How to Pick the BEST Luggage for Your Travels: Hardshell vs Softside 🧳 

🧳 PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO 🧳 🧳 SOFT-SIDED CARRY-ON - Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel w/ (removable) backpack straps: osprey.pxf.io/0ZNevN 🧳 SOFT-SIDED CHECKED - Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 60L osprey.pxf.io/QyQ5R3 🧳 OR: Osprey's Fairview/Farpoint Wheeled Backpacks: osprey.pxf.io/1rN099 🧳 HARD-SIDED CARRY-ON - Level8 Grace Ext (expandable, with exterior pocket): amzn.to/3ncyFPt 🧳 HARD-SIDED CHECKED - Level8 Textured Collection (various sizes): www.dpbolvw.net/click-100713654-15212828?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.level8cases.com%2Fcollections%2Fall-luggage-level8%2Fproducts%2Ftextured-collection

Something you didn't mention, that I think is incredible important when choosing a carryon case in particular, is side handles. The presence or absence of side handles can make the difference between getting that case up into that over head compartment and back down again without assistance.

Hi Nora, I agree with everything you said but I would add one more thing in terms of moving your case around. When you carry your case on 2 wheels, the whole weight of the case is on your arm and back. When you carry on 4, the weight is on the floor. I know that it is not possible to wheel your case on 4 wheels all the time and you rightly pointed that any uneven surface will make it hard. I am a feeble woman 😉 and I appreciate any relief I can get, ie in the airplane aisle, in public transports, at the airport etc. Also you can move your 4 wheeler sideway rather than full front allowing you to move easier through narrow passage, ie entering or exiting gates on public transport when you have to validate a ticket as well. I think the hard cover luggage should get an extra point for that

As a senior petite woman I struggled with my soft sided luggage. I recently purchased a level 8 21”. 🤞this works better for me. I typically don’t do carryon often, just can’t get it into the overhead bin anymore. There isn’t always someone willing to help if needed.

"No easy access to hard sided luggage." That is a point that YT folks never seem to bring up. Excellent work, Nora! Thank you!

I've travelled to over 60 countries, and I'm definitely in the soft shell, 2 wheel, camp. I have found people with hard shell, 4wheel type bags tend to walk with them slightly in front of themselves, which leaves their backpack vulnerable to street robbers. I have witnessed this happen twice. On both occasions they hadn't locked the backpack, and both were opened. Luckily nothing was stolen, only because of intervention by other travellers.

I'm a soft-side luggage girl who travels to Europe several times a year. As you mentioned, Nora, the soft-side luggage wheels feel more durable and protected from snapping off during handling, and the numerous outside pockets make things more accessible. I'm wary of bags that can't be flexible in overhead compartments. Great video, Nora!

Just a note regarding storing your bags when not traveling. I use mine (especially the large ones I rarely use) to store my seasonal wardrobe. 😉

Thanks Nora...will be traveling frequently...and your channel is exactly what I needed in terms of the how-too's, thanks for your efforts.

Thank you for doing this video. This is a very unique and important topic. I used to be a soft shell luggage only person for various reasons. The first one was that the hard shell luggages always open in the middle, and only luggage so far I found that has a top zipper that you don’t have to open the whole luggage in the middle is Delsea Paris and onlyMacy’s used to have them. Unfortunately they are discontinued. I have a hard shell check-in, a hard shell and a soft shell carry-ons, all open on the top like soft luggage and it was very very convenient. I still have and use them. I didn’t find any hard shell luggage that has the top zipper that you can only open for convenience to get stuff without opening the whole suitcase all the way on both sides. I still have the first hard shell luggage set I bought years ago, but I only use them for storage in my closet this days 😂. I also found that if you do not pack it strategically the hard shells kind of topple and you have to make sure that the bottom is heavy when it’s standing. Otherwise, it can lose balance and topple. And if your stuff is not packed to the brim, it will all get totally messed up. So, overall , I did not like hard shell luggages at all except for the spinner wheels. However, I have shoulder problems and what I have found is that when I am traveling to Asia,on Singapore airlines( I love that airline btw ), their carry-on luggage limit is 7 kgs. I had a long stopover in Singapore before flying to India, and this soft shell carry-on with only two wheels I had to drag on all day, was excruciating for my shoulder. With my backpack on it got even heavier and it was very difficult to drag in the airport for a long time. On the other side, I went to Europe this summer, and traveled between three different countries, most of the time on the train once I landed in Belgium from USA. I traveled to Germany and Luxenberg on the train, and it was very difficult with my spinner wheel luggage. I only did a backpack for my carry-on. I guess , your luggage needs to be decided based on your destination. And I find no winner in that sense. so if I have a long haul flight that has very restricted carry-on situation like Singapore airlines, I think I will have a hard shell spinner. If I am going to Europe, I think my luggage is going to be soft shells from now on because it was extremely difficult even when my luggage was not too heavy; on the cobblestoned, uphill streets with ongoing constructions and detours in Brussels, only a ten minute walk to the hotel from the central train station. I was so scared that the spinners were going to come off and I would be stranded. The noise was also as you said was so embarrassing, even though I was dragging them in the touristy areas. It is a difficult decision to make but I think I am going to go on with soft shells to Europe, and hard shells to Asia. I hope that makes sense. Sorry for the long comment! Love your videos ! ❤❤

