Hard or Soft Luggage for International Travel: Which is the Better Choice for Your Trip?

From booking flights and getting your passport in order to planning out your itinerary - there’s a lot that goes into making the most of these overseas adventures! 

One thing we see overlooked is the luggage you bring along for the journey. Choosing between hard or soft luggage for international travel shouldn’t be taken lightly, as it impacts protection and weight to maneuverability and style.

So, is hard or soft luggage better for international travel? While you could certainly make the case for soft luggage, hard-shell luggage is almost always the smarter choice. 

We’ll explain why below, and show you why our carry-on luggage and checked luggage here at Nobl Travel is the ultimate companion for any trip life takes you on. Travel smarter with our award-winning suitcases backed by a lifetime guarantee!

What to Consider in Choosing Between Hard or Soft Luggage for International Travel

While they ultimately serve the same purpose, there are distinct differences between hard or soft luggage for international travel. They both have their trade-offs, but it comes down to durability, security, maneuverability, cost, and storage preferences.

Material and Construction

Let’s start by taking a look at what each style is made from. Hard-shell luggage is typically crafted from either polycarbonate, aluminum, or ABS plastic.

Polycarbonate is the most durable and impact-resistant material at its price point. It’s a good balance between cost, lightweight construction, and protection. 

Our aluminum carry-on luggage or aluminum checked luggage are as strong as it gets. This material offers unmatched durability and looks really sleek. It weighs more, which can be worth it for the peace of mind that comes from packing delicate items in a robust aluminum case!

For those balling on a budget, though, ABS plastic is a solid affordable option. Just be aware that it’s much less resistant to dents and cracks compared to the other two choices.

As for soft-shell luggage, you’ll find that woven fabrics like polyester, ballistic nylon, or Cordura nylon are the most common choice. Here’s how each shakes out:

• Ballistic Nylon: The strongest fabric, originally designed for military use.
• Cordura Nylon: Known for its abrasion resistance and longevity.
• Polyester: Lightweight and cost-effective but not as durable as nylon.

Soft luggage offers more flexibility and expansion for lightweight travel, whereas hard-shell luggage is heavier but far more durable. Speaking of protection…

Durability and Protection

We probably don’t have to remind you just how harsh airport employees can be with your baggage. The last thing you want is to start your international trip off on the wrong foot when you arrive at your destination and your baggage has burst wide open.

Hard-shell luggage obviously provides more protection from rough baggage handling, stacking, and impact. The stuff you pack inside will be safe and sound, which matters for everyone but especially those packing fragile items like electronics, cameras, or glass bottles.

Soft-shell luggage, on the other hand, is more susceptible to wear and tear. Rips, punctures, and sagging are all common issues. They’re inevitable if you travel enough, even when you buy quality soft-shell luggage.

But beyond the bag itself, soft-shell luggage does a poor job protecting your belongings and keeping them in place during travel. This alone is enough to choose hard luggage alone, especially if you’re checking bags.

Security Features

Theft is always in the back of your mind when you check a bag, but the truth is, this risk isn’t exclusive to the airport. Anytime you’re out and about with your luggage or leave it behind at the hotel, security is a concern.

It doesn’t have to be, though. Zipperless hard-shell luggage with built-in TSA-approved combination locks provide peace of mind, so you can enjoy your trip knowing your precious belongings are safe and secure.

Soft-shell luggage is always going to be more vulnerable to tampering. The zippers can easily be forced open with a pen or small tool. If a thief really wants to get in your bag, they could just cut it open with a blade.

So if you’re traveling with valuables or headed to a destination where luggage theft is common, invest in peace of mind with hard-shell luggage.

Weight and Maneuverability

Travel days can be stressful, exhausting, and hectic enough without carrying around more weight than necessary. This is one of the rare aspects in which soft luggage actually has an edge over hard luggage.

It’s much lighter since fabric weighs less than hard materials. But we probably don’t have to remind you what this comes at the cost of - protection. Plus, soft-shell luggage can become unbalanced when rolling around the airport.

For what it’s worth, polycarbonate hard-shell luggage is actually more lightweight than you may assume. It’s a good balance between durability and convenience when you’re on the go. 

It also does a better job keeping everything inside in its right place, avoiding shifting and the issues that come with it from a maneuverability perspective. Although soft-shell luggage may be lighter, hard-shell luggage still makes travel days easier.

