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.

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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.

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Choosing the right material for your luggage can significantly impact your travel experience, affecting everything from durability and weight to style and cost. Two commonly debated materials in the luggage industry are polypropylene and polycarbonate. Polypropylene is known for its lightweight and flexible nature, while polycarbonate offers superior durability and a sleek appearance. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of polypropylene vs polycarbonate luggage to help travellers understand the strengths and weaknesses of each and help them decide which trolley bag is best polycarbonate or polyester; thus enabling them to make informed decisions based on their specific travel needs and preferences.

Polypropylene Luggage

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer known for its lightweight and flexibility. It's widely used in various industries for its robustness and resistance to chemicals and solvents.

Polypropylene is commonly used to manufacture hardsided luggage due to its ability to withstand impact and its lightweight properties. Safari Bags&#; hard trolley bags offer the best options for the same.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to handle: Polypropylene trolley bags are typically lighter than other materials, making them easier to carry.

• High resistance to chemicals and solvents: It offers excellent protection against spills and other environmental hazards.

• Often more affordable than polycarbonate: Polypropylene suitcase tends to be more budget friendly.

• Flexibility and shock absorbance: It can absorb impact well, protecting contents inside.

Cons:

• Less durable compared to polycarbonate: Polypropylene may not withstand heavy impacts as well as polycarbonate.

• Can be less aesthetically pleasing: It often has a more basic appearance with limited design options.

• Limited color and design options: Polypropylene luggage may not offer as many choices in terms of colors and styles compared to other materials.

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Polycarbonate Luggage

Polycarbonate is a strong and durable thermoplastic polymer known for its high impact resistance and lightweight properties. It's widely used in manufacturing due to its ability to withstand heavy impacts without cracking or breaking.

Polycarbonate is commonly used to produce hardsided luggage shells because of its exceptional durability and ability to protect contents from impact during travel, and for those who prefer printed trolley bags, they can seek the best at Safari Bags.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and impact resistant: Polycarbonate trolley bag is highly resilient to bumps, drops, and rough handling.

• Lightweight yet sturdy: It provides strength without adding significant weight, making it easier to handle.

• Available in a variety of colors and designs: Polycarbonate luggage offers a wide range of aesthetic options to suit different tastes.

• Better protection for fragile items: It provides excellent protection for delicate belongings inside the luggage.

Cons:

• Generally more expensive than polypropylene: Polycarbonate suitcase tends to be higher in price due to its superior durability and quality.

• Can be prone to scratches: While durable, polycarbonate surfaces may show scratches over time.

• Less flexible, making it harder to fit in tight spaces: Its rigid nature may pose challenges in fitting into small or irregular spaces.

Polycarbonate vs Polypropylene Luggage: Which is Better?

Choosing between polypropylene and polycarbonate luggage depends on various factors that impact your travel experience. Factors such as durability, weight, design, affordability, and brand reputation play crucial roles in making an informed decision. Safari Bags offers the best trolley bags set of 3. 

Durability: Polypropylene luggage offers decent durability with flexibility and shock absorbance, but it tends to be less robust compared to polycarbonate, which is highly impact-resistant and durable. Polycarbonate generally provides better longevity, making it ideal for frequent travelers.

Weight: Polypropylene luggage is lightweight and easy to handle, but polycarbonate is equally lightweight while offering superior strength and sturdiness. Polycarbonate is often preferred for its ability to protect contents without adding significant weight.

Design: Polycarbonate luggage wins in terms of design variety and aesthetic appeal. It comes in a wide range of colors and styles, offering more choices compared to the more limited options typically found with polypropylene.

Price: Polypropylene luggage is usually more affordable than polycarbonate. While polypropylene provides a budget-friendly option, polycarbonate's durability and design versatility often justify its higher price point as better value for money in the long run.

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Overall: Considering durability, weight, design, and price, polycarbonate emerges as the preferred choice for most travelers seeking reliable and stylish luggage. Its superior durability and aesthetic options outweigh the slightly higher cost.

Brand Considerations: Popular brands like Safari prioritize polycarbonate for its superior durability and aesthetic appeal. Safari recommends polycarbonate for travelers looking for long-lasting, stylish luggage that meets their diverse travel needs.

In conclusion, when choosing between polypropylene and polycarbonate luggage, assessing your specific travel requirements and preferences is essential. Polycarbonate stands out as the better choice for its durability, lightweight construction, and versatile design options, making it an excellent investment for frequent and style-conscious travelers alike.

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Polypropylene vs Polycarbonate Luggage: What is the Difference?

Let us quickly grasp the key differences between polypropylene and polycarbonate luggage with our handy table, helping you make an informed decision based on your travel needs and preferences.

Key Factors

Polypropylene Luggage

Polycarbonate Luggage

Flexibility

More flexible and offers better shock absorbance.

Less flexible but more rigid, providing better impact resistance.

Resistance to Impact

Moderate resistance to impact.

Extremely high impact resistance, ideal for protecting contents.

Weight

Lightweight and easy to handle.

Lightweight yet sturdy, offering excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

Design Options

Limited color and design options.

Wide range of colors and styles available, more aesthetic versatility.

Durability

Less durable compared to polycarbonate.

Highly durable and long-lasting, less prone to cracking or breaking.

Affordability

Generally more affordable.

Higher price point due to superior durability and design options.

Ease of Use

Easy to handle due to lightweight and flexibility.

Equally easy to handle, offers smooth maneuverability.

Recommended Use

Suitable for budget-conscious travelers with less frequent travel.

Ideal for frequent travelers seeking durable, stylish luggage.

Final Thoughts

Polypropylene luggage offers flexibility, affordability, and decent durability, making it ideal for occasional, budget-conscious travelers. In contrast, polycarbonate luggage provides superior durability, impact resistance, lightweight construction, and extensive design options, perfect for frequent travelers seeking long-lasting and stylish luggage. This comparison helps travelers choose the best option based on their travel frequency, durability needs, budget and safety, where Safari&#;s trolley bags with tsa lock stand out as the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is better, polycarbonate or polypropylene luggage?

Polycarbonate luggage is generally considered better due to its superior durability, impact resistance, and aesthetic options compared to polypropylene.

2. Which material is best for luggage?

The best material depends on your specific needs. Polycarbonate is ideal for frequent travelers needing durable, lightweight options, while polypropylene offers affordability and moderate durability. The Safari Bags collection includes the best trolley bags for women and men. 

3. Does polypropylene luggage crack?

Polypropylene luggage can crack under extreme stress, but it generally holds up well against impacts and rough handling.

4. Is polycarbonate luggage more expensive than polypropylene luggage?

Yes, polycarbonate luggage tends to be more expensive than polypropylene due to its advanced material properties and design versatility.

5. Which type of luggage is lighter: polypropylene or polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate luggage is lighter than polypropylene, making it easier to carry and maneuver during travel.

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