When considering luggage materials such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate, and ABS, it's essential to know that PP is renowned for being lightweight and budget-friendly, yet it's not as rigid as some other options. According to various sources, polycarbonate tends to offer better durability and rigidity, which can be crucial for frequent travelers.

Choosing the right hardside luggage involves weighing the pros and cons of these materials.

Besides the material, several factors influence your choice of luggage. First and foremost is size. If you intend to carry your luggage onto the plane, opting for a lighter and slightly smaller bag might be in your best interest.

Many airlines enforce strict size and weight guidelines for carry-on luggage, and while checking bags offers more flexibility, you'll want to ensure they can withstand the rough handling often experienced at baggage claim.

What to Consider When Choosing Hardside vs Softside Luggage

The decision between hardside and softside luggage boils down to personal preference and the nature of your travels.

As previously mentioned, if you aim to check your luggage, hardside options are typically more protective of your belongings.

On the other hand, if you plan to carry on, you might find softside luggage to be lighter and easier to stow in overhead compartments.

Additionally, softside baggage often allows for a bit of expansion, which can be advantageous when packing.

Comparison of Hardside Luggage Materials

• Polycarbonate: The strongest material and well-suited for those seeking maximum protection.
• ABS: The budget-friendly choice often found in lightweight options.
• Polypropylene: Offers versatility with a blend of durability and lightness.

Overview of Hardside Luggage Materials

When you've decided on hardside luggage, you'll encounter three main materials: polycarbonate, ABS, and polypropylene.

The next sections delve into the differences among these materials.

What is Polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that is lighter than aluminum luggage and highly resilient, making it less likely to crack. This material is utilized across various sectors, including electronics and aircraft manufacturing, renowned for its durability and resistance to scratches. Available in an array of colors, including transparent options, polycarbonate stands out for its impact resistance.

What is ABS?

ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is another thermoplastic that ranks lighter than polycarbonate but falls short in durability. This lighter weight makes ABS a popular option for budget-conscious travelers.

Often combined with polycarbonate, ABS enhances luggage durability while minimizing weight - making it ideal for frequent travelers.

What is Polypropylene?

Polypropylene, recognized as the lightest plastic for luggage, is not as tough as polycarbonate but retains some beneficial qualities. Used in various applications, it is the second most prevalent plastic globally, commonly found in packaging and labelling.

This material is temperature and chemical resistant, with available options for expansion and wheel features in its luggage design.

Polypropylene vs Polycarbonate vs ABS Luggage Comparison

When weighing polypropylene against polycarbonate and ABS, crucial factors include weight, durability, size, and price.

While each material presents its own advantages and disadvantages tailored for specific travel needs, the suitability may vary from person to person.

Durability

In terms of durability, polycarbonate reigns supreme, exhibiting excellent resistance to scratches and impacts. Polypropylene follows closely behind, while ABS, though less durable, is not fragile.

Weight

Opt for polypropylene if prioritizing weight, as it ranks as the lightest material, even more so than aluminum. This is favorable for regular travelers seeking lightweight options with decent durability.

ABS also offers a lighter choice, albeit with the trade-off of reduced durability.

Conversely, while polycarbonate proves tougher, it tends to be heavier, making it best for travelers unconcerned about weight.

Price

Pricing is contingent on the brand, size, and features. If budget is a concern, consider an ABS suitcase, which tends to be less expensive but not necessarily of high quality. While polycarbonate and polypropylene may incur a higher upfront cost, their long-lasting durability often justifies the investment.

Design

Design options vary among the three materials, with unique features such as TSA locks, expansion zippers, and various color choices available across product lines.

Brand

Leading brands include Delsey, Samsonite, and Travelpro, each varying in quality, price, and material use for hardside luggage. Delsey often provides a favorable combination of price and quality, while Samsonite is synonymous with reliability and could come with a heftier price tag. Travelpro, offering similar pricing to Delsey, typically includes a lifetime warranty advantageous for frequent travelers.

Choosing the Best Hardside Luggage

What’s the Best Hardside Luggage Material?

There is no universal answer for the best hardside luggage material, as numerous factors must be accounted for—including travel frequency, item types, and handling conditions.

Overall, polypropylene emerges as a solid choice, combining agility and durability. However, for travelers seeking longevity under heavy use, polycarbonate may be preferable despite its added weight. Meanwhile, light and budget-conscious travelers might find ABS or ABS blend bags sufficient for their sporadic trips.

