Hardside Luggage

Special features of hardside suitcases

A lockable telescopic handle allows you to adjust it to your height. Side and top handles make it easy to lift the suitcase from the luggage carousel or remove it from the baggage compartment. Most models have a sturdy telescopic handle with two tubes. Modern hardside suitcases close with (double) zips or snap locks. The latter are often equipped with a TSA lock and can be opened by officials during an airport inspection. If the selected trolley does not have a built-in lock, it is advisable to install a luggage padlock. Hardside luggage with an ID code can be registered in the brand's own tracking system.

Hardside luggage can usually be opened in the middle so that both sides are separated from each other by a room divider and can be loaded in the same way. While cross-straps ensure that the contents are secured crease-free, additional mesh and laundry compartments provide good structure. In addition to universal models that look good both on a business trip and on beach holidays, there are sophisticated office versions for business travellers. These suitcases have several compartments for better organization and often also an outside pocket so that the most important things are quickly to hand. Most models are cabin-sized. Hardside suitcases with removable lining or with a stretch pleat are expandable.

Wheel systems

Hardshell cases are equipped with either two or four wheels. Larger models rely on robust double wheels. High-quality wheels are quiet and can be rotated 360°. Whether you prefer to pull the case behind you in an upside-down position (2-roller trolleys) or upright next to you (4-roller trolleys, also known as spinners) is up to you. For larger volumes, however, spinners are more suitable, as the load rests equally on four wheels – this makes it easier for you to carry. Furthermore, cases with four wheels can even be maneuvered in very tight spaces.

Sizes

Whether carry-on or check-in suitcases, the measures can differ from brand to brand, even for standard models. However, there are general guidelines for orientation. Size XS stands for suitcases with a capacity of up to 29 litres – the favourite size for children's cases. Hardside suitcases in size S with a capacity of up to 49 litres fall into the hand luggage category. Size M includes trolleys with a capacity of up to 69 litres, while L stands for suitcases with a capacity of up to 89 litres. Size M luggage is designed for a one-week stay: most hard-shell cases in this category already have 4 wheels. For each additional week, you should choose the next larger unit, i.e. for a two-week trip, the L size suitcase fits best. The XL suitcases have a capacity of up to 119 litres and are enough for a three-week stay. The XXL suitcase with a capacity of over 120 litres is intended for weeks of travel. There are also hard-shell cosmetic cases with a capacity of approx. 15 litres. They are usually part of a suitcase set and therefore normally equipped with a trolley strap to attach to the suitcase handle.

Materials

Compared to softside luggage, hardside suitcases are relatively inflexible: they cannot be compressed to fit in the luggage space. But that is exactly their strength – hardside luggage is form-stable. Hardside suitcases have this ability thanks to their materials: they are either made of aluminium or of plastics such as polypropylene, Curv, polycarbonate and ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer). Aluminium suitcases are weatherproof, extremely stable, very high quality and therefore also expensive. The cheaper counterparts made of polypropylene offer similar protection and trump with a lighter weight. Important: If temperatures fall below the 0 degree mark, the material can become fragile. Curv is the further development of polypropylene: it is characterized by greater impact resistance. Curv suitcases also do not become fragile even at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees. Other materials commonly used for hardside luggage include polycarbonate and combinations of materials, such as ABS polycarbonate. The production costs for polycarbonate cases are high, so polycarbonate-ABS versions were introduced to the market some time ago. Pure ABS models are rather rare. The outside of hybrid models is usually made of polycarbonate, while the inside is made of ABS. Whether mixed or made of pure polycarbonate, plastic hardside suitcases are solid, light and scratch-resistant.

Care Tips

Whether aluminium suitcases or luggage made of plastic, the hard shell can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to remove light soiling. With special polishing pastes, you can restore the original shine of the hardside luggage made of aluminium. It is also easy to clean the interior: if sun milk or the like has leaked, leave the case open until the area is dry. Stains can then be removed with a damp cloth. For tough dirt, you can clean your case with a drop of washing soap. It is also advisable to vacuum the interior from time to time to remove sand and other dirt particles.

Buy hardside luggage online

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