Best Hard Shell Suitcases in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 7, 2024
Need extra-durable suitcases to withstand the abuse the airlines usually put them through? If yes, our best hard case luggage review will help you make a right choice and have a peace of mind that your belongings won't end up stolen or broken. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Volume
Material
Pockets and Compartments
Closure
Extras
Size and Weight
Warranty
 
PROS

A three-point locking system offers extra security. The latches make sure the bag always stays closed. There's an ID tag on the back that might help you recover the bag in case you lose it. The company's very own polypropylene mix called Flowlite lets them produce extremely thin polypropylene shells without compromising on strength. 

CONS

The side handle isn't all that comfortable. 

OUR VERDICT

Samsonite S'Cure is one of the most secure and practical suitcases on the market right now. You'll definitely be able to keep your valuable belongings safe with this bag. The price is a little steep but you can't really put a price on the peace of mind that the model gives you on the road.

detailed parameters
Volume

102 L

Material

Flowlite (revolutionary new polypropylene mix)

Pockets and Compartments

Bottom compartment with ribbons and one elastic side pocket, Top compartment with zipped divider pad

Closure

Latches, Three-point locking system, TSA on the main lock

Extras

4 spinner wheels for 360-degree manoeuvrability, retractable handle, top and side carry handles, ID tag at the back, cross ribbons

Size and Weight

75 x 52 x 31 cm

4.6 kg

Warranty

5 years

PROS

The aluminium handle's resistant against scratches and deformation. The fully-lined main compartment is quite roomy. You can use zippered dividers to organize/separate different valuables. The down straps will make sure to hold the most valuable items. 

CONS

The finish is susceptible to scratches. 

OUR VERDICT

Coolife Trolley Suitcase sports elegant aesthetics yet, at the same time, the suitcase is as rugged and secure as they get. The retractable handle will be able to accommodate all heights, working with the wheels to enable easy and comfortable transportation. 

detailed parameters
Volume

93 L

Material

ABS 

Pockets and Compartments

Main compartment, mesh pockets with zippers 

Closure

3-digit TSA combination lock, lockable zippers

Extras

4 spinner wheels for 360-degree manoeuvrability, retractable handle, top and side carry handles, cross ribbons

Size and Weight

77 x 52.5 x 30 cm

4.5 kg

Warranty

2 years 

PROS

With 79 x 31 x 58 cm in overall dimensions and 131 litres in volume, this model will offer you tons of space. The 360-degree spinner wheels provide great manoeuvrability. The packing straps will allow you to bring something like a laptop with you without worrying about its safety and security.

CONS

There's a certain plastic smell to it that goes away later. 

OUR VERDICT

Aerolite hard shell suitcase isn't something that you bring with you on a short business trip. This is a suitcase that you take when you're planning a long vacation, full of incredible opportunities and a number of potential events and activities that may require a lot of different things and items.

detailed parameters
Volume

131 L

Material

ABS

Pockets and Compartments

Main compartment, extra zipper compartment, mesh pocket, rubber-band pouch

Closure

3-digit combination barrel padlock, lockable zippers

Extras

4 spinner wheels, retractable handle, packing straps, side handle

Size and Weight

79 x 31 x 58 cm

4.85 kg

Warranty

5 years

PROS

Made of lightweight polycarbonate, the suitcase isn't just highly resistant to any form of physical damage but also to environmental hazards. There's a convenient identification/address label at the back, an always welcome addition to any bag. 

CONS

The wheel clamps lose their strength over time. 

