Best Hardside Luggage Options For Travelers

*We may earn a commission for purchases made using our links. Please see our disclaimer to learn more.

Traveling can be exciting. Yet, picking the right luggage often feels like a challenge. Finding a suitcase that’s tough enough to protect your belongings but easy to carry can seem impossible. Best Hardside Luggage is here to help!

Here’s something interesting: more travelers now choose hardside luggage for its durability and sleek design.

This blog will guide you through the best hardside luggage options available for all types of travelers. Whether you’re going on a quick business trip or a long vacation, we’ve got you covered with top picks and tips to make your choice easier.

Ready to find your perfect travel partner? Keep reading!

Types of Hardside Luggage

When choosing, it’s important to understand the differences between hardshell and softshell options. Key factors to consider include durability, weight, and maneuverability.

Additionally, examining the interior features and organizational elements can help in finding the right option for your travel needs.

Hardshell vs Softshell

Hardshell suitcases offer travelers unmatched protection and durability. Made of materials like polycarbonate or ABS, they stand up to the rigors of travel, keeping belongings safe from crushes and impacts.

Their hard exterior also makes them water-resistant, a bonus for trips involving unpredictable weather. On the downside, they tend to be heavier than their softshell counterparts and offer less flexibility for squeezing in that extra item.

Softshell luggage shines in versatility and lightweight design. Constructed from fabrics such as nylon or polyester, these bags can expand to accommodate more items—ideal for shoppers or indecisive packers.

They often feature external pockets for easy access to essentials like passports or snacks during transit. However, they might not provide as much protection against heavy impacts and usually aren’t waterproof.

Choosing between hardside luggage options requires considering factors like trip duration, destination climate, personal packing style, and whether you’re checking your bag or carrying it on.

Factors to consider when choosing hardside luggage

Moving from the comparison between hardshell and softshell luggage, it becomes crucial to pinpoint what makes for the best options for travelers. Finding durable that suits personal travel needs involves assessing several key factors. Here are some essential considerations every traveler should make before making a purchase.

Size and capacity matter greatly. You want luggage that fits airline requirements, especially if you prefer carryon hardside luggage for international travel. Look into the dimensions and whether the suitcase is expandable to ensure it accommodates your packing style while adhering to flight regulations.

Weight plays a critical role in choosing your travel gear. Opt for lightweight options that don’t sacrifice durability. This balance ensures you can navigate through airports comfortably without worrying about exceeding baggage weight limits.

Material quality directly affects longevity and protection. High-quality hard exterior luggage are typically made from polycarbonate or ABS material, offering a blend of strength and lightness that keeps belongings secure.

Wheels determine maneuverability. Spinner luggage features four wheels that rotate 360 degrees, allowing easy movement in any direction. This feature is invaluable in crowded places, such as airport terminals.

Handles should be sturdy and comfortable. A retractable handle with multiple locking positions provides ease of use while ensuring it can withstand the weight of packed goods without breaking.

Locks enhance security during travels. Integrated TSA-approved locks on durable suitcase options offer peace of mind, knowing your belongings are safe yet accessible to airport security if necessary.

Interior design influences organization capabilities. Look for checked with practical interior features like divider panels, compression straps, and pockets. These help keep items organized and prevent them from shifting during transit.

Price reflects value but doesn’t necessarily denote quality. While high-end models boast numerous features and superior build quality, affordable reliable hard-bodied suitcase recommendations also exist without compromising much on performance or durability.

Color and style might seem superficial but have practical implications. A unique or brightly colored hardshell suitcase stands out on the baggage carousel, making it quicker to identify among a sea of similar bags.

Warranty offerings indicate the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s durability over time — a longer warranty may suggest better construction quality and customer service support for rugged hardshell luggage choices.

Selecting the perfect piece of hardside luggage involves weighing these factors against personal preferences and trip requirements to find an option that best facilitates stress-free travel experiences.

Key features to look for

Selecting the right hardside luggage can make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Every traveler wants luggage that combines durability with practical features, ensuring their belongings stay secure and organized throughout their journey.

