Choosing the perfect case for you – Softside or Hardside?

When planning a trip, one of the key decisions you'll make is choosing the right suitcase. Your choice between a softside and a hardside suitcase can significantly impact your travel experience. Each type of suitcase comes with its unique advantages and drawbacks, catering to different travel needs and preferences. Whether you're a frequent flyer, a casual traveller, or embarking on an adventurous journey, understanding the differences between softside and a hardside suitcases will help you make an informed decision. This detailed comparison will guide you through the essentials, helping you choose the perfect suitcase to enhance your travel adventures.

Softside suitcases offer a range of advantages and disadvantages that make them a versatile choice for travellers. One of their primary benefits is flexibility and expandability; they can easily fit into tight spaces such as overhead bins or crowded car trunks. Many also feature external pockets and expandable sections, making them perfect for last-minute packing or shopping sprees. These suitcases are generally lighter than their hardside counterparts, simplifying manoeuvrability and reducing the burden of carrying them. Additionally, softside suitcases often come with multiple compartments, allowing for better organization and quick access to travel essentials.

However, there are some trade-offs. Softside suitcases offer less protection for fragile items, as their flexible structure is more susceptible to cuts, rips, and abrasions. They also tend to be less water-resistant, which could be problematic in rainy conditions or with accidental spills. Security is another concern, as their fabric can be easier to breach compared to the more rigid structure of hardside suitcases. While softside suitcases are generally more resistant to cracks and dents and can handle rough handling better, the fabric can degrade or fade over time, especially with frequent use and exposure to harsh conditions.

Top picks of softside cases

Hardside suitcases are favoured by many travellers for their robust protection and sleek design. Their rigid structure provides superior protection for belongings, especially fragile items, making them a reliable choice for those carrying valuables. They are also more secure, as the hardside is more difficult to break into compared to fabric suitcases. The modern and often vibrant designs of hardside suitcases appeal to style-conscious travellers, and their surfaces are easy to clean and maintain.

However, these benefits come with certain trade-offs. Hardside suitcases are generally less flexible and cannot be compressed to fit into tight spaces, which can be a limitation for packing and storage. They tend to be heavier than softside options, although materials like polycarbonate have made them lighter in recent years. Additionally, hardside suitcases are more prone to cracking or denting under heavy pressure or rough handling, especially with lower-quality models. Another drawback is their limited expandability; they usually do not have the expandable sections found in softside suitcases, which restricts their capacity for additional items. Despite these disadvantages, the durability, security, and stylish appeal of hardside suitcases continue to make them a popular choice among travellers.

Top picks of hardside cases

When choosing between softside and hardside suitcases, consider your travel style, what you pack, and your personal preferences. Softside suitcases are ideal for those who need flexibility, extra pockets, and a lighter weight, making them perfect for road trips or casual travel. They offer practical benefits for organising clothing and accessories and can be more compressible for storage. On the other hand, hardside suitcases provide superior protection for fragile items, making them a great choice for frequent flyers and those needing durability and security. They often feature a sleek, modern design and are easier to clean. However, they can be more expensive. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your travel habits, storage needs, and budget. 

At CASE, you can find a wide range of both softside and hardside suitcases tailored to suit your journey and style. 

Explore our collection to find the perfect luggage for your adventures.