OUR VERDICT

The Samsonite Neopulse hard case luggage will prove to be the best pick for those individuals who aren't just looking for a convenient bag with a lot of space but also for a stylish addition to their personal belongings collection. Plus, it comes in a variety of different colours to match your style.

detailed parameters
Volume

94 L

Material

Polycarbonate

Pockets and Compartments

Two compartments with zippers

Closure

3-digit TSA combination lock, lockable zippers

Extras

4 double wheels, double tube wheel handle, top and side carry handle, cross ribbons, identification/address label

Size and Weight

51 x 28 x 75 cm

3.4 kg

Warranty

Limited global warranty

PROS

The product includes a lot of different pockets and compartments, so you'll be able to organize your baggage the way you see fit. The top compartment offers a zipped divider interior pad. There are a couple of very practical mesh pockets there, perfect for storing liquids and anything of the kind.

CONS

The handle is a bit stiff when it comes to adjustment. 

OUR VERDICT

American Tourister Bon Air is just the thing for you if you like visiting new places but you aren't necessarily ecstatic about some of the more annoying parts of travelling like packing your things or going on and off aeroplanes.

detailed parameters
Volume

57.5 L

Material

Polypropylene

Pockets and Compartments

Top compartment with two mesh pockets, bottom compartment with zipped side pocket, ribbons

Closure

3-digit TSA combination lock, lockable zippers

Extras

Spinner wheels, an adjustable multi-stage push-button locking handle, top handle, address label

Size and Weight

46 x 25.5 x 66 cm

3.4 kg

Warranty

Limited 2-year global warranty

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Samsonite S'Cure

Security Galore

The people at Samsonite make great luggage and the S'Cure model is not an exception. The company's usually able to add these nice little details that really separate their bags from just about every other product on the market right now.

Here, these details include, among other things, a three-point locking system that offers extra security. In addition to the locking system, the model incorporates the usual 3-digit TSA combination lock that we've seen many times before. There are also these nice little latches that do not necessarily offer much in terms of security but they do make sure the bag stays always closed.

There's an ID tag on the back that might help you recover the bag in case you lose it. The manufacturers have also included seals around the rim that limit moisture penetration as much as possible.

All that being said, the biggest selling point here is probably the company's very own polypropylene mix called Flowlite. The material lets Samsonite produce extremely thin polypropylene shells without compromising on strength.

The interior is good but nothing necessarily to write home about. You have the usual cross ribbons, a zipped divider pad, and a large side pocket.

In other words, Samsonite S'Cure is one of the most secure and practical suitcases on the market right now. You'll definitely be able to keep your valuable belongings safe with this bag. The price is a little steep but you can't really put a price on the peace of mind that the model gives you on the road.

Review of Samsonite S'Cure Suitcase

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £219.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B007WQJSGM

 

Coolife Trolley Hard Shell 93L

Travel with Confidence and Style

Coolife Trolley Suitcase looks sleek and elegant, something that we cannot say about suitcases.

At the same time, its ABS construction is sturdy and tough enough to make sure the items inside are protected from the road.

Generally speaking, the product's hard shell is scratch-resistant but the finish is fairly susceptible to scratches anyway, so we would still recommend treading with caution.

The aluminium handle is not susceptible to anything though, pretty much immune to scratches, bending, rust, and corrosion.

Measuring 93 litres, the 'case is as roomy as they come. The main compartment has been fully lined to extend the fabrics' service life. There are down straps there and zippered dividers that let you secure the contents and enable easy organization.

Apart from that, there are spacious mesh pockets inside, providing further organization and making various items accessible.

Meanwhile, the 3-digit TSA combination lock will be securing the items' safety and providing the necessary peace of mind.

Last but not least, the wheels will enable 360-degree manoeuvrability, so you'll have no issues lugging this lightweight case around with you.

Bottom line, Coolife Trolley Suitcase will let you travel with confidence and style.

Review of Coolife Trolley Hard Shell 93L Suitcase
Last updated price £129.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07H8CCBKT

 

Aerolite Super Lightweight ABS

No Need to Pack Light

Pack light? Not a bad idea in general. But, sometimes, you want to bring as many of your precious and valuable belongings as possible. And, with this model from Aerolite, you might just be able to.

