What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Luggage Manufacturer

13 Jan.,2025

 

Types of Suitcases: Advantages and Disadvantages

Choosing the right suitcase can make the difference between a comfortable trip and an experience full of setbacks. Whether you&#;re navigating international airports, hilly streets, or public transportation stations, the type of suitcase you choose will be your best ally or your worst enemy.

View Details

I vividly remember my trip from Miami to the West Coast of the United States. I visited several cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, each with its own style, climate, and transportation challenges. I had to think not only about protecting my belongings but also about navigating uneven streets and sidewalks. This trip taught me the importance of choosing between hard-shell, semi-rigid, or soft luggage, as well as the convenience of having the right wheels for different terrains.

In this guide, I&#;ll show you the different types of suitcases, their features, and help you choose the one that best suits your travel style. Let&#;s get started!

What Types of Suitcases Are There?

When it comes to choosing a suitcase, the first thing you need to know is that not all of them are the same. Suitcases are mainly classified by the structure of their materials, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the kind of trip you&#;re planning. Here are the three main types:

  1. Hard-Shell Suitcases 

Hard-shell suitcases are known for their ability to provide superior protection. They are made from durable materials like polycarbonate or ABS, making them ideal for travelers carrying fragile items such as cameras, laptops, or delicate souvenirs.

Advantages:

  • Greater protection against impacts and crushing.
  • Water and moisture resistance.

Disadvantages:

  • They can be heavier than other types of suitcases.
  • They usually don&#;t have external pockets, limiting quick access to documents or accessories.

Before my trip to California, I seriously considered buying a hard-shell suitcase to protect my camera and other electronic devices. However, after analyzing the terrain I would be walking on (uneven sidewalks and streets), I opted for a lighter and more flexible option.

  1. Semi-Rigid Suitcases
    Semi-rigid suitcases offer the best of both worlds. They have a firm external structure but are not completely rigid, allowing for some flexibility. Additionally, they often come with external pockets, which are very practical for quickly accessing documents, chargers, or a light jacket.

Advantages:

  • Accessible external pockets.
  • A combination of lightness and protection.
  • They can expand slightly, providing extra space.

Disadvantages:

  • They don&#;t offer as much protection as hard-shell suitcases in case of crushing.

In the end, I decided on a semi-rigid suitcase. It was the best choice for easily moving through airports and transportation stations in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Being able to store my charger in the external pockets and access it quickly was a huge relief.

  1. Soft-Sided Suitcases
    Soft-sided suitcases are the lightest and often the most affordable option. They are made from flexible materials like polyester or nylon, allowing them to expand and provide additional packing space.

Advantages:

  • Extremely lightweight, making them easy to carry.
  • They often expand, offering extra space when you need it most.

Disadvantages:

  • Less protection against impacts or pressure.
  • They are more likely to tear or get damaged if heavy objects are placed on top of them.

While soft-sided suitcases are ideal for travelers who need extra space, in my case, I knew I would be carrying fragile items and navigating crowded airports. For that reason, I opted for a semi-rigid suitcase that offered a balance between protection and flexibility.

How Many Types of Luggage Are There?

In addition to the types of suitcases, it&#;s important to understand the different types of luggage. This classification is based on airline regulations and how the luggage is transported.

  1. Personal Item
    This includes small backpacks, handbags, or laptop cases that you can carry with you in the airplane cabin. They are usually stored under the seat in front of you.
  2. Carry-On Luggage
    This is the classic cabin suitcase that you can bring on board with you. Generally, the size allowed by most airlines is 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.
  3. Checked Luggage
    This refers to the luggage that is checked in and stored in the airplane&#;s cargo hold. Large and heavy suitcases fall into this category.

What Size Suitcase Can I Bring on the Plane?

Most airlines allow a carry-on suitcase with dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. If your suitcase is larger, you&#;ll need to check it in and pay an additional fee.

Suitcases with Wheels: 2 or 4 Wheels?

2-Wheel Suitcases:

Link to Shengtailuo Case &Bag

  • Slide forward and backward.
  • More durable for uneven sidewalks or bumpy streets.

4-Wheel Suitcases (Spinner):

  • Glide in all directions.
  • Ideal for airports and smooth surfaces.

I opted for a 4-wheel suitcase, and it was the right choice. In crowded airports like Miami or Los Angeles, being able to move effortlessly in any direction was a huge advantage.

How to Choose the Perfect Suitcase for Your Trip

  • Traveling to multiple cities? Use a semi-rigid suitcase with 4 wheels to adapt to any situation.
  • Carrying fragile items? Use a hard-shell suitcase to protect your belongings.
  • Traveling for a few days? Use a small carry-on suitcase to avoid check-in fees.
  • Traveling for an extended period? Use a large or extra-large suitcase to ensure you have enough space.
  • Walking with your luggage? Choose a 2-wheel suitcase if the terrain is uneven, or a 4-wheel suitcase if you&#;ll be moving through airports and stations.

Choosing the right suitcase can mean the difference between a smooth trip or a travel nightmare. My personal experience taught me that semi-rigid suitcases with 4 wheels offer the best balance between mobility and protection. Analyze your type of trip and specific needs before purchasing a suitcase.

