Hard or soft large suitcase for long haul?

[Rollingdownland]

I'm going for a winter sun holiday and need to buy a large suitcase - we only ever go to Europe so have never needed a big one before.

Do I buy hard or soft? I know it's ridiculous but I have absolutely no idea which to go for and don't want to waste £100+ and wish I'd got the other sort.

Thank you!

I prefer hard as I have seen cases rained on etc going to and from the place, splashed with mud etc. It is easy to wipe clean and if you have breakables in it they are less likely to get crushed. I have never had an issue with the shell being damaged. Mine case is a light silver so the scuffs do not really show. I find (just in my experience) that people are less likely to pick up your bag thinking it is theirs with hard sided. The only think is the weight of the bag while empty.

I don't travel any more, but my two strong LEATHER shoulder bags are still in great shape - they've endured all that adventure much better than me, although I'm not the one who's been thrown on & off endless aeroplanes, boats, buses and carts!

The zips are very sturdy, they have a brass attachment for a padlock, and it would take more than a box cutter to slit them. I think they're a little over official cabin-bag size but, if I only have one, I've often been allowed to carry it on.

Not cheap, but it's a lifetime purchase. The only thing I think might be better would be a rucksack of similar quality leather.

I prefer soft, but also leather so you can wipe it clean.

Oh, by the way, @Rollingdownland, travellers' hint: they'll have shops where you're going! Consider just NOT taking everything you might want to wear or use.

Have a lovely trip. I'm envious 😎

I’ve just bought a hard case after decades of holdalls and packing really light for trips which involved a fair amount of me carrying my own luggage.
It’s a mid size, mid range one from TKMaxx, can’t remember the make. It is easy to roll either on 4 or 2 wheels depending on surface. Getting off Eurostar I tripped and fell onto it with one knee - no damage and I am not a light person, so I think it’s pretty tough!
I’m a bit confused as to why you need a different case for winter sun than for your usual trips though.

My Samsonite hard case weighs bugger all. It's very large, and currently stuffed full waiting for its next trip, weighing in at a bit under 20kg.

I prefer it when traveling to places where I'm likely to buy things (mostly booze!) which need protecting. I like that I can keep it pretty clean too.

Honestly I have found budget soft cases pretty tough and long lasting. They get absolutely abused by baggage handlers so don't buy anything fancy. The tough nylon fabric outer with toughened side walls is plenty of protection for glass bottles in the suitcase, even on the bottom of a big pile of cases stuffed in a coach luggage area. It is also plenty to keep rain and muck off.

I would agree with if its winter sun do you really need a much larger suitcase than for summer sun? For something like skiing where you are taking gear yes but winter sun for me is same as summer sun especially if you spend a lot of time in the sea.

Depends. Even with 12 days Caribbean we had large suitcases as we had snorkling gear, water shoes (not flippers), shoes, nice clothes for eating out and clothes for exploring the island.

We aren't people who have 5 swimsuits, flip flops and 3 beach dresses and hardly anthing else.

So a beach holiday in Europe is the same luggage as a beach holiday long haul for me.

Came to ask the same question. Unless OP is now going for two weeks when they usually only go for one, why does the distance have an impact on case size? In fact I've taken less to tropical countries than I have to Europe as I know I won't need a jacket or a cardi in south east Asia or Central America, whereas in the Balearics I'm not so confident.

Back on topic though, I have a clam shell case that's half and half, the bottom is a hard shell and the top a soft shell, it's from Roxy but I think Eastpak do similar ones??