We live near a luggage repair shop (warranty repairs for most major brands) and the owner said he wouldn't buy spinner wheels. That was good enough for me!

We sat and watched our soft sided luggage set in torrential rain uncovered on the tarmac for over 30 minutes. Needless to say our clothes were soaked and some ruined. We’ve used hard sided luggage ever since.

Do like a backpacker and line your suitcase with a contractor’s trash bag or a garbage compactor bag - both are durable, waterproof and long lasting! And you can also hold dirty laundry or other smelly stuff without spreading it through the rest of your stuff.

We are on team soft side. Nora, I think you should design a line of luggage.

Thank you for this, i learned alot, including a new a new luggage term: kickplate! Love this Osprey, I took the checked version on a trip to Uganda where we were required to have soft sided luggage (at a total of 35lbs 😳) so it could be crammed into the offroad vehicles we traveled in - it performed beautifully. Thanks Nora!

I have soft shell, that looks more like the hard & has spinners. Spinners are a pain in European cities but essential for my back & good for security. I think it’s as light or lighter than those (about 8yo). I’m appalling for shopping while travelling but usually am well enough organised to freight stuff if I need to, still need a bag that takes double home. Been watching your channel & really enjoying. I’ve only road tripped last few years and found myself getting really anxious with a planned long haul (short) trip to UK at Christmas, your videos have really helped to remind me I love vagabond life. Think it’s just the distance + peak season + short time hyping me up. One thing for sure, I seem to take the same amount for 5 days as 5 months so no excuse for new luggage! Safe travels

I already have both kinds that I use for different purposes (watching this to decide which to take with me on my next trip). But note, those of us living in tight spaces can make great use of hard sided luggage at home! My shared apartment is tiny and everything I own fits on one shelving unit. When I am not traveling with it, I have a lockable home storage space and I love it. It's one of my life hacks LOL

Soft sided has been my choice since the 80's. As you pointed out, the flexibility makes it a hands down winner, though I do have a LARGE aluminum case for checking in. Used that one only once, years ago, having to bring TONS of requested items to several friends in 3 European countries. My soft bag has no wheels, and I carry it either over one shoulder or in my hand, without a problem. After watching this segment, I might consider the 2 wheel soft one.. Thanks for the presentation.. Though through my own expieriences I learned much, I do enjoy all the tips you so kindly share with the rest of us. 🎈Happy travels and stay safe..🙏😊💖

We usually travel with only carryons, and we have both. I would agree on the 2-wheeled soft shell for ease in navigating the cobblestone paths in Europe but we also love our hard shell spinners to help our bad backs and they are great in the aisles on planes when traveling within the States.

You brought up so many things that no other reviewer has - thank you! I was leaning to changing from soft side roller to hardshell spinner, but now I know it's not the right choice for me and I'll stick with what I have.

I have both for carry on - I prefer the soft sided. I will usually get a can of the waterproof spray and spray the whole outside a few weeks before a trip. ( I am able to do this outside and let it air dry out in the sun)

I just bought a carry-on hardside suitcase from Take-off that has removable wheels. I haven't used it yet, but am thrilled that I can meet European airlines' baggage limits now.

Excellent video! Informative. Your delivery is on target, too.

👍👍👍 Great topic and awesome comparison. Very useful.

