Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Paola Castillo
This article is part of the “Frequent Flyer Series.” Click here to learn more.
Packing for a trip when you have a big family can be a challenge! There’s always so much to pack — toiletries, clothes, shoes, outdoor gear, electronics, beloved stuffed animals, etc. — and never enough room for it. By the time you’re done, you practically have to sit on your suitcases to get them to shut! But what if you used a hard-shell suitcase?
All of those tightly packed items can put a lot of pressure on your suitcase. If it isn’t durable, it might rip, tear, or break open, potentially spilling your belongings all over the airport floor. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, we’ve put together this list of super durable hard shell suitcases that won’t break no matter how full you pack them. We’ve included sleek, stylish luggage that you’ll love along with some cute themed bags for your kids too.
AmazonBasics Hardside Luggage
Not to be outdone, this rugged suitcase could easily be Dad’s best friend (or work for just about anything)! With a sleek, monochromatic design, it’s expandable, so it has plenty of room for its bulky outdoor gear and electronics. It also has an interior divider that will keep belongings organized and separated, so even items like dirty hiking boots can’t soil clean clothes.
Already suitable as either a carry-on or checked-in item, this suitcase also has three zippered pockets that are great for storing away small items like socks, chargers, and toiletries, leaving more room in the center for clothes and shoes. Its hardshell design is made of extra thick ABS plastic that will hold up even in the roughest travel conditions and protect all of the items inside from damage.
Best of all, it’s super affordable, which is hard to believe given its quality! It’s tough to find a suitcase that won’t fall apart at this price range, so snap this one up while you still can!
Heritage Travelware Hardside Checked Suitcase
If you’re going on an extended vacation, your regular carry-on luggage might not cut it. That’s where this large hard shell suitcase from Heritage Travelware comes in. It has an extra tall body and expandable sides, so it can easily hold a few week’s worths of clothes and accessories.
Despite its large size, it’s a pretty streamlined piece of luggage. You won’t break your back trying to load it up into the car, which is always a concern with a big heavy suitcase like this!
You also won’t incur extra fees when checking it. It is designed with lightweight materials to help you avoid weight overages no matter how full you pack it.
Another thing we love about this suitcase is the wide range of colors it comes in — an iridescent rose gold, a sleek navy blue, and a steely gray hue. No matter who you’re buying it for, you’ll be able to find a color that matches your personality perfectly!
American Tourister Expandable Hardside Luggage
If you’re going on an island vacation, or even just a staycation, then you should have a beautiful tropical suitcase to match! This luggage from American Tourister comes in a beautiful blue and pink palm tree pattern. It’s lightweight and easy to roll, so you won’t have to expend too much energy on your vacation lugging it around.
This suitcase meets all carry-on size restrictions, but it still has plenty of room for bathing suits, sundresses, and souvenirs. It has mesh dividers that will help you stay organized while packing along with zippered pockets for storing toiletries, socks, and delicates. This boldly patterned suitcase makes a splash, so pick one up before your next vacation!
American Tourister Disney Hard Shell Suitcase
This hard shell suitcase is the perfect size for your little ones! It’s only one and a half feet tall, so it’s small enough for them to wheel around on their own. It’s durable, too, so if they knock it around a little, it won’t get scratched or dented.
This piece of luggage has a surprising amount of space considering its small size. It has two separate compartments — one with straps that are perfect for clothes and shoes, and another that’s one big zippered pocket. The zippered pocket is great for storing away toiletries, shoes, books, stuffed animals, and anything else your child might need on the trip.
The best thing about this suitcase isn’t just the durability, size, or space, although these features are nice. The design is what makes it special. It comes in nine colorful patterns featuring popular Disney characters. Whether your little one loves Frozen or Cars, you’ll be able to find a suitcase from the American Tourister line that they’ll treasure!
Goplus Kids’ Hard Shell Suitcase
If your kids aren’t huge Disney fans, this animal-themed luggage set might be more their speed! It comes in two pieces — a backpack and a small suitcase. Both pieces have a durable plastic exterior with an adorable cartoon penguin printed on it. How cute is that?
Even the smallest tykes will be able to wheel around this suitcase unassisted. It’s only one and a half feet tall and super lightweight. It rolls over rough surfaces easily thanks to the inline skate wheels, so your little one should have no trouble managing it on their own.
Conclusion
Each of these seven hard shell suitcases is durable, but they all have their own best unique features and qualities! They should each last for years, so you probably won’t need to buy another piece of luggage for a long time. And if any of these suitcases is coming with you on vacation this year, please let us know your personal experience in the comment section below!
Is a hard shell better for luggage?
Hard shell luggage is significantly easier to keep dry in rain, snow, or puddles and offers superior protection against spills and mishaps in general, even though most bags are not totally water resistant.
Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage?
According to an airline pilot, writer, and author Patrick Smith, “Almost all U.S. airline crew members use soft-sided roll-aboard bags.”
Do hard shell suitcases crack easily?
Hard shell bags are more likely to break than soft luggage because they can crack. Choose a suitcase made of polycarbonate ABS that can withstand travel rigors to eliminate this worry. A wheeled TSA-lockable suitcase is produced by the FERGE brand utilizing polycarbonate ABS.
Read more from our “Frequent Flyer Series”:
- 20 Ultimate Travel Essentials for Frequent Travelers
- Top 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts to Visit in 2019
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Meet Kourtney, a fashion and beauty enthusiast who tells stories through style. To her, clothing is a language, and every accessory adds punctuation to her narrative. Kourtney explores vintage fashion markets on weekends, blending classic with contemporary to create a signature style that reflects her vibrant personality. Beyond aesthetics, she's a passionate advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion, celebrating diversity to ensure everyone feels seen and embraced.
