Be prepared,
homeless in less than 20 minutes is not science fiction.
Hard-shell vs. Soft-shell Suitcases
Hard-shell Suitcases
Strengths:
- Contents are more protected than in bags and soft-shell suitcases – also from thieves using a knife.
- Washable surfaces.
- Often more rain-resistant than soft-shell suitcases in tests.
- Easy to push on smooth surfaces thanks to four wheels.
- Very variable: Usually three to four telescopic handle settings.
- Two shells, can be packed separately.
Weaknesses:
- More prone to breakage and larger damage when dropped with heavy weight in tests compared to soft-shell suitcases.
- Usually no expansion options.
- Rigid case, harder to stow in cars.
- Often a bit louder than soft-shell suitcases.
- Harder to maneuver on cobblestones compared to rolling travel bags.
Soft-shell Suitcases
Strengths:
- More robust in drop tests and handle durability tests than hard-shell suitcases, due to more flexible material.
- Expansion options for more volume.
- Four wheels, especially easy to push on smooth surfaces with little effort.
- Variable: Usually two telescopic handle settings.
- Flexible surface makes stowing easier, such as in a car.
- Practical external pockets.
- Often a bit lighter than hard-shell suitcases.
Weaknesses:
- Usually less rain-resistant than hard-shell suitcases in tests.
- Harder to clean than hard-shell suitcases.
- Harder to maneuver on cobblestones compared to rolling travel bags.
Here is what "TEST" magazine says:
| Type | Product | Price (EUR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardshell Suitcases with Four Wheels | Rimowa "Essential Trunk Plus" | 880 | 955 |
| Samsonite "Magnum" | 229 | 248 | |
| Travelite "Air Base" | 130 | 141 | |
| Rolling Travel Bags with Two Wheels | Vaude "Rotuma 90" | 200 | 217 |
| The North Face "Rolling Thunder 30" | 250 | 272 | |
| Jack Wolfskin "TRT Freight Train" | 140 | 152 |
*Note: Conversion rate used is 1 EUR = 1.085 USD (approximate rate as of May 2024).
Our favourite brand over the years when it comes to hard-shell: SAMSONITE