack. I had such a hard time fitting everything I needed for a week long business trip in Minnesota in November. I bought the 19" carry-on for a 4-day, 4 night trip to Vegas this summer and I promptly returned that bag. I don't know how anyone can pack for a trip like that with only a hard side carry-on. My soft side suitcase has been my go-to if I'm going the carry-on and personal item route.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
I think soft sided is probably a little better. If your hardcase is just slightly too large then it is more difficult to compress to the overhead bin. I have also found that hard cases tend to fail at the zipper stitch in the corners where the bag repeatedly gets bumped.
Bucket. Please! I have a two wheeled soft sided that we have used a lot. Maybe they have improved the four wheel spinners, but I didn’t think they worked very well on cobblestones. Thanks for your channel, very helpful.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts! I've had great success w/ 4 wheeled bags on cobblestones when the wheels are high quality! Worst case, it can be rolled as a 2 wheeler too!
Bucket. My family had excellent experiences with the soft sided carry on that used to be available at Costco (“Kirkland” brand). But they stopped making/ carrying them. The wheels on my 1999 Kirkland crumbled a few years ago. I haven’t replaced it (or gotten rid of it) yet because I haven’t found anything as practical. (And haven’t traveled that way/ much since COVID). The Kirkland was perfect 2-wheeler (you get more packing space with less ground clearance) with all the bells and whistles and a TRUE carry-on size unlike so many that actually run over.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
I’d love to see reviews on 2-wheel international sized carry-on.
@@Bluejay_travels Noted! Maybe coming soon! Had to keep it apples to apples so started with 4 but a 2 wheel roundup is very possible
soft sided is better when using it as a general bag for a family. We put all the computers and electronics, and heavy stuff in it while walking around. The interiror pockets are good for currancy changes, passports etc. Things you may want quickly and without drawing much attention from others. We also pack it with snacks, diapers, change of clothes for the little one. It is easy to open and slide items out at security. It is easy to open on the airplane, either on the seat, aisle or even slipping a hand in while its still in the overhead. Also at least in less expensive bags the soft sided two wheelers have more space as the wheels are partly encased by the bag. Hard shell and are almost always hanging down, that's two inches of space lost. Maybe I should make my own video
I bought Travelpro soft side for our recent trip to London because the hotel rooms there are small. Loved my new luggage.
I'm headed to London and my concern is rain. Did your soft sided do ok in rain? Maybe there won't be any rain when I go! please oh please don't rain!
We use Briggs and Riley soft-shell bags.
A question: what about souvenir packing?
I have both and variety of material and price tier. To me the basic difference is hard shell opens from the middle, so not as flexible in loading, soft shell can be less protective when it’s not full. So, if I bring only a carry on to travel, I choose soft shell because it’s more forgiving to stuff. If I have check in luggage also, I take hard shell case more to carry my camera gears for better protection and there are more stylish models to choose from.
I have both hard-sided and soft-sided pieces. Which one I use depends on where I am going and for how long.
I’d like a video of the best hard sided and soft sided check in bags, please. It’s getting so hard to obtain space in overhead bins for wheeled carryon luggage. I rely more than ever on checked bags for trips longer than a few days.
I use a wheeled duffle-style carryon. It squashes down well with straps, and is easier to fit in an overhead. Especially if other people take too much space.
Great video. What about the soft side carry on backpack hybrid thing I've been roaming with since 2006.
Quite good enough to travel with for 6 months (me). Longer for many.
Do you have experience in that, wven if a fail, I'd live to hear
soft sided THULE carry-on or the soft sided THINK TANK ROLLER DERBY if I'm taking camera gear, I like hardshell but hate the 50 50 split. I have a 70/30 hardshell for my checked bag, its more like a trunk and is fabulous in a hotel room for not taking up too much space.
Bucket for me!! And as light as possible. I do agree that the hard sides are better looking.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
Bucket! Ty for the vid! Super informative
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
Bucket! I have both and need new for a Europe trip next year. A friend just bought a travelpro platinum elite and loved it. I would love to see a soft side comparison.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
Just got home from a 3-week trip to the west coast. My brand new TravelPro soft sided bags did, and did not, do well. The undersea bag I had with me on the plane was fine. The larger bag that was checked did well going west but took a beating on the way home. Granted, they are pink (so I can find them amidst the plethora of black bags on the carousel) but the checked bag looks beaten and like it's very old. I think I'm going to buy a Monos carryon (just the basic one to be sure the airlines like Air Canada will let me take it on board). I'd love to get the one with the external pocket but I think it's too big and too heavy (when loaded) for me to lift up into the bin safely.
