Hardside vs Softside Carry-On: Which Is Better?
Carry-on suitcases come in two basic kinds: hard shells made of plastic like ABS or polycarbonate, and soft shells made of fabric like polyester or nylon. Both work well. They suit different kinds of travel.
Hardside
Good:
- Protects fragile things. A rigid shell resists crushing in overhead bins and under other bags.
- Water-resistant and easy to clean. Wipe it down after a rainy walk.
- Often light. ABS cases like the Cabin Max Anode, at 2.2 kg, are very light.
- Fixed size. It won't bulge past the airline limit as long as you don't expand it.
Less good:
- No outside pockets on most, so it's harder to grab a jacket or tablet.
- Shows scuffs and scratches.
- Opens in two halves, which takes more floor space in a small room.
Softside
Good:
- Outside pockets for things you need on the plane.
- Some give. A soft case can squeeze into a tight sizer or overhead bin.
- Durable fabrics shrug off scuffs. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 uses stain-resistant polyester with a water-resistant coating.
- Often expandable.
Less good:
- Less crush protection for fragile items.
- Can bulge past the size limit when packed full.
- Absorbs water in heavy rain, unless coated.
Which for international trips?
- Strict 55 x 40 x 20 cm airlines: a hardside case built to that size won't grow past it.
- Lots of connections and long days: a softside with pockets is handy for documents, a jacket and snacks.
- Fragile souvenirs or electronics: hardside.
- Rainy destinations: either, as long as a softside has a water-resistant coating.
For five carry-ons compared for international travel, see our international carry-on luggage comparison.