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Softside Suitcases
Light, flexible fabric that squeezes into the overhead bin, expands for the trip, and has outside pockets for quick access.
28 items
Products
A softside fabric suitcase is usually lighter than a hardside one of the same size, stretches a little when you fill it, and has outside pockets you can open without opening the whole case. This page has suitcases in polyester and 600D cationic nylon, from small carry-ons to a 32-inch giant. In Swiss System, for example, the 24-inch weighs 2.6 kg (5.7 lb) and the 32-inch 3.8 kg (8.4 lb). Many of them expand with a zipper by about a quarter of their volume. When choosing, check the weight, whether the fabric repels water, whether the wheels are doubled and whether there's a built-in lock.
Why choose a fabric suitcase?
A fabric suitcase forgives you when you want to squeeze in one more item, and its outside pockets are handy for a passport, documents and a charger. Cosmos DLX has two front pockets for quick access, and Swiss System has zippered outside pockets. A hardside case protects fragile things better, but a softside suits anyone who packs mostly clothes and wants a light suitcase. Most softside cases here expand, like Cosmos DLX, Americano and Primo 2.0, which add about 25% volume.
Durable fabric: what to look for
Cosmos DLX and Americano are made of 600D cationic nylon, a thick and tough fabric, with aluminum side guards. Primo 2.0 uses CamelShield fabric with a Nano-Protect coating that repels liquids, a protective base plate, a side handle tested to 100 kg and thick silicone wheels. Water-repellent fabric protects against rain and splashes but isn't waterproof, so after heavy rain wipe the case down and let it dry open.
Softside carry-ons
The 20-inch Swiss System weighs 2.2 kg (4.9 lb) and measures 55 x 36 x 21 cm, and the 20-inch Primo 2.0 weighs 2.7 kg and holds 50 liters. The 18-inch Swiss Digital Ultra Light starts at 1.6 kg (3.5 lb), has removable wheels and, according to the model's specs, fits Ryanair and Wizz Air size rules. And Zymora Prime, a 45-liter case, has a padded laptop compartment, a TSA lock and a separate pocket for wet clothes.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, softside or hardside?
Softside is usually lighter, more flexible to pack and has outside pockets. Hardside protects fragile items better. If you pack mostly clothes and want a light suitcase, go softside.
Is a fabric suitcase water resistant?
The fabrics here repel water: 600D nylon on Cosmos DLX and Americano, and a liquid-repellent coated fabric on Primo 2.0. They protect against light rain but aren't fully waterproof.
What is the lightest large softside suitcase?
The 28-inch Swiss System weighs 3 kg (6.6 lb) with 91 liters, and the 32-inch Swiss System weighs 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) with 138 liters. The 28-inch Cosmos DLX weighs 4 kg and holds 120 liters.
Are there softside luggage sets?
Yes: Swiss System in sets of three and four, Cosmos DLX in pairs, threes and fours, Primo 2.0 in pairs and threes, and Americano Duo as a pair of 20 and 24 inches.
How do I clean a fabric suitcase?
Brush off dust and dry dirt, and clean stains with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Let the suitcase air-dry open, away from direct sun and heaters.
Which softside suitcases does Camel Mountain make?
The main lines are the light Swiss System, Primo 2.0 with liquid-repellent fabric, Cosmos DLX and Americano in expandable 600D nylon, and small carry-ons like Swiss Digital Ultra Light and Zymora Prime with a laptop compartment.
Guides
Guides to help you choose
What to know before you buy: tips and guides from the Camel Mountain team.
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