We've chosen the best hard cases for you to bring on your upcoming international travel.
Hard Shell Suitcase
— Karipson Jack (@karipsonjake11) January 25, 2023
The best hard shell suitcase has a hard exterior, usually made out of polycarbonate. They have several advantages over soft suitcases, including...https://t.co/kwItNVGtov pic.twitter.com/3zXGNsPMYZ
When buying a suitcase, hard shell designs that are sleek, light, and fast are quickly taking over. The most recent polycarbonate or comparable materials, often recycled, are used in the types currently available on the market to make a robust, durable, yet lightweight exterior, making them easy to lift and move. These shells are increasingly becoming more fashionable because trendy color combinations are noticeable on the luggage carousel.
Why go for a hard-shell suitcase?
We like utilizing a hard shell bag for our check-in luggage, as we advise in our travel guide. This luggage tends to cost more, but they are made to be tougher, provide more protection, and require less cleaning than soft fabric models. Whereas we like soft models with outside pockets for carry-on bags.
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— Peter Jones (@pubrooms) February 4, 2019
What qualities should a hard-shell suitcase have?
The following characteristics are standard on all of the luggage on this list:
- 360-degree spinning wheels
- Zip expander
- locks with TSA approval
Antler's Stamford size
The large case from Antler's well-liked Stamford line can house the company's medium and cabin bags, making purchasing the set an excellent choice if you require different sizes. The case has premium 360-degree spinner wheels and is built of strong polycarbonate, much like the rest of the Stamford line. The wide size provides enough space, but if you need more, the expanding zip provides an additional 5 centimeters. On one side of the inside, there are three zip-up pockets, and on the opposite, there is a detachable divider that rests beneath the compression straps.
Pros: the price and that the packing divider can be taken out.
Cons: prone to scratches and scuffs
Size: 81.5 cm by 54 cm by 34.5 cm
Weight: 5.1 kg
10 years of warranty
Stamford large
The Grand Aviator of Paravel
The appearance of Paravel's Aviator luggage line alone makes it stand out from the competition. It features a textured shell that comes in five different hues with contrasting leather trim and the opportunity to personalize the finish with a monogram. This bag is the first carbon-neutral luggage in the world, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. The majority of the components, including the lightweight polycarbonate, the handles made of aluminum, the zippers, and even the vegan leather, are recycled, and the company offsets all carbon emissions associated with making and shipping the Aviator Grand to you as well as the anticipated emissions associated with your use of it for the first time.
The benefits include being carbon-free, having a compressed interior, and being scratch-resistant.
There are no drawbacks that we can see.
Dimensions: 46.3 x 27.3 x 71.7 cm
Size: 4.6 kg
10 restricted warranty
Aviator Grande
Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Extendable
Travelpro Maxlite's case is a terrific deal because it has all the standard features (TSA-approved lock, 360-degree spinning wheels), plus a few additional stunning bells and whistles. One ingenious feature is the impact-absorbing surface on the polycarbonate hard shell, which is effectively a 3D-stripe pattern and is intended to help lessen scuffs and scratches. We adore the inside lining's use of 100 percent recycled plastic bottles as well.
Pros: Both sides can be fully zippered up
Cons: There are no compression straps, and the handle can be fickle.
Size: 77.4 cm, 49.5 cm, and 30.4 cm
Size: 4.5 kilogram
Warranty: Limited warranty for life
Travelpro maxlite air hard side expandable
Away's the large flex suitcase.
The stylish carry-on case from hipster brand Away is undoubtedly its best-known product, but its spacious suitcase is as stunning. When one of our authors changed nations, she utilized this bag and enjoyed the leather luggage tag, detachable internal lining, and built-in compression pad. Another innovative design element to note is the inclusion of a handle beneath for easier lifting, as well as the expanding zip that provides an additional 4.45cm of room.
Benefits include a variety of color choices, a wash bag, and a leather baggage tag.
Cons: Colors tend to sell out fast and are prone to scuffing.
Dimensions: 73.7 cm x 52.1 cm x 31.8 cm
Size: 5.6 kg
Warranty: limited warranty for life
The substantial flex bag
The medium expanding spinner by Briggs & Riley
This Briggs & Riley has three jewel-tone colors to select from, and it looks wonderful from the outside. It's much great on the inside, especially if you want to be organized with a lot of pockets. Three mesh zip-up pockets, one big and two little are located on one side. Very ingenious adjustable garment compression panels are on the other. They open out into two flaps instead of the typical zip type and are quickly fastened together with two buckles, making it simpler to fit more while yet keeping everything neatly fastened in place.
Advantages: secure compression panels; unlikely to scratch
Cons: It's a little heavy.
Size: 68.5 cm x 47 cm x 29 cm
Size: 5.5 kilogram
Lifetime guarantee on the warranty
Medium Expandable spinner
Check-In at Rimowa's M
Some of the sleekest suitcases on the market are made by the German designer luggage company Rimowa, which is a member of the LVMH group. The check-in medium case is built of a lightweight polycarbonate shell and is available in four distinct glossy hues and one matte, however, they are arguably best known for their aluminum cases. Not all travelers will be able to afford the exorbitant price, but if you're a regular traveler seeking the finest in form and function, this is an investment worth making.
Benefits: lightweight and unlikely to scuff
Negative: the cost
Size: 67 cm by 45.2 cm by 24.1 cm
Size: 4 kilogram
Lifetime guarantee on the warranty
M Check-In
Brics Bellagio's four-wheeled suitcase
The Bellagio line of luggage from Brics would be our choice if we were to choose our favorite in terms of appearance. The traditional cream casing with tan leather accents—even the larger spinning wheels are tan—is the pinnacle of Italian elegance. Although the case has a classic appearance, it has several contemporary features, like an adjustable handle and a water-resistant zip with a TSA-approved lock.
Pros: classic style, three-position adjustable handle
Cons: There are no compression straps, and the leather trim takes additional upkeep to clean.
Size: 76 cm x 53 cm x 29 cm
Size: 4.6 kg
Four-wheeled Bellagio suitcase
With its 26" check-in roller, Beis Travel
With its 26" check-in roller, Beis Travel combined its svelte, simple design with lots of storage capacity. The case includes a handy weight restriction indication to make sure you don't overpack and an extensible zip provides 5 centimeters of extra space. Just raise the case to use it; if the indication adjacent to the handle turns red, the case is too heavy. The case contains a ton of zip-up pockets, sections, compression straps, and a "dirt bag" -a designated built-in laundry bag inside.
Pros: It has a weight limit indicator and a unique pocket design on the inside.
No drawbacks that we can see
71.1 x 40.6 x 27.9 centimeters
Size: 5.4 kg
Warranty: Limited warranty for life
The 26-inch check-in roller
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