Top Picks for Hardside Carry-On & Check-In Luggage That Are Both Durable and Stylish
Updated: Apr. 15, 2024
Whether you need a carry-on or a checked bag, these best hard shell luggage picks make flying a breeze.
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Much in the same way that some people prefer a window seat while some won’t fly unless they’re in the aisle, the question of hard shell luggage vs. soft shell versions is a very personal choice. Timm Fenton, designer of iconic luggage brand Ricardo Beverly Hills, says, “While soft construction allows some flex for additional packing space, hard side cases provide impact resistance, and molded shells tend to glide easier over uneven surfaces during handling.”
Soft-sided luggage usually has some sort of fabric exterior, sometimes making it lighter to carry around. For those who shop while traveling, it might mean adding a bit more clothing or souvenirs on the way home from a trip. Another reason some people prefer soft shell luggage is because it seems easier to store in overhead bins since it’s less rigid than hard shell luggage.
Hardside luggage generally features a less malleable exterior, so while you might not as easily overstuff the suitcase, it’s also less likely to tear while en route to a destination. It also tends to be more durable overall and lasts longer. Another perk: Most of the hard shell luggage we’ve seen often has a hidden zipper section that allows you to expand the size of the bag.
Look at our picks for the best hard shell luggage on the market below and the best luggage brands, underseat luggage, luggage sets and toiletry bags.
Best overall hard shell luggage
Royce and Rocket The Castle
Pros:
- Features patent-pending built-in shelves
- Three external color and two internal shade options
- Includes a hidden pocket, hanging pocket and mesh-zip compartment
- Free shipping, free returns and a 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- On the heavier side at 15.5 pounds
If you hate unpacking suitcases on trips as much as we do, this good-looking Royce and Rocket roller has the solution. The standout element of this smart bag includes patent-pending built-in shelving to live out of the luggage. The signature design element—the Castle Shelves—feature two fold-down, lightweight weight-bearing shelves built into the lid side of the bag.
When you’re ready to pack up again, unsnap the two straps and the shelves stow flat for maximum organization. This hard shell luggage consists of durable polycarbonate material and also includes a TSA-approved lock, 360-degree spinner wheels, a multi-stop telescopic handle and a compression system to pack even more.
Best budget hard side luggage
Rockland Melbourne Hardside Spinner
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Expandable
- Has multi-directional spinner wheels
- Made from a lightweight ABS material
Cons:
- No lock included
- Wheels may vary between black and silver
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get high quality when some cheap luggage pieces work just as well. This 20-inch Rockland spinner is sized to be a carry-on, is lightweight and has four multi-directional spinner wheels for the easiest level of maneuverability. Its acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic material makes it durable, and the ergonomic aluminum telescoping handle will have you whizzing through airport lines. And even with a very small footprint, reviewers report that this compact piece of hardside luggage has room for loads of clothing and accessories. Psst! While you’re at it, check out the Solgaard Carry-On Closet, too. Spoiler alert: we love it!
Best checked hard shell luggage
Béis The 26-Inch Check-In Roller
Pros:
- Built-in weight limit indicator
- Comes in nine colors
- Includes organizational pockets, including a built-in “dirt bag” for laundry
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- On the expensive side
- Some say the waterproof pouches are actually more water-resistant
Serious about taking a longer trip in the next few months? Then you’ll want serious luggage to keep up with you. Béis is one of the best new luggage brands on the market. This fashionable and functional checked bag has a stain-resistant polycarbonate exterior with a stylish gradient 3D stripe design. It comes packed with features every world traveler will appreciate, such as 360-degree wheels and TSA-approved locks, as well as some very special capabilities.
Never worry about getting charged for overweight baggage with this Béis bag: A built-in weight limit indicator lets you know when your bag is too heavy. An optional expansion section makes the bag bigger, holding up to 99 pounds. Just be sure to check airline regulations to avoid extra charges and luggage problems at TSA.
Best carry-on hard case luggage
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage
Pros:
- Only weighs 6.7 pounds
- Interior dividers help with organization
- Comes in 14 color options
- Great value
Cons:
- Reviewers report that this bag can scratch easily
There’s a reason that many people equate Samsonite with luggage. The brand ensures a reliable and reasonably priced option for quality cases that last. The Winfield 2 hard shell luggage meets the majority of domestic airlines’ carry-on restrictions. It also comes with cool updates, like the TSA-friendly locks on the side of the suitcase, so they’re easily accessible to you or a TSA agent (but less so to potential thieves). Most impressively, the case comes redesigned and re-engineered to make it more lightweight and easier to lift and stow in overhead bins. Over 16,100 five-star Amazon ratings confirm that this is some of the best carry-on luggage on Amazon.