If you found this article helpful, share it with other travelers or tell us about your experience on our social media!

Luggage Materials: Polypropylene vs Polycarbonate vs ABS

Luggage Shell Materials: Hardside and Softside. Types


Luggage shell materials must be strong enough to protect your possessions while resisting the wear and tear associated with frequent travel. The quest for modern luggage that features the toughest, most durable, and most lightweight luggage material has led to fierce debates that often require explanation &#; few travelers fully understand the pros and cons of polypropylene vs. polycarbonate, for instance.

To help you choose the right luggage material for your needs, we&#;ve put together this guide to different bag materials, with commentary on the pros and cons of each.

Hard-Side vs. Soft-Side

To start, let&#;s take a brief look at the two broadest categories of luggage: hard-side and soft-side.

  • Hard-side luggage has a rigid protective shell made from materials such as ABS, polycarbonate, or polypropylene. Hardside luggage materials offer maximum protection for suitcase contents and can withstand rough baggage handling. While stronger than most soft-side bags, hard-side luggage can be more difficult to fit into crowded overhead compartments, as you cannot compress the bags to fit in small spaces. 
  • Soft-side luggage, in contrast, is made from nylon, polyester, canvas, or other flexible materials. Soft-side bags are not as rigid than hard-side suitcases but are easier to stow as carry-on.

Hard Side: Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP) is a hard hydrocarbon resin made from propylene, a petroleum byproduct. Polypropylene is a little less rigidity as other hard-side luggage materials, but it does have some advantages:

Polypropylene Luggage Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Lightest hard-side luggage material
  • Well-suited for frequent use
  • Chemical and temperature resistant
  • Waterproof
  • Crack-resistant

Polypropylene Luggage Cons

  • Not as rigid as polycarbonate bags
  • The color can degrade when exposed to UV light

Comparing Polypropylene vs. Polycarbonate

When comparing polypropylene vs. polycarbonate bags such as the Platinum® Elite Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner, it&#;s important to remember that while polypropylene is lighter, polycarbonate is the sturdier choice. A polycarbonate suitcase may cost more but will offer more rigid protection.



Hardside: Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate is an extremely tough polyester compound used to make over 40% of hard-side luggage. While heavier than polypropylene and ABS suitcases, polycarbonate bags are flexible and highly resistant to cracks. The Maxlite® Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner is an excellent example of a polycarbonate suitcase.



Polycarbonate Pros

  • Moderately priced
  • Strong and durable
  • Water resistant
  • Flexible
  • Crack, scratch, and impact resistant
  • Lightweight

Polycarbonate Cons

  • Not as flexible as soft-side luggage
  • Higher price than polypropylene luggage
  • More difficult to repair if damaged
  • Heavier than polypropylene and ABS bags

Hard Side: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a petroleum byproduct. ABS is a popular luggage material that accounts for almost 30% of hard-side suitcases. ABS is suggested for infrequent travel, as the material is durable but can suffer damage when exposed to high temperatures or rough handling.

ABS Luggage Pros

  • Attractive price
  • Lightweight
  • Rigid
  • Water resistant

Aluminum Cons

  • Heaviest of the hard-side luggage materials
  • Plastic wheels, handles, and other elements may break
  • Most expensive hard-side luggage option
  • Quality and appearance may attract unwanted attention
  • Will get dented up or show character from their travels

Soft Side: Polyester

Polyester soft side bags are popular due to their lightweight, flexible, and durable nature. Polyester bags typically have Deniers scores of 600D to 900D (One Deniers is a unit of textile measurement. A higher Denier indicates stronger fabrics made from thicker threads). When treated with DuraGuard® coating, polyester suitcases such as the Maxlite® 5 21" Carry-On Spinner are water and scuff resistant. Oxford cloth is a polyester woven in a slightly different pattern, sometimes used for soft-side luggage.



Soft Side: Nylon

Nylon bags resist tears and abrasion better than polyester. Nylon tends to have a lower Deniers range than polyester but is nonetheless stronger. The Platinum® Elite Medium Check-In Spinneris an excellent example of a high-density nylon bag.

Two variants of nylon are often used to make bags. Ballistic nylon has a thicker, heavier thread than regular nylon and is the most durable fabric used to create soft-side luggage. Backpacks, which need extra resistance, are often made with ballistic nylon. Cordura, a similar nylon product, uses nylon threads that are D thickness.



Soft Side: Leather

Leather was a popular choice for luggage in the s. Today, however, leather has lost ground to more effective luggage materials, and today is mostly used for handbags, duffel bags, and backpacks.

Leather can last for decades if properly cared for, but it has some definite drawbacks. Leather is heavier than other soft-side luggage materials and soaks up water if it gets wet, causing unsightly stains.

Soft Side: Canvas

Canvas is made from cotton or hemp and is often used for backpacks and duffle bags. The organic material used to make canvas makes canvas bags less weatherproof than nylon or polyester bags. Exposure to dampness can result in canvas rotting, and the material is heavier than nylon and polyester. On the plus side, canvas is extremely durable when cared for properly.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Luggage Manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

&#; Explore Our Guides

Shop Our Full Selection of Luggage