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Dennis Mbira

Hardside vs Softside Luggage: The Ultimate Comparison Guide

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When you are planning to travel whether locally or internationally, the first thing that comes in your mind is what luggage to carry. While your luggage choice may be a matter of your own personal taste, there are so many options to choose from which makes it quite hard to decide on one. And if you are reading this, you are probably confused about which type of luggage to go with between hardshell vs soft shell luggage. Well, the truth is that both luggage types offer a number of benefits for specific travel situations. This means that you should evaluate how you plan to pack your items, your travel destinations, and finally your probable accommodations for you to determine which luggage type to carry. So in this luggage guide, we are going to take a closer look at both options with reasons for choosing either of them.

Soft-sided luggage

This luggage option is ideal if you are planning to travel long-haul carrying non-breakable items especially clothes. This option comes with a robust interior that protects your items from impact. According to Consumer Reports, they are still the most preferred luggage option amongst many travelers. This is mainly because of their lightweight, accessibility, and ease of use. They feature many pockets that allow you to fit more items thus making travel a little easier. While soft-sided luggage may be the most preferred, their biggest downside according to users is durability and wear. However, with the increase in the number of luggage brands, nowadays you can find a soft-sided bag that can withstand your adventures.

The flexibility of soft-sided suitcases generally comes from the material they are made from. Most of the materials might be more familiar to you since they are also used for clothing and other items we use daily. Some of the most common materials are Polyester, nylon such as ballistic nylon or Cordura, canvas and leather.

When choosing between sift sided materials, always remember to check the denier rating. This often tells you about the durability of the material. Generally, the higher the denier rating, the stronger, heavier, thicker, and more durable the material will be. For the best experience, you should focus on getting a material with a denier rating ranging between 500 and 2000. Keep in mind that the higher the denier rating, the heavier the luggage will be.

Polyester

This is arguably the cheapest soft material option available in the market. This is why you will find most luggage with the lowest prices made using polyester fabric. However, the quality of polyester bags also does vary according to the thickness of the fiber. If you want luggage that you will use often, you should choose something at least 800D or above.

Nylon

Nylon is without a doubt the strongest material when comparing leather, polyester, canvas, and nylon itself. While it is quite expensive compared to polyester and canvas, it is still a lot pricier than leather. The following are the different types of nylon fabric options (ballistic nylon and Cordura nylon) and the differences between them.

Ballistic Nylon

Despite being made from nylon threads, the properties of ballistic nylon are quite different. The material is built from thicker and heavier threads and also woven differently. The material is mostly used in travel gears that need improved resistance. Compared to regular nylon or polyester, ballistic nylon has a rough feel and is a lot heavier. It is also easier to clean and so durable that it can resist abrasion and tear. The only major downside of ballistic nylon is that it is hard to dye which means quite a few color choices.

Cordura Nylon

Just like ballistic nylon, Cordura nylon is also known for its durability and resistance to tears, abrasions, and scuffs. However, unlike Cordura it does take dye easily which means more color choices. It also has a similar appearance to Canvas. The material is mostly used in high-end travel gear that needs improved durability and resistance to weather.

Canvas

Canvas is a woven fabric that is made from either cotton or hemp or a blend of the two. There are only two different types of canvas, plain and duck. The more commonly used canvas is the duck canvas and it is usually common in sneakers and tents. The main difference between the two options is that the duck canvas is tightly woven. Luggage made of canvas is usually waterproof. Although it’s rarely used in luggage, it is much stronger compared to regular polyester, although not as strong as nylon. This is because it is made from organic materials and not plastics. Due to its very natural looks, the canvas is mostly used in jackets, backpacks, and duffel bags.

Leather

While it is often hard to find leather luggage, it is still widely used in high-end handbags, backpacks, and duffel bags. The material is usually stronger, flexible, and more durable compared to polyester and most nylon bags. It is made by tanning animal rawhides. When buying leather luggage, try to go for high-quality leather, generally referred to as top grain leather or full-grain leather. In addition to lasting a lifetime, high-quality leather will also look great and age gracefully. Generally, the thicker the leather, the longer it will last. The main disadvantages of leather luggage are that they are usually heavier, expensive, and not as weather-resistant as other options.

