Originally Posted by
tfar
What is the reason or supposed benefit you are expecting when changing to a hardside? When you say accomodate laptop bag, do you mean that it rides better on top of a hardside? That is not necessarily true. Or that it is better protected or it looks better? Please explain.
Some hardsides are lighter. Hardside spinners might be easier to maneuver, especially if they also have a rigid frame. In general, I'd venture to say that almost all hardsides offer somewhat better protection of the goods inside. Mind you, with ordinary clothes or even a laptop in a laptop bag inside a hardside suitcase that is NOT necessary even for fearful types.
Harder to overstuff a hard-sided piece. Looks neater. But also not as flexible when you try to stuff it into an overhead bin.
Till
Hi Till, appreciate the reply. I think my main reasoning for a hardside is the added security (no outside pockets, cannot be ripped/cut especially when sitting in a hotel room, does not 'hold' smells or attract bedbugs, etc...and yes I am aware of situations with coworkers where similar events to the above have occurred
). My current soft carry-on is fairly old, and perhaps was not designed to support a laptop bag on top of it given its design.
I do not plan on stuffing my carry-on, but my main con at this point in time with a hardside is its fitment in the overhead (even though the above Samsonite Winfield 2 is smaller in specs compared to my current bag).
Anyways, any thoughts or experiences are welcomed!!