Personally, hard side are heavier and I don't like having to lift it above my head when putting it in the overhead.

Anonymous wrote:My Hartman hardshell was destroyed by American Airline baggage handlers, cracked in half. I now use a soft roller that doubles as a backpack. When I see them making people with roll ons check them at the gate (f g hate that) I simply turn it into a backpack and wall on without a problem.

NP here
Yes, this was brought up here a few months ago too. With a backpack, you are less likely to be asked to gate check your bag.

This isn't exactly what you asked for, OP, but I will give you my recommendation:

https://nargear.com/shop/firefighter/carryon-gen2-45l/

Each member of my family has one of these, and we love to travel with them. Since your kids are teens, these will be useful if they are young adults traveling or in college too. I have kids in college and I know it was actually mentioned by several parents (on a facebook group for parents of my kids college) that there wasn't enough storage space in the dorms for the luggage the kid had brought. I was glad my kid's backpack carry on was able to be squished down and stored easily.

Anonymous wrote:I don't think hardside is as important for carry-ons. You want spinners and something light.

This. I used to have hard side and when it broke, replaced it with soft carry on.

wall s/b walk

My Hartman hardshell was destroyed by American Airline baggage handlers, cracked in half. I now use a soft roller that doubles as a backpack. When I see them making people with roll ons check them at the gate (f g hate that) I simply turn it into a backpack and wall on without a problem.

Anonymous wrote:Ginza Karen!

Ok, that will only work if you're in Tokyo.

Really, can we stop with this garbage already?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think hardside is as important for carry-ons. You want spinners and something light.

Agree with this.

Nordstrom Rack usually has a few TravelPro options for around $120

Another +1 Also, I have a hardside carryon and it doesn't have any outside pockets, which is a little annoying while I'm in the airport.

After Xmas Costco has hard shells for like $80 usually

Depends on your packing style. You can get more into hard side because it you stuff things in and it will still meet space limitations. A soft side would expand (and ultimately hold more) but fail to pass check in limits.

I like the hard shells, idk why I just like it.

Ginza Karen!

Ok, that will only work if you're in Tokyo.

Anonymous wrote:I don't think hardside is as important for carry-ons. You want spinners and something light.

Agree with this.

Nordstrom Rack usually has a few TravelPro options for around $120

I prefer non hard shell for suitcase because for a carryon you can squeeze it into the overhead bin or squeeze it underneath the seat in front of you. An expandable one would be good too. Like a sturdy backpack that can expand if you need more space and turn it into a checkin bag if needed.

I don't think hardside is as important for carry-ons. You want spinners and something light.

I want to get my teens each a new carryon for the holidays. We've never had hardside before but I see those are very popular now. I don't care about it being a fancy brand - I bought our current Samsonites at TJ Maxx. Just curious if hardside is the way to go now, and if so are there any specific features I should keep my eye out for, or features I want to avoid? Looking to spend under $100 each bag.

Thanks.