  1. Spinner Wheels: Four multi-directional spinner wheels allow for smooth 360-degree movement over any surface. This makes navigating busy airports and narrow airplane aisles easier.
  2. Telescopic Handle: A sturdy telescopic handle is essential for maneuverability. Look for handles that lock into place at different heights to accommodate travelers of all sizes.
  3. Expandable Capacity: Expandable hardside luggage offers flexibility by providing extra space when needed. This feature is especially useful for bringing home souvenirs or when packing extra items.
  4. TSA-Approved Locks: Security is paramount in travel gear. TSA-approved locks ensure your belongings are safe while also allowing TSA agents to inspect your luggage without damaging the lock.
  5. Durable Material: Materials such as polycarbonate or ABS plastic offer a balance between lightness and strength, making them ideal for both carryon and checked luggage options. These materials are known for being crush-resistant, protecting your items from the rigors of travel.
  6. Interior Organization: Look for hardside luggage that features divided sections, compression straps, and multiple pockets. These organizational features help keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.
  7. Water Resistance: Luggage that offers some degree of water resistance protects your items from rain or spills, a valuable feature for international travel suitcase options where weather can be unpredictable.
  8. Warranty Coverage: A good warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s durability and quality—opt for luggage choices backed by solid warranty coverage to safeguard against defects or damages.

Now it’s time to explore specific product recommendations that embody these key features perfectly.

Best Overall Hardside Luggage

For the best overall options, consider Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage and Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage. Also, Coolife 3-Piece Lightweight Hardside Spinner Luggage and Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage are worth exploring for travelers seeking durable and versatile options.

Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage

The Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage is a top pick for frequent travelers. Its durable hardshell construction ensures protection, while the expandable design offers flexibility for packing essentials and souvenirs.

Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage
Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage
Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage
Our Score

Travel hassle-free with the Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage, a sleek 20-inch spinner designed to meet carry-on restrictions for domestic and international travel. Its expandable design offers up to 15% more packing capacity, while the scratch-resistant ABS hard shell ensures durability. With four spinner wheels and a telescoping handle, navigating through airports is effortless, while the optimized interior space keeps your belongings organized on the go.

Pros
  • Perfect Size: Meets carry-on restrictions, making it ideal for both domestic and international travel.
  • Expandable Design: Offers up to 15% more packing capacity, accommodating extra items when needed.
  • Durable Construction: Crafted from extra-thick ABS hard shell with a scratch-resistant finish, ensuring longevity and protection.
Cons
  • Limited Color Options: Available only in black, which may not suit everyone's style preferences.
  • Potential Weight: The extra-thick ABS shell may add some weight to the luggage, impacting overall weight allowance.
  • Interior Organization: While it features an interior organizer, some users may prefer additional pockets.

The spinner wheels provide smooth maneuverability through airports or hotel lobbies, and the telescoping handle makes it easy to navigate crowded spaces. With its crush-resistant exterior and spacious interior, this carry-on luggage is a reliable choice for international travel.

Constructed with high-quality materials, this hardside carry-on luggage checks all the boxes for durability and functionality. Its top lid opening allows for easy access to your belongings without having to dig through layers of clothing.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage

The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage is a top choice for travelers seeking durable and reliable. With its scratch-resistant micro-diamond polycarbonate construction, this suitcase offers exceptional protection for your belongings while traveling.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage
Our Score

The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage is designed for the modern traveler seeking durability, convenience, and style. With its 20-inch size, this spinner luggage maximizes packing capacity while meeting most carry-on size restrictions, making it ideal for domestic travel. Crafted from micro-diamond polycarbonate, it boasts exceptional scratch-resistance to keep it looking pristine trip after trip. The side-mounted TSA locks provide added security, while the four multi-directional oversized spinner wheels ensure effortless mobility.

Pros
  • Durability: Constructed from micro-diamond polycarbonate, this luggage is highly resistant to scratches,.
  • Security: The side-mounted TSA locks add an extra layer of security, deterring theft and providing peace of mind.
  • Maneuverability: Equipped with four multi-directional oversized spinner wheels, this luggage offers smooth and effortless mobility.
Cons
  • Size Restrictions: While designed to meet most carry-on size restrictions, travelers should still double-check airline regulations.
  • Weight: Despite being re-engineered for lightweight, the material and features of this luggage may still add significant weight.
  • Price: While Samsonite is renowned for quality, the Omni PC Hardside Luggage may be pricier.

Its expansion capability provides extra packing space when needed, making it perfect for longer trips or bringing back souvenirs. The spinner wheels ensure smooth maneuverability through crowded airports or busy streets, and the integrated TSA lock adds an extra layer of security for international travel.

This crush-resistant hardside carry-on boasts a full-zip interior divider and cross-straps to keep clothing neatly packed during transit. Its lightweight design makes it easy to lift into overhead compartments or onto luggage carousels without adding unnecessary bulk.

Overall, the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage combines durability, functionality, and style in one package – making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers looking for a dependable travel companion that can withstand the rigors of ever-changing travel scenarios.

Coolife 3-Piece Lightweight Hardside Spinner Luggage

Transitioning from the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage, a top choice for travelers seeking durability and functionality, we move to the Coolife 3-Piece Lightweight Hardside Spinner Luggage.

