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Discover the ideal Hard case For your next trip! Robust Materials reliably protect your luggage, while modern design & practical features increase comfort. Find the perfect suitcase that your demands Security & style fulfilled.
Hard-shell suitcases – robust protection for your luggage
A hard-shell suitcase reliably protects the contents of your luggage from knocks, scratches and moisture. The sturdy outer shell makes it the ideal companion for flights, business trips and longer holidays. In our range, you'll find hard-shell suitcases in all sizes – from compact cabin luggage to a large hard-shell suitcase or XL.
Which material for your hard-shell suitcase?
The material determines the weight, stability and durability of your suitcase. Here's an overview of the most important options:
Polycarbonate: Extremely light and flexible – absorbs impacts without breaking. The most popular material for modern hard-shell suitcases. Ideal for frequent flyers.
Polypropylene: Particularly shatterproof and resilient. Withstands rough luggage handling and is recyclable.
ABS: Affordable and lightweight option for occasional travellers. A solid entry-level material.
Aluminium: Premium material for maximum stability – durable and elegant. Discover our aluminium suitcases.
Hard-shell suitcase sizes – from cabin luggage to XXL
Cabin luggage (S, 55 cm): airline-compliant, 30–40 litres – ideal for 2–5 days or as an extra piece.
Medium (M, 65 cm): 60–80 litres, the best-selling size for 1–2 weeks of holiday.
Large hard-shell suitcase (L, 75 cm): 90–110 litres for 2–3 weeks or winter holidays.
XXL (80+ cm): 120+ litres – long-term trips or family holidays.
Hard-shell or soft-shell – what suits your trip?
Hard-shell suitcases offer the best protection for delicate items, are more water-resistant and stackable – ideal for flights. Soft-shell luggage is lighter, more flexible thanks to expandable gussets, and offers outer pockets for quick access. You'll find a detailed comparison in our guide Hard-shell or soft-shell.
Wheels: 360° double wheels with bearings run the smoothest and last longest.
Interior layout: Cross straps, a divider with zippered inner pockets for neat packing.
Weight: Modern hard-shell suitcases weigh 2.2–4.5 kg empty – important for airline weight limits.
Frequently asked questions about hard-shell suitcases
Are hard-shell suitcases better than soft-shell luggage?
Hard-shell suitcases offer better protection, are more water-resistant and stackable – ideal for flights and delicate luggage. Soft-shell luggage is lighter, more flexible and has outer pockets for quick access. For frequent flyers and checked luggage, we recommend hard-shell; for train and car journeys, soft-shell is often a better choice.
Which material is best for hard-shell suitcases?
Polycarbonate is the premium material: extremely light, shatterproof and absorbs impacts. Polypropylene is more robust and recyclable, but slightly heavier. ABS is the most affordable option, about 30% heavier and less flexible. Aluminium is the most stable, but significantly heavier and more expensive. For frequent travellers, polycarbonate is worth the investment.
What size hard-shell suitcase for a 1-week holiday?
For a 1-week holiday, we recommend a hard-shell suitcase in size M (60–69 cm height, 60–80 litres). That's enough for 7–10 outfits plus shoes and a toiletry bag. For winter trips with bulkier clothing, opt for size L (70–79 cm) instead. As a rule of thumb, calculate about 50 litres of suitcase volume per week of travel.
Are hard-shell suitcases waterproof?
Hard-shell suitcases are splash-resistant, but not completely waterproof. The outer shell made of polycarbonate or polypropylene easily withstands light rain. However, water can still get in through zippers or lock areas. For tropical trips or boat journeys, we recommend using an additional waterproof inner liner.
What's the difference between a hard-shell suitcase and a hard-shell trolley?
There's no difference – both terms refer to the same product. A hard-shell trolley is a hard-shell suitcase with wheels and a pull-out telescopic handle. Since virtually all hard-shell suitcases now have wheels, the terms are used interchangeably.
Which hard-shell suitcases are suitable for flights?
For flights, hard-shell suitcases made of polycarbonate or polypropylene with a TSA lock are the best choice. Be sure to check your airline's size restrictions: cabin luggage max. 55×40×20 cm, checked luggage usually up to 158 cm total dimensions. For details on airline size limits, check out our cabin luggage guides.
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