Which Hard Suitcase Material is Best? [2024]

Imagine this: you’re standing at the luggage carousel, eagerly waiting for your suitcase to appear. As you watch the bags go round and round, you can’t help but notice the variety of materials used to make them. From hard-side to soft-side, the options seem endless. But which hard suitcase material is the best? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of hard suitcase materials and help you make an informed decision. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Quick Answer

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: polycarbonate is the best hard suitcase material. It offers a winning combination of durability, lightweight construction, and resistance to impact and scratches. However, each material has its own unique features and benefits, so let’s explore them further.

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Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind:

• Hard-side luggage is known for its durability and ability to protect your belongings.
• The most common hard suitcase materials are polycarbonate, polypropylene, and ABS.
• Soft-side luggage is made from materials like nylon, polyester, leather, and canvas.
• Consider your travel needs, budget, and personal preferences when choosing a hard suitcase material.

Now that we have the basics covered, let’s explore the different hard suitcase materials in more detail.

Background: Hard-Side vs. Soft-Side Luggage

Before we delve into the specific materials, let’s briefly discuss the difference between hard-side and soft-side luggage. Hard-side luggage features a rigid protective shell, while soft-side luggage is made from flexible materials.

Hard-side luggage offers superior protection against impact, making it ideal for fragile items. It also tends to be more water-resistant and easier to clean. On the other hand, soft-side luggage is often more lightweight and flexible, allowing for easier storage and maneuverability.

Now, let’s explore the various hard suitcase materials and their pros and cons.

Hard Side: Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate is a popular choice for hard-side luggage due to its exceptional durability and lightweight construction. Here are the key features and benefits of polycarbonate luggage:

• Pros:

  • Exceptional durability: Polycarbonate luggage can withstand rough handling and resist impact, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
  • Lightweight: Polycarbonate is known for its lightweight properties, allowing you to pack more without exceeding weight limits.
  • Scratch and impact resistance: Polycarbonate luggage is highly resistant to scratches and impacts, ensuring your belongings stay safe during travel.
  • Water-resistant: Most polycarbonate suitcases have excellent water resistance, protecting your items from unexpected spills or rain showers.

• Cons:

  • Higher price: Polycarbonate luggage tends to be more expensive compared to other hard-side materials.
  • Repair difficulties: While polycarbonate is highly durable, repairing any damages can be more challenging compared to other materials.
  • Heavier than polypropylene and ABS: While polycarbonate is lightweight compared to other materials, it is slightly heavier than polypropylene and ABS.

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Hard Side: Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is another popular material used in hard-side luggage. Here’s what you need to know about polypropylene luggage:

• Pros:

  • Budget-friendly: Polypropylene luggage is often more affordable compared to other hard-side materials.
  • Lightweight: Polypropylene is the lightest hard-side luggage material, allowing for easy maneuverability.
  • Chemical and temperature resistant: Polypropylene luggage can withstand exposure to various chemicals and extreme temperatures.
  • Waterproof: Polypropylene is naturally waterproof, protecting your belongings from moisture.

• Cons:

  • Not as rigid as polycarbonate: Polypropylene luggage may not be as rigid as polycarbonate bags, which can affect its overall durability.
  • Color degradation: Over time, polypropylene luggage may experience color degradation when exposed to UV light.

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Hard Side: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS is a lightweight and affordable hard-side luggage material. Here’s what you need to know about ABS luggage:

• Pros:

  • Attractive price: ABS luggage is often more budget-friendly compared to other hard-side materials.
  • Lightweight: ABS luggage is lightweight, making it easy to carry and maneuver.
  • Rigid: ABS luggage offers a good level of rigidity, ensuring your belongings stay protected.
  • Water-resistant: Most ABS suitcases have water-resistant properties, keeping your items safe from spills.

• Cons:

  • Heavier than polycarbonate and polypropylene: ABS luggage is the heaviest among the hard-side materials, which can be a drawback for some travelers.
  • Plastic elements may break: Some ABS luggage may have plastic wheels, handles, and other elements that can be prone to breakage.
  • Quality and appearance: ABS luggage may not have the same high-quality appearance as polycarbonate or polypropylene options.

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Soft Side: Nylon, Polyester, Leather, and Canvas

While hard-side luggage offers excellent protection, soft-side luggage has its own advantages. Here are some popular soft-side materials:

• Polyester:

  • Lightweight, flexible, and durable.
  • Typically have Denier scores of 600D to 900D.
  • When treated with DuraGuard® coating, they become water and scuff resistant.

• Nylon:

  • Resists tears and abrasion better than polyester.
  • Lower Denier range than polyester but is nonetheless stronger.

• Leather:

  • Heavier than other soft-side materials.
  • Soaks up water if it gets wet, causing unsightly stains.

• Canvas:

  • Made from cotton or hemp.
  • Less weatherproof than nylon or polyester bags.
  • Exposure to dampness can result in canvas rotting.

FAQ

What is the best material for hard case luggage?

The best material for hard case luggage is polycarbonate. It offers a winning combination of durability, lightweight construction, and resistance to impact and scratches.

Read more about “… Are Hard Shell Suitcases Any Good? The Ultimate Guide”

Which luggage material is the most durable?

Polycarbonate is the most durable luggage material. It can withstand rough handling, resist impact, and protect your belongings during travel.

Read more about “What Type of Cases Are the Best? …”

Which is better for hardside luggage, ABS or polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate is generally considered better for hard-side luggage compared to ABS. It offers superior durability, lightweight construction, and resistance to impact and scratches.

What material is best for checked luggage?

For checked luggage, polycarbonate is an excellent choice. Its durability and resistance to impact make it ideal for protecting your belongings during the rigors of travel.

Read more about “… The Ultimate Guide to the Best Luggage Brands: Expert Reviews and Recommendations”

Conclusion

After exploring the various hard suitcase materials, it’s clear that polycarbonate stands out as the best option. Its exceptional durability, lightweight construction, and resistance to impact and scratches make it the top choice for travelers. However, each material has its own unique features and benefits, so consider your specific needs and preferences when making a decision.

So, whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, investing in a polycarbonate hard suitcase will ensure your belongings stay safe and secure throughout your journey.

Remember, when shopping for hard-side luggage, always check the product specifications and read user reviews to find the perfect suitcase for your needs.

Safe travels!

Recommended Links

• CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
• Shop Polycarbonate Luggage on TravelPro Official Website

Looking for more information on luggage and travel essentials? Check out these helpful articles:

• The Ultimate Guide to the Best Luggage Brands: Expert Reviews and Recommendations
• Luggage Materials: Polypropylene vs Polycarbonate vs ABS

Reference Links

• TravelPro – Luggage Materials: Polypropylene vs Polycarbonate vs ABS
• Case Brands™ – Case Brand Guides
• Case Brands™ – Phone Cases
• Case Brands™ – Fashion Cases
• Case Brands™ – Luggage Cases