Hardcase Luggage That Can Take A Pounding

Baggage handling and tracking is vastly improved; over 99% of all luggage reaches its final destination. But even with that ratio, your average piece of luggage is in for a beating when you travel, something hardcase luggage helps mitigate. Here's what you should know about luggage that takes a licking and keeps on rolling.

Materials matter. Generally hard bags are made of polycarbonate or ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) plastic. Both are tough, strong, and light, so the main difference really boils down to what kind of abuse they can take. Polycarbonate is generally more flexible, so it's better able to take impacts, but ABS plastic is generally lighter and cheaper. Both can handle your typical baggage handler with ease, but consider polycarbonate if you're roughing it.

Make sure your bag is both security and airline friendly. Bags should be sized to within the limits of checked baggage or carry-on rules for airlines, for example, and the fittings, like locks, should be TSA-compliant for easy opening and getting you through the line with a minimum of fuss. Remember that sizing rules usually include the wheels, so measure from the wheels up.

Pick a bag that makes your traveling life easier. Even the simple touches, like quiet wheels that easily spin and handles that slide smoothly into the bag, are going to make a big difference when you're sprinting for the gate. Other features, like USB chargers, internal pockets designed to hold your toiletries in place, and expanding side panels, should be part of your consideration. After all, why go on vacation with a suitcase that'll stress you out?