Soft-Sided Luggage: The Flexible Choice for Overpackers

For travelers who tend to overpack, soft-sided luggage offers flexibility and durability that hard-shell cases can't match. Condé Nast Traveler editors have spent months-sometimes years-testing soft-sided suitcases on planes, trains, cars, buses, and cruises worldwide, packing them to the brim and rolling them over cobblestones to see which ones hold up.

Soft-sided bags are typically made from woven nylon, with Cordura hiding scuffs better and ballistic nylon offering a smoother texture that may show wear faster. The flexible fabric squeezes into tight overhead bins and car trunks more easily than hard shells, and exterior pockets provide extra storage for smaller items. Internal compression straps keep clothes in place, leaving room for souvenirs.

Durability depends on high-strength nylon, sturdy zippers, and wheels with 360-degree rotation. One caveat: in cold or wet destinations, a suitcase cover is worth considering to keep contents dry.

Standard carry-on size is 22" x 14" x 9", though some domestic carriers like Southwest allow slightly larger bags at 24" x 16" x 10". Always check your airline's policy before flying.