Suitcases: hard or soft? Canvas, polycarbonate or something else?
So I'm in the market for a suitcase. And let's start by making it clear that I do need a suitcase: point to point trip on a plane to a cold weather destination with lots of baby stuff, souvenirs and more to carry, so backpacks, carry-on only etc ain't gonna cut it. 80-100L or so ought to do the trick.
In general, I've preferred squishy canvas-y softcases along the lines of this:
Because they're nicer to lug around than something with sharp edges, can always expand in a pinch -- magic zippers for extra space rock -- and are pretty close to unbreakable. (Incidentally, that bag -- like much of my luggage -- is from Antler, a brand I've found to generally strike a reasonable compromise between price and quality.)
For things that shouldn't get squished, like my scuba gear, I used an ancient Samsonite plastic hardcase, which suffered many a hard knock over the years and finally gave up the ghost when the lock broke. But now I understand that plastic is lame and all the cool kids are using polycarbonate hardcases, ideally the original Rimowa Salsa/Topas:
At $1000+ a pop here in Oz those are way out my target price range, but everybody's now making copies and eg. Antler's "Liquis" goes for $300 or so, which is a bit more that I'd like to pay but not entirely out of the question -- if it really is worth it. (Again, Oz prices, please don't taunt me with how much cheaper it's in the US.)
So here, finally, is the question. Should my new bag be soft (canvas/polyester), hard (polycarbonate) or something else, and why? Recommendations of specific models/brands also welcome.
Best Answer
Until recently I would fly up to twice a week to various countries and had the travel luggage down to a fine art - and I always go for a soft case with a handle and wheels - remarkably like the one in your picture.
For the few things I had that were fragile/rigid I could wrap them in clothing items near the centre of the case and when packed reasonably well with suit/shirts/etc for the journey and work at the other end these used to be remarkably resilient when thrown to the tarmac (happens ALL the time), whereas the polycarbonate one I tried at great expense cracked after a month or so.
The only thing that seems to go on them is the zip, so I would replace the case every 18 months to 2 years, but as they are very cheap this was not a problem.
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More answers regarding suitcases: hard or soft? Canvas, polycarbonate or something else?
Answer 2
There are several considerations when choosing a suitcase:
- What are you carrying?
- How much weight will you be carrying?
- How tightly do you pack the case?
- Where are you flying to?
In general hard side suitcases weigh more then the soft side so if you carry a lot of weight an extra kilo or 2 of suitcase is important. If you intend to carry something fragile hard side might be better. Also depending on where you're flying to you might find your suitcase flying out of the plane onto the pavement(yes it does happen) and hard side cases should be able to withstand such a drop but sometimes don't so your stuff may be all over the tarmac.
One more consideration is security and theft if your suitcase is one of the unlucky to be open hard sides with their built in locks may not survive this event at all.
So as someone said: Choose wisely! Personally I prefer soft cases because wife usually pack it to the brim so lighter case is more suited for that.
Answer 3
Nobody yet mentioned the # of wheels. I find 4-wheelers to be more useful than 2 because you can simply roll the suitcase along (rather than pull) when heavy.
Personally I favour the large-capacity tough canvas/balistic nylon heavy-duty zippered 4-wheeler suitcases, for reasons others already mentioned. The only challenge is that many canvas suitcases tend to not have TSA locks because they're at the cheaper end of the price scale.
I also have a lightweight (not polycarbonate) and sturdy Caterpillar brand 4-wheeler with a TSA lock.
My ideal suitcase is the one pictured at the top, but with 4 wheels and a TSA lock. I have a standby expansion strap with combination lock just in case the main zipper fails.
Answer 4
I agree with Rory Alsop up there ^ but I can't vote up posts, yet. :)
I like my soft luggage for many reasons including, durability, weight, and flexibility. I typically cocoon more fragile items in the center between the handle bars. The bars give support and a firm backing while the clothes provide padding from the tosses and bumps you know will happen. Many of these bags are also expandable so if you buy stuff on your trip you have some built in wiggle room.
Hard cases crack and just seem more unwieldy to handle.
While not conventional I really like the rolling duffel from LL Bean. I originally used it because it was the only bag long enough for my tripod. Now, I just like it. :)
Answer 5
I say, why not just get a hybrid? You'll have the support, protection, and durability of a regular hardshell case with the flexibility and easy-to-reach compartments of a soft-side. Problem solved.
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