Zipper vs Zipperless Luggage: Which is Better?

The right luggage can transform your travels, streamlining every trip you take - be it a short weekend journey or an international excursion. 

So much emphasis is placed on choosing between polypropylene vs polycarbonate luggage, or finding a Monos luggage dupe that matches your style preferences. It’s the little details that can make all the difference, though.

A perfect example of this is zipperless luggage, a modern take that will have you wondering why you ever put up with the hassle of zippers. No more fighting a caught zipper, or stressing about security. The design is cleaner and tends to be more durable, too.

But, zippered luggage still has its place. We’ll compare and contrast zipper vs zipperless luggage to help you determine which style best suits your travel preferences.

While most of our carry-on luggage and checked luggage is zipperless by design, we do have a zippered option as well. So no matter which side of this comparison resonates with you, splurge on the best hard shell luggage at Nobl Travel today!

Why Traditional Luggage Has Zippers

It’s probably not news to you that zippers have been commonplace in luggage for decades. They’re familiar, easy to manufacture, and work well for softshell or expandable suitcase designs.

The truth is, though, travel needs have evolved and security expectations have risen - so you’ll start to see fewer and fewer suitcase zippers in favor of a latch-style closure. 

Why Zippers Are Still Common Today

Don’t get us wrong, zippers have their place. First and foremost, they are super flexible - especially for softside luggage or cases that expand to fit extra items. They’re also cheap to produce, which keeps costs down for entry-level suitcases.

Travelers used to packing soft duffels or fabric rollaboards often gravitate toward zippers out of habit. They’re easy to open and close, lightweight, and generally intuitive to use.

But just because they’re familiar doesn’t mean they’re ideal. 

The Downsides of Zippered Luggage

The problem isn’t that zippers don’t work. It’s that they have a habit of not working when you need them most, and you’re left wondering how to fix a zipper on a suitcase. No thanks!

Teeth misalign. Sliders jam. And the “pen trick” (a known security flaw) leaves most zippered luggage vulnerable to forced entry even when locked. Zippers are notoriously prone to wear over time, especially when exposed to pressure or moisture.

It’s not uncommon for seams to split or for the zipper track to pull away from the shell entirely on cheaper bags. That kind of failure can immediately turn a smooth trip into a stressful one.

Zippers don’t exactly form the tightest of seals for the internal contents of your suitcase, either. Your stuff is somewhat exposed to the elements, even with overlapping fabric flaps or rubber coatings. All it takes is a crazy storm on the tarmac as your luggage is being loaded to potentially get your precious belongings wet. 

The Case for Zipperless Luggage

We believe this is one of the best luggage features in the world, though it may not be quite as exciting as water bottle holders or charging ports: the rise of zipperless luggage. 

More travelers are prioritizing security, structure, and longevity in their luggage choices - and zippers just don’t cut it any of these aspects. Zipperless, latch-style closures are a smarter, more resilient solution for all three.

How Do Suitcases Close Without Zippers?

Well, how do you actually shut your suitcase without zipping it shut? These types of luggage closures usually rely on integrated latches or frame-lock systems instead of a zipper track. They’re usually built into a reinforced frame for a tight, flush seal that locks shut effortlessly.

But there’s even more to love about this method. Most zipperless suitcases include TSA-approved locks so security personnel can inspect the contents without damaging the case.

Advantages of Zipperless Luggage

The benefits are easy to see once you experience them in action. There’s a tactile satisfaction in closing a case with solid latches. It feels precise, engineered, and intentional. 

But it’s not just about the feel. Function matters most, and zipperless luggage checks this box wonderfully. It tends to resist pressure better. It’s harder to break into. It holds its shape when packed tightly, stacked in a cargo hold, or tossed onto a baggage belt.

You can rest assured it’ll perform trip after trip with no zipper to split or snag. But let’s be honest, the aesthetic is part of the appeal as well. Zipperless cases tend to look more refined. They have sleek silhouettes, minimal seams, and uninterrupted surfaces.

It’s a subtle shift, that’s for sure. That said, it speaks to the kind of traveler who expects more from their gear. If that sounds like you, zipperless luggage may be exactly what you need. But, we’ll help you find out for sure with a more detailed zipper vs zipperless luggage comparison.

Zipper vs Zipperless Luggage: Which is Better, Zipper or Zipperless Luggage?

We want to make it clear that zippers aren’t inherently horrible. Rather, it’s the corners that brands cut in manufacturing their zippers that pose a problem - be it July vs Away luggage. Both closure types have their place; it just comes down to the quality of execution, not the mechanism alone. That said, we’ll take a closer look at how zipper vs zipper luggage stacks up against each other below. 

Security and Theft Protection

You shouldn’t have to stress about your stuff staying safe while in transit, but unfortunately, this is always lurking in the back of your mind when you check your suitcase or leave it in your hotel room.

This is where zipperless luggage has an edge, as most use integrated latches with TSA-approved locks, which are harder to tamper with than exposed zipper tracks. The “pen trick” doesn’t work here. There’s no fabric seam to puncture or split open.

