Hard-shell Suitcases

1. Why choose a Hard-shell Suitcase?

Why should you decide to buy a Hard-shell Suitcase? The most obvious reason: Because of the hard shell, the case protects your baggage. Essential especially for liquid containers, fragile items, and when transporting technical devices. Your clothes won’t wrinkle as quickly and stay dry. The water-repellent hard shell is easy to clean and remove dirt from. More reasons to buy a Hard-shell Suitcase:

• Easy transport thanks to the suitcase wheels
• Practical telescopic handle
• Available in many sizes and colours
• Stylish design

2. How does a Hard-shell Suitcase work?

Modern Hard-shell Suitcases have a telescopic handle and usually four wheels, so they can be conveniently used as a trolley. A Hard-shell Suitcase is especially easy to maneuver when its wheels can rotate 360 degrees. The extendable telescopic rod must fit your height and must not be too short. Your luggage is secured by two covers – hard shells. These interlock precisely through firmly installed strips and can usually be closed with a surrounding zip.
 

3. Areas of use

Airport staff sometimes handle your baggage carelessly. To protect the contents of your case, we therefore recommend using a durable Hard-shell Suitcase for air travel. They absorb shocks and impacts very well. Also on train journeys, where it might rain on the way to and from the station, your clothes stay dry with a Hard-shell Suitcase.

4. Useful accessories

Usually, you don’t need any additional accessories when buying a Hard-shell Suitcase. However, there are some extras that make handling your Hard-shell Suitcase and your trip easier. There are also individual parts that provide extra protection for your luggage.

• Luggage tags: If you forget, lose, or your luggage doesn’t arrive on the flight, it becomes clear how especially important a luggage tag is. You enter your name, address, phone number, and email address. If your case goes missing, your data is visible on the outside of the case. Important: Be sure to use a luggage tag where your data cannot be read openly but only after opening the tag.
   
• Luggage straps: Luggage straps give you extra security and ensure that your Hard-shell Suitcase does not open.
   
• Suitcase lock: For securely locking your Hard-shell Suitcase, the high-quality TSA lock is recommended. Many Hard-shell Suitcase manufacturers already integrate a TSA combination lock. Especially when entering the USA, you need such a lock. The security authority has a universal key for it, and you don't have to worry that they will forcibly open your luggage and damage the contents.

5. Material

Hard-shell Suitcases are made from a variety of different materials:

• Polycarbonate is often used in the production of Hard-shell Suitcases. The material is characterized by its lightweight and durability. In a high price range, pure polycarbonate is used. Cheaper versions often consist of blends with other materials. It proves to be very temperature-resistant and scratch-resistant, even at very low temperatures. Good to know: Cases made of pure polycarbonate are easy to recycle.
   
• ABS is characterized by its high resistance and and impact resistance . The abbreviation stands for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene copolymer. Over time, ABS has gained popularity in suitcase manufacturing. However, ABS has a relatively high own weight and poor recyclability.
   
• Polypropylene features a very light own weight and a good load-bearing capacity. The Hard-shell suitcases are comparatively very thin compared to other materials and still stable.
   
• Aluminium has long been used in Hard-shell Suitcase production. The material stands out for its break resistance, stability, and durability . Aluminium is mostly found in the very high-end segment. The Hard-shell Suitcase made of aluminium also has a relatively high own weight and is very scratch-sensitive.
   
• Curv is one of the newest materials in Hard-shell Suitcase production. Samsonite is so far the only manufacturer to use this material. Curv is made in Germany from polypropylene. Unlike other Hard-shell Suitcases made of polypropylene, Curv has the property of very high flexibility and at the same time impact and break resistance.

Which material you choose depends on your individual preferences and requirements.

6. Packing your Hard-shell Suitcase

How to pack your suitcase like a pro

1. Pack your hardshell case in the right order! The rule of thumb is: pack heavy items like books and shoes at the bottom, light items like blouses and shirts at the top. This not only prevents your clothes from wrinkling but also saves space.
    
2. Roll instead of fold: Delicate fabrics like silk don’t wrinkle as quickly, and at the same time, this packing technique also saves space.
    
3. Use ziped compartments to store small items.
    
4. Pack a laundry bag for your clothes on the way back. This way, you can easily separate laundry that needs to go into the washing machine from clothes that can still be worn. Some hardshell case models already have a laundry compartment.

7. Six tips for care

Hard-shell Suitcases prove to be especially easy to care for with their smooth, water-repellent surface. To ensure you enjoy your luggage for a long time, we present our six tips for optimal care and cleaning:

1. Regularly clean the surface: Wipe your hardshell case with a SOFT cloth after each use. This quickly removes coarse dirt and dust.
    
2. Do not use harsh cleaning agents when cleaning, only mild soap: In the worst case, the surface can get scratched and the colours fade. Use warm soapy water to clean stubborn dirty spots. 
    
3. Also clean the suitcase wheels from dirt: To ensure the longevity of your suitcase wheels, regularly remove dirt from them. Otherwise, dirt settles in the bearings and damages them. In the worst case, the wheels will no longer turn. For cleaning, simply use a brush and clear water to rinse.
    
4. Lubricate the telescopic handle: Regularly use some grease to keep the telescopic handle smooth. With long and frequent use, it can otherwise quickly jam.
    
5. Don’t forget the zip: This is a very important element of your hardshell case. It reliably allows you to open and close your suitcase. To keep the zip functioning well for a long time, use candle wax or a special zip care product for maintenance.
    
6. Clean the interior optimally: Remove dirt and crumbs from the interior of your hardshell case after each use. For heavier dirt, use a mild solution of warm water and liquid detergent.