Bucket! Would love a soft luggage comparison! Also would love a review of the Calpak Luka carry on!
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
I use hard sided, with an expansion zipper - it is a carry on sized bag, but normally check. I have used this traveling throughout Europe 3 weeks+ and is definitely easier to maneuver when on cobblestone streets. I bought a set in orange (samsonite) and have never used the larger bag. Also, this bag is incredibly durable, it is a bit scratched up, but I’m fine with that. A note on the color - I recommend brightly colored bags when checking or lots of colorful stickers on a darker bag.
Does it have a specific name?
Does it have a specific name?
Does it have a specific name?
Does it have a specific name?
Does it have a specific name?
Bucket. I bought a few Monos hard shells based on your last review. Looking forward to using them soon.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
I bought A hard shell one and after one trip I gave it to my daughter and bought a soft shell. If you travel and are not really planing on unpacking the soft sided is more convenient.
Can you give any comments on the Solgaard suitcase? I have watched several things about it, but love the idea it can just be pulled out and hang and that it has straps for clinching things down s lot.
Bucket ...i am currently using InUSA 4pc softshell luggage... purchased for about $120 a few years ago. Used once in 2021 to Colorado...did well
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
You need to look into the Eddie Bauer softsided luggage. They are AMAZING! Super durable, dont.stain easily and NO, they wont get soaked in downpour!
Bucket, please. Grate videos to the point, clear and informative. Thank you.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
Hard cases but no zippers - the ones that have an edge that sits within a rim are my favourite - they usually have 3 locks, top, bottom and side - are weatherproof and so durable.
I used to have 3 different mid-size soft shell suitcases that I really liked and mainly used to travel to SEA for winter. And somehow each of them returned from the second trip with a broken side panel (well, one also had a wheel disintegrate). So I switched to hard shell. Four years later, this January, they somehow broke it as well -- a crack on the bottom roughly around the mounting point of one of the wheels. My next one will be a hard shell again, though. I've got until first snow or so to find one that speaks to me.
Soft sided that expands for souvenirs.
I’d love a video going more in depth about carry on backpacks, please! I love my ebags, motherload Jr, but without a trolley sleeve it’s a pain. I’m looking to replace it and would love to know what you both looked at when making your decisions. Would you use your Peak every day 20L camera bag as a normal carry on? Does it hold enough? Did you look at the 30L travel pack? I have so many questions…lol!
Bucket! I’m due for new luggage after years with my soft shell (always had soft shells growing up). I was leaning towards the hard shell but a feature I never knew I had all these years was the “bucket” design! Clamshells take up a lot of space and I’d rather have one full side over two halves. I’ll have to check out your soft shell reviews next! Maybe I’ll just spray a few coats of waterproofing too. Side note, I hope you review the Solgaard next, the closet feature is neat but I’m skeptical about durability and the locking feature. I feel one odd drop and the locks can unlock… gameover!
I’m definitely a depends person between the two. For carry-on, I go with soft-sided as they are very flexible and the multiple pockets are good for packing. For checked luggage, I go with hard-side, specifically polycarbonate. I don’t need those extra pockets and the hard shell protects the contents well during the rough handling by both man and machine.
I always use soft sided bags. When I looked into which is better, I read multiple reviews that said hard shell bags are more likely to break them softsided bags.
Amazing information, thanks
Good video. Airlines have become so stingy on your cabin luggage allowance in-terms of weight and number of items. Nowadays the allowance is only 7 KGs and many international airlines have done away with a free laptop bag which means you have to keep your laptop computer in your hand carry. On an average the laptops weigh around 4 lbs and so you are left with just 11 lbs what you can carry minus the hand carry’s own weight. I have not seen any luggage which is less than 3 lbs tare weight. With these issues on top of the traveller’s mind, I am looking for another video from you on what best choices we have in the market today.
