The suitcase is essential for all travelers. It is one of the first items to take on a trip. It allows you to store your personal belongings as well as beauty products. There are 3 main types of travel suitcases: the hard suitcase, the soft suitcase, and the hybrid suitcase. This article tells you everything you need to know about the hard suitcase: definition, features, best brands… Note that given the variety of brands and models available on the market, you may have difficulty choosing a quality hard suitcase. Continue reading this guide for simple and practical advice on choosing a quality suitcase suited to your tastes and convenience.
Why buy a hard suitcase?
You have finally decided to go on a business trip or a cruise. You don’t know whether it is better to choose a hard suitcase or not, especially since you have no idea about its main advantages which we will list without delay.
– Durability
One of the primary advantages of the hard suitcase is its durability. In the case of older designs, hard suitcases tended to break quickly. This is no longer the case. The new hard suitcases are made from ultra-strong material that is shock-resistant. This includes curv, polycarbonate, ABS, and polypropylene. Thus, by using a hard suitcase, you will be able to protect your fragile items such as iPads, computers, etc. Moreover, in case of rain, you can keep your belongings dry.
– Maintenance
Another advantage offered by the hard suitcase is that it is very easy to clean. So, if you want a suitcase that won’t waste your time cleaning, you are in the right place. Due to its design system, the hard suitcase will always stay clean since it does not absorb dirt or dust, unlike a soft fabric suitcase. The hard luggage suitcase only requires the use of a cloth for cleaning.
– Portability
Very easy to handle, the hard-shell or hard suitcase is certainly what you need for air travel. Hard-shell suitcases generally have 4 multidirectional wheels. The 360° wheels are ideal for offering perfect maneuverability.
– Security
The hard suitcase or hard-shell luggage offers perfect security. Equipped with integrated TSA locks, no one can open your luggage except you.
– Versatility
With a 50/50 divided opening, you can keep your belongings equally balanced to stabilize your luggage. Furthermore, the interior storage space here is considerable. In terms of color, you will generally find bright colors with nice graphics. The hard suitcase is also equipped with internal straps to stabilize its contents.
Characteristics of the hard suitcase
If you ever fear your luggage might suffer a particular shock, you will be happy to choose a hard suitcase. Because of its particularly rigid shell, the hard suitcase absorbs shocks. The main advantage of this travel luggage is therefore its solidity. The design is also one of the benefits of the hard suitcase.
Indeed, the hard suitcase is generally adorned with beautiful patterns and colors, from the most sober to the most extravagant. As we mentioned earlier, the hard-shell travel bag has sufficient storage capacity to organize all your beauty products, clothes, and travel souvenirs.
It does not have padding. However, avoid choosing the old hard suitcase which tends to break more quickly. Their particularity is that their shell bends easily. New models of hard suitcases are lightweight compared to older models which weigh more than 5 Kg empty.
The best hard suitcases
1- American Tourister Bon Air Hard Suitcase
This product is from the Bon Air collection of the famous brand American Tourister. Hard and ultra-resistant, this suitcase includes all the features you can expect from a suitcase and is made 100% from polypropylene. In terms of security, it comes with a TSA lock to keep your belongings intact until arrival.
The multidirectional wheels allow you to handle your trolley luggage with ease. This American Tourister hard suitcase is available in 3 sizes with a variety of bright colors that will give you a certain dynamism during your trip. The range also offers a cabin suitcase whose dimensions are allowed by various airlines such as Ryanair, Air France, Alistair airo…
Available on Amazon in limited stock, you can order it on Amazon at a reasonable price by entering the ASIN code: B07P7WFDW3 and choose between a cabin hard suitcase or a checked hard suitcase. Once the product is ordered on Amazon, you will benefit from free delivery.
2- Delsey Moncey Hard Suitcase
Do you want to choose a hard suitcase for a trip? You are certainly in the right place. The black hard suitcase from the Delsey Moncey range promises incredible surprises. Its dimensions available in Delsey hard cabin travel suitcases are acceptable on various airlines like Air France, Ryanair, etc. Thanks to this product with a volume of 136 liters, you have enough space to store all your travel accessories (clothes, beauty products…). The product has 4 multidirectional wheels to facilitate transport. The TSA lock is the closing method of this Delsey Moncey hard suitcase. Available in several sizes on Amazon, the product is offered at a price of 125 EUR. Order on Amazon and enjoy free delivery whether in black, pink, light blue, or red. Delivery is also free if you choose a hard suitcase for cabin or checked luggage.
