When shopping for new luggage, one key decision is whether to get a style with a top lid opening or a suitcase that only zips open like a clamshell. For some travelers, hardside luggage with a top loading compartment offers distinct advantages for packing and accessibility.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Many major luggage brands like Samsonite, Delsey, and American Tourister offer hard-shell suitcase models where the main compartment is accessed through a top lid rather than a full-length zipper.
This style allows quick access to contents without fully unpacking.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of top-loading hardside luggage. We’ll look at how it compares to clamshell opening cases, see examples from top brands, and provide tips for choosing the best top-lid hardside for your needs.
Advantages of Top Lid Opening Hardside Luggage
Hardside luggage with a top lid opening offers several advantages that make it a popular choice among travelers. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits:
Easy Access to Contents
One of the main advantages of hardside luggage with a top lid opening is the easy access it provides to your belongings. With this type of luggage, you can simply lift the top lid and have a clear view of all your items.
This makes it convenient to locate and retrieve specific items without having to dig through layers of clothes and accessories. Whether you’re at the airport or in your hotel room, quick and hassle-free access to your belongings can save you valuable time and make your travel experience more enjoyable.
Better Organization
Another benefit of top lid opening hardside luggage is its superior organization capabilities. Many models come with multiple compartments, pockets, and dividers that allow you to neatly separate and store your clothes, shoes, toiletries, and other travel essentials.
This helps prevent items from shifting during transit and keeps everything in its place, reducing the chances of wrinkles, spills, or damage. Additionally, some top lid opening hardside luggage may feature compression straps or built-in garment folders, further enhancing the organization and maximizing the packing space.
When it comes to choosing the right hardside luggage with a top lid opening, there are several reputable brands to consider. Some popular options include Samsonite, Travelpro, and Delsey. These brands are known for their durable construction, innovative features, and stylish designs.
It’s always a good idea to read reviews and compare the specifications of different models to find the one that best suits your specific travel needs.
Key Brands Offering This Style
Samsonite
When it comes to hardside luggage with top lid opening, Samsonite is a brand that stands out. With a long history of producing high-quality luggage, Samsonite offers a range of options for travelers looking for this particular style.
Their hardside suitcases are known for their durability, functionality, and sleek design.
Samsonite’s hardside luggage with top lid opening features spacious interiors with multiple compartments, making it easy to organize and pack your belongings. The sturdy construction ensures that your items are well-protected during travel, while the top lid opening allows for convenient access to your belongings without having to fully open the suitcase.
For more information, you can visit their official website here.
Delsey
Delsey is another well-known brand that offers hardside luggage with top lid opening. With a focus on innovation and design, Delsey has become a trusted name in the luggage industry. Their hardside suitcases are known for their lightweight yet durable construction, making them ideal for frequent travelers.
Delsey’s hardside luggage with top lid opening features a secure locking system and convenient packing features. The top lid opening allows for easy access to your belongings, while the interior compartments help you stay organized throughout your journey.
To explore Delsey’s range of hardside luggage with top lid opening, you can visit their official website here.
American Tourister
American Tourister is a brand that offers a wide selection of luggage options, including hardside suitcases with top lid opening. Known for their affordability and durability, American Tourister is a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers.
American Tourister’s hardside luggage with top lid opening features a lightweight yet sturdy construction, making it easy to maneuver during your travels. The top lid opening provides easy access to your belongings, while the interior compartments help you stay organized throughout your trip.
To learn more about American Tourister’s hardside luggage with top lid opening, you can visit their official website here.
Considerations When Buying
When purchasing hardside luggage with top lid opening, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. These factors will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you choose the right luggage for your needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
Interior Capacity
The interior capacity of the luggage is an essential consideration, especially if you frequently travel or need to pack a lot of items. Look for hardside luggage with ample space to accommodate your belongings comfortably.
Some brands offer expandable options, which can be particularly useful if you anticipate needing extra room for souvenirs or other items during your trip.
TSA-approved Locks
Security is a top concern when traveling, and having a reliable lock on your luggage can provide peace of mind. When looking for hardside luggage with top lid opening, consider whether it comes with TSA-approved locks. These locks allow TSA agents to inspect your luggage without damaging the lock.
This feature is especially important if you frequently travel to destinations with strict security measures.
Weight
The weight of the hardside luggage is another crucial factor to consider. While hardside luggage tends to be durable and sturdy, it can also be heavier compared to softside luggage. It’s important to find a balance between durability and weight to ensure that you can easily maneuver and transport your luggage without exceeding weight restrictions imposed by airlines.
Look for lightweight hardside luggage options that offer both durability and functionality.
By taking these considerations into account, you can choose hardside luggage with top lid opening that meets your needs and provides convenience, security, and peace of mind during your travels.
Alternatives to Consider
Clamshell Opening
If you’re not a fan of the top lid opening design, there are alternative options available that might better suit your needs. One such alternative is the clamshell opening. Unlike the top lid opening, the clamshell design allows you to access your belongings from the middle of the suitcase, much like opening a book.
This can be particularly convenient when you need to access items quickly without having to dig through layers of clothing and other items. Many travelers find the clamshell opening to be more efficient and easier to pack and unpack.
Some popular luggage brands that offer suitcases with clamshell opening include Samsonite, Travelpro, and Delsey. These brands are known for their quality and durability, and they offer a wide range of options to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a carry-on or a larger checked bag, you’ll likely find a clamshell opening suitcase that suits your needs.
Softside Materials
If you’re looking for an alternative to hardside luggage altogether, considering softside materials is a great option. Softside luggage is made from flexible fabric materials, such as nylon or polyester, which allows for more flexibility in terms of packing.
These suitcases often feature multiple compartments and pockets, making it easier to organize your belongings.
Softside luggage also tends to be lighter and more lightweight compared to hardside options, which can be a significant advantage when it comes to weight restrictions imposed by airlines. Additionally, softside luggage is typically more affordable than hardside luggage, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Some well-known brands that offer high-quality softside luggage include Tumi, Briggs & Riley, and Eagle Creek. These brands are known for their durable construction and innovative designs, ensuring that your belongings stay protected while on the go.
When considering alternatives to hardside luggage with top lid opening, it’s essential to think about your specific needs and preferences. Whether you opt for a clamshell opening or explore softside materials, there are plenty of options available to suit every traveler’s unique requirements.
Conclusion
For travelers who want quick, top-down access into their luggage or better organization, hardside suitcases featuring a top lid opening offer a great option. Leading brands like Samsonite and Delsey manufacture durable and stylish hardshell cases with this popular design.
When shopping for your next vacation or business trip, a top-loading hardside spinner or carry-on could be the perfect pick.
