Fill in the blank (_) in the following sentence from the following choices.
Sentence: I like to use hard luggage rather than soft luggage when I travel because I think the _ protect contents better.

Choice 1: I like to use hard luggage rather than soft luggage when I travel because I think the hard luggage protect contents better.
Choice 2: I like to use hard luggage rather than soft luggage when I travel because I think the soft luggage protect contents better.
Which of the choices is correct? Respond with only "1" or "2" and no additional text.
1
1.