Best splurge hard shell luggage
Roam The Large Carry-On
Pros:
- Completely customizable
- Lifetime warranty makes it a quality investment
- Built-in compression system lets you pack more
- 100-day free trial and free shipping
Cons:
- Water-resistant, not waterproof, zipper
If you feel limited by the sometimes meager color choices available in most luggage, check out Roam. From the front and back shell to the smallest details, like the zipper and binding, choose the colors that suit you best. Want an expandable suitcase? Just tick that box and it’s yours. In a world full of black suitcases, your bag can be one of a kind.
Ball-bearing spinner wheels make the Roam bag smooth to navigate anywhere, even through the busiest airports in the world. TSA-approved locks and the lightweight, durable American-made polycarbonate shell round out the features that make this our favorite splurge-worthy hard shell luggage option.
What to look for when buying hard shell luggage
When buying the best hard shell luggage, consider these different factors:
- Material: Hard shell luggage comes in polycarbonate, aluminum or ABS plastic. Polycarbonate is durable and lightweight while aluminum is strong but heavy. ABS plastic is the most affordable, but not the most durable.
- Size: Choose a size that fits your travel needs. Smaller luggage works best for shorter trips while larger luggage is necessary for longer excursions.
- Wheels: Four-wheeled spinner luggage maneuvers easier while two-wheeled luggage boasts more stability.
- Handles: The handles of the hard shell luggage must be strong and comfortable to grip. Look for luggage with telescopic handles that adjust to different heights.
- Locks: Having a lock on luggage can provide peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe. Look for suitcases with TSA-approved locks to ensure airport security can access your luggage if necessary.
- Brand reputation: Research and consider brands with a good reputation for quality and durability, like Béis or Away. You want luggage to last for many trips to come.
- Price: Hard shell luggage prices range from affordable to very expensive. Consider your budget, style and needs when choosing luggage at the price you can afford. Searching for the best luggage deals before buying can help save some extra money, as well.
Why you should trust us
As an award-winning freelance writer, I cover fashion, beauty, business, tech and more. I’ve also authored three books and co-founded a national nonprofit organization. For this article, I consulted Timm Fenton, the vice president of design and development at the luggage brand Ricardo Beverly Hills.
How we found the best hard shell luggage
Pulling from past Reader’s Digest reviews, I researched the best hard shell suitcases, ranging in size, style, price and more. Regarding luggage, our editors have personally tested all the top brands you’re likely familiar with, including Monos, Beis, Away, Roam and Briggs and Riley. They are always consulting with industry experts to learn about the best new bags that must be on our radar. Our team comprises travelers of all sorts: frequent fliers, weekend jet setters, road trippers, campers, glampers, parents and pet owners.
In addition to finding the best hard shell luggage, we’ve also sought out the best carry-ons, underseat bags, weekenders, luggage sets and affordable suitcases. We are always on the lookout for life-changing travel accessories like neck pillows, toiletry bags, packing cubes and luggage racks.
FAQs
Is hard shell luggage better for luggage?
Whether hard shell luggage or soft-sided luggage is better depends entirely on one’s preferences and needs when packing and traveling. Hard shell features durable construction and withstands impact better compared to soft-sided luggage. Additionally, it’s more water-resistant, making it ideal for rainy trips.
However, hard shell luggage is less flexible than soft-sided luggage, making it harder to store in overhead bins. It’s also heavier and has limited expansion capabilities in comparison—something important to consider when choosing based on how much you want to pack in the bag.
Does hard shell luggage crack?
Although generally durable and designed to withstand impact, hard shell luggage may crack if the quality, design and construction are lacking. Some materials, like ABS plastic, are more prone to cracking than others, like polycarbonate.
What holds more soft or hard luggage?
Soft-sided luggage provides more flexibility to squeeze extra into your suitcase, while hard shell suitcases by nature won’t budge. However, the beauty of hard luggage is its ability to protect your belongings, and you can always use packing cubes to compress and maximize your luggage space.
What is the best material for hard luggage?
Both polycarbonate and aluminum are common materials used in hard luggage because of their durability. Polycarbonate is lighter than aluminum, so it won’t contribute as much to your bag weight limit and will be easier to lug around the airport. However, aluminum will likely last longer, if you’re willing to go for a heavier and more expensive bag.
Originally Published: March 15, 2024