Hard shell carry on can be used as a mobile seat while waiting orgive a rest to the tired feet 😀
After getting a soft side checked luggage back with every single thing in it saturated with rain water I switched to hard sided only.
Bucket! I have trouble closing those clam-shell hard sided suitcases, especially on check in sized bags.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
I like a heavy duty expandable duffle bag I have used for years. I only ever have a small amount of fragile items that I will usually carry with me in a backpack. Only clothing and maybe a pair of shoes in the duffel, so no concerns about rough handling. Sturdy shoulder strap means I can walk anywhere with it.
Bucket! Would love to see a soft sided bag comparison video. Can you include rolling duffels?
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts! Did not include rolling duffels this time but am thinking of possibly a separate rolling duffel video!
Bucket.
I'm on the hunt for a carry on back pack with wheels. We bought the eBags Mother Lode for our trip to Europe in 2019 and while it was a great backpack, I really would like to have one with wheels. We do carry on only now so the weight of the bag itself is important too because if it's too heavy, it limits how much we can pack.
Thanks for all the great videos!
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
Soft for me due to the lightness! Some models can be 1-2Kg heavier and that’s a lot of extra stuff I can carry! I’ve packed wine bottles and some other fragile items and never had them broken even when checked in so as long as you pack it well it’s gonna be ok most of the time 👍
Should check out the soft shell tactical style ones that are made of higher materials. Most are 1000 denier cordura ballistic fabric YKK double coil zippers.
Awesome video!
Would love to know your opinion on most durable and affordable soft sided spinner luggage!
One thing to add: Soft shell luggage absorbs moisture so your bag will “weigh more” if you are coming back from a country that is humid. And who needs that after you have bought souvenirs!
Thank you 😊
Bucket! I am in the market for a new carry on and I much prefer soft shell. Waiting with the alarm bell on.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
I use a hard shell. On my last trip to London they made everyone with a soft expandable bag check it! They were not happy!
Hey Nik, great info as usual - thanks!! In another video, you mentioned an Osprey backpack that you travel with…it collapses and is water resistant. Do you have a link to that one? I can’t find it :) thanks again!
I was looking for the same video. Here it is for the Osprey backpack th-cam.com/video/RoS8MeaeifI/w-d-xo.html
HARD ARE BEST GOING THROUGH CUSTOMS - THEY ARE EASY TO CHECK / SWAB. However, l usually take one each, because of equipment l carry when travelling on business
Bucket! Great videos, thanks you.
I made that video! Here you go >> th-cam.com/video/Jl6fXuWhtcc/w-d-xo.html Check it out and give me your thoughts!
Test and compare 360 wheels soft sided bags. Thank you
Hey, Great Video but try to place your teleprompter in a slightly better position. It seems slightly off axis right now and looks weird when you're talking while staring at it.
You are a legend!
I prefer my backpack for carry-on luggage. I don't know how many liters my light backpack is but I think it is 28 liter.
Hard shells come wrapped in plastic, which can be left on protect the case from scratches for quite a long time, obviously depending on the user and multiple other variables. I have a hard shell that you can sit on and ride. You should see the looks like it going down the terminal look at the airport, but to be quite honest I'm surprised more people don't have them. Point is when I got my ride on luggage I didn't even know how to plastic wrap on it until a couple years of use when I started to see some wear around one of the corners and I thought it looked odd and then I realized I hadn't even removed the plastic. 😂
I found several of your tips helpful back in May before we took a 26 day trip to Europe. I purchased packing cubes per your recommendation though I purchased "OlarHike" bags. Also your packing list was VERY HELPFUL to both me and my wife. We listened to several of your videos. I am now in the market for a 25" Checked bag as my old Ricardo wheels finally wore out. Hard-shell vs Soft Shell for CHECKED Bags. Your thoughts?
Hard shell for checked bags! Checked luggage get stacked in the cargo hold and a soft shell bag *will* get squashed.
Had to 29 Ricardo's they last me more than 5 yrs, wheels are bad quality hollow, but more than 5 yrs is not bad, for 29's next time i'll try hard shells to experience their longevity!!
For your carry-on luggage, spend the best you can afford. 90% of the time you will be handling it. For checked luggage, durability and economy. You'll be replacing those after 20 flight legs anyway.