If you’re looking for the best hard shell suitcase that won’t be crushed or dented, opt for a hard shell. They’re made from a tough, thermoplastic material that won’t break or crumble after a tumble on the airport floor. In Consumer Reports’ latest tests, two hard-shell spinner bags that cost $90 beat out the best hard-shell suitcase costing hundreds of dollars more.
Size
The best hard shell suitcase will give you more room to pack clothes, shoes, toiletries, and personal items. It also allows you to carry more things, such as a laptop or a tablet. It also helps you stay organized by keeping your belongings separate, making it easier to find what you’re looking for during security checks. If you’re worried about your luggage getting stolen, consider a luggage set that includes locks.
Consumer Reports recently tested a variety of hard-shell carry-on spinner bags, and two inexpensive models beat out luggage that cost hundreds more in the test. These bags are made from polycarbonate, a high-strength thermoplastic that prevents items from breaking or crushing. They’re also a lot lighter than the traditional best hard shell suitcases and are easy to wipe clean, which means they don’t get scratched up as easily. We also liked that some hard-shell bags have built-in luggage tags, letting you identify them on the carousel.
Style
The best hard shell suitcases have a more sleek and modern look than soft cases. They’re made from polycarbonate, a tough thermoplastic that’s also easy to wipe clean and will help protect your belongings from damage while traveling. They’re often a bit heavier than their ABS counterparts, but they don’t crush as easily and are also more resistant to denting or crushing when hit with a baseball bat.
We put our favorite best hard shell suitcases to the test in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles Lab and they impressed us with their durability, ease of use, and a host of other features. While they didn’t win in every category, we think they are worth the price tag to protect your luggage from bumps and bruises. We hope you enjoy your next trip!
Security
The best hard shell suitcases are built to last with a material that helps protect your belongings from the elements. This typically entails the use of polycarbonate, an impact-resistant thermoplastic that can help prevent your suit from breaking in an airport shuffle or your wine bottle from getting cracked in a plane’s overhead compartment. It also entails a smart design that includes a few squishier elements such as zippered panel enclosures to one side, and restraint or compression straps to the other. Most importantly, it’s the smartest choice you can make when shopping for your next bag. It’s the best way to ensure you get the most out of your travel budget.
Budget
The best hard shell suitcases offer impact resistance, helping protect things from crushing or denting. They’re also often easier to wipe clean. The best ones are made of polycarbonate, a high-strength thermoplastic that’s often more lightweight than ABS’s best hard shell suitcases. In our tests, we dropped, pulled, and dragged these bags around, and they stood up well to the abuse. When we hit them with a baseball bat, they didn’t dent, and when we jumped on them or dropped them downstairs, they scuffed lightly. Usatrendshub
We put these luggage sets through their paces in our Textiles Lab, and our testers liked them for style and durability. They were especially good for storing makeup and wine bottles. We even slung one over our shoulders, and it stayed intact. Its telescoping handle is smooth and easy to maneuver, too.
