It’s also rigid, so you can’t squeeze in extras if the need arises. That said, hard-shell luggage scuffs and scratches easily. Hard-shell luggage also stacks easily, making it ideal for cruise ships, where bags are stacked in the belly of the ship before departure.
For a carry-on, as long as you buy the right size, you’re guaranteed a no-bulge fit in your airline’s luggage sizer. If you tend to overpack, a hard-shell piece will either rein you in or frustrate you: There’s no chance of overstuffing it. It often has metal drawbolt latches instead of zippers. It could offer better security than soft-sided baggage because it can’t be ripped open as easily and usually has integrated locks.Īluminum luggage can be even more secure. You may want to buy hard-shell luggage if you’ll be packing breakable items. Most hard-shells are built this way, but there are some on the market that have a lid opening. But the clamshell design requires double the surface space to spread it open. Hard-shell luggage often features a 50/50-split opening, allowing you to pack two sides equally and stabilize the contents with an interior strap or a middle divider. The most durable, but also the heaviest, is aluminum. ABS is the lightest, but polycarbonate is more durable.
Today’s hard-shell luggage is made with high-tech plastics such as ABS and polycarbonate, which are lightweight and durable.
