Howdie travelers and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best soft side suitcases cases to check in with this year. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, a good soft side suitcase can make all the difference when it comes to ease of travel – especially if you have the tendency to over pack.
However of course there are quite a number of options out there to choose from so to help you out, I have had a good look around and come up with three decent choices below.
Let’s check them out…
My Three Recommended Best Soft Sided Luggage Options
I will review these in more detail below however if you just want to get travelling without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are Soft side Suitcases?
Essentially, when it comes to suitcases, there are two options – hard side and soft side. And as you may have guessed, a soft side (also called softshell suitcases) case simply means that it is made is made from a soft material on the side that allows for greater ‘give’ when packing as well as maintaining the ability to be ‘squished’ a little easier than their hardside cousins.
Check out these: Hard Side Suitcases
What Should You Be Looking For?
The following factors should be considered as you look around for a good softshell suitcase for your travel needs.
- Dimensions
- Weight
- Durability
- Front and Internal pockets
- Additions
Check out my: Hard Side Vs. Soft Side Suitcase Showdown
Dimensions
Let’s get real here. If your suitcase does not match the check in dimensions set out by most airlines around the world, then its usefulness as a suitable option is moot. So as part of this post, I took the time to look up allowable check in bag dimensions for 20 odd of the highest profile airlines around the world and they all outline a check in limit of around 62 linear inches (roughly 158cm).
This does not mean your case can be 62 inches high rather it is the sum total of your bag’s length, width and depth. For example, if your bag measures 28 inches high, 13 inches wide and 10 inches deep, its linear measurement or linear dimensions would be 28 + 13 + 10 = 51 linear inches.
Put simply, if your case does not meet these dimensions, then you are taking the risk of being sent to the oversized items counter and all those extra luggage fees. Oh, and don’t forget the wheels – In my experience some airlines include then in the size and some don’t.
Weight
The second most important factor when it comes to luggage is weight. As more and more airlines start to police the weight of all luggage, the heaviness of your suitcase can severely reduce the amount of gear you can take – especially if you are travelling on a budget.
Many airlines here in Australia restrict check in luggage to 25 – 32kg (55 – 70lb) meaning then that the lighter the case, the more you can take with you again without those excess luggage fees.
Durability
As we all know, travel can be especially tough on even the best soft luggage, especially as it is bumped and bashed around the plane, car, hotel and airport.
To counteract this, look for a case with a strong polyester or nylon material that is resistant to cuts and scratches and water resistant as well. In some cases, manufacturers will include a Denier rating where the higher the number, the stronger it is.
Front and Internal pockets
For ease of packing, the best soft side luggage options come with internal pockets and cross straps for better packing ability and roominess. Some also include padded pockets and satchels for tablets and laptops as well.
And in another differentiation from hard sided options, many softside cases come with front pockets for extra storage and ease of access too.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Wheels: Some like them, some don’t, but wheeled bags make it a lot easier to move it around. Just be aware of their influence on bag size.
- Telescoping handle: To be honest, you will hard pressed to find a bag without it but a telescoping handle assists in pushing it along on the wheels
- TSA locks: TSA locks are used in the United States to allow the TSA to check inside bags without the need to damage the padlock. Some carry on luggage options have these built in.
- Expandable zips: These allow the bag to carry more via an internal extension panel. This will however increase the dimensions.
FAQ
What is the best soft side carry on suitcase?
The best softshell luggage is light in weight, durable and easy to move around. Most importantly, it fits within the dimension limitations of the major airlines. Look for something around 45 – 50 linear inch size with a cut and scratch resistant polyester or nylon material cover.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage
This first option is light weight and durable with dimensions that meet airline dimension requirements even with the wheels. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Travelpro
- Dimensions: 29×20.5x 8.5″ (65 linear inches)
- Weight: 8.5lb
- Construction: High-density nylon fabric with DuraGuard coating
- Internal pockets: Interior lid and side accessory pockets with adjustable hold down straps
- External pockets: Two external zippered pockets
Other inclusions:
- 360 degree spinner wheels
- Telescoping handle
- Top, side and bottom carry handles
- Available in over 135 colors
- External zipper for an extra 2″ packing space
- Medium and carry on options also available
Why have I chosen it?
With this first option, the multi-directional double spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees for easy maneuverability with strong zippers and an internal aluminum telescoping handle. It will fit all airline dimension limitations and allows for maximum packing for little weight. A great option for intermittent and frequent travelers alike.
2. American Tourister Belle Voyage Softside Luggage
This second option is another super durable option that can handle anything thrown at it with smooth wheels and fantastic internal organization as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: American Tourister
- Dimensions: 31. 5” x 19. 5”X 13. 2” (64.2 linear inches)
- Weight: 10.5 lbs
- Construction: Polyester fabric
- Internal pockets: Large internal organization pocket and adjustable packing strap
- External pockets: Large external pocket on front
Other inclusions:
- Multi-directional double spinner wheels
- Telescoping handle
- Expandable via internal zipper (extra 1.5″ width)
- Available in 5 colors
- Available in carry on and medium sizes as well
Why have I chosen it?
This is another great lightweight option with a scratch resistant shell and durable zippers. It comes with great internal options for ease of packing as well as double spinner wheels for added maneuverability. It also comes with an expandable zipper setup providing for an extra 1.5″%” in internal space as well.
3. Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage
My last option comes from a well known and trusted luggage brand with everything needed for long lasting use trip after trip. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Samsonite
- Dimensions: 33.0″ x 21.0″ x 13.0″ (67 Linear inches)
- Weight: 10.5lb
- Construction: Rugged polyester exterior
- Internal pockets: WetPak and zippered mesh pocket with expandable packing straps
- External pockets: Large and medium sized front pockets
Other inclusions:
- Multi-directional double spinner wheels
- Telescoping handle
- Privacy ID tag
- Available in 5 colors
- Top and side carry straps
- Available in medium and carry on sizes
Why have I chosen it?
This case is light weight and built to last with a strong polyester fabric shell that is strong and scratch resistant. The oversized spinner wheels make for excellent mobility at a size that meets all airline limitations. This is a fantastic option for frequent travelers who need quality in their luggage needs.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best softside luggage options to meet your check in travel needs. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
