Not all hardshell rolling bags are created equal, and with so many brands out there, you’ll wanna make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. With some helpful advice from Cuan Hanly, Chief Design Officer at Away, here are a few things to keep in mind when picking out your new go-to carry-on bag:
Consider the materials
The majority of hardshell bags are made from either polycarbonate or ABS plastic. Polycarbonate is your best bet, since it’s lighter than metals, more durable than plastic, and has high-impact resistance. It’s “a great lightweight option that is dent resistant, easy to clean, and typically offered in a wider range of colors,” as Hanly explains. The downside: this material scratches and scuffs easily, though a cleaner sponge usually works to buff away scuff marks.
ABS plastic, on the other hand, tends to be more affordable (and even more lightweight) than polycarbonate, but it’s less durable and even more prone to scratches. You’ll also find bags that are made with a blend of ABS and polycarbonate, but these still aren’t as durable as 100 percent polycarbonate bags.
The most luxurious hardshell rollers tend to be made from aluminum, which is heavier than polycarbonate and plastic but far more durable than both (and typically, a whole lot more expensive). Like polycarbonate, Hanly suggests looking into luggage with this material since it is “extremely protective and makes a bold statement, though it’s a little more rigid that polycarbonate.”
With that being said, of course, the material you go with all depends on your budget and how you plan on using your bag.
Prioritize functionality
As much as we want an Insta-worthy suitcase for those vacay pics, it’s important to look deeper than the exterior. “Shoppers should look for suitcases with built-in features like an interior compression system that helps pack more in, hidden laundry bags to keep dirty clothing separate, zipper compartments that make packing and unpacking a seamless experience, and 360-degree spinner wheels to ensure a smooth ride,” suggests Hanly.
Travelers who have a hard time packing light (guilty as charged) should also look for luggage that has an expandable zipper and/or compression capabilities. “Luggage that can expand to a larger size is also a great option for all kinds of travel that lets travelers maximize their space with the added flexibility,” he adds.
Oh, and if there is one must-have feature when it comes to hardside luggage, it’s 360-degree spinner wheels. Having four multi-directional spinning wheels gives you the flexibility to push or pull your bag and move it in all directions—plus, you can still tilt it back and use it like two-wheeled luggage if you prefer. Polyurethane wheels are the best in terms of durability, and you’ll want to make sure they’re quiet, smooth, and work well on all surfaces.
Look for other cool features
Aside from spinner wheels, there are a few other features that make travelling feel like a breeze when it comes to hardside luggage. Telescopic handles that you can adjust, zippers that never stick, built-in TSA locks to prevent theft, and interior compression dividers to keep your stuff in place are all pretty major, and a limited lifetime warranty (which means it’s only good for so many years or there are restrictions on what applies) is also a plus.
Other fun features to look out for include charging capabilities (for the girlies who are always in a battle with their dying phone battery), extra compartments, expandable zippers, hidden laundry bags, and exterior pockets. These aren’t make-or-break features, but they’ll definitely make traveling a lil easier.