In Praise of Soft Side Luggage

Everyone has their personal preference when it comes to luggage – for me, I’m a die-hard soft side luggage fan. Beyond the fact that it’s generally lighter than hard shell luggage, as a committed over-packer and occasional souvenir shopper, I like the fact that you’re less constrained by a rigid shell and you can absolutely STUFF stuff in – while testing your zippers and straps to the max. Previously, a TSA padlock was the last port of resistance to prevent your soft side luggage opening under strain, but now I’m happy to report that soft side luggage has more options, which make it a realistic alternative to the often more aesthetic and solid hard shell pieces.  

What are the best materials for soft side luggage?  

Ballistic nylon – Originally developed for military use, this is one of the most durable options available. It’s highly resistant to tears, abrasions, and punctures. 

Cordura nylon – Another military-grade fabric that’s exceptionally tough and abrasion-resistant. It’s lighter than ballistic nylon but still extremely durable. 

Polyester (high-denier) - When woven at high thread counts (1200D or higher), polyester jacquard becomes very durable and resistant to wear. It’s also more affordable than nylon options while still offering good protection. 

Ripstop nylon - Features a reinforced weave pattern that prevents tears from spreading, making it particularly good at resisting rips and punctures. 

Polycarbonate-coated fabrics - Some manufacturers add protective coatings to enhance water resistance and durability. 

The “denier” rating (indicated by a number followed by “D”) tells you the fabric’s thickness and weight – higher numbers generally mean more durable material. Look for at least 600D for decent durability, with 1200D or higher being ideal for frequently travelled luggage. 

Is soft sided luggage a better choice than hard-shell luggage?  

It really depends on your priorities and how you travel! For some, the highest possible protection is a must, in which case a hard shell would be the better choice. But for others, a lighter bag that can be easily compressed and stored is a priority, whether that’s at home or in an overhead locker. Soft sided luggage often comes with more external pockets, which can be useful for stowing things you need quick access to on your travels.  

Is soft sided luggage durable?  

If you choose a high-quality soft sided suitcase, they’re usually highly durable – it would take quite a lot of bashing or abrasion to cause any substantial damage to the bag itself or the contents. When shopping for one, the key things to look for are hardwearing fabric, strong zips, and quality wheels that can withstand the rigors of airport handling and various terrain. Another important feature to consider is TSA locks to keep your valuables safe on your travels and allow for damage-free inspection by airport security.  

What are my locking options for soft sided luggage?  

Glad you asked – I’ve already mentioned TSA padlocks as an option, but increasingly, we’re seeing integrated TSA locks on soft sided cases and even backpacks, showing that people value this feature (and it’s easier to not forget to lock when the lock is part of the luggage). Given that backpacks often contain expensive items like laptops, cameras, chargers and medication, it’s a no brainer to lock to deter opportunist thieves.   

Early 2026 soft side standouts

Here are some soft side standouts we spotted recently and what we particularly like: 

Samsonite Splendix  

Elegant leather trimmed details, lots of pockets to keep you organised, lockable front pocket for your laptop and travel documents, a wet pocket and check out the dual lock, a TSA008 – the latest development in lock tech from Travel Sentry.   

Lipault Lost in Berlin  

We appreciate the tasteful colourways with contrasting interior fabrics padded handles, water resistant fabric, foldable interior shelves and an integrated TSA lock with security cabling to lock off zippers making for a case that’s both stylish AND safe.

Kingsons backpacks  

We always admire these integrated TSA lock backpacks when we see them exhibited at the Canton Fair; they are super robust and thoughtfully designed for people who want to protect their tech on the go. It’s a nice surprise to see them available on Amazon, accessibly priced, with numerous features including glasses holders, RFID pockets, anti-theft pockets situated between the dorsal section of the backpack and the wearer’s back. They’re also spacious, extremely lightweight and with waterproof fabric to protect the contents.  

In conclusion, you can benefit from the positives of soft side luggage without having to make security sacrifices! These are just a few of the great soft side products out there which feature integrated TSA locks and we are confident that this subcategory will continue to grow, particularly as airlines get more stringent about reinforcing weight limits. 

Words by Clara Wooller, CMO at Travel Sentry