Choosing the best travel suitcase is a personal decision that depends on needs, wants, and practicality. While there’s nothing wrong with going the soft-sided route, hard shell luggage has its own set of benefits to take into consideration.

Here at Briggs & Riley, we pride ourselves on manufacturing luggage and bags that suit all travel and age types no matter where you’re headed or for how long. While we stand behind the quality construction of our luggage, our lifetime warranty gives you peace of mind that your bag will be repaired, even if the damage was caused by the airline or security. Like the memories that will last you a lifetime, so do our products: “Engineered for Reality, Guaranteed for Life.” 

Thinking about purchasing a hard-sided suitcase but are still not quite sure what the top benefits are? Don’t worry; we’ve got you. And rest assured, today’s models are nothing like your grandpa’s hard suitcase from days past.

Durability

Back in the day, hard-sided luggage was known to crack and deteriorate more quickly than soft-sided luggage, but luckily, companies like Briggs & Riley have changed all that. Our hardshell luggage is made out of 3-layer, 100% virgin Makrolon® polycarbonate material. It’s high-strength, lightweight, and provides elasticity and resiliency. Not only is it some of the most durable luggage around, but it also can handle anything from rain puddles to being thrown onto the baggage drop, which is good news for all of your belongings inside. 

Plenty of Packing Space

A common complaint about hard-sided luggage is that it doesn’t have as much flexibility to jam-pack extra items as with soft-sided models. However, our hard shell expandable spinners are designed with the Briggs & Riley CX™ system, which means they expand for 25% more space, then compresses to their original size. Innovative yet stylish to boot. 

Again, hardshell luggage isn’t necessarily better than soft-sided luggage. There are definitely pros and cons to each. However, before choosing the best travel suitcase for you, consider your plans and needs. You never know. You may wind up needing both! 

Mobility

One noticeable difference when comparing hard shell vs. soft shell luggage is that it’s notoriously easier to handle, a desirable feature that comes in handy when you’re trying to navigate a bustling airport or train station — especially if you’re rushing to make a connection. The reason for such effortless maneuvering is the fact that hard-sided luggage is equipped with four wheels instead of two, so it will stay balanced no matter how much you’ve crammed into it. As a bonus, you are able to push the bag in front of you, which makes walking down the narrow airplane aisle a little bit easier.

Safety and Security

Thanks to the built-in TSA-friendly combination locks on all of our hardshell luggage, agents can safely access your bag without having to cut the lock off. It’s also added peace of mind knowing that whether your gear is in the hotel room, the overhead compartment, or on the luggage carousel, nobody can snoop through or steal your things. Locking up is always a good idea!

Easy Upkeep

Unlike soft-sided bags, hardshell luggage is easy to clean. You don’t have to worry about stains from weather-related incidents, a leaky toiletry bag, the coffee you were drinking while running to catch your flight, or anything else life throws your way. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth, and it’s as good as new.