Best Material For Luggage – You Must Read This Before Choosing Your Next Luggage!
Choosing the best material for luggage is essential to ensure durability, functionality, and style. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. In this guide, we will explore the best materials for both hardside and softside luggage, compare their benefits and disadvantages, and help you decide on your next luggage purchase.
Hardside Luggage Materials
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is a lightweight and durable material used in many hard side suitcases. Travelers can use it to protect their belongings during travel since it offers excellent impact resistance. ABS luggage is often budget-friendly and available in various colors and designs. However, it may be prone to scratches and may not withstand extreme temperatures or heavy impacts.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is a lightweight and impact-resistant material commonly used in high-end hardside and hardshell luggage. It offers excellent durability and flexibility, making it resistant to cracks and dents. The price of polycarbonate luggage can be higher, but it offers superior protection for your belongings.
Compared with ABS, it may have a higher chance of scratching. Check out these differences between an aluminum Vs polycarbonate Luggage.
ABS/PC Composite
ABS/PC composite luggage combines ABS’s lightweight properties with polycarbonate’s durability. This material offers a balance between affordability and strength. ABS/PC luggage provides better resistance to scratches compared to ABS alone, but it may still be less scratch-resistant than pure polycarbonate.
Polypropylene (PP)
A strong and lightweight polypropylene material, polypropylene is resistant to impact and durable. It will never scratch, scuff, or crack during its lifetime and will offer excellent property protection. Polypropylene luggage is often more expensive but provides exceptional strength and longevity.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is a lightweight and best luggage material used in some hardside luggage. A durable and heat-resistant material, it can withstand impact and extreme temperatures. It is a sustainable choice to choose PET luggage because it is often manufactured from recycled materials. However, this material’s availability may not be as widespread as that of other materials.
Aluminum
Are aluminum suitcases worth it? Aluminum luggage is known for its sleek and stylish appearance. Besides being extremely durable, it is also water-resistant, ensuring your belongings are protected. The price of aluminum luggage is often higher than that of other materials and is often heavier. It is commonly used in luxury or professional-grade suitcases.
Softside Luggage Materials
Polyester
Softside luggage is often made from polyester, an affordable and popular material. It provides good durability, is lightweight, and is water-resistant. The colors and designs of polyester luggage are often very varied. Hardside luggage materials may offer a higher level of impact protection.
Oxford Cloth
Oxford cloth is commonly used in softside luggage because it’s durable and water-resistant. Often found in lightweight luggage options, it protects against wear and tear. Oxford cloth luggage suits casual or frequent travelers who prioritize versatility and flexibility.
Nylon
It is commonly used in softside luggage because it is lightweight and durable. For frequent travelers, it provides excellent tear resistance and abrasion resistance. Nylon luggage is often available in various styles and price ranges, making it a versatile choice for different budgets.
Ballistic Nylon
Ballistic nylon is an incredibly durable and abrasion-resistant material often used in premium softside luggage. As a result, frequent travelers prefer it because it offers excellent wear and tear resistance. Purchasing ballistic nylon luggage is often more expensive than regular nylon luggage.
Cordura Nylon
Cordura nylon is a highly durable and tear-resistant material used in some softside luggage. It offers excellent strength and longevity, making it suitable for rugged travel conditions. Cordura nylon luggage is often found in premium or adventure-oriented brands.
Canvas
Canvas is a durable and natural fabric often used in casual or vintage-style softside luggage. As a result, it can withstand rough handling and has a good level of wear and tear resistance. Buying canvas luggage is typically more affordable, but it may offer a different level of protection than other materials.
Leather
In high-end softside luggage, leather is often used for its luxurious and stylish appearance. The design is timeless and offers excellent durability. To prolong the life of leather luggage, it must be properly maintained and cared for.
