People who often travel with electronics or other fragile items may want to consider polycarbonate luggage for its strength and durability. The hard plastic shell will keep the luggage from compressing, thereby risking damage to the fragile items inside. It is important to remember, however, that unlike luggage made from fabric, the polycarbonate luggage will not flex to allow that last pair of pants or that souvenir from your trip to fit inside the already-full bag. The bag will also not bend inward, which is both an advantage and disadvantage: it will protect items inside, but it will not squeeze into tighter spaces like the overhead bin on a plane.
The weight of polycarbonate luggage is usually heavier than fabric luggage, though not by much. Any weight difference may be worth the extra effort to carry, especially if the polycarbonate luggage features locks, waterproof seams, heavy duty wheels and handles, or other features that can make the luggage more functional. The price difference between polycarbonate luggage and fabric luggage can vary, though a buyer will be likely to pay more for luggage made from polycarbonate. The material is usually more durable and long-lasting than fabrics, however, so the buyer may end up saving on replacement costs down the road.