Top Features to Look for in Hardshell Luggage

January 25 2025, by Carolina UC, 7 min reading time

When it comes to choosing the perfect luggage for your travels, it’s essential to find a balance between durability, functionality, and style. Hardshell luggage, with its sleek design and robust exterior, has become a popular choice for modern travellers. Not only does it provide superior protection for your belongings, but it also ensures you travel in style. If you’re on the hunt for the ideal hardshell suitcase, here are the top features you should look for to ensure a smooth, secure, and stress-free travel experience.

Durable and Impact-Resistant

One of the primary reasons people choose hardshell luggage is the protection it offers. Made from materials like polycarbonate, ABS, or aluminium, these suitcases are designed to withstand the rigours of travel. Whether you’re tossing your bag into an overhead compartment, navigating busy airports, or encountering rough handling by baggage handlers, a durable and impact-resistant suitcase ensures that your valuables remain safe.

Polycarbonate, in particular, is known for its flexibility and resistance to cracking, while ABS provides a sturdy exterior that’s both hard and lightweight. Aluminium cases, though less common, offer an ultra-durable shell that’s perfect for those who travel often and need extra protection. Look for a suitcase that combines durability with lightweight materials to ensure your luggage can handle the journey ahead.

Lightweight Construction

While durability is key, weight is equally important when choosing luggage. After all, the last thing you want is to struggle with heavy luggage before you even begin your trip. Hardshell luggage is often more lightweight than you might expect, thanks to the use of modern materials like polycarbonate and ABS.

A lightweight suitcase allows you to maximise your packing capacity without exceeding weight limits at the airport. It’s also easier to handle, whether you’re lifting it into the car, wheeling it through the terminal, or stowing it in the overhead compartment. Look for hardshell luggage that offers a sturdy frame while maintaining a manageable weight, giving you the best of both worlds.

Expandable for Extra Space

Packing for a trip often means juggling between what you want to take and what you can actually fit in your suitcase. That’s where expandable hardshell luggage comes in handy. Many modern hardshell cases come with an expansion feature, allowing you to increase their capacity by a few inches.

This added space can make a huge difference, especially when you're returning from a holiday with extra items or souvenirs. The ability to expand your luggage gives you more flexibility without compromising the protection of your belongings. So, when shopping for hardshell luggage, keep an eye out for cases that feature a zipper expansion, providing that little extra room when you need it most.

Smooth, Durable Wheels

When it comes to maneuvering your suitcase, the quality of the wheels is crucial. Hardshell luggage with smooth, durable wheels can make navigating crowded airports, bustling streets, or uneven terrain far less of a hassle. Look for four-wheel spinner systems, which allow for effortless 360-degree movement in any direction.

High-quality wheels made from materials like rubber or polyurethane ensure your suitcase rolls quietly and smoothly. Avoid cheaper models with flimsy wheels, as they are more likely to wear down quickly or get stuck, leaving you frustrated during your travels. Opting for luggage with durable wheels ensures you can glide through your journey with ease, whether you’re rushing to catch a flight or making your way to your hotel.

Secure, High-Quality Zippers

Zippers are the often-overlooked yet vital part of luggage. A sturdy, high-quality zipper ensures that your belongings stay safely inside, even if your suitcase takes a few bumps along the way. Poor-quality zippers can break easily, leaving you with an open suitcase and a potential mess.

When choosing hardshell luggage, make sure the zippers are made from durable materials like metal or reinforced plastic. Some hardshell cases even come with extra security features, such as dual zippers that lock together for added protection. This is a feature to look for if you want peace of mind that your luggage is securely closed, even when you’re navigating through busy airports.

Built-in Locks

Security is a major concern when travelling, and hardshell luggage manufacturers have responded with built-in locks for added peace of mind. These locks are typically TSA-approved, meaning security personnel can open your luggage if necessary without damaging the lock.

Having a built-in lock is not only more convenient than carrying a separate one but also adds an extra layer of protection against theft. Choose luggage that features a combination lock or a key lock for the ultimate security while travelling. Whether you're on a long-haul flight or just heading to the local train station, this feature ensures that your belongings are safe and sound.

Scratch-Resistant Finish

Hardshell luggage is designed to take the brunt of the action, but its appearance can still suffer from scratches and scuffs. That’s why a scratch-resistant finish is an important feature to consider when shopping for your new suitcase. A high-quality finish, like a textured polycarbonate shell, helps prevent visible scratches from appearing, maintaining the suitcase’s sleek and polished look.

Look for suitcases with a glossy or matte finish that has been treated to withstand everyday wear and tear. Not only does this feature ensure your luggage looks newer for longer, but it also keeps your suitcase looking sharp as you travel.

Organised Interior with Compartments

When it comes to packing, organisation is key. A well-organised suitcase can save you time and reduce stress when searching for your belongings. Many hardshell luggage models feature compartments, dividers, and straps to help you organise your items neatly.

Look for a suitcase with a thoughtfully designed interior that includes a mesh divider or zippered pocket for smaller items. Compression straps help keep your clothes in place and prevent them from shifting during transit. An organised interior makes it easier to pack efficiently, making the most of your suitcase’s space while keeping your belongings neatly arranged and easy to access.

Comfortable Handle System

A comfortable handle system is essential for easy handling, especially if you’re carrying your luggage for long distances. Many modern hardshell suitcases feature telescopic handles that can be adjusted to your height, ensuring a comfortable grip and easy manoeuvring.

Look for a handle system with a sturdy build, designed to withstand frequent use. A well-padded or ergonomically designed handle adds extra comfort, making it easier to lift your suitcase into overhead compartments or drag it across the floor. With the right handle system, your luggage experience becomes much more manageable, whether you're rushing through an airport or pulling your suitcase up a flight of stairs.

Water-Resistant Material

While most hardshell suitcases offer a good level of protection against the elements, choosing a water-resistant material gives you an added layer of security against unexpected weather conditions. A suitcase made from water-resistant polycarbonate or ABS will protect your belongings from rain or spills, keeping everything inside dry and secure.

For those travelling to places with unpredictable weather, this feature is a game-changer. A water-resistant suitcase ensures your clothes and electronics stay safe, no matter what the forecast has in store.

Stylish Design Options

Last but certainly not least, the style of your hardshell luggage plays a significant role in your travel experience. After all, you want your luggage to reflect your personal taste while being practical. Thankfully, modern hardshell luggage comes in a variety of colours, patterns, and designs, so you can choose a suitcase that matches your style.

Whether you prefer bold, vibrant colours or subtle, sophisticated neutrals, there’s a hardshell suitcase to suit your aesthetic. Many brands offer sleek and minimalist designs that exude elegance, while others offer fun, eye-catching patterns that stand out at baggage claim. Choose a suitcase that matches your style, and travel in confidence knowing your luggage looks just as good as it performs.

Conclusion

When choosing hardshell luggage, it’s important to prioritise the features that will best serve your travel needs. Durability, comfort, and security are key considerations, but don’t forget to take into account style and convenience. With the right features, your hardshell suitcase can make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. Look for a suitcase with durable materials, smooth wheels, expandable capacity, and secure locks, and you'll be ready for any adventure that comes your way.