Don't forget to check out my detailed luggage review comparing Delsey and Samsonite, along with my guides on the best travel duffel bags and waterproof backpacks.

Luggage Shell Materials: Hardside and Softside. Types

Luggage shell materials must be strong enough to protect your possessions while resisting the wear and tear of frequent travel. The quest for the toughest, most lightweight luggage materials has sparked heated debates, with help from our guide clarifying the pros and cons of polypropylene versus polycarbonate.

To assist in selecting the best luggage material, we've compiled a comprehensive guide highlighting the advantages and disadvantages.

Hard-Side vs. Soft-Side

First, let's explore the two primary luggage categories: hard-side and soft-side.

• Hard-side luggage boasts a rigid shell made from materials like ABS, polycarbonate, or polypropylene, designed for maximum protection against rough handling. However, while stronger than soft-side variants, hard-side luggage can be less adaptable when fitting into cramped overhead compartments.
• Conversely, soft-side luggage is composed of flexible materials like nylon, canvas, or polyester. Though not as protective as hard-side cases, softside options are easier to stow as carry-on.

Hard Side: Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP) is a hard hydrocarbon resin derived from propylene and is slightly less rigid than other luggage materials but entails numerous advantages:

Polypropylene Luggage Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Lightest hard-side luggage available
• Well-suited for frequent use
• Resistant to chemicals and temperature
• Waterproof
• Crack-resistant

Polypropylene Luggage Cons

• Less rigidity compared to polycarbonate
• Color degradation from UV light exposure

Comparing Polypropylene vs. Polycarbonate

When comparing polypropylene and polycarbonate models such as the Platinum® Elite Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner, it's essential to point out that while polypropylene is lighter, polycarbonate provides sturdier, more rigid protection.

Hardside: Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate is an exceptionally resilient polyester compound constituting over 40% of hardside luggage. While heavier than both polypropylene and ABS, polycarbonate bags are flexible and well-regarded for their crack resistance. The Maxlite® Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner serves as a prime example of a polycarbonate suitcase.

Polycarbonate Pros

• Moderately priced
• Highly durable
• Water-resistant
• Flexible material
• Resistant to cracking, scratching, and impacts
• Lightweight

Polycarbonate Cons

• Less flexible compared to soft-side luggage
• Higher price point than polypropylene bonds
• Repairing damage can be challenging
• Heavier than its polypropylene and ABS counterparts

Hard Side: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS denotes Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a petroleum byproduct, representing nearly 30% of hard-side luggage. Typically recommended for infrequent travel, ABS is durable but susceptible to high temperatures and rough handling damages.

ABS Luggage Pros

• Attractive pricing
• Lightweight
• Rigid construction
• Water-resistant

ABS Luggage Cons

• Heavier than other hard-side materials
• Plastic components such as wheels and handles may break
• Costliest option among hard-side materials
• Design and quality may attract attention
• Subject to denting and wear

Soft Side: Polyester

Polyester soft-side bags have gained popularity due to their lightweight, adaptable, and durable characteristics. Generally, polyester bags possess Deniers scores ranging from 600D to 900D, indicating their fabric strength. Treated with DuraGuard® coating, soft-side suitcases, like the Maxlite® 5 21" Carry-On Spinner, are both water and scuff resistant. Oxford cloth is a type of polyester woven differently and sometimes employed in soft-side luggage production.

Soft Side: Nylon

Nylon bags resist tears and abrasions more efficiently compared to polyester varieties. Even though nylon often has a lower Deniers score, its resilience remains notable. A shining example is the Platinum® Elite Medium Check-In Spinner, showcasing high-density nylon.

Typically, two types of nylon contribute to bag production: ballistic nylon, which incorporates thicker threads, offers optimal durability for soft-side luggage, while Cordura, a comparable nylon product, features D thickness threads.

Soft Side: Leather

While leather was once a preferred choice for luggage, it has been overtaken by more effective materials, mainly utilized today for handbags, duffel bags, and backpacks. When properly maintained, leather can last for decades, yet presents drawbacks like weight and vulnerability to absorbing moisture, leading to unsightly damage.

Soft Side: Canvas

Canvas is constructed from cotton or hemp and frequently features in backpacks and duffle bags. Given its organic composition, canvas is less weatherproof than nylon or polyester. Exposure to moisture risks canvas deterioration, while it remains exceptionally durable when correctly cared for.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website PP Luggage.

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