Hard-sided luggage

If you are seeking a more protective luggage option or want to carry delicate items then hard-sided luggage is the way to go. Thanks to their robust construction, this luggage provides total protection for your possessions. In addition to being protective, they also have a modern and sleek look. However, on the downside they are rigid and lack room for expansion thus harder to squeeze in items. Hard-sided luggage are robust thanks to the various forms of hard shells they come in. They are made using heavy-duty materials such as ABS, polycarbonate, and Aluminum. ABS is the lightest of them all while Aluminum is the heaviest and also the strongest. Premium hard-sided luggage have a polycarbonate construction which is much more durable but not heavy.

ABS

This is an acronym for the word acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a thermoplastic material, often used in 3D printing and injection molding thanks to its low melting point. ABS is so far the cheapest hard material used in hard-sided luggage. This is why it is the most used material in the lower price range of hard-sided luggage. It is much lighter when compared to polycarbonate but not as durable. It is also not as resistant as polypropylene. However, it is strong enough to protect items inside your suitcase making it great in terms of functionality and price.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate is the best option most of the time since it is moderately priced and durable compared to the other materials. It is a compound of polymer (synthetic organic materials) and carbonate. This means that it has the properties of both of these materials. Thanks to its transparency, polycarbonate can be easily made into different patterns and colors. Polycarbonate material is popular in hard-sided luggage for two main reasons. It is extremely lightweight and also highly resistant to impact. This makes it ideal when you are looking for a luggage that is extremely resistant to very rough handling. However, all this comes at a cost. It is much heavier and more expensive when compared to ABS and polypropylene.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is the lightweight hard-sided luggage material when compared to polycarbonate and ABS. This makes it an ideal material for use in lightweight luggage range. It is also pretty durable than ABS, although not as durable as polycarbonate. However, it is priced similarly to ABS luggage which is kind of less expensive than Polycarbonate luggage. Polypropylene has a higher melting point meaning it can withstand very high temperatures. Therefore, it is the best option for the traveler who wants good protection in the lightweight form possible

Aluminum

While Aluminum suitcases have been around for a while, they are rarely used. This is mainly because they are heavier than plastics and costs more. This is why they have been completely replaced by other less expensive materials. The material is extremely durable, resilient, and shock-resistant thus doesn’t easily dent. It also has a unique look which is very easy to clean and spot on the luggage belt. All these features make it come with a very high price tag.

Pros and Cons of Soft-Sided and Hard Sided Luggage

Hardside Luggage Pros

  • Protection for Breakable Valuables
  • Aesthetics
  • Weather resistance
  • Easy to clean
  • Offers better security
  • More colors

Hard side Luggage Cons

  • Size Flexibility Is Limited
  • Damage Shows Up Easier

Soft side Luggage Pros

  • Wear and Tear May Not Be as Visible
  • Convenient Storage
  • More Flexible
  • Many pockets and Compartments
  • Bump and Scratch Proof
  • Flexible and Expandable
  • Has a wide opening
  • Can handle some hits
  • Lighter and convenient

Soft side Luggage Cons

  • No Water Resistance
  • Damage to breakable items might Be Harder to Avoid

So which type of suitcase would you use as your carry-on luggage?

Most users prefer using the soft-sided option for carry-on luggage. This is mainly because of the number of times that we often try and cram our luggage into the overhead compartment. Apart from this, the extra compartments, especially the exterior pockets, make it very easy to carry items for regular use while on road such as itineraries. For example, you may want to put your water can within easy reach.

So which type of suitcase would you use as your check-in luggage?

When it comes to checking in, the choice of luggage largely depends on the kind of trip you want to go on. If you are going on a long and single-destination trip, a hard-shell suitcase would be ideal. While on this type of journey, you won’t need extra space. The security that a hard sided luggage provides is also preferable for this type of journey.

Other factors to Consider before Buying Soft side or hard side Luggage

If you still find it hard to decide between soft-sided and hard-sided luggage, there are some additional factors that you can look through to help you out. Here are some things to consider before buying soft or hard shell luggage:

  • If you are Going Shopping – If you are planning to shop while traveling, you will find it quite difficult to fit in extra items into hard-sided luggage. Therefore, soft-sided luggage will be ideal since you can also fit them into small spaces like the overhead bins and luggage racks on buses.
  • Two Wheels vs. Four Wheels – Some people may prefer four-wheeled luggage over the two-wheeled ones. This is because they are a lot easier to handle in airports or train stations. While there are a few soft-sided luggage with four wheels, they are less common compared to hard-sided luggage.
  • Customizing for Convenience – Most hard-sided luggage comes with different colors and making them easier to spot. On the other hand, soft-sided options only come in a few variants. If you want luggage that will be more visible at the baggage claim, you may consider the hard shell suitcases with unique colors and patterns.
  • Accessibility – Accessibility is one of the major advantages of soft-sided luggage. They have several pockets on their front sides which makes them very convenient. When you are looking for luggage that will enable you to reach for things you re carrying then you should consider the soft-sided luggage.

