If you travel often then you’ll know that picking the right suitcase can be one of the most important decisions you make for your trip. Whether you’re travelling a short distance on South African soil or are heading overseas, a hard-shell suitcase is one of the best travel companions you can have. Not convinced about leaving the soft-shell suitcase club? Here are just 5 reasons to travel with a hard-shell suitcase:
Security:
If you’re concerned about security then a hard-shell suitcase is definitely the way to go. Hard-shell suitcases reduce the chances of theft and unlike with the soft-shell versions, there is little risk of case slitting at the airport or someone adding something to external pockets of your luggage without your knowledge.
Lightweight:
If you loathe carrying heavy luggage around, and love to pack as much as you possibly can into your suitcase then hard-shell is for you. Polycarbonate luggage can be even lighter than some soft luggage and offers the added benefit of a rigid frame and (usually) four wheels, which means navigating a busy airport is much easier.
Protection:
Hard-shell suitcases are resilient and offer better impact resistance during the rigours of travelling. This means your items inside your suitcase should stay relatively unharmed if your case is dropped or thrown onto hard surfaces.
Durability:
A hard-shell suitcase can go almost anywhere with you and is much easier to keep dry in rain, snow or puddles. It will also provide better protection against general spills and accidents for your items inside the case.
Versatility:
Most hard-shell suitcases feature a 50/50 split opening, where you pack two sides equally and stabilise the contents with a middle divider or strap. This means less rifling through your bag, as you can pack similar items together. A hard-shell case is also ideal if you’re looking for a carry-on bag that isn’t going to surprise you at the security check. Because it’s impossible to over-stuff it, it will always fit neatly in the overhead compartment and rarely be overweight.