Hard Shell Luggage

Hard shell suitcases offer better protection for your belongings, especially fragile items, as they are more impact-resistant. Hard shell cases are also water-resistant, making them ideal for wet conditions.

However, soft shell suitcases tend to be more flexible, allowing for easier storage in tight spaces. Your choice depends on your priority—protection or flexibility.

Antler suitcases are durable, made with either a recycled polycarbonate or a polypropylene shell that are built to withstand the test of time and travel.

Polycarbonate-shelled suitcases—like our best-selling Icon Stripe—withstand bumps and scratches a little better. Meanwhile, polypropylene-shelled suitcases—like our Single Stripe—are lighter but more rigid. 

Neither type crack easily but if you need some extra reassurance, each of our suitcases comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Hard shell suitcases are usually heavier than soft shell ones due to their rigid materials, which provide extra protection. However, the weight difference with well-crafted, modern suitcases like ours is only slight, as they have been designed to balance strength and lightness.

Airlines generally accept both hard and soft luggage—as long as it complies with size and weight restrictions, the choice is up to you. Hard luggage gives you better protection for fragile items, while soft luggage is often lighter and more flexible, making it easier to fit into overhead compartments.