I came to your conclusion back in 2018 when I traveled for 8 weeks in Europe with only my Osprey Ozone 42L bag. I have a CPAP machine, which all fits inside along with all my clothes (a few pieces of which I never wore…) and literally everything I needed for the trip. I did also have a small personal bag, as you also recommend. The biggest thing I’m glad you mention is THE WHEELS. The Ozone has even better wheels than the Daylite one you have- they absolutely gobble cobblestones and stairs and in the airport I can pull it alone effortlessly with only my pinkie due to the excellent ball bearings within the wheels. Oh- and before I left on that particular European trip, I asked Osprey if I could purchase an extra wheel just in case of a problem (I’ve had multiple problems with spinner wheels!!) Osprey sent me, no charge, an extra set of both wheels. I haven’t needed either one, and use that bag for every trip I take, checked or not. One thing I prefer about the Ozone is that it does not include backpack straps, giving me more room for my stuff. I like the strong single center expandable handle. There are several lines of Osprey luggage in various sizes, carry on or not. Oh- and the bag only weighs 4 1/2 pounds! The company’s 100% guarantee, design, fit and finish and general quality make it well worth the cost IMHO, and I am grateful for it every time I travel. Thanks for verifying my own experiences (and those of my wife, who also uses one).

If you do check in the carry on (it has happened to me many times), a hardcase gives more peace of mind. I no longer travel with a soft case but I totally get your points and bias. This was a great video as it made me reconsider my bias towards hardcase carry on bags.

This review is SPOT ON! I just don't understand the current trend of trendy cases. I was a commercial pilot for 33 years. People are always asking me what luggage do I use. My 4-day trip bag since it first came out maybe 20 -25 years ago was an absolute tank made by "Luggage Works". I beat the hell out of it, showed it no mercy whatsoever, used it roughly 182.5 days a year, and I replaced it twice, mostly just because it looked dirty from too many coffee spills. It has a rugged aluminum frame with a ballistic nylon cover, 2 ball bearing roller blade wheels that never break, and a stainless steel retractable handle that will carry the suitcase fully loaded banging up a flight of concrete stairs. You can't kill it. On the other hand, it weighs 13 lbs and costs $370 so not fun to lift into an overhead bin or what I take on vacation. I also think their quality control has slipped a bit recently, However if that's all you need for a trip, it will pay for itself eventually. They also have a hook as well as clip fasteners for attaching their other modular bags. I used the combination laptop/insulated cooler bag a lot to pack my own food (slides over the extended handle). For personal travel I am totally underwhelmed by what's popular today. A few years ago I bought a 3-piece soft-sided set - 21" spinner, 30" spinner, and a satchel, made by "Leisure" on sale at Kohls for maybe $150 in a loud blue color that no one else owns (think "Meet The Parents"). Ever heard of that brand? Me neither. No one is going to steal that off the luggage carousel. I figured it would break after a while and I'd just replace it on the cheap. I'm still waiting. Do you want luggage that is tough (hard) or resilient (soft)? I've yet to see a hard shell that can take the abuse my cheap soft sides can. Go ahead baggage dudes, drop it from 10 feet up. Toss it so it lands on the corner or edge. Also, the weather argument against soft side is weak because in most instances it will be protected from all but incidental exposure to the elements. The soft sides are also light as a feather which helps if you're up against the 50 lb weight limit. Great job pointing out the footprint. I can place the 30" inch bag on a chair, flip open the very lightweight lid piece, and leave it open. A hard clamshell case needs twice the room. I also love the cavernous space of softside. You can organize it with packing cubes as well as transport bulky items. I travelled for surgery once and crammed a huge wedge pillow in the 29" using the expandable zipper feature. Do you want luggage that is pretty (at least when it's brand new before the baggage smashers get hold of it) that you'll only get to admire for a few minutes of use? I have to admit, it does look great in those Mediterranean background ads. Spinners are great for people with strength issues, but personally (as pointed out in the video), I find myself using just two of the 4 wheels like on a roller bag just because it's more controllable. Also as pointed out, a spinner's wheels stick way out from the frame - that's 4 failure points just begging to break. A roller bag will have much more robust and protected wheel construction with much less of the wheel protruding from the frame. And good luck pushing a spinner through a carpeted concourse. The company "MVST" just came out with a line of aluminum spinners that have removable wheels you can take off before you check them at the ticket counter so that's good. The built-in TSA locks are a definite no-go IMO. For one thing, if the lock breaks on a hard shell case, you're screwed. At least a soft shell could accommodate a separate lock for the zipper pulls. But even the built-in TSA locks I've seen on soft cases have incredibly cheap thin zipper pulls locking into the mechanism. I just use a separate TSA lock to attach the two zipper pulls together and can move that union to a less-vulnerable position on the case (by the top handle). Yes zippers are vulnerable, but in a typical checked baggage chain of custody, the likelihood of that being a problem is very slim. Softside for the win! Unless you go to the French Riviera and can afford to replace it after every trip.

