Luggage ·29.01.2025
Why does most hardshell luggage open in the middle?
The glitzy ocean liner terminals of yesteryear once hosted thousands of well-to-do globetrotters with stylish trunk suitcases in tow. But luggage has evolved an awful lot since the Golden Age of Travel. A cursory glance around any modern airport reveals the classic trunk has been superseded by its ubiquitous clam-shell cousin.
Contents
What is hard-shell luggage?
Why does most hard-shell luggage open in the middle?
Carl Friedrik hard-shell luggage
What is hard-shell luggage?
Before we examine why most hard-shell luggage opens in the middle, let’s review the lingo. ‘Hardshell’ (A.K.A. hardside) refers to a type of luggage with a tough, rigid exterior.
This heavy-duty outer shell is made from sturdy materials like polycarbonate to protect against sudden downpours or impetuous baggage handlers. Hard-shell luggage is also stylish, easy to clean, highly manoeuvrable and can be stacked up neatly in a pile.
The alternative is ‘soft-sided’ luggage, which refers to a backpack, duffel, travel case or any other bag with a flexible exterior. This malleable outer layer lets the bag contort into tight, irregular-shaped spaces and stretch to provide extra storage space. See our post on hard-side versus soft-side luggage for more details.
Why does most hard-shell luggage open in the middle?
Almost all modern hard-shell suitcases adopt the clam-shell form, a design with a split straight down the centre to create two even storage spaces on each side. This 50-50 division offers many practical benefits.
- Durability: The middle-opening layout reinforces the suitcase frame, making cracks and fractures less likely when venturing on bumpy terrain
- Weight distribution: A centre split makes it easy to spread weight evenly across both sides of the suitcase, improving balance and manoeuvrability
- Packing and unpacking: This inevitable travel chore becomes less tiresome with a convenient clam-shell suitcase offering direct access to two evenly-sized storage spaces
- Locating items: Instead of rummaging through a deep trunk, you can visually identify your required item from one of two shallow storage sections As manufacturing technology and materials evolved in the mid-20th century, the more practical clam-shell design began phasing out the classic trunk suitcase.
As manufacturing technology and materials evolved in the mid-20th century, the more practical clam-shell design began phasing out the classic trunk suitcase.
But it does have some downsides. Notably, the clamshell requires twice as much space to open as a trunk with a top lid.
Clam-shell luggage isn’t as convenient for transporting bulky or irregular-shaped items — think musical instruments or sporting equipment. Plus, certain discerning travellers have a passion for the vintage aesthetic of antiquated trunk suitcases.
So, while the clam-shell design rules the hard-side luggage roost, the timeless trunk won’t disappear anytime soon.
| Clam-shell pros | Clam-shell cons | Trunk pros | Trunk cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| More durable | Requires extra space to open up | Can open in confined spaces | Less durable |
| Even weight distribution | Less useful for large/irregular items | Great for large/irregular items | Uneven weight distribution |
| Easy packing/unpacking | Contemporary aesthetic | Heritage-style look | Packing/unpacking takes longer |
| Faster to find things | Common design | Unique design | Harder to find items |
Carl Friedrik hard-shell luggage
At Carl Friedrik, we craft a varied selection of elegant hard-shell suitcases. Practicality is at the heart of our checked and carry-on luggage. Protected by an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell, these stylish suitcases offer next-level protection without compromising aesthetics. Premium vegetable-tanned leather detailing and brushed polyester lining exude a refined touch, while 360° Hinomoto silent spinner wheels let you glide through the terminal gracefully.
Prefer the timeless charm of an old-school trunk suitcase? Our aptly named Trunk is the perfect check-in companion. The unique 80-20 split lid opening makes packing awkwardly shaped items a breeze, while compartmentalising comes easy with retractable dividers and complimentary packing cubes. This sleek suitcase showcases a unique, heritage-inspired look, perfect for style-conscious travellers.
Of course, if you’re more of a soft-shell aficionado, we’ve got a wide range of premium leather bags as well, from briefcases to backpacks and weekenders to totes.
Takeaway
Most hard-shell luggage opens in the middle because the clam-shell design has numerous practical advantages, including enhanced durability, easier packing and better weight distribution. Although less prevalent in the modern era, some prefer the classic lid-on-the-top trunk suitcase for its smaller footprint and elegant, old-world aesthetic.
Why do most hard-shell suitcases open in the middle?
What are the disadvantages of a clam-shell suitcase?
What is the alternative to a clam-shell suitcase?
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