Comparing the Weight of Different Luggage Materials
The weight of your luggage can significantly impact your travel experience, especially when it comes to airline weight restrictions. Here’s a general comparison of the average weight for different luggage materials:
Hardside Luggage:
- ABS: 7-9 pounds
- Polycarbonate: 6-10 pounds
- ABS/PC Composite: 7-10 pounds
- Polypropylene: 8-12 pounds
- PET: 6-9 pounds
- Aluminum: 10-15 pounds
Softside Luggage:
- Polyester: 5-8 pounds
- Oxford Cloth: 6-9 pounds
- Nylon: 6-10 pounds
- Ballistic Nylon: 8-12 pounds
- Cordura Nylon: 9-13 pounds
- Canvas: 7-11 pounds
- Leather: 8-14 pounds
Please note that these weight ranges are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brand and size of the luggage.
Best Material for Hardside Luggage
When it comes to hardside luggage, the best material depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a quick comparison:
- ABS: Affordable, lightweight, and available in various designs. It may be prone to scratches.
- Polycarbonate: Lightweight, durable, and provides excellent protection. It may be more susceptible to scratches.
- ABS/PC Composite: Offers a balance between affordability and strength. Provides better scratch resistance than ABS alone.
- Polypropylene: Lightweight, strong, and highly scratch- and impact-resistant. It can be more expensive.
- PET: Lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly. May be less widely available.
- Aluminum: Stylish and offers excellent durability. Can be heavier and more expensive.
Consider factors such as your budget, travel frequency, desired level of protection, and aesthetic preferences when choosing the best hardside luggage material.
Best Material for Softside Luggage
Softside luggage should be made from the material that best suits your needs and preferences. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Polyester: Affordable, lightweight, and water-resistant. Hardside materials may provide a higher level of protection but may need to be more durable.
- Oxford Cloth: Durable, water-resistant, and lightweight. Suitable for casual or frequent travelers.
- Nylon: Lightweight, durable, and resistant to tears and abrasions. Offers versatility and a wide range of options.
- Ballistic Nylon: Incredibly durable and abrasion-resistant. Provides exceptional protection but can be more expensive.
- Cordura Nylon: Highly durable and tear-resistant. Suitable for rugged travel conditions.
- Canvas: It’s durable and often cheaper than other materials. The level of protection may be lower than that offered by other materials.
- Leather: Luxurious, durable, and stylish. Requires proper care and maintenance.
When choosing the best material for your softside luggage, consider durability, water resistance, weight, and personal style.
Hard Luggage vs Soft Luggage
When deciding between hardside and softside luggage, it’s essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Hardside Luggage Pros:
- Excellent protection against impacts and rough handling.
- Often more water-resistant than softside luggage.
- Durable and long-lasting, especially with materials like polycarbonate or polypropylene.
- Security is improved with the addition of TSA-approved locks to most hardside suitcases.
Hardside Luggage Cons:
- May be more prone to scratches and scuff marks.
- Comparable to softside luggage, this type needs to be more flexible.
- Can be heavier than softside luggage.
- Limited expansion options for overpacking.
Softside Luggage Pros:
- More flexible and expandable, allowing for easier packing and organizing.
- Often lighter in weight compared to hardside luggage.
- Offers external pockets and compartments for easy access to essentials.
- Can be more compact and easier to store when not in use.
Softside Luggage Cons:
- Less protection against rough handling and impacts compared to hardside luggage.
- Water-resistant luggage may not be as durable as hardside luggage.
- Some softside materials may be prone to wear or tear over time.
Should You Get Hardside or Softside Luggage?
When choosing between a hardside and softside luggage set, you should consider your travel preferences and needs. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
Travel style: If you frequently travel to destinations with rough terrains or need extra protection for fragile items, hardside luggage may be more suitable. If you prioritize flexibility and expandability, softside luggage is a better choice.
Durability: Hardside luggage made from materials like polycarbonate or polypropylene offers superior durability and protection. If durability is your primary concern, hardside luggage is recommended. However, softside luggage made from materials like ballistic nylon or Cordura nylon can also provide excellent durability.