I liked your realistic comparisons!! ❤ A total must … Carry on has to be under five lbs 😊 so that means i’m on team soft-side. I add art or stencil in acrylics to the outside so it is easy to identify anywhere - esp these days when sometimes grrrr! it can get checked!! I spray it with lots of fabric protector (like i spray my bag, shoes, hat etc) so it’s easy to wipe clean and ok in the rain! 🎉 Truly - lately i do the same thing to a cloth small underseater with 2 wheels ❤ so i don’t have store luggage above and far away from my seat… Porter -- 😅

Great video! We've been weighing all the same pros and cons and I am switching to a 2 wheel after making a wrong turn in the Netherlands and turning a 10 minute walk into an hour over some very rough streets while lugging spinners and too many bags. I will have 2 bags now with a 2 wheel that I know will fit Ryanair and a 30L backpack that I think I can get to fit properly as my personal item (may need a compression strap) plus I'll wear my fleece jacket around my waist with my puffer and gloves in the pockets. Side note: one of the best things we carry in addition to our firestick is a bluetooth transmitter so we can (1) watch movies with full sound quality and volume (2) one person can watch something and not bother the other and (3) we won;t bother neighbors. One bit of caution: if you get one be sure to get one that can do 2 sets of earbuds as many will only do one. They caost about $40.

I’ve had my Tumi soft side 2 wheel for over 20 years - still love it. Domestic and international air travel and road trips.

If I'm checking a bag, I have to agree with you Nora. Soft sided for the win, except if there is a major rain storm going on while they load/unload the bags. Or the trolley sits outside in the rain while waiting to put on the baggage conveyor. If I'm just going carry on? I like my 22 in Level 8 bag....recommended by some fun lady in Toronto....Haha. It works great for most everything, including getting the laptop out without opening the case. It's surprisingly roomy too. Great minds/experiences think alike.

I used to have soft sided but 3 years ago I switched to hard side and I'm never going back. I have Monos luggage and use the carryon 90% of the time and it's been great. It's holding up really well and the scratches and scuffs don't bother me because it's a sign that it's been places, like old battle scars with a story. The 360 wheels are silent, smooth and work well on all surfaces on 4 or 2 wheels. Packing with the clamshell is better IMO because I can organize my stuff better than piling it all up like in a soft side. And it has the best compression of any luggage I've ever owned. Also it doesn't take up much space when stored because the carryon nests inside of the check in. I don't miss the pockets because I always have a backpack for my personal item. I think any luggage with spinner wheels is has better mobility than 2 wheels, especially when pushing it down the aisle of the plane.

I think one thing you forgot to mention was that if you have a personal item bag, you should be putting important items in that, so the point of pockets on the outside might be unnecessary for some. Especially if the airline is making you check your carry-on due to limited space in the overhead bins.

Team soft side! I briefly reconsidered my long time stance after my checked bag sat in the rain and arrived at my destination with everything wet on my last trip, but accessibility still trumps all the other reasons. I’ve had my eye on your demo bag for a while now, want the backpack straps for cobblestone and train stations.

I’ve never owned a hard-shell full suitcase, but I tend to agree with all you’ve said here. A side note: About 10 years ago I purchased a Zuca carry on. It’s partly soft-sided, but has an aluminum outer frame. At the time, it complied with FAA dimensions (I actually live in Canada). Then in 2013 I flew El Al and YIKES, the Zuca didn’t fit in the overhead compartment. I still love my Zuca for non-flying travel. It rolls beautifully and you can sit on it during waits (up to about 250 lbs). Maybe I’ll look on their website and see whether they’ve altered their dimensions…although I already spent a bundle on the 1st one, and as a Canadian it’s so expensive to buy from the States. The Zuca also came with a liquids cube and 5 other packing cubes, which converted me to the cube camp (I have organizational challenges!). Thanks for the terrific episode.

Nora, I generally agree with your conclusions on the individual factors and the winner for each factor, and for many years I used soft-sided suitcases and was happy. But eventually, I bought an Away hard-sided suitcase (carry-on size but I always check it). One factor you did not include in your analysis was attractiveness/stylishness of the bag, and here I think the hard-side usually wins. To be honest, with my hard-sided Away case, I just feel more professional (even though I am retired) and more stylish; I just like the look of me and it. So, even with its drawbacks, I'm quite happy with my Away. Oh, and regarding durability: Cases like the Away have a life-time warranty, so if the wheels or zipper go bad, they will replace or repair the bag, and anecdotally, I understand Away is very good about such warranty claims.

Softside all the way. More capacity, better wheels, and much easier to access. I just purchased the Daylight in preparation for living home free permanently. I will be using two carry-ons and need one I can carry on my back. I tested Patagonia Blackholes (2 sizes) and a variety of travel packs. Daylight is a clear winner for versatility.

