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Whether going on a stress-free and safe road trip with children, or you are going somewhere else, having your things neatly packed is one of the keys to staying organised. The size of the luggage is of vital importance for sure, but what about the type of luggage? Have you ever considered which of the suitcases offered on the market will keep you better organised while providing your belongings the needed protection?! If not, now is the time to look at the differences between the two suitcase options on the market.
What Is a Hard Case Luggage?
Well, a hard case or hardside luggage is a hard-sided heavy-duty luggage with a sturdy exterior making it more rigid. Its purpose is to provide the best protection for your belongings no matter what, which makes it the first choice among those who plan on packing even the most fragile possessions in the suitcase. Even though it’s available only in a standard suitcase shape, people still prefer it over everything else.
Is Hardcase Luggage Good?
Certainly, because hardcase luggage is the safest and most secure option, designed to keep your possessions safe and sound – even the most fragile ones. Thanks to its tough exterior, a hard suitcase will keep your belongings safe from rain and snow, helping you get to your destination safe and sound. The greatest thing of all about these kinds of suitcases is that they are extremely easy to clean and maintain.
Even if they get in contact with mud, you can easily clean them even when still travelling. All it takes to get one clean is to wipe it with a wet wipe or a damp cloth. Simple as that! These types of suitcases can be made from a range of materials, out of which PC-polycarbonates, CURV and polypropylene are considered the most commonly used.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is considered the hardest type of plastic which has extremely high impact resistance. It’s rigid and flexible at the same time which means that it can cushion any impact. Suitcases made from this plastic are resistant to high temperatures as well.
CURV
This is considered a real masterpiece type of material because it’s woven from thin polycarbonate ribbon after which it’s fixed into a composite by applying pressure. A lot of manufacturers decide to use this material because it’s lightweight while being resistant to high impacts. This is one of the newest types of materials but because of its complex manufacturing process and higher price, it’s said that only one manufacturer, Samsonite, uses it for the production of hardcase suitcases.
Polypropylene
This is just another commonly used type of plastic used by many manufacturers. It’s lightweight, robust, resistant to breakage and extremely flexible thanks to its low density. While polycarbonate can withstand freezing temperatures, it seems that suitcases made from polypropylene cannot withstand temperatures below freezing point. In such cases, luggage made from polypropylene will be more prone to scratches and breakage.
What Is a Softcase Luggage?
As the name suggests, soft-sided suitcases are made from fabrics which makes them soft and flexible. They seem to be lighter in weight and allow to be pressed to fit more things on their inside. Unfortunately, suitcases made from fabric cannot offer the utmost protection like hard-sided models. Your possessions in one of these won’t be protected from any water and moisture exposure, or the sun for that matter. Given the fact that they are made from fabric, even if it’s the highest quality, this doesn’t make them resistant to rips and tears.
Polyester & Nylon
These are the two most commonly used materials for making soft-sided suitcases. They are synthetic man-made materials that are said to be resistant to wear and tear, however, this doesn’t mean that they cannot rip. They are also lower in weight which is their greater advantage over any other type of plastic-sided suitcase. However, their biggest disadvantage is that they aren’t weather-resistant.
Is Soft Side Suitcase Good?
Even though it won’t provide you with the needed protection, it’s still a good option but only if travelling with your vehicle because airports aren’t this type of suitcase’s best friends. Soft-side suitcases usually have front pockets that allow you to pack some extra thing or two. They also make it easier to find something because they are soft and easy on your hands, especially when looking for something in a hurry.
Which Is Better?
Those of you who want to entirely protect your personal belongings should probably invest in a suitcase made from tough plastic. By choosing a suitcase like this, you can have peace of mind that no water, rain, wind or any other element can damage your goods. Plus, cleaning a plastic-sided suitcase is always easier than cleaning one made from fabric.
Aside from being easier to clean, the plastic-sided ones are also more hygienic since nothing can enter on their inside which isn’t the case with the sift-sided ones. Being made from fabric means that when in contact with water and mud, the dirt can get easily to your personal belongings which isn’t hygienic and safe at all.
