Polycarbonate or polypropylene suitcase: our advice in 2022

polycarbinate-or-polypropylene

The material of the suitcase is a determining factor in the purchase decision. Soft, hard, ABS, polyester, curv...the choice is immense. It is therefore important to know the advantages and disadvantages of each material. Here is a comparison between polycarbonate and polypropylene to help you make your choice, as well as our Baage recommendations.

Polycarbonate or polypropylene suitcase: 2 rigid materials

First of all, let's remember that polycarbonate and polypropylene suitcases share a common essence: they are rigid materials. They are two types of plastics that have a wide range of uses. 

The advantages of rigid cases

with a polypropylene or polycarbonate suitcase, you will be guaranteed a solid suitcase, much more resistant to shocks than a soft suitcase

these materials will also limit the risk of deformation of your belongings during transport

more security on polycarbonate or polypropylene suitcases thanks to their resistance, as well as the presence of an integrated code lock on most models

The disadvantages of hard-sided luggage

The main disadvantage of owning a polycarbonate or polypropylene suitcase is that they are less easy to store than their soft-sided counterparts. These cases often require more space, which can be problematic if you don't have much storage space at home

soft cases are generally easier to clean

Polypropylene or polycarbonate hard cases are often slightly heavier than soft cases, however, these 2 rigid materials are among the lightest on the market

Polycarbonate or polypropylene suitcase ? the advantages of each material

Advantages of polycarbonate

  • Polycarbonate suitcases are on par with polypropylene suitcases in terms of lightness, with both options weighing less than 2.3kg
  • Polycarbonate cases are easier to care for than polypropylene cases
  • Flexibility: polypropylene cases are more resistant to deformation
  • Design: Due to its flexibility, polycarbonate cases can be purchased in a wide range of shapes and styles
  • Aesthetics: the aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate cases is a result of their design
  • Ultraviolet resistance

Advantages of polypropylene

Slightly less expensive: you can generally find polypropylene cases at more affordable prices than polycarbonate cases, however, both options will be more expensive than an ABS case for example

Resistant to chemicals and stains

Durable and unbreakable

Easily recycled and therefore more environmentally friendly

An innovative material used by the biggest brands such as Samsonite, which offers suitcases made of Curv, a superposition of polypropylene fibers

Polycarbonate or polypropylene suitcase: which one to choose?

In conclusion, polycarbonate and polypropylene have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of which type of suitcase is best for you really depends on your personal needs or tastes, as both options are quality materials.

The top 3 polycarbonate cases at Baage

Baage offers you a selection of 100% polycarbonate or PC/ABS suitcases that combine the properties of polycarbonate suitcases with ABS, a material well known for its shock resistance.

The MOOREA - Jump large rigid case

  • 100% polycarbonate design
  • 75x50x30 cm for 90L and only 3,6kg
  • 4 double wheels
  • 2 carrying handles
  • a simple but neat aesthetic with beautiful finishes for a unique suitcase
  • 2 large storage spaces with 2 pairs of straps

Large Suitcase Moorea 75cm

The rigid weekend case BLEECKER - Jump

  • 69x47x29 cm for a total capacity of 80L, which is quite rare for a medium size suitcase
  • handle fastening system: cases without zippers have some advantages like easy access and enhanced durability of your case
  • 4 dual wheels
  • 2 large interior storage spaces including a large zippered pocket and a small zippered pocket
  • simple but original design with bold shapes

Medium Suitcase Bleecker 69cm

The STUART - Gentleman Farmer cabin suitcase

  • 55x35x21 cm for 37L and only 2,8kg
  • a classy and pure design
  • 4 double wheels
  • small protection pins
  • two carrying handles
  • 2 lateral protection reinforcements
  • a code lock
  • ABS/PC design

Cabin Luggage 55cm STUART

Top 3 polypropylene suitcases at Baage

You will have the choice between many famous brands such as Delsey, Samsonite or Jump for your polypropylene suitcases at Baage.

The BELMON rigid cabin suitcase - Delsey

  • a timeless Delsey
  • 55x40x20cm for 33L and 2,7kg
  • 4 double wheels
  • a TSA padlock, ideal for trips abroad
  • a side carrying handle
  • a modern design with original curves and a large choice of colors
  • 2 pairs of straps, ideal for keeping things in the suitcase
  • 100% polypropylene composition

Cabin Luggage BELMONT PLUS SLIM 55cm

The S'CURE SPINNER weekend hard case - Samsonite

  • it is again a system with fasteners without zippers
  • 69x49x29cm for 79L
  • inside, there is a large zipped pocket and a pair of crossed straps
  • 4 double wheels
  • 100% polypropylene composition
  • trendy and original colors

Medium Suitcase 69cm S'CURE SPINNER

AROGADO large size rigid suitcase - Jump

  • 77x49x30cm for 4,2kg and 95L capacity, which is very comfortable
  • 100% polypropylene composition
  • 4 double wheels
  • many practical storage spaces: a large zippered pocket, a small zippered pocket, another small zippered pocket in mesh, as well as a large main space separated by a pair of double straps
  • a TSA lock
  • a simple and neat aesthetic

Large Suitcase Arogado 77cm

Polypropylene or polycarbonate suitcase? The synthesis

If you are hesitating between polypropylene or polycarbonate for the choice of the material of your suitcase, let's summarize the following elements:

They are both rigid materials

  • they are both quality materials
  • in terms of price, polycarbonate suitcases are slightly more expensive than polypropylene suitcases, but the prices for both options are higher than for ABS suitcases
  • the polycarbonate suitcase is judged slightly more qualitative than the polypropylene suitcase, in particular thanks to its characteristics: more varied design, their flexibility and their ease of maintenance. Please note that polycarbonate cases are often mixed with ABS, so the properties of the two materials are combined
  • nevertheless, polypropylene cases are not to be outdone with their durability and resistance, they are also more ecological

Both options are among the lightest hard cases on the market

no matter which one you choose, you'll have plenty of options among the top brands

we recommend that you consider both options before making your purchase to maximize your chances of finding the perfect suitcase for your trip