Polypropylene vs Polycarbonate Luggage: Which is Better

Choosing to upgrade to hard shell luggage is an excellent choice. You’ll be able to travel with peace of mind knowing your valuables are safe, and your suitcase itself isn’t going to get busted open from rough TSA handling.

But not all hard-shell materials are made equal. Today, we’ll compare and contrast the two most common on the market: polypropylene vs polycarbonate luggage. While they each have their pros and cons, only one is right for you.

Polycarbonate is just about as strong as it gets - it’s the same material used to create bulletproof glass, after all! Polypropylene is still pretty strong, but it’s considered more lightweight and flexible. 

So which is better, polypropylene or polycarbonate luggage? It comes down to your preferences between durability and portability. Technically speaking, though, you can have the best of both worlds with our carry-on luggage and checked luggage at Nobl Travel. Learn more below!

Why Luggage Materials Matter

Don’t make the mistake of assuming all hard-shell luggage materials are the same. Yes, you’re making a better choice than going with soft-shell luggage, but you still need to do your due diligence into the different options available.

We see so many people opt for cheaper suitcases only to end up frustrated, wishing they’d gone with something more robust when they’re left with cracked plastic, broken zippers, split seams, or a crushed shell at baggage claim.

Damaged luggage can ruin your trip before it even has a chance to kick off. It’s worth taking the time to weigh your options, because although polypropylene and polycarbonate are both more durable than low-end ABS plastic or fabric luggage, they’re quite different.

It’s hard to say one is necessary “better” than the other, as it really comes down to your preferences between portability/lightweightness and durability/protection. So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of polycarbonate vs polypropylene luggage below.

What is Polypropylene Luggage?

Polypropylene, or PP for short, is a lightweight, flexible, and durable thermoplastic polymer. In fact, it’s the lightest of all hard-shell luggage materials which is why it’s so popular. It makes lugging your suitcase across terminals or through city streets much less taxing.

PP luggage is also somewhat flexible, meaning it can withstand a strong impact without cracking. Here are all the benefits this type of luggage has to offer:

Pros

• Perfect for travelers who want to minimize baggage weight.
• Can handle pressure without breaking.
• Resistant to moisture, chemicals, and UV exposure. 
• More affordable than polycarbonate.

Cons

• Durability is a concern. It’s more prone to dents and warping with frequent use.
• It feels less premium since the lighter weight has a flimsy nature.

What is Polycarbonate Luggage?

On the other end of the polypropylene vs polycarbonate luggage conversation, this material (known as PC for short) is the gold standard for strength and durability. 

It’s also a high performance thermoplastic like PP, but it has much higher impact resistance. That’s why it’s not just used for luggage but also in aerospace and security applications, like bulletproofing glass or vests.

Make no mistake, though, it’s still a practical choice for luggage since it’s fairly lightweight relative to its strength. The premium look and feel has a more luxurious element, too. 

Pros

• Resilient enough to handle rough airport handling without cracking.
• Holds its shape better over time, even with regular wear and tear.
• A sleek, high-end appearance commonly called upon for luxury designs.

Cons

• Still lightweight but slightly heavier than polypropylene.
• The glossy finish can be scratched more easily.
• It’s more expensive upfront, although it does save you money in the long run.

Polycarbonate vs Polypropylene Luggage: Key Differences to Consider

So, which is better, polypropylene or polycarbonate luggage? Follow along if you’re still on the fence. We’ll compare and contrast the two side by side below to leave you with a clear understanding of which best suits your preferences.

Weight and Portability

Travel days can be exhausting enough as it is without having to carry around more weight than necessary. Even with smooth gliding wheels on your suitcase you’ll have to lift it over curbs, place it above your head in carry-on compartments, and push it from terminal to terminal.

This is what draws many to polypropylene, as it’s really lightweight considering how strong it is. In fact, it’s the lightest of all hard-shell options. Although polycarbonate is still relatively lightweight, it is heavier than polypropylene. When every ounce matters, stick with PP over PC.

Strength and Impact Resistance

Let’s be honest - airport baggage handlers aren’t exactly known for being gentle and treating your luggage with care. Suitcases that aren’t built with this in mind won’t last long.

