Which suitcase: hard shell or fabric?

Disadvantages of a hard shell suitcase:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

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• \nFlexibility:<\/strong> The rigid shell makes the suitcase less adaptable, so it cannot stretch or compress.\u00a0<\/li>\n
• \nWeight:<\/strong> Depending on the material, a hard shell suitcase can be heavier than a soft shell suitcase.<\/li>\n
• \nStorage space:<\/strong> Hard shell suitcases do not have external pockets or flexible additional compartments for quick access to your travel documents or smaller items.<\/li>\n
• \nRisk of cracking or breaking:<\/strong> Under heavy loads, the hard shell can crack or break.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  How much does a hard shell suitcase weigh?<\/h3>\n

  
  The weight of a hard shell suitcase <\/strong>depends on the size, material, and brand. Here are rough guidelines:
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  • \nCabin suitcase (hand luggage, approx. 55 cm height):<\/strong> 2.0-3.5 kg<\/li>\n
  • \nMedium suitcase (approx. 56-69 cm height):<\/strong> 3.5-5.5 kg<\/li>\n
  • \nLarge suitcase (approx. 70-79 cm height):<\/strong> 4.5-6.5 kg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Materials and weight:<\/p>\n

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    • \nPolycarbonate (PC):<\/strong> Lightweight (often between 2-4 kg for hand luggage)<\/li>\n
    • \nABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene):<\/strong> Between 2.7 and 3 kg<\/li>\n
    • \nAluminum:<\/strong> Very robust, but often heavier (up to 6-7 kg)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      What is a soft shell suitcase?<\/h2>\n

      
      Soft shell suitcases are made of fabric materials <\/strong>such as nylon or polyester. They offer high flexibility and are often equipped with additional external pockets.<\/p>\n

      
      Advantages of a soft shell suitcase:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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      • \nFlexibility:<\/strong> Do you maybe want to pack an extra T-shirt after all? The material is stretchable, so you can still pack one or two last-minute items and overload your suitcase a bit.<\/li>
      • Weight: Generally, soft suitcases are lighter than hard shell models. This is especially practical for carry-on trolleys that you need to store in the overhead compartment of the aircraft.
      • Outer pocket: Additional compartments allow you quick access to important documents or small items - especially a bonus in stressful situations!

      Disadvantages of a soft-shell suitcase:

      • Protection: Compared to hard-shell suitcases, the fabric material is less resistant to impacts and pressure. You need to pack sensitive items more carefully in a soft luggage piece.
      • Water sensitivity: Not all soft luggage suitcases are water-repellent, which means that the luggage can get wet in heavy rain.
      • Soiling: Fabric can get dirty more quickly and absorb stains, making regular cleaning necessary.
      • Zippers: Since soft-shell suitcases are often secured only with zippers, they potentially offer lower theft security.

      Which is better – hard-shell suitcase or fabric suitcase?

      
      When deciding between a hard-shell suitcase and a soft-shell suitcase, your individual travel habits play a significant role:

      • For frequent flyers and business travelers: A robust hard-shell suitcase, e.g., from brands like Samsonite, offers optimal protection and often looks more elegant.
      • For families and frequent travelers: A soft-shell suitcase with outer pockets and flexible storage can be more practical in some situations.
      • For city trips and short trips: A lightweight soft luggage trolley offers more flexibility when packing.
      • For long-distance travel and fragile items: A hard-shell suitcase provides maximum protection during transport.

      Conclusion: Both types of suitcases have advantages and disadvantages; ultimately, the choice of suitcase should be tailored to your personal travel needs. You can also combine the two types of suitcases as you wish – this way, you are optimally prepared for every trip!