Weight restrictions: When traveling by air often, it is essential to consider the weight restrictions that airlines impose on luggage.
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- Product Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 6.8 pounds
- Color: Teal
- Department: Unisex-adult
- Model Number: 68308-2824
Overview:
The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels is a durable and versatile travel companion. With its hardside construction, it provides excellent protection for your belongings. The luggage’s dimensions are 22 x 15 x 9.5 inches, making it suitable for carry-on use on most airlines. It weighs 6.8 pounds, which is relatively lightweight for its size.
As the luggage has spinner wheels, it is very easy to maneuver in any direction due to its easy maneuverability. This makes navigating through crowded airports or busy streets a breeze. The expandable design of the suitcase gives you the flexibility to pack more items when needed, providing you with the space you need for longer trips or to bring back souvenirs from your trip.
You can add a touch of style to your travels with the Samsonite Omni PC luggage, which comes in a vibrant teal color that will brighten up any room. As it is designed to be used by both men and women alike, it is suitable for a broad range of adult users. The model number for this particular luggage is 68308-2824.
Overall, the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels offers a durable, spacious, and stylish solution for your travel needs.
- Product Dimensions: 14 x 9.5 x 22 inches
- Weight: 5.28 pounds
- Color: Rapid Yellow
- Department: womens
- Model Number: 100375120
Overview:
The Kipling Women’s Darcey Small 22-Inch Softside Carry-On Rolling Luggage is a stylish and functional travel companion designed specifically for women. Its compact dimensions of 14 x 9.5 x 22 inches meet most airline requirements for carry-on luggage. As a result, it is extremely lightweight and easy to transport, as it weighs just 5.28 pounds.
There are a number of advantages to the softside design of this rolling luggage, including its flexibility and ease of storage when it’s not in use. The vibrant Rapid Yellow color adds a pop of brightness to your travels, making it easy to spot on the luggage carousel.
The Kipling Women’s Darcey luggage is designed with the needs of women in mind, offering practical organization and functionality. There are multiple compartments and pockets within the bag that make it easier to organize and access your belongings while you’re traveling.
The model number for this specific luggage is 100375120. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the Kipling Women’s Darcey Small Softside Carry-On Rolling Luggage is a stylish and practical option for your travel needs.
- Product Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 12.75 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Color: Tan
- Department: Unisex-adult
- Model Number: CanvasPUDuffleTn
Overview:
The Sweetbriar Vintage Canvas Duffle Bag is a versatile and stylish travel bag suitable for both men and women. Its product dimensions are 22 x 12 x 12.75 inches, providing ample space for your belongings. This spacious bag is easy to carry and maneuver because it weighs only 2 pounds, despite its spaciousness.
With a classic tan color, this duffel bag has a vintage and timeless appearance. This neutral shade complements various outfits and styles. The bag is designed for unisex-adult use, making it suitable for anyone looking for a durable and fashionable travel companion.
The model number for this particular duffle bag is CanvasPUDuffleTn. In addition to being durable and resistant to wear and tear, canvas is known for its strength. A stylish appearance is maintained while the bag stands up to travel demands.
Whether heading to the gym, going on a weekend getaway, or embarking on a longer trip, the Sweetbriar Vintage Canvas Duffle Bag offers functionality and style. Its spacious interior, lightweight design, and timeless appeal make it a reliable choice for your travel needs.
Overview:
The Feilario 20in Leather Softside Underseat Carry-On Suitcase is a stylish and practical solution for every modern traveler. Crafted with women in mind, this A-Black colored duffel bag-style suitcase stands out in its design and functionality.
It measures 16.1 x 9 x 18.1 inches, offering ample space for your essentials while still conveniently fitting under an airplane seat. Weighing in at 8.8 pounds, it balances lightweight portability and durable construction. Its high-quality leather material adds an aesthetic appeal and ensures longevity.
