Consider how you would feel watching your suitcase come down the baggage carousel split open with the contents spilling out among everyone else’s luggage. Or imagine the impact of a lost or stuck wheel when you have blocks, or even miles, yet to travel. Durability–like running water or electricity–is easy to take for granted, until you are without it.
Your luggage is something you will depend on greatly while away from home. Durability should be one of your top priorities, whether you’re buying hard or soft luggage, a large checked bag or a compact carry-on.
Travelpro luggage is known worldwide for its durability and backed by reliability warranties. We stand behind every piece of luggage with our name on it, so no matter what you choose, you’ll have peace of mind that your Travelpro luggage will hold up through rigorous use.
In general, hardsided suitcases and softsided suitcases are durable in different ways. It’s a common misconception that hard shell suitcases are always tougher than bags constructed with fabric. In reality, the bag’s “toughness” depends heavily on what type of materials it’s made of.
Travelpro hardside luggage, for example, is constructed with a polycarbonate shell that is lightweight, extremely strong and designed to flex on impact to prevent splitting and cracking, which are critical issues that plague other hardside luggage and cause great inconvenience.
Similarly, softsided bags can tear or rip if the wrong fabric is used. For built-in durability, look for luggage made from high-density fabric treated to resist moisture and staining.
Though neither type is considered completely water resistant, the outer shells of hardsided suitcases should repel liquids and wipe clean if anything is spilled on them. You can safely clean and disinfect them with certain cleaning products, but be sure to follow the directions and spot test first.
Fabric bags treated to repel liquids and stains should not be cleaned with cleaning products that could compromise the anti-moisture coating–but they shouldn’t have to be. The coating should cause most of the liquid to just roll off, rather than soak in.
Whether you choose a hard or soft bag, always look for reinforced stitching, resilient zippers that stay on track and stay closed, sturdy handles and strong extension handles that don’t bend or buckle.
Other important durability features that will help keep both hard and soft bags looking and performing well include corner guards, reinforced molding on high-wear points and, for rolling bags, ultra-strong wheels with well-designed, protective wheel housings.