Wrapping up on the Hardside vs Softside Luggage

Like all aspects of travel, your choice of luggage all comes down to your personal preferences and needs as well as taste. Just like when choosing your hotel room, you have to know exactly are your needs and what you are looking for. As you have seen, neither the soft side nor the hard side luggage option was the clear winner in every situation. It always comes down to your travel needs as well as what you value. The most important thing is that you buy a high-quality product from a reputable brand especially if you plan to travel frequently. The bottom line is, first write down your travel needs and then do some research before finally deciding to settle with one product.

Tips for buying soft-sided luggage

If you are the type of person who always finds that you have an extra item to fit in your bag or just want lightweight luggage, you may have definitely chosen a soft-sided luggage. So here are some of the tips to consider when you go out to look for the right fabric for your luggage:

  • Consider going with luggage made from nylon, regardless of whether it is ballistic nylon, Cordura, or just the regular nylon.
  • If you plan to use your luggage regularly, go with dark colored fabrics which don’t get stained with oil and dirt pretty fast.
  • If the luggage has no spinner wheels, the bottom part should be made from thick fabric that prevents wearing and scuff marks.

Tips for buying Hard Shell Luggage

You may want to buy hard-sided luggage if you are planning to carry breakable items. Unlike soft-sided luggage, it will offer you better security thanks to its hard covering and integrated locks. When choosing a hard-sided luggage material, here are the things to consider:

  • Go for the polycarbonate luggage since they are moderately priced and at the same time very durable.
  • Check the weight of the suitcase and also ensure that the dimensions are correct. Most dimensions exclude the wheels and handle that worth considering.
  • Ensure that the case has a scratch-resistant finish since most luggage end up getting scratched just after a few trips.
  • If you are buying an old model, consider those cases that have TSA-approved locks and come with expandable width.

What Luggage do Pilots and Flight Attendants Use

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If you are a little keen while traveling through airports, you might have noticed that pilots and flight attendants tend to carry luggage that’s different from yours. In most cases, they are large luggage that looks serious and more formal than the typical suitcase. These bags are usually over-engineered to withstand constant daily travel and ignore the attractive features like colorful plastic shells and USB charging that most people look out for in civilian bags. And this is because pilots and flight attendants travel more often – even more frequent than business fliers. So this also means that if you would like to buy the most durable luggage then you simply go for a “flight bag” as they call it. So have you ever considered buying the luggage type that flight crews use? Well, in this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about flight bags and the top 5 best suitcases among the flight crews.

What Type Of Luggage Do Pilots Use When Flying

Most pilots and flight attendants consider a 2 bag setup when traveling. The first bag is often a large wheeled suitcase for longer flights. This is where they carry their overnight items. The second luggage, the flight bag, is not often lager as it is designed to be taken inside the cabin and cockpit. This carries all the in-flight items such as documents and food. Flight bags come in a wide variety including backpacks and duffle bags. They also feature more compartments in order to fit all the items that pilots and flight attendants use regularly.

Where do pilots have their luggage during the flight?

Pilots take their luggage inside the cockpit and keep them behind their chairs. This helps them access their items easier whenever the need arises. For the flight attendants, there are crew rest areas as well as first and last overhead bins where they can store all their luggage. Some aircraft even have a special area specifically reserved for them.

What do pilots look for in luggage?

Just like any other people, all pilots have their own requirements and preferences when it comes to their choice of flight bags. These requirements are often different from those of the normal traveler’s luggage. But despite this, there are still a few features that still remain very important for all of them. For example, all pilots will go for durable and high-quality suitcases that can withstand regular air travel. So with that, here are some of the things pilots and flight attendants consider when choosing luggage:

Pilots Choose Durable Luggage

Durability is the first and most important feature that most pilots look for in a suitcase. Since their luggage is most likely to get used more often, between two to ten flights per day. In order to withstand this repeated use, their luggage has to be very sturdy and well-constructed. And if it is hard shell luggage, it has to be made from a flexible material that will withstand constant impacts while also protecting the stored items from damage. Since it is hard to determine whether luggage is durable enough by just looking at it, always look at the customer reviews.