Model number 2102 is the epitome of sophistication, making it an ideal choice for professional and casual trips. Carry your journey’s necessities in style with this Feilario carry-on suitcase.
- Product Dimensions: 18 x 10.5 x 29 inches
- Weight: 11.1 pounds
- Color: Black
- Department: Unisex-adult
- Model Number: 6283202181
Overview:
The SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage, model number 6283202181, is a highly functional and versatile piece of travel gear. The luggage, weighing just 11.1 pounds, is designed with dimensions of 18 x 10.5 x 29 inches, ensuring adequate space for all your travel essentials.
Its expandable feature enables you to maximize the space when you need to pack more, making it a perfect choice for travel, business, or leisure. The luggage is designed in a classic black color, adding a touch of sophistication and style to your travel look.
Its unisex-adult designation means it’s suitable for anyone to use. The SwissGear Sion luggage is a reliable, robust, and stylish solution to make your travel experience hassle-free and enjoyable. SwissGear also has the best backpacks. If backpacks are something you might be looking for, check out these SwissGear backpacks reviews.
- Product Dimensions: 27.9 x 18.4 x 11.2 inches
- Weight: 9.7 pounds
- Color: Black
- Department: Unisex-adult (luggage only)
- Model Number: YD000063A_M
Overview
The Coolife Luggage Aluminium Frame Suitcase is an expertly designed piece of luggage for the discerning traveler. It features 27.9 x 18.4 x 11.2 inches, providing ample space for packing necessities and travel treasures. Weighing in at 9.7 pounds, it is a manageable weight for portability and durability.
The suitcase boasts an elegant black color, lending a timeless aesthetic that suits any style or journey. Designed to be unisex and suitable for adult use, this suitcase can seamlessly adapt to various travel scenarios.
It carries the model number YD000063A_M, signifying its place in Coolife’s high-quality luggage lineup. A key feature of this suitcase is its TSA lock, enhancing security for your belongings while complying with international travel standards.
The aluminium frame offers enhanced durability and structural integrity, ensuring your items are well-protected throughout your journey. This versatile and lightweight suitcase is designed to meet your travel needs, whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning a long-anticipated vacation.
- Product Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 29 inches
- Weight: 2.09 pounds
- Color: Teal Blue
- Department: Unisex Adult
- Model Number: K1921
Overview
The Somago Luggage Sets is a comprehensive travel solution featuring three hard shell polypropylene suitcases that blend high-quality construction and stylish design. Each piece in the set has a vibrant teal blue finish that adds a touch of elegance to your travel gear.
With a product dimension of 20 x 12 x 29 inches, the suitcases offer ample storage for your belongings while maintaining a compact design for easy maneuverability. Despite their robust structure, they weigh a mere 2.09 pounds, ensuring easy handling and less strain during your travels.
Men and women can both use the best suitcase material, which are in the Unisex Adult department. They carry the model number K1921, marking their specific identity in the vast Somago lineup. Whether you’re embarking on a short business trip or a long vacation, this luggage set is equipped to meet all your travel needs.
- Product Dimensions: 19.29 x 12.6 x 30.71 inches
- Weight: 26.4 pounds
- Colour: White
- Department: Unisex-adult (luggage only)
- Model Number: YD000072CAA
Overview
The Coolife Luggage Expandable 5 Piece Sets PC+ABS Spinner Suitcase is an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize both style and utility. With a sleek, white finish and versatile design, this set caters to unisex adults and comes in various sizes to accommodate different travel needs.
Constructed from a combination of Polycarbonate and ABS material, this set guarantees durability while remaining lightweight, with the total weight of the set coming in at a manageable 26.4 pounds.
The largest suitcase measures 30.71 inches in height, 19.29 inches in length, and 12.6 inches in width, providing ample space for your travel essentials. Moreover, the suitcases are equipped with a spinner feature, facilitating easy maneuverability across various surfaces, a key attribute for those on the go.