Thank you for the time stamps!

Team Softside here. For all the reasons you mentioned plus NESTING. When we unpack in a hotel or cruise cabin we can put the carry on inside of the checked bags. Can’t do that so reliably with hard side- especially when there are hard dividers between the sides of the hard side cases. Plus, with hard side I am concerned that if the weight is uneven or the wheels snag in something the zipper will be torn/pulled open.

Thank you for the help

I pack in a trunk hard side two pops and it’s open. I also have a Topo Design roller/soft and hard as well that’s great in between. Which bag I use depends on the trip. Once that hard side is packed (I hate zippers on hard side bags with a passion) unless I get extra screening at TSA it’s not opening till the hotel-my underseat has stone cold everything I need. You have in my opinion have to really know who you are as a person. I wanted hard sided with NO expansion-yes I realize that you can use the expansion like compression but I felt that it just encourages me to take way more than I should-no bueno. I don’t pay to check bags- also not a factor in why I pack carry on only. It’s because when I get off the aircraft I can walk right on out! For years I used an LL Bean rolling back pack on skate wheels and while it was smaller than most soft sided rollers and awkward to pack the main compartment-it was stone cold the best to manage on any roads and great on two wheels at airports. Still dragged out for a trip of less than 4/5 days. Since 2001 I have checked bags less than a dozen times planned and that was when my now 22 year old was little.

Hi Nora, I recently purchased a hard shell suitcase because my friend had one and I liked the organization component. Having said that I wish I had purchased a soft sided with inline wheels and the one you showed looks awesome (what’s the name btw). I don’t dare buy another suitcase but I think on my next trip my soft side will be my choice. I agree about the opening a clamshell in a small room. I’m on team soft side!

Just got a hardshell with an outside pouch. I like the protection for my computer. I used to put it in my backpack but my packpack would get too heavy. Love the better protection the hard shell has. I also like the roller wheels so I can get it through the narrow aisles more easily when getting on and off the plane.

I love my soft-side Eagle Creek 20 inch bag. The one thing I wish it had is mesh bottle holder - that would make my bag perfect.

I have one of those old "brocade" soft suitcase groups...and the smallest on has 2 wheels and 2 little, stubby legs where other wheels would go...so, it stands up beautifully. Whether it would meet today's standards for size, I don't know...but it's real handy to have a case that stands up securely!

I'm so glad somebody thinks like me!! I am on 'team soft shell' for sure! :)

I love the look of the hardshell but after traveling with both, soft-sided all the way. I have a wonderful set that I got from Eddie Bauer over a decade ago, a soft-sided carry-on with a matching backpack, still my favorite luggage ever.

Team soft side for sure. Great analysis of the practical things travellers need. 100% agree with the wheel analysis, I don't understand those trendy spinner wheel designs. I am hanging on to my trusty old Atlantic nylon carry on. In Europe outside the airport/train stations it is 2 inline skate style wheels all the way. Also if they are replaceable even better. Last year in Portugal(nothing smooth there) I blew a tread off one of my wheels but the hub got me home. I replaced both wheels and kept the surviving one as a spare. I'm all set for Europe this year . That Osprey bag looks great.

My wife uses carry on hard shell, two wheels. I use a back pack-carry on. On our recent trip to Italy we used our regular luggage and checked a third hard shell carry on. We usually just do carry on, no checked luggage.

Another great vlog Nora. I've always been soft-side in carry-on or checked. Can I share with you a gripe of mine. I have been asked on flights to put my soft-side carry-on under the seat in front to make room in the overhead lockers for all the huge hard-side luggage that other people have on the flight ! That's really taking the piss !

Ok, that settles it. I was looking at getting a carry-on bag for an upcoming Australia trip and I was almost about to get a Monos. But I think sticking to my gut and your analysis, soft sided is the way to go. Now i just have to decide between the 500 options of soft models. Haha. I am notoriously bad for thinking about these things way too much.

I use both - a small carry-on size spinner and a 35L backpack. My backpack is a Gregory Border 35 - a very nice travel backpack.

Well I must admit that I was definitely a hard shell luggage person, but that I might reconsider after seeing your video! Right now I'm gonna keep my hard shell because we're going to Crete with checked luggage and bringing back tons of olive oil and delicious honey, and I feel they'll be safer in a hard shell. But .... I'll let you know what I do in the future!