Pilots Look for Compact Suitcases

Depending on the airline they work for, pilots and flight crew will often need to place their bags in the cockpit and cabin. Since these are usually very small areas with limited space, the luggage should also be compact. Compact luggage is also convenient for normal travelers since it becomes very easy to carry to your terminal. The most common size for pilots and flight crew carry-on luggage is 22” x 14” x 9”. For pilots, the size of the suitcases can even be much smaller.

Pilots Choose Suitcases with Wheels and Handles

Aside from durability and convenient size, pilots and flight attendants also look for convenience in a luggage. This is why you will find most of their luggage having wheels and telescoping handles. More often, they will walk miles between the terminals. In order to make it easier for them to transport their luggage to the next plane or their overnight accommodations, they need a suitcase that they can roll behind them. While most pilot and cabin crew luggage are equipped with two wheels, there are also those with four wheels. Just like all the other parts, the wheels are also made from durable plastic that can withstand repeated use. Another important feature that is worth looking out for is the telescoping handle.

Pilots Consider Luggage Size Restrictions for Flight Crews

Most airlines have set restrictions on the size and weight of the luggage that they allow their crew to carry. The restrictions are often different from those of the passengers. This is why you will realize most pilots and flight attendants prefer to carry smaller bags than the larger ones.

Pilots Consider What Items Will Need to Be Stored Inside their Luggage

When choosing luggage, most pilots and flight attendants will also consider the items that they will pack in the bag. Therefore, if you are thinking of getting a pilot or flight attendant luggage, it is best to consider the items that you will need to carry with you. But have you ever wondered what is usually inside a pilot’s flight bag?

What’s in a Pilot’s Flight Bag

  • Documents: Employers ID, passport, airport ID, pilots license, medical, and other documents
  • Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, shower gel, e.t.c.
  • Alcohol wipes: To disinfect and sterilize inside the cockpit before you start flying
  • Sunglasses
  • Torch: for your night walkarounds
  • Hi-viz: normally provided by the company
  • High-quality headset, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones
  • Spare batteries for your headset and flashlight
  • Chargers and Power bank
  • Food and Water
  • Extra clothes

Luggage Brands That Are Most Recommended by Pilots and Flight Attendants

There is a seemingly endless supply of pilot and flight attendants luggage brands and not all of them are created equal. With that, let’s look at the luggage brands that are most popular among the pilots and flight attendants.

Luggage Works

This is one brand that is coveted by pilots and pilots who don’t have any luggage as well as those who have already picked one up. I fact, it is the only rand that has positioned itself as the “makers of suitcases for pilots and crew”. Most of their models come with steel frames and are built to last a lifetime. Their warranty period is normally up to three years from the date of purchase. One thing that makes them particularly admirable is that they can even customize your luggage with the logo of the airline that you work for.

Briggs & Riley

Briggs and Riley is another company that makes admirable high-quality luggage. So far, it is the only brand that offers a lifetime guarantee for their products. Probably this is one of the reasons why they are very popular with pilots and flight attendants. With the lifetime repair, you could easily spot a pilot with only one luggage in his or her entire career. The only downside of this brand’s products is its price which is quite expensive compared to other luggage brands.

Strong Bags

Just as the name suggests, this brand is specifically made to be as strong as possible. However, from the reports that we have heard, the brand is not yet as durable as Luggage Works. Although when it comes to making luggage designed for the extra requirements of pilots and flight attendants, it is the main competitor of Luggage Works. But despite this, there are still many pilots and flight attendants who don’t like the fact that it is a Chinese brand.

Travelpro

This brand is very popular for its high-quality wheels and sturdy handles. The brand offers a wide range of mid-range luggage specially designed for the flight crew. One of their best line of products is the TravelPro FlightCrew5. However, this is not usually available through regular channels. Since it is intended just for pilots and flight attendants, you can only find it in specialist flight crew stores.

Costco

If you thought every pilot and flight attendant likes carrying an expensive carry on then you are very wrong. There are also those who prefer using the cheaper bags from the Costco brand. This brand offers a wide variety of products at different price points. One of the things that led to their popularity is their policy of replacing luggage from their buyers without any question.

Zero Halliburton

The luggage from this brand comes with cases made from premium anodized aluminum. This material is claimed to be as strong as steel but now without the added weight of steel. This is probably why the Zero Halliburton were the makers of those cases that were used to transport the rocks from the moon to the earth after the Apollo 11 landing. Although you may spot a few pilots and flight attendants with this brand, it is not very common.

