Soft or hard shell suitcases

[Reow]

Our suitcases are knackered. We e always had the same black zip up soft suitcases.

Thinking about hard shells. I'm hearing pros and cons on both sides.

What do the MN travellers think?

We travel with them about 2-3 times a year. Lightweight required if possible as we tend to take half empty cases so we can bring home lots of wine.

I have a Titan hard shell. I really rate it. Very lightweight and has upright wheels so you can pull along side not drag behind you.

It has a zip net on the one side which is great for your dirty clothes storage while you are away.

They do get a good bashing but it seems to have sustained really well.

I would have thought that hard shell was better protection for wine.

For years we had 2 soft cases for DH and I and a cheap hard shell for DD. I coveted DDs case - things seemed less creased coming out and I found it easier to pack two sides then close together.

Our cases finally gave up the ghost last year and we treated ourselves to a new matching set - a complete Amazon bargain - and I'm looking forward to using them this year.

There are lots of deals on cases - if you do go soft then Sports Direct has an amazing deal on some Dunlop ones - £70 for a set of 5 that I very nearly bought. The hard shell version was on offer as well but the large case was just too big for us.

One thing I would say, whether you go for hard or soft, definitely go for 4 wheels over 2. They are so much easier to move around.

We have soft as it's harder to fit the other ones in the car as they have no give with them being solid

The Tripp cases (hard shell) from Debenhams are regularly on sale and fabulous.

If you regularly use European hotel rooms or overnight trains or ferries you will find the hard shell cases can only be used on the bed. We came to blows......

I have both. I prefer the soft ones, as they are actually studier. My lovely blue hard shell case got seriously battered when I checked it in - the first time I used it! I have seen airport staff literally hurl suit cases around. My mum's very expensive hard shell was completely ruined on her first trip with it (the airport paid for a new one, but still). I would never spend too much on a suitcase, it's just not worth because of how the airports batter them as a matter of principle., Unless it's cabin luggage and you are never going to check it in.

I travel for work a lot, to environments from city to jungle, to desert, and back.... Do not skimp on luggage. It should last ages it is it good.

I only use North Face stuff. It's expensive, but my Rolling Thunder has lasted 5 years so far, and around 140 flights.