The biggest selling point of this product was easy to discern. With 79 x 31 x 58 centimetres in overall dimensions and 131 litres of volume, this large suitcase will offer you tons of space. So, you won't have to compromise and will be able to take as many clothes and different items with you as you want.

Other than that, this hard shell suitcase doesn't differ that much from any other similar product. It comes with a 3-digit combination barrel padlock, so you won't have to worry about your item's safety. The 360-degree spinner wheels provide great manoeuvrability. With them, you'll be able to effortlessly roll from the airport to your hotel and vice versa.

There's a convenient extra zipper compartment for some of the more important belongings. Made of hard plastic, the ABS shell will be able to protect this black suitcase from the usual rough and tumble of the road. A mesh pocket inside serves as an extra divider. And the packing straps will allow you to bring something like a laptop with you without worrying about its safety and security.

Again, Aerolite hard shell suitcase isn't something that you bring with you on a short business trip. This is a suitcase that you take when you're planning a long vacation, full of incredible opportunities and a number of potential events and activities that may require a lot of different things and items.

Review of Aerolite Super Lightweight ABS Hard Shell Suitcase
Last updated price £89.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B019IGCFW2

 

Samsonite Neopulse

Not Just a Looker

Luggage doesn't have to be stylish, we understand that. But it is always a plus. And stylish is exactly how we would describe this suitcase from Samsonite. It isn't much but the ribbed/corrugated design of the shell makes it look just a bit more elegant and fresh compared to most other suitcases, so you probably won't be able to mix it with any other bag.

But the model isn't just a looker. Featuring 94 litres of volume, it will allow you to fit a whole lot of different personal belongings and you might even be left with enough space for souvenirs.

Made of lightweight polycarbonate, the model is as robust as it is light, adding up to no more than 3.4 kilograms in weight. The material in question won't just protect the suitcase from physical damage but also from any environmental damage.

What we liked in particular is a double tube wheel handle. It provides a comfortable grip and it is easily adjustable. There's a zipper divider pad that separates the top and the bottom compartments, so you'll be able to organize your belongings any way you want. Plus, the bottom compartment has cross ribbons to secure the safety of some of those belongings. Finally, there's a convenient identification/address label, an always welcome addition to any bag.

All in all, the Samsonite Neopulse hard case luggage will prove to be the best pick for those individuals who aren't just looking for a convenient bag with a lot of space but also for a stylish addition to their personal belongings collection. Plus, it comes in a variety of different colours to match your style.

Review of Samsonite Neopulse Suitcase 4 Wheel Spinner

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00ULI8JQI

 

American Tourister Bon Air 59423/1041

The Road Can be Less Stressful

We all love travelling since we all like to visit new places, experience different cultures, and try new and exciting activities. But the physical act of travelling is seldom that pleasant. Now, there isn't much you can do to make it fun. But the American Tourister Bon Air hard shell suitcase should help you make it less stressful and tiresome.

The 100% polypropylene makes it as rugged as they come. So you won't need to be gentle with it as this medium-sized suitcase should be able to withstand anything you or the road might throw its way. It also comes with a lot of different pockets and compartments, so you'll be able to organize your baggage the way you see fit.

Among other things, the top compartment offers a zipped divider interior pad. There are a couple of very practical mesh pockets there, perfect for storing liquids and anything of the kind. There's also an address label that might just get you your hard shell suitcase and your belongings back if you or the airline manage to lose it.

Just like bags, people come in different shapes and sizes. Which is why an adjustable multi-stage push-button locking handle was a thoughtful addition to the model. Regardless of your height, overall frame, or carrying preferences, it should be able to fit you to a tee.

To rephrase our earlier point, American Tourister Bon Air is just the thing for you if you like visiting new places but you aren't necessarily ecstatic about some of the more annoying parts of travelling like packing your things or going on and off aeroplanes.

Review of American Tourister Bon Air 59423/1041 Suitcase Hard case
Last updated price £84.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B00K6VQO44

 

What Is a Hard Shell Suitcase?

