Hard or Soft Luggage.

[cab1948]

My husband and I do quite a bit of traveling. Looks like we are going to have to invest in new luggage. I bought our current set, Samsonite, at TJ Maxx. After 3 years the material around the handles is giving away. I'm wondering if the hard luggage would hold up better. What do you use?

[Fredman]

Had both and I believe that soft side holds out better to air travel.

[cologal]

I traveled for business almost every week of the year. I went through Samsonite and Airline TravelPro brands. Then I watched what brand all the salesman were using... Tumi brand. It is pricey but after 20 years I still have the original pieces I purchased. The zippers are great, the material is ballistic nylon and they have a warranty. Out of warranty, they will still fix it but you have to pay for it.

Briggs and Riley is also very good but it weighs more which cuts into the amount you can pack!

[IndianaJones]

I travel a ton (yes, I'm still working!) - I bought Briggs & Riley luggage about 4-5 years ago - yes, it's pricey, but it LASTS, and lasts, and lasts. I have 3 pieces - I use them constantly, and I wouldn't buy anything else.

[asianthree]

Have had the same soft side for 15 years, but now want four wheels instead of two. New Luggage is coming on the market with hard side and extremely light now have 10 year plus warranties on everything. Course you’re going to spend three to $400 per piece but as much as I travel it’s worth it.

[FenneyGuy]

Delsey hard sided is what we have and it is the only set that has yet to be destroyed by baggage handlers.

[salpal]

I buy the lightest luggage on the market (IT - International traveller). It is not expensive and it does last several years. The airlines are getting more strict about weight of luggage and the lighter luggage helps.

[billethkid]

There is a series of luggage named High Sierra....soft side....rip stop material. Very rugged construction....heavy duty zippers, closures, handles and wheels. Various designs, colors, shapes and sizes.

Lasts forever.

[Blessed2BNTV]

I traveled for business almost every week of the year. I went through Samsonite and Airline TravelPro brands. Then I watched what brand all the salesman were using... Tumi brand. It is pricey but after 20 years I still have the original pieces I purchased. The zippers are great, the material is ballistic nylon and they have a warranty. Out of warranty, they will still fix it but you have to pay for it.

Briggs and Riley is also very good but it weighs more which cuts into the amount you can pack!

Agree with Tumi. I traveled for business as well and used luggage from Tumi made out of ballistic material that could have been used to shield against bullets (was my sisters comment to me). Thought it was funny back then (80s/90s) and now sad, but true.

Good luggage is truly an investment.

[dewilson58]

I've always had soft, but hard shell for my golf clubs.