My first real luggage was a pair of soft side suitcases I got right after high school. Unfortunately, they didn’t last very long. Within a year, two wheels on both of them had cracked, jammed, and then ground down to dust.
Now I’m a bit pickier in my choice of suitcase. I’ve learned that it’s worth investing a bit more to get gear that will last.
I’m still a huge fan of soft sided luggage, though. It’s lightweight, flexible, and usually has more pockets and organization than hard shell suitcases. In my mind, the best soft side suitcases should capitalize on these strengths by being easy to pack, having accessible outside pockets, and having a tough, durable construction that can take some abuse.
I’ve searched hard to find the suitcases that fit those requirements. Here are my top 10 soft sided luggage picks. I’ll dive into the details on each, give you the pros and cons, and help you find the best one for your next trip.
In 1987, airline pilot Robert Plath invented a suitcase design that rolled upright on two wheels with an extendable handle: the first rolling luggage as we know it today. He started building durable, high-quality rollaboard luggage for flight crews, and his business grew into Travelpro: now one of the best luggage brands out there.
Travelpro started out with soft sided luggage, and now they build some of the best in the business. If you’re in the market for a soft sided suitcase, it’s hard to go wrong with one from Travelpro.
The Platinum Elite 25” is part of Travelpro’s higher-end luggage collection for travelers who want the best function, durability, and style. This soft shell suitcase is built with quality materials, refined styling, and smart features for easier packing.
One of the biggest advantages of softside luggage over hardside is the ability to have more flexible packing options. It’s just easier to manufacture softside luggage with extra pockets, organizers, and expandability. The Travelpro Platinum Elite suitcase really capitalizes on this with tons of organization built in.
On the outside, you get one small zippered pocket and one larger zippered panel pocket. Exterior pockets are one of my favorite things about softside luggage because they make it easy to keep essential items accessible.
The organization on the inside is even more impressive. There is a large mesh zippered pocket, a clever compression system (with two more small pockets built in), and a removable waterproof pouch for…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at TravelFreak…