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Hardside Suitcases
The hard shell absorbs knocks and keeps your belongings dry and protected.
28 items
Products
The shell is the difference: a hardside suitcase has a rigid shell that protects what's inside from knocks, pressure and rain better than a softside one. This page has hardside suitcases in four materials: polypropylene (Navigator), polycarbonate (Meridian), ABS (Metro Lite) and an aluminum magnesium alloy (The Law Firm Pro), in sizes from a 20 inch carry-on up to 32 inches. Before you buy, check what the shell is made of, how much the suitcase weighs, whether the wheels are double and quiet and whether there's a built-in lock.
Polycarbonate, polypropylene, ABS or aluminum?
Polycarbonate is a hard yet flexible plastic: on impact it flexes and springs back, which is why it's common in suitcases for flying. Meridian is made of 100% polycarbonate. Polypropylene is light and flexible too, and Navigator is made of Japanese polypropylene and rated unbreakable. ABS is rigid and light but less flexible, a good fit for a basic carry-on for short trips like the Metro Lite. Aluminum is metal: very rigid and premium looking, but a hard knock can leave a dent.
What else to check in a hardside suitcase
Wheels: Navigator has silicone-coated double spinner wheels, and Meridian has quiet double TPU wheels. Zipper: Meridian's zipper is burst-proof. Handle: Navigator's telescopic handle locks at several heights at the push of a button. Expansion: not every hardside suitcase expands, but Navigator has a zip expansion for extra space. And The Reign Man Pro has an external USB port for charging your phone, which works with a power bank inside the suitcase.
Caring for a hardside suitcase
Wipe the shell with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, without abrasive cleaners that leave scratches. Don't overpack, so the zipper isn't under strain. Store the suitcase empty and upright, and if you have a set, nest the smaller one inside the larger. A fabric cover or storage bag keeps it looking good between trips.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, a hardside or a softside suitcase?
Hardside protects fragile items better, stands up to rain and is easy to clean. Softside is usually lighter and has outside pockets. If you fly often and check your suitcase, hardside is the natural choice.
Why is a polycarbonate suitcase considered durable?
Polycarbonate is hard but flexible, so on impact it bends and springs back instead of cracking. Meridian is made of 100% polycarbonate and comes in 20, 24 and 28 inch sizes and as a five piece set.
Can a hardside suitcase break?
It depends on the material. Navigator is made of Japanese polypropylene and rated unbreakable. Polycarbonate is flexible and impact resistant, while ABS and aluminum are more rigid and less flexible.
How much does a hardside suitcase weigh?
Navigator weighs 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) in the 20 inch size, 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) at 24, 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) at 28 and 4.9 kg (10.8 lb) at 32. The 20 inch Rifleman Pro weighs 3 kg (6.6 lb).
Is a hardside suitcase waterproof?
The shell itself doesn't absorb water, so rain on the baggage belt rarely reaches your clothes. The weak point is the zipper, so after heavy rain wipe the suitcase down and let it dry open.
Are there hardside luggage sets?
Yes. Navigator comes in pairs, as a set of three (20, 24 and 28 inches) and as a set of four with a 32 inch, and Meridian comes as a five piece set in one color.
Guides
Guides to help you choose
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