The Best Hard Shell Luggage Sets
Setting off for faraway shores? Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, you'll need a trusty baggage solution to keep your valuables safe along the way. Hard shell baggage is a great choice for airline travel because the protective shell can keep your valuables safely protected from the occasional bump or scratch. Choosing a varied set could save on purchasing individual suitcases, and you'll get a bigger variety for use over the years in the meantime.
What to Look For
Before you take to the skies, pause for a moment to take stock of a few key features that could help you find the ideal baggage set for you. If you need a hardside case for your carry-on baggage, make sure the set you choose has an appropriately sized case to fit the regulations of your favorite airlines. Different designs are constructed using a range of sturdy materials, some offering more protection with a heavier weight with others leaving in favor of lightweight maneuverability. The ABS cases from Coolife strike the balance between these two extremes, earning them the top spot on our list. We love the range of colors on offer, too. If you’re looking for a compact set for carry-on luggage, don’t miss the downsized duo from Somago. So pack up your troubles and read on to discover the rest of our favorites.
Coolife Lightweight Hardshell Suitcase Spinner, 3-Pack
With a premium hardshell construction, this lightweight luggage set provides durable protection for your valuables with an attractive gloss finish on the outside. Multidirectional silent spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver gracefully and provide greater stability when traveling at high speeds. And there’s a range of great colors to choose from, so you’ll be sure to find an option to suit your style. Plus, if you want a vibrant color that’ll be easy to spot at baggage reclaim, that’s available as well.
Pros:
- Strong hook closures
- Retractable top handles
- Four–wheel design can comfortably transport large amounts of cargo
Cons:
- This shell may not protect against denting damage as well as some other material types
Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinwheel Luggage, 3-Pack
Double stability
The Rockland Melbourne luggage set is the perfect travel companion for frequent flyers who value comfort, convenience, and flexibility. This expandable luggage set features a lightweight shell made from ABS, which pairs extreme durability with a lightweight form so you can carry your luggage with ease. The resilient exterior shell is also scratch-resistant, keeping up appearances even after encounters with rough baggage handlers.
Pros:
- Double spinner wheels for added stability
- Expandable by up to two inches
- Ergonomic aluminum telescoping handle
Cons:
- Due to the ABS, these might have an odor initially; however, it should dissipate quickly after being aired out
Somago Hardside Luggage Set, 2-Pack
If you’re looking for hardside luggage for a solo expedition, you probably won’t require more than a couple of cases. This downsized two-piece set from Somago is perfect for weekend getaways or voyagers who like to travel light. The two individual cases mean you can better organize your valuables for quick retrieval, and separate them for easy storage.
Pros:
- Once separated, these two compact cases will fit in most airline overhead storage
- TSA combination locks keep the contents protected from opportunistic theft
- Soft interior lining with divider
Cons:
- No wheels on the top case
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Luggage, 3-Pack
Tough enough
Whether you’re moving home or embarking on a long trip, once you’ve packed your bags for the journey you’ll want to rest in the knowledge that the contents will be safely stowed until arrival. This resilient trio from Samsonite makes no compromises when it comes to protecting the goods inside. Crafted from tough micro-diamond polycarbonate, the outer shell will hold strong under enormous pressure and effortlessly deflect scratches and impacts.
Pros:
- 20-inch carry-on case included
- Range of bold colors to choose from
- Additional cases can be purchased separately
Cons:
- These single wheels aren’t quite as durable as we’d like for the price
Showkoo ABS Suitcase Set, 4-Pack
One for all
This versatile and affordable set of four from Showkoo could be the perfect way to equip a family with suitcases for an upcoming vacation. The four graduated cases each deploy a tough polycarbonate and ABS blend to keep the contents from harm’s way. Thanks to the multi-pocket design on the inside featuring a concealed storage bag and elastic cross closure, you can keep your belongings in order inside, too. We’ll leave it up to you to decide who gets dibs on the largest case, though.
Pros:
- Soft TPU wheels with lubricating balls for smooth and silent rolling
- Three-step telescoping handle
- Soft rubber handles protect your fingers during heavy lifting
Cons:
- Carry-on bag is smaller than the standard size
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transport fragile items inside hardside luggage?
With their tough, impact-resistant exteriors, hardside suitcases are the ideal candidates for keeping fragile goods safe in transit. If you’re carrying delicate ceramics, glassware, or the like, make sure that they’re also held securely inside to prevent movement. Beware stowing the most fragile items in airline hold luggage, as you can never be sure of how carefully it will be handled.
Is my hardside case small enough to use as carry-on baggage for a flight?
Airlines can vary in their specifications for hand luggage, so it’s always worth checking the rules specific to your flight before boarding to avoid disappointment. In general, small cases that measure no more than 22″ x 15.6″ x 9″ should be suitable for overhead storage. Most of the sets we reviewed contain at least one bag that can be used for carry-on baggage.
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