Work hard, travel harder! And with a hard shell suitcase! This type of luggage is usually made of high-tech plastics like polycarbonate and ABS, sometimes even both of these materials are used. ABS is considered to be lighter, while polycarbonate is more durable. Hard-shell suitcases are usually very robust and lightweight. They are also theft-proof since they can't easily rip or be cut with a knife. Additionally, hard-sided luggage often features a combination lock to further protect your belongings from thieves. 

Inside, they have a 50/50 split opening with dividers enabling you to pack two sides equally and prevent contents from mixing. Also, the majority of hard cases can be extended by a couple of inches to let you pack in some extra luxuries. 

Yet, if you need a bag that can compress to fit into very tight spaces, like the overhead compartment in an airplane, you might be interested in lightweight luggage. These bags are usually made of fabrics and are very flexible. However, they don't provide as much protection as hard-shell suitcases. So, it's up to you to decide which one is better for your travel needs, hard case luggage or soft.

Best Hard Case Luggage 2017

How to Pack Light

A Call to Adventure

Escaping the mundanities of everyday life is something we can all get behind. You get stuck in a seemingly neverending loop of your boring job and not that much more exciting household errands and habits. Naturally, the best way to escape this paradigm is to pack your bags and go on some sort of adventure, be it a journey to a foreign country or a camping trip to the countryside.

But the "packing" part isn't always as simple as you'd think. Your bag isn't limitless. You don't want to forget anything that may prove important or borderline irreplaceable on your travels. But you also cannot and do not want to bring everything with you.

You want to pack light and bring with you only the most essential things, those that will help you on the road or just the ones that you do not want to leave behind. So, we decided to share with you a few tips that should help you traverse the globe or have some fun on a backpacking trip without a huge, bloated bag literally bringing you down.

Choose Your Luggage Wisely

It all starts with a bag, doesn't it? If you feel like your biggest issue is that you tend to bring way too much unnecessary stuff with you, the simplest solution is to choose a smaller bag. If you do not have that much room to fill, you will be forced to pack more efficiently.

By restricting yourself like that, you'll already be able to travel light since you won't have the opportunity to bring a whole pile of junk with you. Of course, as it is always the case, you don't want to go overboard. If you're planning a lengthy, extended vacation, it wouldn't hurt to have a bit more space. Just make sure that "a bit more space" doesn't turn into an extra suitcase full of unnecessary baggage.

Forget About "Just in Case"

We always do this. We bring a lot of different clothes with us that we will never wear. We pack a copious number of extra gadgets even though a smartphone will more than suffice. We take with us so much stuff that we know we won't get to use.

Don't do that. Packing light means that you will have to make some sacrifices. You cannot possibly cover every theoretical scenario. Just bring what you use and wear on your average day. By packing light, you will be able to stay flexible. This way, you can deal with situations as they come, one step at a time. There's always a temporary solution around. And, frankly, a little bit of chaos always makes for a better story.

Pack Layers

This one is simple. If you're planning on visiting some of the colder places during winter, dress in layers. Generally speaking, two or three thin articles of clothing take up a lot less space than those bulky coats and sweaters. Furthermore, they offer a lot more flexibility, so you will be able to easily adjust to change in temperature.

Wear It

Of course, you cannot afford to bring nothing but thin layers with you. Some of the bulkier articles of clothing are often a necessity, like an extra pair of shoes or a coat. The trick is to wear as much as possible at a check-in instead of packing it. Simply putting on a coat instead of putting it in your suitcase will already allow you to save a lot of space.

Bright on the Inside

We all want to stand out. But that's not an option for those who intend on packing light. Just pick a couple of simple colour palettes and stick with them. Do not bring with you clothes that do not match these colour palettes. This way, you will be able to maximise the number of outfits that you could put on. Everything ought to match. You should be able to wear anything with anything else.

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Publish Date: 2018-09-17 12:28:06