Soft Shell Luggage vs Hard-Shell Luggage

21 January 2025

Both hard and soft-shell have their advantages and disadvantages, both of which we will go into here. Which type of travel luggage you choose will depend on your travel style, the length of your itinerary and your own personal preferences.

We’ll look at the two types of luggage and take into consideration some of the things to ponder before you outlay your hard-earned money.

Soft-Shell Luggage

Made from fabrics like nylon and polyester, soft-shell luggage is great for packing items like clothing, footwear and other breakable items. Unlike hard-shell luggage they include handy compartments and pockets to pack travel accessories and items that you may need fast access to like passports, phone chargers and a changes of clothing.

More forgiving when you need to jam-pack your belongings, soft-shell luggage has a little more stretch due to its expandable design.

They will however be more affected by the elements more than hard-shell bags, with wet weather and damp conditions potentially damaging the bags along with the contents if they become water-logged.

Hard-Shell Luggage

Many hard-shell models have a split-opening design, which means you can pack items on both sides, helping with organisation and making your items more accessible when you start to unpack. Hard-shell luggage is the go-to when it comes to extra protection.

The hard materials of hard-shell luggage will keep electronics and breakable items safe, while the hard-shell is resistant against rain and snow, keeping your items dry.

There are a few cons when it comes to hard shell luggage, however. Being rigid and less flexible, storing your hard-shell bags in overhead compartments will require more space. This also extends to storing your luggage when not in use.

What should you choose?

Many choose to have both hard-shell and soft-shell luggage in their collection.

If you are driving to your destination, soft-shell bags can more easily be stored in the boot of a car and will be protected from the elements. Soft-shell luggage is also more easily stored away when not in use.

If you are flying with breakable items, we’d suggest hard-shell luggage. The extra protection will keep your items safer, surviving the bumps that come with airport travel.

The final decision comes down to your travel needs. If you want protection and organisation, hard-shell luggage is what’s needed. For versatility and storage, soft-shell luggage shines.

For carry-on luggage check out our range of backpacks and duffle bags.