Soft-sided suitcases rarely get the praise that they deserve
31 October 2023
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When it comes to luggage, travellers are generally either team hardshell or team soft-sided. While both have their perks, soft-sided suitcases rarely get the praise that they deserve. If you’re in the market for a new piece of luggage, you may want to consider a soft-sided suitcase for flexibility and durability while traversing airport terminals, narrow cobblestone streets in Europe, and beyond.
When shopping for soft-sided luggage, you’ll want to consider the materials each piece is made with, the overall design — including the wheels and zippers — and the capacity that the bag can hold. We’ve done most of the legwork for you, though, testing out a range of popular soft-sided suitcases to bring you a list of seven excellent options.
FAQ:
What is the best material for soft-sided luggage?
According to Consumer Reports, soft-sided luggage is often made from woven nylon, but each nylon style has its pros and cons. Cordura has more texture and can hide scuff marks and abrasions better. Ballistic nylon has a smoother texture but can show wear and tear faster; however, the slight imperfections won’t compromise the overall strength and durability of the fabric.
Is soft-sided luggage better than hard-sided?
This depends on personal preference and how you travel. Soft-sided luggage can be useful due to the ample amount of exterior pockets, which hard-shell suitcases typically lack. The flexible fabric can also be maneuvered into small overhead lockers or car boots easily.
Is soft-sided luggage durable?
In most instances, soft-sided luggage is extremely durable. Be sure to look for a suitcase that uses high-strength nylon and has strong zippers to ensure that your suitcase doesn’t rip as it’s tossed around by baggage handlers at the airport.
The best soft-sided luggage:
Dimensions: 35 x 23 x 56cm
Capacity: 35L
Weight: 3kg
Pros: Affordable, can fit a week’s worth of clothes
Cons: Does scuff easily, needs more zipper access for pockets
The Thule Aion carry-on spinner is a well-made, affordable option that can carry a week’s worth of clothes. According to frequent traveller Patrick Thompson, the suitcase has a sleek look, with two useful outside pockets for storing smaller items like phones and chargers. While traversing the globe, Thompson noticed that the bag does scuff easily but loves its nutria (tan) color.
Dimensions: 32.5 x 23 x 51cm
Weight: 2.42kg
Pros: Lightweight, adjustable external straps, zip-up dividers, range of colors.
Cons: None that we can see.
If you’re just needing a suitcase for weekend breaks, look for durable and roomy styles with trolley wheels that can handle pesky cobblestone streets. This Eastpak cabin case has adjustable straps on the outside so you can ensure your luggage fits within the allocated size allowance.
Dimensions: 58 x 40 x 25cm
Capacity: 52L
Weight: 3.6kg
Pros: Compression straps, removable packing cube
Cons: Wheels can glide too easily allowing the suitcase to roll away
After using it on a weeklong trip, US senior commerce editor Madison Flager was impressed with the Travelpro soft-sided suitcase. It features one main compartment that has compression straps to keep all of your clothes and valuables secure while travelling. There is also a built-in and removable packing cube that can act as a second compartment if needed. It’s a great starter soft-sided piece for those who want to swap from hard-sided luggage and tend to overpack.
Dimensions: 50 x 40 x 20cm
Weight: 2.1kg
Pros: External pockets, lightweight, great value price
Cons: Basic design, not built to last
Aerolite’s cabin suitcase ticks all the boxes when it comes to size, weight, price, and design. The dimensions fit within most airline allowances. Plus, it features two outer pockets that are handy for easy access. Users have noted it does a good job on short city breaks but can topple over if overloaded.
Dimensions: 78 x 56 x 33cm
Capacity: 126L
Weight: 8kg
Pros: Smooth wheels and zippers, includes a garment bag
Cons: Can be heavy to lift
If you’re willing to splurge on a soft-sided suitcase, the Tumi Extended Trip Packing Case is a luxurious option. It features smooth wheels, zippered pouches, and a large capacity. You can fit plenty of clothing for extended trips, making it an ideal choice for those who travel frequently.
Dimensions: 36 x 23 x 56cm
Capacity: 51L
Weight: 4.5kg
Pros: Automatic expander, designated pocket for passport and tickets
Cons: Overall look is a bit simple
This carry-on can fit everything needed for a three-day trip. It boasts an automatic expander and an easy-access “SpeedThru” pocket for travel essentials. The design is sleek and practical, ideal for frequent business travellers.
Dimensions: 56 x 36 x 23cm
Capacity: 50L (not expanded), 60L (expanded)
Weight: 4kg
Pros: Large capacity, collapsible for easy storage, cushioned handle
Cons: Best for shorter trips
The Béis soft-sided collapsible roller is a great choice for those needing extra capacity. With a laptop sleeve and a portable charger pocket, it’s perfect for on-the-go organization. Plus, its collapsible feature allows for easy storage when not in use.
Meta Description: Discover the best soft-sided luggage options from iBestTravel, blending flexibility, durability, and style for your travel needs. Explore our expert picks tailored for every traveler.
