slo’s MONDAY 2/24 poll - Soft vs Hard Side Luggage

[loves to dive]

We have both, I tend to use the hard side if I'm driving somewhere. Hubby likes the soft side but if I'm packing for him, we just choose whatever fits what he needs. Back when we went diving internationally a lot, we used soft sided because scuba gear is big and bulky and weighs a lot. We did put the delicate things like regulators, computers, cameras, etc. in a carry on hard side.

 

[CynBeth]

We have both types but I tend to use the hard one.

 

[amcnj]

We have had both over the years. Currently most is soft, especially the larger bags. But there are still some hard sided around should the need arise.

A couple of months back I checked a soft suitcase and a hard carry-on. The suitcase was basically just clothing so nothing in there needed any special protection.

 

[leebee]

Soft-sided only. We have a set of purple, a set of turquoise, and a set of green (meaning a bigger suitcase and a carryon). I also have a couple of Vera Bradley weekender duffles, which are soft/quilted. I splurged last summer and bought myself a Disney carry-on from the gift shop at the Poly!

 

[AppleDumpling]

I prefer soft-side for many of the reasons already stated. More flexibility in packing, takes up less space in hotel room and in storage, lighter weight, outside pockets, etc. I’ve never had hard side, although I’ve considered it and ultimately decided that soft side is better suited to my needs. That said, I rarely check baggage anymore when flying. I’m an organized packer, and can easily fit what I need for a 7-10 day trip in my carry-on spinner, with some extra accessories in my hand-held personal bag (small backpack).

FWIW, most pilots and flight attendants use soft-side, and if you want to invest in a more durable piece, might consider one of the high quality brands that are popular with flight crews.

 

[EACarlson]

I'm hard side only now. Was soft side until my honeymoon trip to WDW 15 years ago and one of my souvenir shirts was ruined when the the bag got ripped. Bought a set of hard side and had no issues until last year when the handle got a little bent and takes more force to open and close than I want. Will probably buy another hard side of that size at some point. Right now I'm getting by with my 24" and 26" hard side.

 

[pezheadmeg]

At this point I stick with soft side. All 3 of my checked hard side suitcases ended up cracked after a few trips. The €35 suitcase I bought in Barcelona after a duffel bag zipper broke was the only one that is still somewhat useable. The hardside carry-on holds about half of what a weekender duffle does.

When I made the call to buy good luggage, my TravelPro seems to survive anything so far. The Barcelona suitcase and it’s duct taped corners are for trips where I need cheap decoy luggage.

 

[georgina]

My Costco Ricardo hard side luggage has held up very well over many years. I have both a carry-on and medium size checked bag, we also have 2 bigger bags DH sometimes uses for his scuba equipment.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

You can find vintage train cases on eBay.

That is true... but being vintage, I kind of worry about the smell inside and I don't want to spend as much as a lot of places like eBay and Mercari they are going for.

 

[Turn the Page]

We currently have both. I have had the same soft sided set for years and years and wanted to upgrade it but couldn't bring myself to spend the money on new luggage when the old stuff was perfectly serviceable.

Then last fall DH and I went on our annual adult trip and the airline absolutely shredded our large suitcase. We managed to get back home using it but it immediately went in the trash. It was beyond repair.

Away travel had a bit of a Black Friday sale so I bought two new hard sided suitcases and haven't had the pleasure of using them yet but they seem pretty good.

ETA: I bought a carry on size and a medium checked bag size. I didn't want the large checked bag because I have a tendency to get the large ones over the weight limit.