A best hard shell suitcase provides a lot of protection for your stuff, but it can be expensive. It’s also bulky, hard to clean, and can be a pain to open. But it’s also durable enough to handle the rough love from airline baggage handlers and is great for checking the best hard-shell suitcase. Plus, it’s often lighter than soft cases, so it’s an option for travelers who want to keep their weight down.
They’re too heavy
If you’re a frequent traveler who packs fragile items, you’ll want to invest in the best hard shell suitcase. These pieces are made from high-tech plastics such as ABS and polycarbonate, which offer both lightweight and durable protection.
They often feature a classic clamshell design with a 50/50 split opening, which lets you pack both sides evenly and stabilize it with an interior strap or middle divider. However, they require twice the surface space to open and are rigid, so they can be challenging in confined spaces.
They’re too expensive
Hard shell suitcases aren’t cheap – but they can last for years, depending on how you care for them.
They’re also easier to clean than fabric’s best hard shell suitcase. You can wipe them down with water or a mild detergent after each trip to get rid of spills, dirt, and grime.
But the real draw of hard-shell bags is their sturdiness, which travels pros say can withstand a lot more abuse than soft-sided cases. They’re often made with polycarbonate, a material that doesn’t dent easily.
They’re too hard to clean
Besides looking sleeker, the best hard-shell suitcases also help protect their contents from bumps and bruises. Most shells are made of polycarbonate, a high-tech plastic that’s incredibly durable and crush resistant.
While these features make them popular, they can also be a pain to clean. Aside from scuffing and scratches, hard-shell bags can also get dirty quickly.
They’re too bulky
best hard shell suitcase is typically a bit bulkier than its soft counterparts. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and are usually made with a high-strength thermoplastic material known as polycarbonate.
They’re also often made with modern innovations like built-in power banks and digital locks. And a good best hard shell suitcase can stand up to rough treatment, especially on long journeys. They’re not for everyone, but they’re worth a look for anyone who likes to travel light.
They’re too big
One of the coolest things about hard shell suitcases is that they are usually built of lightweight materials like aluminum and polycarbonate. While they are a tad pricey, you can still score a good deal on quality pieces such as this level 8 aluminum travel duffel bag from Aerolite or this 96L wheeled gizmo from Antler. Regardless of your budget, there’s a hardshell to suit you. The best part. Ibusinessday
They’re too small
In order to open a hard suitcase, you have to open it up completely. This can be difficult to do in a cramped space like an airplane overhead bin or a luggage rack.
It also puts a lot of strain on the middle seam, which can crack over time. So if you don’t want to risk your bag breaking open during travel, soft-shell bags might be the better option for you.
