Hard sided luggage is the choice to make if you carry valuable or breakable items (like that wine you bring back from Italy or Napa!). The best travel luggage is made of rigid, durable plastics that can take a beating without breakage.
The materials used today are strong yet very light weight - these are not your grandmother's suitcases!
Today's Hard Sided Luggage is Bright and Colorful!
Of course, you'll want bags with wheels; but you can still find rigid bags that are light enough to lift and carry as needed.
And since airlines are imposing more fees for overweight bags these days (for most airlines the cutoff is 50 pounds), lighter weight luggage is a real money-saver, too.
The rigid shell of these bags is not as flexible as soft sided bags for stuffing into overhead compartments so be sure you choose a carry on that will fit in the overhead bin. But a soft sided bag won't protect your electronics or those lovely (but breakable) souvenirs you bring back!
There is a wide variety of bags available, from compact carry-ons to the 30" behemoth that will hold everything you need for a week or more!
Aside from the overweight charges imposed by airlines, hard-sided luggage doesn't stretch the way soft sided bags do so you may find you can't fit everything in the way you're used to.
Try, as much as possible, to limit how much you bring with you (you can refer to
"what to pack"
for ideas on saving weight and space in your suitcase). I try to limit a week's clothing and toiletries to one 26 - 28" bag, plus a nice carry-on. It's much more manageable than the 29 - 30" bags!
On this page, you'll see some of the best hardshell bags we can find. Feel free to send us your ideas, too!
What's Your Favorite Luggage or Accessory?
Do you have a bag you just can't live without? Or a favorite luggage tag, luggage scale, luggage cart or other accessory? Tell us about it!
(be sure to include the URL of the online store where it can be purchase, or we may not be able to use your review)
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