when choosing the perfect bag for your travel experience. Hard shell suitcases often offer better protection, while soft shell luggage can give you a carry-on option for flexibility, easy access, and more space.
This guide details the many benefits of soft shell carry-on luggage and why you should use it for road trips, international travel, or even just a short holiday somewhere away from the city.
Why Travellers Still Love Soft Shell Carry-On Luggage
Soft shell carry-on luggage is popular even with the rise of hard shell luggage due to the following reasons:
- Flexibility in tight storage space: You can squeeze your soft shell carry-ons in overhead compartments or car boots.
- Exterior pockets: Soft shell carry-ons usually have external pockets for quick access. This is where you store travel documents, snacks, or chargers.
- Lightweight and durable materials: Many new soft luggage models are made of ballistic nylon or extra-strong fabric that resists crushing and absorbs impact during rough handling.
- More space for your stuff: A soft shell suitcase has expandable compartments that let you fit more belongings while keeping your style.
Soft suitcases are often easier to carry than hard shell bags, making them perfect for short or long travels.
All About Hard Shell Luggage
These are some of the reasons why some prefer bringing hardshell suitcases:
- Better protection: Hardside luggage protects your fragile items with its sturdy exteriors, giving you peace of mind.
- Scratch-resistant: Many models are made of sleek materials that resist scratches, especially during rough handling.
- Water resistance: Hard shell bags better protect your belongings from splashes and rainy climates.
Hard shell suitcases are durable but can be heavy and bulky, especially when travelling long distances.
Who Should Use Soft Suitcases?
Soft luggage is made for:
- Business travellers who need easy access to their laptops and travel documents.
- Parents and parental figures who need more space to store kids’ essentials.
- Frequent flyers who want a durable and light carry-on.
- Road trippers who want to fit their bags into tight spaces with ease.
Taking Care of Your Soft Shell Carry-On Luggage
Your soft shell carry-on luggage is made to be flexible and lightweight for every travel. Caring for your luggage can make it last for years while looking like you just bought it yesterday.
Follow these tips:
Keep It Clean After Every Trip
Dirt, dust, and spills can cling to your luggage while travelling. Regular cleaning removes these stains.
Wipe down the luggage with a damp cloth dipped in mild soap. Using a soft brush, remove dried mud from the seams. Some soft cases may have removable liners that you can wash.
Don’t Overpack
Soft shell carry-ons are flexible, but stuffing them beyond the limit damages the seams and zippers. Always follow your airline’s carry-on baggage limits and distribute your personal items evenly inside the bag. Use packing cubes to pack your clothes and essentials separately, so they don’t clunk your luggage.
Store Correctly Between Uses
How you store your luggage can affect its durability. Keep your soft shell carry-ons in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Store them upright in tight spaces so they stand naturally.
Maintain Zippers and Handles
Your luggage depends on handles and zippers to keep your belongings safe. That’s why you must occasionally lubricate them with a silicone spray and test the handles and wheels before your scheduled flight. Check the luggage for some loose stitching and repair it early.
Use Protective Accessories
Small extras can give you peace of mind. To protect your items from theft, use a lock approved by the Transport Security Administration and bright luggage tags. Add a rain cover if you’re travelling in wet weather to preserve your luggage’s materials.
Finding Your Perfect Bag
The best luggage is a product of your personal preference, needs, and travel style. Buy soft suitcases if you want easy access, flexibility, and lighter weight. Hard shell luggage is a better option for extra peace of mind when protecting fragile items.
The good thing is that new models of both hard and soft luggage are constantly improving. Features like two wheels or spinning ones and sleek designs are becoming more common.
When buying a soft shell carry-on luggage, you need to consider the features, brand, and budget. Set a budget for the bag you want and look for products you can afford with your money. When purchasing the luggage online, read all the reviews and product descriptions before checking out.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a soft shell suitcase is more than style—you’re choosing convenience and flexibility as you travel from one point to another. Soft shell suitcases are miles ahead when it comes to lightness and easy access features.
Whether you’re travelling out of the country or going to another city on a whim, soft shell carry-on luggage is your best travel companion. It caters to all of your needs.
