Soft-shell luggage vs hard-shell luggage – which type of suitcase is best for international travel?
It’s natural to ask these types of questions when browsing for luggage options. With travel being so accessible, we’re keener than ever to find the right kind of suitcase for our trips.
We’re spoiled for choice when shopping for luggage, so much so that it can get overwhelming trying to narrow it down to the perfect choice. Generally, though, the hardest task is choosing between a soft-shell or a hard shell.
But what’s the difference between the two? Which one is the best for you?
As a top online destination for designer luggage, we’ll answer these questions and more in this blog. Let’s explore the pros and cons of soft-shell and hard-shell luggage to help you decide whether hard-sided or soft-sided luggage is right for your travel needs.
Soft-Shell Luggage vs Hard-Shell Luggage: Which to Pick?
The debate—soft-shell luggage vs hard-shell— is a classic. Let’s begin by highlighting the key pros and cons between the two options.
Protection and Durability
You’ll likely be traveling with some of your valuables, whether you’re going on a short domestic trip or a long-haul flight across the world. These valuables can include electronics such as laptops and iPads, jewelry, and other belongings needing an extra layer of security. When carrying around valuable possessions, you’ll want a piece of luggage that can resist the unavoidable troubles of travel.
Pros and Cons of Soft-Shell Luggage
Often crafted from woven nylon, soft side luggage has a malleable fabric on the outside. It won’t crack or get scratched when tossed around and generally will withstand rough luggage handling.
However, soft-shell luggage is more prone to getting soaked in rain and snow. Your valuables can be at risk of becoming damaged, making this luggage type less than optimal in bad weather conditions.
Pros and Cons of Hard-Shell Luggage Cases
Contrasting soft-shell, modern hard-side suitcases are built to absorb the impact of being dropped or thrown. Moreover, the hard exterior makes it less susceptible to being pried open by thieves.
Mystics of the Maya’s hard shell luggage case range is your trusty companion when it comes to withstanding the rigors of travel. Our tough, built-to-last hard shell suitcases are made with a sturdy polycarbonate and ABS exterior to handle the demands of your journey. Be it the rough handling by baggage handlers and taxi drivers or blows from the luggage carousel, our cases remain unscathed. Remain worry-free from theft or unauthorized access when you choose our hard-shell suitcases.
Browse our durable and practical range of hard-shell luggage with designs here.
Capacity and Storage Space
Pros and Cons of Soft-Shell Luggage
soft-shell luggage is great for shopping enthusiasts. If you enjoy shopping on your trips and find yourself loading up on souvenirs, you can rely on a soft-shell bag to fit everything in. Soft-side bags are more flexible, accommodating oddly shaped and bulky items. With their ability to expand, you don’t need to worry about towing an additional suitcase for all the extras you collect along your travels.
However, these types of cases don’t tend to have neatly compartmentalized interior sections, so you’ll struggle to keep your belongings well organized.
Pros and Cons of Hard-Shell Luggage Cases
Hard-side suitcases have less internal room (by a few inches) than their soft-side counterparts due to the space taken up by the spinner wheels. However, you can keep the inside well-organized thanks to an interior divider that neatly separates the compartments.
So, if you like to keep your belongings secure, neat, and tidy, Mystics of the Maya’s hard-shell suitcases are the way to go.
Maintenance and Convenience
Pros and Cons of Soft-Shell Luggage
Soft-shell luggage bags are great for that extra room, however, maintaining them requires additional effort. Be extra cautious if your travel plans include venturing into rainy, icy, or dirty environments, as these cases are more susceptible to weather, dust, and dirt.
Despite this, many soft-shell luggage bags have two stationary inline wheels, making them convenient in terms of maneuverability and durability and less noisy than spinner wheels.
Pros and Cons of Hard-Shell Luggage Cases
Maintaining a hard-shell luggage case is decidedly easier. No matter where you set off or end up, hard-side luggage is less likely to get wet or pick up unwanted odors during your travels. With four 360-degree swivel wheels, you can easily maneuver through crowded city streets, uneven surfaces, and airports.
Shop Hard-Shell Luggage with Designs on Mystics of the Maya
You’ve now read some of the pros and cons of hard and soft-shell cases. Ultimately, your choice of luggage will come down to where you’re headed, your personal preference, and the style and design you’re looking for.
Consider a soft-shell if easy packing and more interior space are at the top of your list. Hard-side luggage will work best if you prioritize a robust, dependable suitcase that protects your belongings and is easy to move around.
Mystics of the Maya’s range of luggage options takes travelers beyond the usual bland and uninspiring suitcase designs. If you value practicality as well as style, our hard-shell suitcases are your go-to choice. Infusing inspirational artwork of the Indigenous Mesoamerican culture and traditions into our range of premium lifestyle apparel and accessories, Mystics of the Maya offers a stylish yet functional alternative.
Shop now!