ashenEveryone wants their belongings safe and secure while they travel, helps keep the mind at ease. Especially if you are carrying something fragile and you are rest assured that your luggage will keep it safe regardless of the external factors. Each day more and more travelers are shifting to the hard shell luggage to ensure the safety of their belongings. And if you are here reading this post, then you are one of them. Or you are already a hard shell user and looking for an upgrade or better futureproof choices. Therefore in this post we will provide you a comprehensive buying guide and the best recommendations for carry on hard shell built luggage. Hopefully after reading this you will be able to mark out the Best Hard Shell Carry On Luggage that suits your requirements.
How To Choose The Best Hard Shell Carry On Luggage
As always there are quite a few things to factor in before you invest in any travel accessory. This guide will make you aware of a few things that you have to bear in mind before purchasing any hard shell luggage. Similar terms such as “hard case” is also used in place of “hard shell”, so if you come across them in this post, we are talking about the same thing.
Build Quality and Material
The materials used at present in manufacturing hard shell luggage are ABS which is a thermoplastic polymer and polycarbonate. These are high tech, lightweight and durable plastics. Aluminum is the most durable but also the heaviest, and polycarbonate is next. There are two split openings for two sides of packing. And straps are fitted to hold and stabilize the items. Also you have TSA integrated locks and the 4 wheel spinner system which makes it so easier to move them about in the airports. The handles of hard shell cases are usually well built for firm grips. Make sure that these criteria are fulfilled in the luggage that you opt for.
Size and Weight
In our cases which is the carry-on luggage, we focus on the small cases. And always check with your airliner to make sure you are parallel with the conditions. For example in United Airlines the maximum allowed carry on luggage dimensions are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches. When it comes to weight, hard shell cases weigh an extra 2 to 5 pounds than the soft shells. Since the material is the contributor to weight, what should be noted is that ABS is the lightest and next is polycarbonate. However the polycarbonate is more durable because the material is harder. More importantly as a general rule in commercial airliners the limitation is 7kg for carry on luggage.
Zippers and Locks
Its the strength of the zippers that matter so that they resistive against potential thieves if they are strong built. Also they should be durable and be able to serve in multi purposes. And the TSA approved locks are a must. These are Transportation Safety Administration approved locks enabling the transport authorities to inspect your luggage while they are locked. TSA locks have a keyhole at the bottom that enables airport authorities to use a special TSA key to unlock the suitcase. These can be bought outside but nowadays most hard shell carry on luggage integrates them.
Extra Features and Price
An Extra features integrated luggage is totally up to you. Most of these bags feature mesh pockets on the opposite side of the main packing compartment and definitely straps in the middle to hold your stuff. As for price keep in mind that although you believe you get what you pay for, it might not necessarily be the same. Therefore don’t stick with the brand name and be open to more options based on positive customer feedback.
Best Hard Shell Carry On Luggage Choices in 2021
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On
- Dimensions : 21.25″ X 15.25″ X 10.0″, Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Four multi-directional spinner wheels
- TSA combination lock
- Cross ribbon and divider integrated for packing
- Expandable
The Samsonite FreeForm mixes scratch-resistant textures with the lightest construction making their durability higher. Its really lightweight meaning you have more weight left for your goodies to occupy. Push button multi stage aluminum handle with wider grip and retracting top and side carry handles. The inside of the luggage is very spacious with multiple pockets to store accessories. Keep the content organized neatly with the straps held in the middle. The 360-degree spinner wheels ensure effortless movement across any platform. The case is also expandable so that you can stuff more and also compressible to keep all clothing pressed. Also has a 10 year limited warranty. Samsonite is a company well known for over a century thanks to their durable, stylish and reliable travel equipment like luggage, backpacks and even laptop bags.
Briggs & Riley Sympatico Hardside
- Expandable Hardshell Carry On
- 9.2lbs/4.2kg
- 4-wheel Spinner
- Polycarbonate Material
- PowerPocket
For the people opting for extravagance and wants nothing but the best without any loop holes. Available in three colors, the specialty of this bag is its CX expansion-compression system. The packing capacity is increased by 22% and then once you are done it compresses back to the default size. The outsider aluminum made handle is fully ergonomic for an easy grip and has two stop height levels. The wheel system consists of steel components and the wheel base does not tilt thereby holding the stability well. Of course the TSA locks are integrated and so are the YKK RC zippers which are both lockable and durable. The usual zippered mesh pockets and the straps are found internally to hold the belongings together. The Lifetime Guarantee stands on top of all of these features. The Briggs & Riley bundles performance, style, comfort, extravagance and top quality all in one.
Travelpro Maxlite 5-Hardside
- Polycarbonate Material
- 4-wheel spinners
- TSA lock
- 23×14.5×9 , 5.4lbs
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
A great option for a cheap hard shell luggage that dominates performance over style and keeping things simple. The handle is lightweight and locks at two different levels and the contour grip has rubberized touch points for better ergonomics. The interior features a divider panel for organizing and separating your clothes and other accessories, and the strap to hold everything. Ultralightweight, hence no issues in hoisting into the overhead cabin compartment.
Aerolite Unisex-Adult’s Hardshell Luggage
- 47x34x20cm
- 2.5kg
- ABS Material
- TSA Compatible
- 5 year guarantee
Another choice worthwhile exploring for the budget traveler. An ultralight good quality cheap hard shell carry on luggage with the most important features. Non expandable yet a good volume of 35L. The 4 spinner wheels make it extremely easy for you to allow the luggage just glide beside you without any extra push effort. The aluminum handle is well built and height adjustable. The ABS build ensures scratch resistance and maximum durability all while contributing to the lightweight.