3- Samsonite S’cure Spinner
Do you want to travel safely? The Samsonite S’cure Spinner collection will certainly please you. Combining security and robustness, this product is made from polypropylene. This Samsonite hard suitcase is equipped with an adjustable height strap. The product has 3 locking points with a sealing gasket as well as a TSA lock. The best thing about this suitcase is that it has a compartment specifically reserved for clothes. Offered on Amazon at a low price, the product is available in limited stock. You can order by entering the ASIN code: B00TSP4STM.
How to choose a hard suitcase
You already know which situation the hard-shell suitcase is suited for. However, it is better to choose it carefully for your comfort. So, here are the elements you should consider when buying a hard suitcase.
Duration of the trip
Choosing a hard suitcase well depends on the length of your trip. For a three-month trip, for example, you will need a more rigid suitcase. Suitcases for 3-day trips will not be as rigid as this one. Furthermore, if you opt for a hard cabin suitcase, know that its price will be included in your plane ticket as indicated by the rules of some airlines.
Size
Do you want to travel with carry-on luggage? You will definitely need a hard cabin suitcase. And to make the best choice, you must take into account the standards imposed by airlines. At Ryanair, the imposed dimension for a hard cabin suitcase is 55cm. For large-format hard suitcases, there are different sizes. To choose a suitable size, you will need to make travel wishlists to better prepare yourself.
Interior storage space
When buying a hard suitcase, you must consider the storage space. Some suitcases are expandable and offer the possibility to store a large number of items while maintaining a reasonable shape. The way the interior storage of your hard suitcase or hard-shell luggage is organized is also essential. It might be better to opt for a suitcase with internal straps that will keep objects firmly in place.
Two-wheel or four-wheel hard suitcase?
Four-wheel hard suitcases are the most common on the market. Very practical, this hard-shell suitcase is easy to maneuver. By opting for a 4-wheel trolley suitcase, the user will experience real comfort during transport. The wheels of such a suitcase are multidirectional and allow you to maneuver them at will. With a two-wheel hard trolley suitcase, however, you have more stability since the suitcase will stop moving when you stop steering it.
Empty weight
The empty weight of a suitcase is an essential factor to consider when choosing a hard suitcase. While some hard suitcases are heavy when empty, others are not. Note that several airlines like Ryanair, Air France… take this issue very seriously. However, materials like ABS and Curv are prized for their astonishing lightness.
Locking system
Because your hard suitcase will pass through many hands during the trip, it is important to consider the locking system when purchasing your future hard-shell luggage. Hard-shell suitcases equipped with a TSA protection system are the most appreciated by the majority.
It comes in the form of a padlock or a code lock integrated into the suitcase. It is the best way to secure your belongings and valuables. Zippers, on the other hand, must be chosen carefully. Otherwise, they will render all security measures ineffective.
Which material to choose for your hard suitcase?
When it comes to hard suitcases, the material of construction is of paramount importance. Indeed, it is the material that determines the level of rigidity of your luggage or travel bag. It goes without saying that curv is one of the references in the field. The material allows manufacturing hard suitcases combining resistance and lightness. This material is the bestseller of the Samsonite brand, you will see. If you opt for polycarbonate, you will have to settle for an aesthetic hard suitcase offering a finish with granules. Polypropylene and ABS are less rigid materials compared to those previously mentioned.
Design
Buying the best hard suitcase takes into account its physical appearance. In terms of design, everyone will find something to their liking. Black, pink, white, red, yellow… the colors of the hard suitcase come in endless varieties.
Price
If you have to spend about 60 EUR for a small suitcase, plan to spend more money for a well-known brand suitcase. The best hard suitcases we mentioned above come from the brands American Tourister, Samsonite, and Delsey. These suitcases are offered at a minimum price of 100 EUR.
You will have understood, to have a quality hard suitcase, you have to open your wallet. If you are a regular traveler, the hard suitcase is what you need. The price is certainly high, but investing in such a travel device is worth it. Ultra-resistant to all trials compared to fabric suitcases, the hard suitcase is also waterproof and will allow you to keep your belongings intact until your arrival.
Hard suitcase brands
As we said earlier, the hard suitcase is ultra-resistant. Regarding its manufacture, several brands stand out. Samsonite is renewing itself with its innovative Curv technology which is one of the best materials for making hard trolley suitcases. In addition to Samsonite, you will find the following brands on the market: David Jones, American Tourister, Delsey, etc. The price of your hard suitcase varies according to the chosen brand.