This is why polycarbonate luggage tends to be the better choice for frequent travelers. Even though the weight differences between the two materials are subtle, the differences in strength are not. PC resists cracks, dents, and drops much better than PP.

That’s not to say polypropylene is weak by any means. In fact, it’s flexible and absorbs impact quite well. However, it does lack the rigid structure needed for long-term durability. It’s only a matter of time before repeated pressure and impacts cause dents and deformations.

The strength-to-weight ratio of polycarbonate far exceeds that of polypropylene. This leads to the next point we want to make in comparing polypropylene vs polycarbonate luggage…

Longevity and Wear Resistance

You want a suitcase that lasts years (better yet, a lifetime) - not just a handful of trips. As we’ve touched on throughout, polycarbonate holds its shape and structure better over time. That means less warping, fewer dents, and a better value in the long run.

Frequent travelers will notice polypropylene showing signs of wear faster than polycarbonate. While it might do a good job resisting cracking, you’ll find it looking worse and worse as the years go on, while polycarbonate continues looking new. 

Price vs Value

There’s a pretty big cost difference between polypropylene vs polycarbonate luggage from a cost perspective. We said earlier that polypropylene luggage is a bit more affordable. Just remember, you get what you pay for.

While it might be a bit cheaper upfront, you’ll find yourself replacing PP luggage much sooner than you would PC luggage. In fact, our polycarbonate luggage here at Nobl Travel is backed by a lifetime warranty! It’s literally the last suitcase you’ll buy.

Plus, polycarbonate does a better job protecting your items inside - so if you travel with delicate stuff, it’s worth the investment for peace of mind alone.

Ease of Cleaning

Nobody wants to spend extra time cleaning their luggage, especially after a long trip. That’s another advantage of polycarbonate vs polypropylene luggage. It’s really easy to wipe clean, especially with a damp cloth or mild cleaning solution.

On the other hand, polypropylene has a textured surface - which makes it great for resisting scratches, but it also makes it easier for dirt to become embedded. The same can be said for odors. 

Polycarbonate resists stains and discoloration better, which is why it’s the smarter choice for traveling in harsh climates. Rain and snow won’t take a toll quite like they would on polypropylene luggage.

Aesthetics and Design Options

Finally, which looks better between polypropylene or polycarbonate luggage? Most people will tell you they prefer the luxurious sheen of PC over the textured appearance of PP.

That’s why so many luxury brands, ourselves included, choose to design their luggage from polycarbonate instead. So if you want something that looks as good as it performs, stick with polycarbonate. 

So Which is Better, Polypropylene or Polycarbonate Luggage?

There you have it, a detailed overview of PP vs PC luggage! So, which is better - polypropylene or polycarbonate luggage? Only you can answer that now that you know where each has an edge over the other.

Polypropylene is great lightweight option for travelers who want flexibility and affordability, but that’s where its benefits end. Polycarbonate is simply the superior choice for durability, impact resistance, and long-term value. It looks better, too!

So, upgrade your luggage today at Nobl Travel. We craft premium polycarbonate luggage designed for security, organization, and effortless travel. Whether you want collapsible carry-on luggage or collapsible checked luggage, we’ve got you covered. 

Our suitcases are designed with zipperless locking systems, built-in USB/USB-C ports, 360° smooth wheels, and waterproof compartments so every trip is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

But if you need something even tougher than polycarbonate, consider our aluminum carry-on luggage or aluminum checked luggage! No matter which style you go with, you’re getting a work of art that’s guaranteed for life. 

Bringing Our Polypropylene vs Polycarbonate Luggage Comparison to a Close

Ultimately, choosing between polypropylene vs polycarbonate luggage comes down to whether you prioritize lightweight or durability. But if we had to recommend just one it would be PC over PP, because it has a dramatically better weight-to-strength ratio.

Don’t settle for anything less than the most durable, stunning suitcases on the market, whether you need all-in-one carry-on luggage, a checked bag, or both. Nobl Travel is your one-stop shop for luxury travel essentials. 

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a global adventure, travel in style and confidence with Nobl by your side every step of the way!