The build quality is truly impressive given the low price tag. The internal divider is well built for maximum packing and the opposite side integrates a document pocket and a shoe pocket. As usual the internal straps are present and they have also featured a zipper divider pocket. Another unique feature is the addition of a 3 digit combination barrel padlock when holding the zippers together. Another outstanding feature of the Aerolite luggage is its airline compatibility that includes many UK, Europe and North American airliners. Oh yeah, don’t forget the 5 year guarantee.
MVST Trek Hardshell Carry On
- Aluminum-Magnesium alloy material
- Dual TSA
- Aluminum telescoping handle
- 22” x 14” x 8.7”
- 9.6 lbs
- 5-Year Limited Warranty
Although a little inclined to the premium side and a bit heavier, the grade 5052 aluminum- Magnesium alloy serves as an optimum protective layer especially when loading and unloading. Zipper-less closure, Side handle. Rubber seals and Reinforced corners are some other external attributes. The smooth spinner wheels make the luggage easy to handle and move. The interior mesh pockets facilitates the storage of other items securely. Additionally MVST also provides a protective suitcase cover.
Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner
- ABS hard shell
- Telescopic Handle
- Expandable
- 360º Double Spinner Wheels
- 7.3lbs
One of the Best hard shell luggage sets along with Samsonite and Coolife the Amazon Basics Hard side comes in 2-piece and 3-piece sets plus the individual size selections. Size wise you have the 21 inch for carry on, 26 inch for medium and 30 inch for large. The ABS hard shell makes the case scratch proof and durable, also the case is zipper closure. The double spinner wheels provide easy maneuverability. Although the expandability option is available in the large size it is not integrated in the carry on. Lockable telescoping handle and side handle. Four choices for colors are available making the Amazon Basics carry on a good choice for both Men and Women.
Olympia Apache Ii 21″ Carry-on
- Rugged ABS material
- 6.2 lbs, 21″ x 14″ x 9″
- 360 degree spinner wheels
- Lined interior
- Expandable
- Aluminum handle
The Olympia Apache is another sound choice for a budget carry on that does not compromise on quality. Featuring the usual internal aspects of a carry on such as the internal divider and mesh pockets, they also have a unique hidden pocket to store your most valuable items. Good quality material for the build, for both the case and the handle. However it should be noted that the TSA lock feature is excluded here. Nevertheless the zippers are strong and durable and are capable of resisting damage. Moving the luggage goes unnoticed given the well structured spinner wheel system.
Coolife Luggage
- ABS+PC hard plastic shell
- TSA lock
- 3-level aluminum telescoping handle
- Fully lined interior
- 6.38lbs, 21″ x 8.5 “x 15”
Another top pick for best hard shell luggage sets after Amazon Basics. Some users even say that this outranks the Samsonite modules because of the inside lining and the center divider with the mesh pockets. The wheel system allows it to roll real smoothly and the handle height is compatible even with a tall person(6ft+). A few customers have reviewed how well the case held up during lengthy travel through different countries and airports. Lightweight, Durable and reasonable price to performance ratio is what you can expect with the Coolife hard shell carry on.
DELSEY Paris Titanium Hardside
- Polycarbonate material
- Expandable
- 20.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 inches, 7.7 pounds
- TSA accepted combination lock
- Double spinner wheels
The Delsey Paris Titanium has two sizes of carry on luggage(19 inch and 21 inch). It has a scratch resistant matt finish and a full integrated handle system. Internal mesh pockets and straps to maximize storage and security. Smooth maneuverability with the double spinner wheels. You get an extra large front pocket with built-in padded sleeve suitable for laptop storage with the 19 inch, which makes it a good hardside luggage with lid opening. Plus the integrated expandable main pocket for all versions.
There are some customers like flight attendants who have had this for over 300 flights and it still hold up great. And that is a green light for you as flight attendants live out of suitcases for a better part of their life making them experts in this area. Delsey Paris is also one of the best hard shell luggage sets in the market with 3-piece and 2-piece sets.
Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable
- 22.5” x 15.5”x 9.5”, 7.5 lbs.
- Polycarbonate material
- TSA locks
- 1.5″ Expansion
- Push button locking handles
You cannot keep Samsonite out of the picture for long for they are quite the pioneers in outdoor gear. The Samsonite Centric is built out of Polycarbonate making it scratch resistant, lightweight and durable. The spinner wheels make it really easy to push the luggage. Internal divider with straps and expandability for more packing. Plus you get over 10 color choices making it a great carry on for both Men and Women. Many customers have commented on the bags functionality, lightweight and durability even after 100 flights. Therefore you cannot go wrong with a company meeting the essential travel needs of any traveler.
Summary
These are out top picks for 2021 when it comes to hard shell carry on luggage. Just remember to keep the criteria we mentioned at the beginning of this post when you are choosing one for you. Brands like Samsonite, Coolife, Briggs & Riley have been around for quite some time. Therefore a lot of people tend to go with them instead of trying out fresher brands. Anyways, Lightweight, Durability and Functionality are the priorities here. And please do make sure to use them right. It is bad enough they get tossed about like rag dolls in and out of flights during transits. one out of the above list are you gonna stick with? Or have you tried any of these before? Let us know your thoughts!