Rimowa Luggage For Pilots

This is another go-to brand for those pilots and flight attendants looking for luggage with a strong case for extra protection. Rimowa’s suitcase are also super stylish compared to other brands.

Delsey

This brand has been making luggage for over seven decades which means you can trust it. For all those years, it has been consistently rated as one of the best travel luggage brands. Their luggage comes with a stylish and innovative design that relates to its Parisian roots. Their products come with 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, and even a lifetime warranty.

Samsonite

This is another popular brand for those pilots and flight attendants who want durability and reliability at reasonable prices. While all the other brands may offer better in terms of durability and warranty, they usually lack in most other aspects – and this is where Samsonite beats them. The brand offers a perfect blend of quality, design, features, and prices making it ideal for both business and leisure travel.

5 Luggage Commonly Used by Pilots and Flight Attendants

1.The best backpack for a pilot

Travelpro Crew Executive Choice 2 Check Point Friendly

Since pilots and flight attendants use their bags every day, there are those who consider a backpack to be more versatile than a normal flight bag. The best backpack for flight attendants and pilots is the Travelpro Crew Executive. This luggage is designed to enable you to go through the airport security check without removing your laptop or tablet. The material used is mostly ballistic nylon, which is very tough, with DuraGuard. This helps in resisting stains as well as abrasions. It includes a USB port for connecting your devices, a padded compartment for laptops and tablets, and an RFID blocking pocket for protecting your credit cards.

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2. The best small briefcase for a pilot

Samsonite Classic Business 3 Gusset Business Case, Black

Nowadays, more and more pilots and flight attendants are resolving to carry just a briefcase while traveling. The Samsonite Classic Business 3 Gusset is the perfect option for those who are looking for something compact but still large enough. It comes with lots of compartments for holding all your items and wrapped bale handles for improved comfort. It is made of durable ballistic nylon material and there is a padded laptop compartment. One of its best features is a handy pocket that slips over the handle of a carry-on suitcase. This makes it convenient to carry a total of two suitcases with only one hand.

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3. The best duffle bag for a pilot

Briggs & Riley Baseline Deluxe

There are different types of pilots and flight attendants with different needs. If you are a student pilot looking for a handheld everyday bag with a larger capacity, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Deluxe will appeal to you. It is also recommended for those pilots and flight attendants who want to have a well-organized and accessible bag. It comes with SpeedThru pocket for security checks and quick storage of items and Gusseted side zipper pockets for organization. There is a dual purpose slip-through pocket at the back that allows the bag to slide over the Outsider handle. There is a large U-shaped opening that allows you to easily access your items. In the interior, there are small pockets for carrying things like magazines, pens, and keys. On the exterior, there is a slip pocket and zipper water bottle pocket. The pocket on the opposite side is slightly larger and can fit magazines.

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4. The best pilot rolling briefcase for a Pilot

RIMOWA Lufthansa Bolero Multiwheel

Since rolling briefcases are great for regular travel or work, they are a perfect option for pilots and flight attendants. The RIMOWA Lufthansa Bolero Multiwheel is a well-designed rolling briefcase with a smooth double roller wheeling system. It is one briefcase that combines functionality and comfort. It is made of light polycarbonate that is durable with an almost indestructible design. Although it is a bit pricey, the robustness of this product promises that it will last forever. It has a well-designed interior that is large enough with detachable compartments. There is a separate pocket for storing your laptop.

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5. The best overnight carry-on bag for a Pilot

Luggage Works Pilot Stealth 22″

In addition to a flight bag, pilots and flight attendants also like to carry an additional wheeled carry on suitcase. These bags are also ideal when you are traveling for a short holiday getaway. The luggageworks stealth 22 is one of the best carry-on bags, particularly popular among pilots in the US. It is super rugged luggage that is perfect if you are after ultra-durable luggage. There are several pockets for fitting all your items and a hook for attaching an extra bag. It features a solid metal frame construction with a stainless steel retractable handle. The only downside of this bag is its weight which is a bit heavier than the average pilot luggage.

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Conclusion

As you can see, pilots and flight attendants also want their luggage to be small, durable, and convenient. But while they need to pack their belongings just like other passengers, they usually have less space for storing their luggage. These luggage also need to be durable enough to withstand frequent travel as well as durable plastic wheels and a telescoping handle for convenience. So if you travel regularly or you are particularly abusive to your luggage, the pilot and flight attendants luggage options could be ideal for you. But remember, the ideal flight bag is a matter of personal preference, thus, first think about what you need and then make your choice.