Coolife 3-Piece Lightweight Hardside Spinner Luggage
Coolife 3-Piece Lightweight Hardside Spinner Luggage
Coolife 3-Piece Lightweight Hardside Spinner Luggage
Our Score

Embark on your adventures with confidence with the Coolife 3-Piece Lightweight Hardside Spinner Luggage Set. Engineered with durable ABS material, this set offers robust protection for your belongings while remaining lightweight. The 360-degree spinner wheels ensure effortless maneuverability, allowing you to glide through crowded airports and bustling streets with ease. Its TSA-approved lock provides an additional layer of security, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey. With a telescopic handle for smooth handling and interior mesh pockets for efficient organization.

Pros
  • Exceptional Maneuverability: The 360-degree spinner wheels enable smooth and swift navigation through various terrains, making it ideal for busy airports and crowded streets.
  • Lightweight Durability: Constructed from ABS material, this luggage set offers exceptional durability while remaining lightweight.
  • Enhanced Security: The integrated TSA-approved lock provides added security, allowing you to travel with confidence knowing that your possessions are protected.
Cons
  • Limited Capacity: While perfect for shorter trips or weekend getaways, the set's compact size may not be sufficient for extended travel or packing bulkier items.
  • Potential Fragility: Despite its durable ABS construction, excessive rough handling or impact may result in damage to the luggage.
  • Minimal Exterior Pockets: The set lacks external pockets, limiting quick access to essential items during travel and requiring you to open the main compartment for retrieval.

This luggage set is designed with the modern traveler in mind, offering not only rugged construction but also enhanced maneuverability. Crafted from durable ABS material, these hardside suitcases provide crush-resistant protection for your belongings while navigating through bustling airports or enduring rough handling during travel.

The lightweight design makes it easy to lift into overhead compartments or maneuver through crowded terminals with ease. With its 360-degree spinner wheels and sturdy telescoping handles, this Coolife luggage set combines practicality and resilience for any journey.

Boasting expandable capacity and a sleek design, this hardside spinner luggage set caters to international travel needs as well as shorter trips. Its thoughtful interior organization features make packing and accessing essentials effortless, providing travelers with tailored options towards their specific traveling requirements.

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage is a durable and reliable choice for travelers. This spinner suitcase features a sturdy hardshell exterior that provides excellent protection for your belongings during travel.

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage
Our Score

The Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels in Brushed Anthracite is a sleek and durable carry-on option designed to meet the size restrictions of major airlines, including United, American, Delta, Southwest, and Allegiant. With its 20" spinner design, it offers ample packing space while remaining lightweight and easy to maneuver. The luggage features a side-mounted TSA lock for added security, ensuring your belongings are protected during travel. Backed by a 10-year limited warranty, this Samsonite luggage is built to last.

Pros
  • Convenient Size: Meets most major airlines' carry-on size restrictions, allowing travelers to pack efficiently.
  • Durable Construction: Constructed from hardside material, this luggage is built to withstand the rigors of travel.
  • Enhanced Mobility: Equipped with four multi-directional spinner wheels, this luggage offers effortless maneuverability.
Cons
  • Limited Capacity: While compact and lightweight, the 20" size may not provide enough space for longer trips.
  • Potential for Scratches: The brushed anthracite finish may show scratches or scuff marks more prominently compared to other luggage finishes.
  • Price: As a premium brand, Samsonite luggage tends to be priced higher compared to budget options.
 

The top lid opening allows for easy access to your items, while the expandable design gives you additional packing space when needed. With its smooth-rolling spinner wheels and lightweight construction, this hardside luggage is designed to make navigating through airports and hotels a breeze.

Looking ahead – Additional Tips for Choosing Hardside Luggage

Coolife Luggage Suitcase Carry-on Hardside Travel Luggage

The Coolife Luggage Suitcase is a top-quality carry-on hardside travel option. Constructed with durable ABS material, this suitcase can withstand the rigors of travel while remaining lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Coolife Luggage Suitcase Carry-on Hardside Travel Luggage
Coolife Luggage Suitcase Carry-on Hardside Travel Luggage
Coolife Luggage Suitcase Carry-on Hardside Travel Luggage
Our Score

The Coolife Luggage Suitcase is a reliable travel companion crafted from extra strong ABS material, available in small, medium, and large sizes to suit your needs. Its mounted TSA combination lock ensures security during airport checks, while the 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels offer effortless mobility. The push-button locking handle adjusts to multiple heights for comfortable rolling, and the interior features a skirted division with compression straps to keep your clothing neatly packed. Plus, it comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty for added peace of mind.