I am on the fence as I see your points about both. I purchased a brilliant knock-your-eyes-out yellow set of hard sided last year from Heys and used the medium size and the carry on to go to Comox in February. It was -40 in Calgary and when the luggage changed planes, they tore the wheel housing off one wheel. Heys replaced the bag free of charge which was great PR for them but now I am nervous about heading to Fort Lauderdale in February next year. I have kept my old perfect soft side American Tourister set of luggage from my work travelling days, just in case. It has quite a bit of wear but is just brilliantly easy to pack and I have never found any other brand designed so well. Fuchsia color so no man is going to touch it in error. My latest concern, regardless of type, other than weight of the empty bag, is the ease of opening the zippers with a pen and nobody seems to be talking about that. I never pack anything other than clothes and any thief would be sorely disappointed to find a case full of plus sized women's wardrobe essentials.

great video! team soft-side also-thanks for validating my choice-I was wondering what the appeal of hard shell was.

I am soft shell as I was boarding a very packed plane with a friend who had a hard shell, both carry-on. The flight attendant looked at our bags and asked my friend to check her hard case because the cabin was too crowded. He let me on, though. Soft cases are much easier to fit in overhead compartments. Last thing I want to do is wait for my carefully packed carry on at the baggage carousel. Also, I have side handles and straps to grab.

Thank you Miss Nora🙂

I’m definitely team soft side. I even found a 4 wheeled duffle for checked luggage. Soft side is so much easier for me to pack.

Team Hardside Luggage. Don't have to worry about your bag getting wet when it rains. Spinner wheels are life. I don't like pulling anything behind me. I haven't had an issue with my hardshell set. I have used soft shell in the past. I feel the hardshell is more durable and protective of your things. My hardshell has expansion. I can expand it if need be. Still was able to fit in the overhead bin.

16:13 I wish all luggage was designed better. I have spinner wheels on a softshell. I like them because they stabilize my top heavy bag a little (I am terrible at packing and I try). Also, when I need to carry four other bags at the same time (it was a long-term move), I need something to be easy. They were all about the same size because the airline was strict and I still have no idea how people travel with huge luggage. I have no idea how people who need to bring a lot move the stuff. Some people I talked to said they checked cardboard boxes and it worked out great. Did they pull a hand truck out of their butt? Wish they came with skis for ice and snow. All the wheels I've ever seen are pretty pathetic.

One more thing for security, consider a luggage cover for suitcase. It can be removed but it makes your case less desirable than one without it. Also it makes your case easier to recognise in the conveyor belt. It will protect your case from marks an scratches. Some are made with PVC and protect your case from rain water.

On the security front, my Away aluminum luggage has NO ZIPPERS, and great locks. There are other (more expensive) brands that are similar. So any hardsided luggage built with no zippers and with a sturdy locking system will be more secure. I agree that zippers in either hardsided or softsided luggage are the weakest link.

Great tips all around. As a lens-based artist: Nanuk 935 (5kg) + Peakdesign Everday Tote (Without Dividers: 1.05kg (the one you tried to love)). When on, or over water the Nanuk carry-on (for all film gear/docs - I have gone overboard a few times, and each tome the case became my life vest). The tote is for all the things I need to rapid access whilst in the sky, or use as a pillow. For Storage, the tote fits into the Nanuk, then used as a coffee table, etc.. Also the Nanuk, pull handle slightly opened becomes my support stand for my iPad for editing or watch movies whilst waiting to fly. SO, both; hard and soft for this old guy.

Totally with you :))

I fell for the advertising so my last case was a shell. Never again. For all the reasons that Nora gave it will be soft sided luggage for me.😊

Personally I love Pacsafe cases & bags. I have large suitcase all the way to the under clothing neck loop bag.👍🏾🇬🇧🇯🇲

Im 100% on the soft luggage team. Both checked and carry on :) With a family of 5 you DO NOT want to get to a hotel room and try to open 5+ hard shell bags (like books) 🤦🏻‍♀️. I also utilize packing cubes :)

The advantage of solid suitcases in terms of security is that even if it is possible to open the zip with a pen, if the metal tabs of the zip are enclosed in the lock incorporated into the suitcase, it will be impossible for the thief to close the zip again once it has been opened fraudulently. On the other hand, soft-sided cases less often have a built-in security system that immobilizes the metal tabs of the zipper, so once the zipper has been forced open, it can be reclosed by passing the tab over the area to be reclosed. So it's the hardshell luggage with a built-in lock that win the day.

I have always used soft-sided luggage for their flexibility. I have spinner carry-ons and 2-wheeled styles so I can choose which one will work best for my travel. Back in the '70s my friend and I traveled in Europe for 2 months with soft-sided bags (adding trolleys after we got tired of schlepping the bags). They packed great, held everything in place, and even stayed mostly dry in a downpour.