But it’s important to note that not all zippered suitcases are going to leave you vulnerable to theft. It’s the cheap bags that rely on fragile, single-coil zippers that are prone to break-ins. Those should be avoided at all costs if you care about security and peace of mind. 

Ease of Use and Daily Convenience

Luggage should make your life easier, not overcomplicate it. Zippered luggage wins here as well, at least for most people. Unzipping a case is quick and familiar. This style can be easier to travel with when you’re moving through airports, hotels, or packed trains.

That’s not to say zipperless luggage is difficult to use. Not by a long shot. It’s just a different experience, and it could take a bit of getting used to at first. Latches feel more structured, sometimes requiring both hands or a firmer press.

It’s worth noting that many travelers prefer the clean, open-and-close motion once they familiarize themselves with the zipperless function. What’s great about Nobl Travel is you can try our zipperless design risk-free for 100 days!

Durability and Longevity

This is where there’s an obvious divide between zipper vs zipperless luggage. Zippers are often the first thing to fail in traditional luggage, especially budget-friendly models.

Teeth misalign over time, sliders warp, and seams loosen under pressure. But as we keep reiterating, quality matters. Premium zippers that have been properly installed and reinforced can withstand years of regular use.

Still, zipperless luggage tends to have stronger durability over time, especially when the latch closure method is built into a rigid polypropylene vs polycarbonate frame. There’s no external track to split or fray, and the closure mechanism is less susceptible to wear and tear.

Style and Aesthetic Appeal

There’s something undeniably sleek about zipperless luggage with seams or teeth disrupting the exterior. It’s a clean, minimalist, and more modern look that pairs well with luxury aesthetics. We especially love the style for aluminum luggage or matte polycarbonate.

That said, zippered bags have come a long way in design. Many today have invisible coil seams, structured shapes, and high-end finishes that can look just as polished. The key is choosing a brand that treats form with as much care as function, be it Away vs Beis or Nobl.

Weight and Portability

Zippered luggage is generally lighter because it doesn’t require the internal frame or locking mechanisms of zipperless models. This cuts weigh both in terms of structure and hardware. But we’re splitting hairs here, talking about what is likely less than a pound in difference. 

Sure, it can matter when it comes to maximizing every ounce of allotted weight in the luggage size for international travel. Ultimately, though, zipperless luggage can be just as lightweight - the difference is marginal.

For what it’s worth, the extra weight a zipperless suitcase might have is a direct trade-off in protection and form. It’s up to you to determine what matters most between zipper vs zipperless luggage!

Price and Value

Zippered luggage runs the full spectrum of budget-friendly all the way up to high-end. It’s more common and easier to mass-produce, which means more options at lower price points.

However, you get what you pay for. A $60 suitcase with a weak zipper might need replacing after one international trip. Zipperless luggage might cost you a bit more upfront, but that cost reflects better construction, upgraded materials, and longer-term performance.

Zipperless luggage is an investment for frequent flyers or anyone who values refinement in their gear. So, which is better - zipper or zipperless luggage? At this point it’s up to you to decide! But either way, Nobl Travel has you covered. 

Discover Firsthand Why Zipperless Luggage is Better at Nobl Travel!

Most of our luggage here at Nobl Travel is zipperless by design to solve the problems most travelers don’t realize they’ve accepted as normal.

From our all-in-one carry-on luggage to our collapsible checked luggage, everything we make starts with either an unbreakable polycarbonate shell reinforced with an aluminum frame or a full aluminum design. We take durability seriously and mean it when we say this is the last luggage you’ll ever need.

That same commitment to quality extends to all the other details in our luggage, including the dual TSA-approved latches, the custom SilentMove™ 360° spinner wheels that glide quietly and effortlessly over any surface, and the little things like the Y-Strap Compression System.

This is a travel upgrade built to last a lifetime, and engineered to look as good as it performs. We’re confident you’ll agree our luggage helps you move through the world with ease, security, and style - so shop our full selection today!

“Took the Nobl carry-on on my first trip to Puerto Rico and was amazed at the flexibility and convenience of this bag. Highly recommend it, y’all getting one. The travel life is easier with it vs WithOUT!” - Wilton

“I was honestly skeptical. It's so convenient, I feel like I'm travelling with no bag cause I just roll through the airport. I also don't feel stressed that I'm going to lose my things while I'm going through security. I truly was able to pack clothes, shoes, and meds for a week with a couple of back up outfits! It’s also light and easy. I’m so impressed!!! Game changer.” - Gabriela

“Light, durable and sleek!! This green is beautiful and I’ve already gotten compliments on it!” - Debra

Wrapping Up Our Comparison of Trunk vs Zipper Luggage vs Zipper

That does it for our comparison of zipper vs zipperless luggage. We hope you have a better understanding of which is better, zipper or zipperless luggage.

In closing, zipperless luggage tends to offer a cleaner design, stronger security, and a more refined travel experience - but zippers have their place when done right. That’s the problem, though, most brands cut corners on zippers and it shows.

Not us. Our high-quality zippered suitcases still hold their own. Whichever style you prefer, make your next trip smoother, quieter, and more elegant with Nobl Travel and see what the hype is all about!