Luggage shell materials must be strong enough to protect your possessions while resisting the wear and tear associated with frequent travel. The quest for modern luggage that features the toughest, most durable, and most lightweight luggage material has led to fierce debates that often require explanation &#; few travelers fully understand the pros and cons of polypropylene vs. polycarbonate, for instance.
To help you choose the right luggage material for your needs, we&#;ve put together this guide to different bag materials, with commentary on the pros and cons of each.
To start, let&#;s take a brief look at the two broadest categories of luggage: hard-side and soft-side.
Polypropylene (PP) is a hard hydrocarbon resin made from propylene, a petroleum byproduct. Polypropylene is a little less rigidity as other hard-side luggage materials, but it does have some advantages:
When comparing polypropylene vs. polycarbonate bags such as the Platinum® Elite Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner, it&#;s important to remember that while polypropylene is lighter, polycarbonate is the sturdier choice. A polycarbonate suitcase may cost more but will offer more rigid protection.
Polycarbonate is an extremely tough polyester compound used to make over 40% of hard-side luggage. While heavier than polypropylene and ABS suitcases, polycarbonate bags are flexible and highly resistant to cracks. The Maxlite® Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner is an excellent example of a polycarbonate suitcase.
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a petroleum byproduct. ABS is a popular luggage material that accounts for almost 30% of hard-side suitcases. ABS is suggested for infrequent travel, as the material is durable but can suffer damage when exposed to high temperatures or rough handling.
Polyester soft side bags are popular due to their lightweight, flexible, and durable nature. Polyester bags typically have Deniers scores of 600D to 900D (One Deniers is a unit of textile measurement. A higher Denier indicates stronger fabrics made from thicker threads). When treated with DuraGuard® coating, polyester suitcases such as the Maxlite® 5 21" Carry-On Spinner are water and scuff resistant. Oxford cloth is a polyester woven in a slightly different pattern, sometimes used for soft-side luggage.
Nylon bags resist tears and abrasion better than polyester. Nylon tends to have a lower Deniers range than polyester but is nonetheless stronger. The Platinum® Elite Medium Check-In Spinneris an excellent example of a high-density nylon bag.
Two variants of nylon are often used to make bags. Ballistic nylon has a thicker, heavier thread than regular nylon and is the most durable fabric used to create soft-side luggage. Backpacks, which need extra resistance, are often made with ballistic nylon. Cordura, a similar nylon product, uses nylon threads that are D thickness.
Leather was a popular choice for luggage in the s. Today, however, leather has lost ground to more effective luggage materials, and today is mostly used for handbags, duffel bags, and backpacks.
Leather can last for decades if properly cared for, but it has some definite drawbacks. Leather is heavier than other soft-side luggage materials and soaks up water if it gets wet, causing unsightly stains.
Canvas is made from cotton or hemp and is often used for backpacks and duffle bags. The organic material used to make canvas makes canvas bags less weatherproof than nylon or polyester bags. Exposure to dampness can result in canvas rotting, and the material is heavier than nylon and polyester. On the plus side, canvas is extremely durable when cared for properly.
Polypropylene (PP) is a hard hydrocarbon resin made from propylene, a petroleum byproduct. Polypropylene is a little less rigidity as other hard-side luggage materials, but it does have some advantages:
POLYPROPYLENE LUGGAGE PROS
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POLYPROPYLENE LUGGAGE CONS
COMPARING POLYPROPYLENE VS. POLYCARBONATE
When comparing polypropylene vs. polycarbonate bags, it&#;s important to remember that while polypropylene is lighter, polycarbonate is the sturdier choice. A polycarbonate suitcase may cost more but will offer more rigid protection.
Polycarbonate is an extremely tough polyester compound used to make over 40% of hard-side luggage. While heavier than polypropylene and ABS suitcases, polycarbonate bags are flexible and highly resistant to cracks.
POLYCARBONATE PROS
POLYCARBONATE CONS
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