This set is part of the YD000072CAA model series, known for its quality and reliability in the world of travel luggage. With its expandability feature, this Coolife luggage set adapts to your packing needs, making it an outstanding companion for any journey.
- Product Dimensions: 30 x 18 x 11 inches
- Weight: 9.23 pounds
- Color: Navy
- Department: Unisex-Adult
- Model Number: US09181N30
Overview
The U.S. Traveler Boren Polycarbonate Hardside Rugged Travel Suitcase Luggage is an exceptional choice for travel enthusiasts. Its robust and sturdy construction, reflected in its 30 x 18 x 11 inches dimensions, ensures ample space to secure your essentials for any journey.
Made with an eye-catching navy finish, this unisex-adult suitcase, model number US09181N30, is a functional and stylish travel accessory. Despite its solid build, it weighs just 9.23 pounds, allowing for ease of mobility.
The hard polycarbonate exterior protects against travel-induced wear and tear, ensuring your belongings stay safe and undamaged. Whether going on a quick business trip or a long vacation, this suitcase is designed to meet your travel needs with durability and style.
- Product Dimensions: 19.29 x 12.6 x 30.71 inches
- Weight: 26.4 pounds
- Color: Black
- Department: Unisex-adult
- Model Number: N/A
Overview
The COOLIFE Luggage Expandable Suitcase Set is an excellent choice for travelers seeking both style and functionality. This 3-piece set is designed with a sleek black finish, fitting perfectly for unisex adults.
Each suitcase in the set is constructed with a combination of PC+ABS materials, ensuring durability and lightweight for easy maneuverability. The product dimensions of the largest suitcase are 19.29 x 12.6 x 30.71 inches, while the entire set weighs a mere 26.4 pounds, making it a perfect companion for any trip.
Another handy feature is the TSA lock, allowing for peace of mind during airport security. Please note, however, the model number is not provided for this particular product. This luggage set is designed for robustness, convenience, and easy transport – the ultimate travel solution.
Verdict – Which Is Better and Why?
Finally, it’s important to consider your specific travel needs and preferences when choosing luggage materials. When choosing a material, you must weigh the factors that matter most to you. Each material has advantages and disadvantages.
For hardside luggage, Polycarbonate stands out as a top choice due to its lightweight, durability, and superior protection against impacts. A combination of ABS/PC Composite offers better scratch resistance than ABS alone if you want to balance affordability and strength. Polypropylene is an excellent choice for those willing to invest in the highest level of durability and scratch resistance, albeit at a higher cost. Aluminum is ideal for those seeking a luxurious, stylish option with excellent protection.
Because nylon is lightweight, durable, and resistant to tears and abrasion, it is a popular choice for softside luggage. Ballistic Nylon, though more expensive, offers exceptional protection and is perfect for frequent travelers. Consider PET made from recycled materials if you prefer a more eco-friendly alternative. Maintaining and caring for leather is essential if you want it to remain luxurious and stylish.
Each has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to the hard luggage vs soft luggage debate. Hardside luggage offers excellent protection and durability, making it suitable for rough terrains and protecting fragile items. On the other hand, softside luggage offers more flexibility, expandability, and lighter weight, making it a good choice for versatile packing and storage.
When choosing between hardside and softside luggage, consider your travel style, desired level of protection, weight restrictions, and aesthetic preferences.
Investing in high-quality luggage will ensure a smoother travel experience and protect your belongings effectively. Make an informed decision based on your travel needs and personal preferences by considering each material’s specific features and benefits. Happy travels!
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Faiqa brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to The Green Voyage. Through her extensive experience in the field she has developed a deep understanding of various destinations, cultures, and travel trends. Her dedication to providing accurate and well-researched articles allows her to offer valuable insights to readers. She has a strong commitment to quality and a genuine passion for exploring the world. With a passion for travel, product reviews, and researching factual information, she strives to inspire and guide travellers on their journeys through her writing.