The decision between hardside and softside influences the protection, weight, and flexibility of your suitcase:
Hardside Suitcase as Carry-On:
Advantages: Hardside cabin suitcases offer excellent protection for sensitive items, are impact-resistant, usually water-repellent, and maintain their shape, which makes packing easier and protects clothes from heavy wrinkling. Materials like polycarbonate are very robust yet lightweight. ABS is also robust and often more affordable.
Disadvantages: Less flexible for stowing in tight luggage compartments, often no exterior pockets.
Ideal for: Fragile items, stylish and shape-retaining travel.
Softside Suitcase as Carry-On:
Advantages: Softside cabin suitcases often lighter than hardside models, more flexible when packing (can adapt slightly), usually have practical exterior pockets for quick access to travel documents, etc. Materials like durable polyester are hard-wearing.
Disadvantages: Offer less protection against impacts, are more susceptible to moisture and dirt, do not hold their shape as well when lightly packed.
Ideal for: Maximum space utilization, easy organization with exterior pockets, car travel.
Eminent offers both robust hardside suitcases made of polycarbonate and ABS as well as lightweight softside suitcases, so you have the choice that best suits your travel style.