Storage and Expandability

If you’re like us, you’re constantly trying to fit as much stuff in your bag or suitcase as possible when headed on an international trip. After all, you’re probably going to be there a while and want to do laundry as infrequently as possible.

Soft-shell luggage can expand, but this typically leads to bulging and overpacking. It can be difficult to fit in luggage compartments on planes, busses, or trains - or in crowded vehicle trunks for that matter.

Conversely, hard-shell luggage is structured and compact. It’s easier to stack in overhead bins and luggage compartments. Plus, our hard suitcases are equipped with compression systems that help you fit more stuff while keeping everything secure.

However, we do want to give credit where it’s due - soft-shell luggage tends to have more exterior pockets for quick access storage than hard-shell luggage does. This is why some travelers prefer soft luggage for carry-ons.

Weather and Spill Resistance

Think about all that your luggage is going to be exposed to on your journey - spills and questionable weather conditions. Hard luggage does a way better job resisting moisture, and airport tarmac exposure won’t soak into the material.

But soft luggage does the opposite. It soaks in moisture and is much more susceptible to water damage, stains, and odors. It’s much more difficult to clean soft-shell luggage than hard-shell luggage when these messes do occur, too.

Cost Considerations

You should never make your decision between hard or soft luggage for international travel based on cost alone. The stakes are too high to go with whatever is “cheapest.” Instead, think about which option provides the better value.

Sure, soft-shell luggage tends to be more affordable. However, it wears out faster and does a poorer job of protecting your belongings. Hard-shell luggage costs more upfront, but it can last a lifetime in some cases, all while providing better security for your stuff. It’s worth every penny.

Either way, we can’t stress enough the importance of quality. Whether you choose hard or soft luggage for international travel, make sure you’re not settling for anything less than the best!

Is Hard or Soft Luggage Better for International Travel?

So, is hard or soft luggage better for international travel? You’re probably starting to see why we almost always recommend hard-shell luggage for adventures abroad. However, there are a few scenarios where soft-shell luggage might actually be the better option. 

The Case for Soft Luggage

Frequent short-haul business travelers might place a higher priority on staying light and being able to access stuff in external pockets. Road-trippers are another group of people who tend to lean in favor of soft luggage since it can easily squeeze into irregularly shaped storage spaces.

If you find yourself pushing the limits on your weight requirements with airlines, you might just be able to avoid oversized baggage fees using soft-shell luggage. Just know you’re compromising on security, protection, and durability. Is it really worth the savings?

Why Hard Luggage is Almost Always Better

Travelers moving through multiple airports, dealing with layovers, or flying with baggage transfers need luggage that can stand up to abuse, keep valuables secure, and protect against theft. Soft-shell luggage simply doesn’t cut it in these cases.

Hard luggage is more structurally sound and keeps your belongings in the same condition you packed them in once you arrive at your destination. The increasing security risks at international airports are reason enough to invest in hard-shell luggage, too. The added weather resistance, spill-proof surfaces, and enhanced organization are just the cherries on top. 

So is hard or soft luggage better for international travel? Anyone crossing borders, taking multiple flights, or navigating unpredictable travel conditions should invest in hard luggage.

But as we said earlier, not all hard-shell luggage is created equal. Whether you’re looking for all-in-one carry-on luggage or collapsible checked luggage, upgrade your travel game at Nobl.

Upgrade to Hard-Shell Luggage at Nobl Travel!

We’ve redefined what luxury travel should look like with luggage that works as hard as you do. Our award-winning designs offer the best of both worlds: durable protection with lightweight mobility.

These hard-shell carry-ons and checked bags combine sleek aesthetics with smart functionality, too, with zipperless security, charging ports, cupholders, and much, much more. 

Whether you’re hitting the road for business or pleasure, our luggage empowers you to embark with confidence! Browse our catalog and see which style catches your eye. 

Final Thoughts on Using Hard or Soft Luggage for International Travel

So, is hard or soft luggage better for international travel? While we technically can’t provide a one-size-fits-all answer, it’s safe to say hard-shell luggage is almost always the smarter choice.

Sure, soft luggage has its place, but hard luggage offers better security, durability, and protection. That’s what matters most when you’re on the go. The choice between hard or soft luggage for international travel is easy when you look at it that way.

Moreover, the decision to invest in luxury luggage at Nobl Travel is a no-brainer as you start reading into the features and benefits you’ll enjoy. Learn more about our designs and unlock a blend of security, style, and convenience you won’t find anywhere else!