With so many luggage options available, it can be hard to determine what items to choose. One of the major factors is the choice between a hard or soft suitcase. Here are some things to consider when making the decision.
Mobility
Most hard-sided cases come with wheels on each corner so they can spin and glide with ease through crowded airport environments. Large cases can come equipped with 4 inch caster wheels for smooth rolling and stability, even when the bag is packed full.
Cleanliness
Soft-sided cases can absorb liquid, which means there’s a chance they can develop smells, mold and mildew over time. Suitcases with hard sides can get scuff marks easily, but they can also be washed off or buffed out.
Flexibility
The soft nature of fabric offers more flexibility and gives a bit when you want to add more items. Hard-sided cases used to crack often, but polycarbonate technology has removed that possibility because it absorbs impacts well.
Durability
If you travel often, a hard case can handle the weather, tight packing and wear-and-tear better than its fabric counterparts. Because fabric absorbs moisture, germs and dirt, it can deteriorate much more quickly than a hard-sided piece of luggage.
Accessibility
Fabric bags have pockets or zippers that allow you to access the contents of your bag more easily than a hard suitcase. A hard bag must be completely opened to get anything from inside of it. If you know you have a habit of keeping things handy, like parents who need diapers or toys quickly, then a soft-sided bag with pockets may be the best choice.
There are many pros and cons to choosing a piece of luggage so it may be easiest to make a list of must-haves for your next purchase. Think about the above areas and decide what is most important to you so you end up happy with your new suitcase.
