I have ukes in both hard cases and padded gig bags. Here are my observations.
Of Humidity:
Hard cases retain humidity better than padded gig bags. I use Oasis humidifiers almost exclusively so it is easy to compare evaporation between the two styles of case.
Of Protection:
I have traveled with both styles of case. I take reasonable care and have no fears about the protection offered by my Access or Mono bags. I prefer the Access as they are less bulky.
Of Foam Cases:
Worthless. One of my first ukes, a tenor Pono, came with a canvas/foam case. the handle was attached with a 3/4" screw directly into the foam. This pulled out within 24 hours of receipt. Any method to securely attach the handle would have entered the ukulele's space and damaged the uke.
I carried a Flea backpacking in Spain for 2 months. Carried it in the outside mesh pocket of my pack with nothing but a tube sock over the headstock. Never a problem.
Of Humidity:
Hard cases retain humidity better than padded gig bags. I use Oasis humidifiers almost exclusively so it is easy to compare evaporation between the two styles of case.
Of Protection:
I have traveled with both styles of case. I take reasonable care and have no fears about the protection offered by my Access or Mono bags. I prefer the Access as they are less bulky.
Of Foam Cases:
Worthless. One of my first ukes, a tenor Pono, came with a canvas/foam case. the handle was attached with a 3/4" screw directly into the foam. This pulled out within 24 hours of receipt. Any method to securely attach the handle would have entered the ukulele's space and damaged the uke.
I carried a Flea backpacking in Spain for 2 months. Carried it in the outside mesh pocket of my pack with nothing but a tube sock over the headstock. Never a problem.