Pros
  • Durable Construction: Made from extra strong ABS material, this luggage is built to withstand the rigors of travel.
  • Secure TSA Lock: The mounted TSA combination lock provides added security, allowing you to travel with peace of mind.
  • Effortless Mobility: With 360-degree spinner wheels and an adjustable locking handle.
Cons
  • Limited Expandability: Only the 28-inch size is expandable, limiting the scalability options for travelers who require more packing space.
  • Potential Size Restrictions: The larger sizes may exceed carry-on size limits for some airlines, requiring them to be checked instead of carried on.
  • Lack Organizational Features: While the interior division and compression straps help keep clothing organized.
 

The four double spinner wheels ensure smooth mobility through airports and city streets, reducing the effort required to transport your belongings.

This hardside luggage features a fully lined interior with multiple pockets for organized packing, and the compression pad helps secure your items in place during transit. The TSA-approved combination lock provides added security for your peace of mind.

With its sleek design and scratch-resistant finish, the Coolife Luggage Suitcase is an excellent choice for travelers seeking reliable durability and style in their carry-on luggage options.

Additional Tips for Choosing Hardside Luggage

When choosing hardside luggage, prioritize durability to ensure it withstands the rigors of travel. Consider interior and organizational features for convenience during packing and unpacking.

Focus on lightweight and maneuverable options for ease of transport.

Prioritizing durability

When choosing hardside luggage, prioritize durability to ensure it can withstand the wear and tear of travel. Look for materials like polycarbonate or ABS, which offer excellent impact resistance and durability.

Reinforced corners and a sturdy frame enhance the overall robustness of the suitcase, making it suitable for frequent use. Opt for a reliable hardbodied suitcase that can handle rough handling during baggage check-ins and transfers without compromising its integrity.

Investing in durable hardside luggage options ensures that your belongings stay protected throughout your travels. Polycarbonate or ABS materials provide exceptional impact resistance while reinforced corners bolster the overall sturdiness of the suitcase.

Considering interior and organizational features

When selecting hardside luggage, consider the interior and organizational features to ensure efficient packing and easy access to your belongings. Look for compartments, pockets, and dividers that allow you to keep items organized and accessible. Opt for luggage with built-in garment sleeves or compression straps to secure clothing in place during travel. Choose a suitcase with multiple storage pockets for smaller items such as toiletries, electronics, or travel documents. Prioritize hardside luggage with an expandable feature to maximize packing space while keeping your belongings organized.

Focusing on lightweight and maneuverable options

When choosing hardside luggage, prioritize lightweight and maneuverable options. Opt for spinner luggage with 360-degree wheels for effortless navigation through busy airports and crowded streets.

Look for durable materials that don’t add unnecessary weight to your suitcase, making it easier to handle during travel.

Consider hardside carry-on options designed with expandable features, allowing you to maximize space while still maintaining ease of mobility. Seek out hardside suitcases equipped with telescoping handles and top lid openings for hassle-free access to your belongings.

By focusing on lightweight and maneuverable options when selecting hardside luggage, you can enhance your travel experience with practical and efficient choices that meet your needs.

Choosing a durable yet lightweight hardside suitcase is crucial in ensuring a seamless travel experience. With an emphasis on maneuverability, travelers can effortlessly navigate various travel scenarios without compromising on durability or quality.

Conclusion

Explore the top hardside luggage options for your travels, from expandable carry-ons to durable spinner sets. Prioritize durability and lightweight maneuverability when selecting your next hardshell suitcase.

Consider key features such as crush resistance, top lid openings, and interior organization to ensure a reliable travel companion that suits your needs perfectly.

FAQs

1. What are the advantages of hardside luggage for travelers?

Hardside luggage offers better protection for belongings and is more resistant to water and stains compared to softside luggage.

2. Are hardside suitcases lightweight for travel?

Yes, many hardside suitcases are designed with lightweight materials to make them easier to carry during travel.

3. Can I use a TSA-approved lock on hardside luggage?

Yes, you can use a TSA-approved lock on most hardside luggage for added security while traveling.

4. How do I clean hardside luggage?

To clean hardside luggage, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

5. Are there different sizes of hardside luggage available for travelers?

Yes, there are various sizes of hardside luggage available, including carry-on sizes as well as larger options suitable for extended trips.

Avatar photo

Rachel Buyan

Hey, I'm Rachel, your travel enthusiast with a soft spot for the perfect travel bag. I get it – a good bag isn't just about lugging stuff; it's about turning every trip into a story. That's why I've got you covered with travel companions that blend style and practicality. From bustling city streets to serene beaches, my bags are more than carriers; they're storytellers of your adventures. Let's make your journeys as memorable as the destinations with the right bag by your side!


More to Explore