Luggage Set - hardshell or softshell?
 

Do the hardshell ones weigh much more than the soft? Any other advantage to hardshell besides not getting scuffed up (if it's a dark color)?

I have two 3-pc sets saved in my Amazon cart and need help deciding.

Thanks in advance,
Boots

Surely Amazon tells you their weight??

Also, hardshell luggage does get scuffed and scratched, more than soft, actually. Which isn't necessarily a downside, if you don't mind a patina.

Lastly, I'm not a fan of sets. IME, at least one of the pieces doesn't get used. But they can still be a deal.

Can you post links to the two you're considering?

Since I travel carry on only, my luggage doesn't get thrown around.

But re weights - there are very light hard sided, and very heavy fabric . . . and vice versa. Just look at the description which should include the weight.

Hard sided actually show a lot more scuffs than soft sides . . . but tend to be more sturdy in general.

I have an Eagle Creek 22 inch roller that's a hard shell rear and soft front. It's reasonably light. I could care less whether it gets scuffed so long as it holds together. The less expensive it looks the less likely someone is to want it or think there are valuables inside. (I do check it.)

If you had seen baggage being loaded by handlers you would never buy a soft-sided case ever again...

I have only ever bought a single suitcase at a time. I would never have use for a "set" myself.

Usually online you can see the specifications that state the weight of a bag.

I like IT brand which is lightweight and softsided. But I can see the advantage of the clam shell too.

Also depends what kind of traveling you will be doing which bag is the smarter choice - will it be used for a train trip around Europe moving every day or two, or going to one destination and staying in the same place for a month, a cruise, an organized group tour, and adventure trip etc.

Look at the stats for weight, not material. I like to touch and pull or carry a piece of luggage before buying.

I use mostly soft with a strong frame, because most everything in the bag is soft clothing.

I have different kinds of bags for different trips, how I am traveling and what I am taking.

DD had the corners of hard luggage bashed in and I had the wheels on soft luggage broken off on flights. We have also had the wheels and corner of a piece of luggage somehow melted on Amtrak.

Thanks for the insights - seems there are advantages to both so I'm kind of 50/50. Will show the sets to DH and let him weigh in.

Boots

Very often the hardshell ABS are lighter weight than the fabric ones, it depends on the weight of the handles, wheels, how many extra zippers there are, and the weight of the fabric. Some of the hardshell cases have a textured finish that doesn't show scratches at all. I have yet to have a soft case survive a long trip without at least a few dark marks and abrasions.

I prefer the "clamshell" design with two equal halves, I like to keep the clean clothing on one side and the other things like toiletries, shoes and dirty clothes on the other. I also like that it protects more against crushes and drops.

The soft sided bags seem to be mostly one large compartment inside , although they more often have various pockets attached to one side of the case, both inside and out.

Every style has pros and cons. We have not bought matching sets in at least 25 years.

DH loves luggage with lots of zippered pockets. He is very organized. I forget which pocket has what and end up digging through everything.

Mlgb makes a good point about the clamshell, but you have to open it up all the way to reach things or to pack.

For most trips, especially with train travel, I like tall, narrow duffle style, but with full opening on top, like a suitcase, no pockets because I like packing cubes. If carrying art supplies, I often use hard sided, preferably expandable.

So, Boots, weight is only one consideration. With sets, be sure each piece will actually be useful.

https://www.awaytravel.com/luggage/carry-on/

FWIW, I've been eyeing this luggage. Away is a new-ish company founded by a Warby Parker alumnus. The exterior charging port is a plus. It's quite light at around 7 pounds.

Raden makes a similar bag, but a bit heavier and pricier. I usually choose black, but it comes in a lot of fun colors.
https://www.raden.com/products/a22-c...ish_name=gloss

I've never hard hard-sided luggage; my current favorite bag ( this one: https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/...uctid=10126282 ) has one hard side and one soft. I find it hard to believe it weighs 8 pounds empty, but that's what the specs say.

It's probably a bit late to weigh in on this but, I'm with the crowd about not buying sets.

One 22" suitcase, a travel tote and a good purse is what I prefer. The only thing that has to match is the trolley sleeve on the tote must fit the suitcase case handle.

I usually check my suitcase and carry on the travel tote and purse.

Get a suitcase that fits the way you pack. Like Sassafrass mentioned, if you're a person that loves compartments and remembers what every compartment is has in it. Then look for that. Personally, I like a couple of general pockets and individual bags of different colors so I don't have to open every thing.

Think about how you would realistically work with the suitcase. Watch some packing videos and find styles that suit you.

I don't think you're too late--I like discussions of luggage, even if the OP has moved on. Technology is advancing, after all, and manufacturers are offering interesting features--which may or may not prove actually useful.

I will go for the softshell, it can pack more stuff. And i think the most important thing is the quality of the wheels, this matters a lot.

And I'm always willing to consider those new features NewbE :)

As am I! The USB charging port on the outside of suitcases made by Away, Raden and others, is intriguing to me. We travel with a charging brick, but it might be nice to have an integrated one.

I also like the look of the cases with integrated charging and other gizmos, but at the moment the weight of these cases is pretty high for the size, so I'm holding off till someone manages to make a lighter version.

This isn't my ideal type of luggage (skate wheeled instead of spinners) but an interesting option for those who want to go underseat only. It expands to carryon size. I may go down to Costco with a tape measure.

https://www.costco.com/Ciao-Converti...100354241.html

mlgb, I am trying to figure out when I would need a bag that expands that much. If I were going somewhere to shop a lot, I suppose. It would be great to be able to convert a carryon into an under-seater, of course, but the contents wouldn't squish that much. And then I'd still have my messenger bag with personals to deal with. Still, it's a new one on me, I've never seen a bag like that.

Oh, meant to add, yes, overall weight of empty case definitely an issue. The ones I linked to weigh the same or a bit less than my primary suitcase now, bu even lighter would be better.

The one that mlgb posted would make sense for someone who traveled for weekends and longer vacations.

It takes up less room in storage. Most of us probably already have a small bag and a large one.

I don't do that much shopping to need that much extra room. (of course I say that now...)

Update- this is luggage set I bought:

goo.gl/MpCLL1

I have traveled quite a bit with them and am quite happy with my choice. I have used all the pieces at different times.

My favorite feature is the tote bag's luggage sleeve, made to slip over the handles of the larger suitcases. This eliminates the need to carry a huge purse on board as it'll hold many personal items, and it can be placed under the airplane seat in front of me :D

Boots

Hard shell is probably sturdier.