If concerned about weather; put everything into a large plastic bag (I do this trail hiking). I have both, so I think I’ll go back to my soft shell next trip. Thanks!

I have the best of both worlds. My carry on is a hybrid. The bottom/back is hard and the top/front is soft. Opens like a hard side ( clamshell) but still has access from the front with another small pocket. Can also be expanded. No spinner wheels.

im about to go home from a 5 week trip and I need to check in a bag with bottles of wine and liquor 😂 I'm team-soft shell & usually only do carry on backpack style so im contemplating of buying a small hard shell cuz if it does get tossed around, it has a little more protection. And yes, Im padding/stuffing it with clothes too. Im torn if i should go ahead with it 😅

Literally just bought a 29" soft luggage for an international trip. I had the same thought about the 50/50 split in having to pack and open and close. The soft I liked the box type storage with a lid to open and close. Maybe I'm being partial to what I'm used to but let's see. I really was torn between the two types but went with what I know especially in terms of having to open the luggage last minute for something and the floor space it may take up in room etc.

I appreciate your information, details, and enthusiasm. The one piece of information I did not hear, or may have missed, is dimensions. In traveling internationally, especially in Latin America, a common size limit for a carry-on is 21.7 in x 13.8 in x 9.8 in or 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm. The luggage in your video looks bigger than this, but could you clarify?

Great video! I'm always jealous of folks with spinner wheels while inside the airport, but even before watching your video, I thought my softside was more my style (and need). After watching this video, I know I made the right choice - I'm thinking cobblestones for 1/2 mile shag. 👎

I like a soft sided spinner. As an older woman with back issues, dragging the bag can be difficult at times.

I am a world traveller I agree you can pack more of your trip purchases. We always buy soft sided.

You missed a couple important disadvantages of soft shelled luggage (at least of the two wheeled variety). The first is the obvious physical burden pulling it behind you puts on your joints that many other commenters have mentioned, but the second is the poor stability which is just as important to me. A bag on four wheels is much much easier to keep upright than a bag with two. I know there are some wizards who have mastered the art of perfectly balancing the contents of their suitcase by weight so that their soft sided suitcase doesn’t face plant every time you take your hand off of it, but this is a skill I’ve never been able to get down. That’s a frustration I’m happy to no longer have to deal with now that I’ve switched to hard sided luggage. I will admit that I miss the front pockets on soft sided luggage, but it’s not a big trade off to me to just carry the sort of stuff I would have kept there in my personal item instead. I’m a woman who carries a purse, so I’m never going to be one bagging it no matter what luggage I choose, so this isn’t a big deal, but I imagine it would be a greater pain if for people who only want to worry about one bag with them.

One issue not covered is contents durability. A soft bag at the bottom of 6 other cases , contents will get crushed , hard shell, if it does not burst a seam will protect contents. On luggage conveyor the handlers throw soft bag down on the soft front not the hard back , potential damage to contents. Cheers Warren

I prefer hard sided, as I often bring bottles of wine home from USA. As for accessability if I know that I will eed something along the way, I just place it so I only have to open the zipper about 8 inches to get it out

Just subscribed. Thank you for your practical travel tips, especially the security & money handling tips. We looked at both options today and opted for soft for all the reasons you mentioned, except with 4 “spinny” wheels instead of two. Spoiler: the axels on the partially concealed two wheels on one of our previous soft sides distorted so we ended up dragging the case instead of rolling it along. We have both hard& soft and have found the hard shell very impractical in handling and luggage storage.

I have owned the Hypath 2-in-1 soft side luggage for years. It’s actually 2 backpacks that zip together, one with wheels. I keep looking for better luggage, but for me, I just can’t find anything. I keep comparing, but am in agreement with you. Guess I’ll stick with what I have. Just weighed my carryon & it’s just 7#. Now I’m even more content.

Fyi. Hanke is now making a hard sided checked size suitcase 26 inch that opens like a soft sided case. i just purchased it for 3 week trip next month. We'll see how it works.😊

I prefer and go for a soft luggage for carry on and hard for check in luggage.

Brics has softsided 28 inch luggage that’s 8 lbs and it has 4 wheels The duffle that’s a carryon is 5.5 lbs Pricy but worth it to me I’ve had my hardshell luggage cracked open and split open and they had to tape my stuff that feel out into a plastic bag As for rain protection you can also spray it with scotchguard to waterproof it

I purchased a great brand hard frame with soft sides luggage. It was suppose to be carry-on size for most major airlines, you can get it services at all major airports should you lose a wheel etc. Well, it turns out to be way to heavy empty and many airlines highly suggest that it be checked in. I’ll keep it for a check in luggage, cause it is solid and the wheels have been great so far. I was looking at getting a hard shell luggage for my carryon only trips, but now I think I’ll research the type of soft shell luggage that was featured in this video.

