How To Pack Hard-Side Luggage

Just when you you’ve mastered packing a suitcase, along comes a new challenge: a hard-sided bag. Packing a hard-sided suitcase is different than packing a soft-sided suitcase. As opposed to soft sided luggage – which usually has just one main large compartment – most hard sided suitcases are divided in half.  One side generally is a zippered enclosure while the other side is open with tie-down compression straps. These interior design features can make packing easier, if you know some packing secrets in advance.

Here are some expert tips to packing a hard sided bag successfully:

Organize In Advance

Before you start packing, decide what you’re taking and place items near your bag. This will make packing faster and more efficient.

Pack Strategically

Pack bulky items like shoes and personal care items on one side and clothing on the other.

  • First, pack clothing that tends to wrinkle on the zippered side. Since it has a flat surface this will lessen wrinkles and the zip closure keeps clothing from shifting and falling out when you open the bag.
  • On the open side of the bag pack shoes down by the wheels up along the sides of the bag, balancing the weight to help stabilize the bag when upright.
  • In the space between the handles, pack a long packing cube with smaller items like socks and underwear.
  • Continue to pack personal care items and additional packed cubes to fill up all the nooks and crannies.
  • Finally, use the suitcase compression straps to maximize packing space and keep items from shifting.

Divide Your Items

Simplify the process by dividing everything into three groups:  

  1. clothing that is folded
  2. clothing rolled up and in packing cubes
  3. bulky items like shoes and personal care items.

Put Your Suitcase On A Table

Packing a hard sided suitcase – any suitcase – is much easier if you don’t have to bend over to pack it.

Prioritize

Pack anything you think you might need on your travel day on top in a packing cube for easy access.

Use The TSA Lock

Many hard sided bags – like this featured Ricardo Rodeo Drive 21” spinner bag – have an integrated TSA approved lock – which provides additional security when checking your bag.

Rodeo Drive 21” Spinner

AAA Member Price: $229.99

Available in Black, sizes 21”, 25” and 29”

Designed and engineered with a nearly indestructible Makrolon® by Covestro polycarbonate exterior, the Rodeo Drive 21” Spinner Suitcase offers smooth, ergonomic handling, a well-organized interior, a TSA-lock and has tech-charging capable, so you’re always powered up.

Rodeo Drive Weekender Duffle

AAA Member Price: $149.99

One of the most versatile pieces in the Rodeo Drive Collection, the Weekender Carry-On Duffel offers generous packing capacity in a Nanotex® water-resistant fabric exterior. Featuring plenty of pockets to keep things organized—including quilted padded laptop and tablet pockets and a handle pass-through strap to attach to any rolling bag. Also includes a removeable shoulder strap, bottom zippered pocket for cables and tech items and a mini interior LED light.

Rodeo Drive Soft Sided Backpack

AAA Member Price: $149.99

Ricardo’s tech-friendly soft-sided backpack offers generous packing capacity in a Nanotex® water-resistant fabric exterior. It has plenty of pockets to keep things organized—including quilted padded laptop and tablet pockets and a handle pass-through strap to attach to any rolling bag.

AAA Travel Store Special Event featuring Baggallini

Join AAA and Baggallini PNW Sales Manager, Christa Ribas for tips on finding the best bags to keep you traveling with ease.

AAA Beaverton Service Center
Wednesday, November 13th
10:30am & 1:00pm

Register For Event