HARD VS SOFT LUGGAGE: How to choose? + Detailed Guide

[@KRodCollective]

Do you prefer a hard shelled or soft sided luggage? Which one and why? 🧳 Thank you for watching! 💕

[@guitardipu]

soft shell luggage for me. Although many prefer the hard case because of its looks the zipper construction is the weakest portion. Its 2 halves sewn and gummed together by a flimsy zipper, unless its a guitar case like construction.

[@leeannkleine6120]

I have both and swore by soft sided for the longest time. However, I bought a hardshell carry on and have used it on shorter trips, recently. My checked bag is soft sided, but I am doing my best not to use it, and go carry on only for most trips. I walk with a cane and if I'm not having to pull the bigger suitcase around, it has really helped with my balance. When I do need to bring the larger bag, my backpack is my personal item, and it has an outside pocket for Id, passport, etc. If I only need the backpack inside the plane, that frees up overhead bin space for others. it also allows me to exit the plane more easily. I also usually have a small crossbody bag as my purse, but it fits in both my backpack or my carry on tote. I am a big proponent of 1 carry on and 1 personal item. Being courteous to other travelers will go a long way when you need to get where you are going.

[@KRodCollective]

Hi Lee Ann! I never thought about how the design of a luggage could help those who use a cane, that is is interesting and makes a lot of sense. My checked bag is also a soft-sided. Most of my checked bags have been. I rarely check a bag these days so I actually haven't used in in years. 😂I love your perspective and that you are aware of other travelers as well and not just yourself. I am also a 1 carry on 1 personal item girl. Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. 💕

[@lindab5789]

I just purchased the lighweight TravelPro that you referenced in the video. I love it. I definitely prefer softsided luggage!

[@KRodCollective]

Oh nice!! That one looks really nice. Let me know how you like it. 💕

[@lindab5789]

@@KRodCollective It's amazingly light and very easy to lift into the overhead bins!

[@KRodCollective]

@@lindab5789 Nice!! So good to know. Thank you for sharing Linda! 💕

[@ratheruninspired]

Thanks for the video! I'm team hard sided luggage for the reasons you stated in your video; chief among them are a clean exterior and no zips for security purposes. I do wish the bag was a big lighter in weight like soft-sided luggage tends to be. Also I can't overstuff it like my friends can do with their soft-sided bags lol

[@KRodCollective]

Thank you for sharing Rachel! I love the clean exterior of a hard side luggage too. Now I really want to get a no zip one. Right?! It forces me to stay within my limits. 😂

[@OneAndOnlyTyker]

My main challenge with buying luggage is my height. The handle that extends is usually still short for me, so if I'm pulling the suitcase I end up slightly bent over. Material, durability, colour, compartments are all fine but when you have to pull a suitcase behind you it can be annoying. I've gotten a four wheel rolling one recently, so let's see what happens next outing.

[@KRodCollective]

Ugh, I hear that. That def sounds like a challenge. I wonder if there is a line that makes extra long handles? 🤔 I’m sure you’ve probably looked all over for them. Ugh, I hate that for you. I do prefer the four wheels, they’re so easy. But the two wheels are great when you have a lot of stuff to lug but it can get heavy. 💕

[@OneAndOnlyTyker]

@@KRodCollective to mitigate the expense I've borrowed so many types from friends and family. One day I'll find my perfect case. 🤩😊 Learning to pack lighter these days so I appreciate your videos a lot!

[@TyraC-vg7di]

I switched to a hard-sided luggage because of a bed bug scare a few months ago. I never brought the luggage in my house and washed & dried everything multiple times. But I miss my soft shell luggage so much. I miss the exterior pocket and the side handle to help me when lifting. Most of my travel is regional and work related but I do have an international trip planned for fall. I may have to purchase a soft sided piece for that trip.

[@KRodCollective]

Hi!! Same!! I actually ended up leaning more toward a hardshell years ago because I got bedbugs while traveling. I'm so happy you didn't end up bringing them home, that would have been a nightmare. Same happened to me, thankfully I had much more time in my travels so I was able to get rid of them way before I ever arrived back home. I know what you mean about missing the soft-sided luggage though. I hope you find a great one for your upcoming international trip if you end up getting a new one. Safe travels to you! 💕

[@judithh.9794]

One of the most important feature, when purchasing luggage, in my opinion is durability. Can the luggage survive rough baggage handling. And for this reason I'm team hardshell luggage. Especially when asked to check your carryon...easy breezy!

[@KRodCollective]

Yes! This is so important. I never have to worry if my belongings will be okay etc if I’ve packed well and using a hardshell. Thank you for sharing Judith! 💕

[@katfran492]

I’m carry-on only soft side/spinner for a specific reason. I’m tall & plus size therefore my clothing is bigger. I can’t roll my bottoms, they are too tall for hard shell. Imagine a beach towel vs shower towel rolled up. I have a specific packing style bcuz of my bottoms.

[@KRodCollective]

Hi Kat! I hope you are well! This makes total sense, thank you so much for sharing! 💕

[@katfran492]

I’m good, thank you! I’m planning my next adventure for 2025 😉

[@KRodCollective]

@@katfran492 Oh YAY!!! 🎉🎉

[@WhtLabelConsulting]

Team soft shell here...feels like I'm carrying a body in the hard shell....😂

[@journeytoabetteru]

I’ve always had samsonite soft sided luggage, they are very durable but I wanted another color and just bought Beis in Maple🤎😍 as a carryon so hard side it is. I don’t travel with checked luggage much. I do think if I need a checked bag I would go with soft because I have seen all the damage caused on some hard shell luggage by baggage handlers.