Team hard shell here. I’ve used both and prefer hard shell for a number of reasons. I’ll just mention a couple. Not only are they easier to clean but I’m sure it’s harder for bedbugs to invade them. Yes they are still a thing. Also I prefer not to have the expandability. Most of us pack too much anyway. It keeps you honest.😂

I used to roll 2 wheel and 4 wheel TP luggage which I think is great But now I just use a 35 l backpack Much easier to maneuver through the airport and across cobblestone streets and going up and down stairs in Europe

There's a recent video showing a TSA guy getting into a hardside case by slipping a knife next to the zipper. He said softside luggage was more secure. If using hardside, get luggage with covered zippers.

Monos has a fabulous “no zipper” closure. Just easy-to-use locking clips. Hard shell for the win.

Good video 👍 I do have to disagree with lockable zippers being as good as built-in locks. While I've never actually gotten to use built in locks, I bet they wouldn't get broken off by airline equipment and lost, as has happened to me multiple times with TSA padlocks (even on carryon luggage!). I just got home with a duffle bag (a spare initially carried inside other luggage in case of returning with more stuff) still having the twist-tie holding the zippers together but missing the lock (which I had to attach to the ends of the pulls). Since the twist-tie seemed to be as I left it, I figure the lock was pulled off by baggage-handling machinery rather than intentionally removed. More frustratingly, I once put my carryon in a sizer and had trouble pulling it out because something had caught. A rude airline employee accused me of forcing my bag in (which I hadn't!) even though she should have been able to feel that it was something catching rather than tightness when she pulled it out. I later realized my lock was missing. Btw, the reason I try to use TSA locks to keep zippers closed and slightly deter thieves, instead of twist-ties or whatever, is not because I think they work better. It's because I think TSA agents are more likely to put them back in place to hold the zipper closed. I particularly don't understand the people who recommend zip ties; TSA agents can't replace those even if they wanted to, they're single-use plastic waste, and you need a blade to remove them when you want to open your luggage. Back on topic... I used to only use soft-sided luggage but am leaning more towards hard-sided in recent years - I don't think either one is always better.

Interesting, I have never traveled with either. I travel with a large pack as my check in luggage and aim for 10kgs. Therefore I am on the soft sided luggage.

Use giant Ziploc bags instead of packing cubes, or use the bags as covers for your packing cubes and anything else you don't want to get soaked. This has worked great for me. Your suitcase should dry out overnight, or you could treat yourself to a new one at your destination. 😉

You have to be more intentional about balance when packing soft sided to keep it from tipping forward.

Those extra soft-sided pockets, cause the bag to tip over awkwardly, especially with the handle up, including hitting other people, but only if you use them!

Since I'm not on tour very often, I go for easily storable luggage.

80% of the time I'm a 35L Aer Travel Pack 3 person. Kicks butt over both the options. That said... When I need more room I've found that a Monos Hybrid (zipperless hardshell) combined with an AER City Pack Pro Backpack as my personal item solved nearly all the downsides you've listed for the Hardshell. Security definitely shift to Hard. Accessibility is a personal problem if you're not putting all the stuff you need in the backpack. One thing that you didn't cover is that hardshell forces limits. So...while you list flexibility as a pro for soft. I think that that disregards that it begs people to overstuff right past airline limits. This just doesn't happen with hard and I like KNOWING that I'm within spec. :)

Nora, I have a question that maybe you can answer. I can't find the anser on YT or the internet. If you are traveling with a lot of electronics (laptop, tablet, power bank, phone etc.) is there a way to keep track of them in the bin? Can you put all that stuff in to say, a mesh bag and then put that into the bin. I've heard of people losing stuff. It's the one thing I'm really paranoid about with my next trip and yes, I have to take all that stuff, plus. Please help!

Soft-side 2 wheels for me. Invested in the Briggs & Riley Baseline Global carry-on 2 months ago. Very pleased with my investment. Slightly more volume compared to equally priced global spinner.

Interesting concepts. I have a hard-shell zipper-less (latches) checked suitcase for international travel, which I bought in 2010, and still going strong, in spite of 30+ long international flights. Poly-carbonate is DIY easy to repair. My carry-on is a two-wheeled, soft-side top with rigid sides, same age as the other one, although a different brand. Nevertheless, they are showing their age, and specially the checked bag may be going into retirement this or next year.