When choosing which new luggage to purchase, one of the most important characteristics to consider is the weight of the bag. Not only are airlines imposing luggage weight restrictions and fees, but the heavier the luggage, the more difficult it is to handle. That’s why we get so many inquiries asking what is the best lightweight luggage.
The best lightweight luggage not only weighs as little as possible, but also has the strength to be able to handle the rigors of repeated travel. And you don’t need to compromise on style or design. Even the lightest weight luggage can have those useful extra features to make packing, organizing, and transporting your belongings easier and more efficient.
Whether you are searching for an ultra lightweight carry on or a light weight check-in suitcase, in a hard case or soft sided exterior, you’ll find below some of the best lightweight luggage brands and their top rated offerings, so you can choose the one(s) that best meet your travel needs and your budget.
Rockland Luggage Melbourne 2 Piece Expandable Spinner Set
Rockland Luggage is well-known for their affordable, brightly colored stylish offerings. With bold colors and distinguished pattern choices ranging from animal prints to flowers, they bring fun and personality to the sometimes “boring” world of luggage. The Melbourne 2 Piece Expandable Spinner Set is extremely popular with travelers of all ages.
This two-piece set includes the useful combination of a 28 inch spinner upright bag (measuring 28 x 17 x 12 inches and weighing 10 pounds), and a 20 inch spinner carry on (measuring 20 x 13 x 9 inches and weighing in at just 6 pounds).
Constructed of a super lightweight ABS hardshell casing, these bags are ultra durable and designed to “pop” back into shape. Dual spinner wheels (8 in all) make for a very smooth rolling ride with easy maneuverability. The interior is designed to offer flexible packing options, with a zippered pocket, and see-through mesh pocket, and an elastic pocket. And when more space is needed, the bag expands with the pull of a zipper.
If you don’t need both pieces and it’s just the carry on size that you’re looking for, then the Rockland Melbourne 20-inch Expandable ABS Carry On can be purchased on its own.
Choose from over 20 color options, and you’ll never again have trouble identifying your luggage at the baggage carousel.
Travelpro Maxlite 3 Expandable Spinners
A relative newcomer in the industry, Travelpro was founded in 1987 with the mission of providing the highest quality luggage for flight crews and frequent travelers. Among their highest rated top quality collections is the Malite3 Expandable Spinner Luggage. As its name implies, it is extremely lightweight. In fact, at just over 6 pounds, the Travelpro Maxlite 3 20 inch International Carry-On is it among the lightest soft-sided 20 inch carry on bags on the market.
This soft sided luggage has a dura-weave polyester exterior designed for resilience and toughness. Made with Travelpro’s own honeycomb framing and reinforced with eva quality foam, these bags offer supreme durability without bulk or extra weight.
Designed with easy and comfortable transport in mind, these bags glide on multi-directional spinner wheels using the specially designed dual-adjustment retractable handle with an anatomically contoured, rubberized grip. Additional features include the full length exterior zipper compartment with integrated smaller pocket, useful interior pockets, and the ability to expand the bag when extra capacity is needed.
These bags are available in a variety of useful sizes, including a 29 inch upright, 25 inch traveler upright, 21 inch carry on, and a 20 inch international carry-on. Choose one or more pieces to create your matching set. Then take up minimal storage space when not in use by nesting either size carry-on conveniently inside the 25 or 29 inch bags. Choose from black, grey, blue, or merlot.
Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion Spinner Series
Since its founding back in 1910, Samsonite has been globally known as an innovator in the world of luggage, and by many accounts sits in the number one position of largest luggage brand. In recent years, the focus on lightness and security have been combined to create some of their most popular collections. The extremely lightweight Winfield 2 Fashions Spinners offer a state of the art bag with an elegant look and a thoughtful design.
The exterior of these bags is made of 100% polycarbonate, providing top quality strength while being extremely lightweight. The brushed finish is not only stylish but also hides those inevitable scuffs and scratches that can come with avid use.
These spinners offer just the features you need for orderly packing and easy maneuverability, including an adjustable retractable handle for pushing or pulling, and 4 360 degree spinner wheels for upright rolling that minimizes arm fatigue. A combination lock that is TSA compatible is built-in, protecting your belongings while you are away from your bag.
Choose from 3 sizes:
- Winfield 2 Fashion 28 Upright – Interior dimensions are 28 x 19.75 x 12.5 inches. Exterior dimensions are 30 x 20 x 12.5 inches. Weight is only 11.5 lbs., making this large upright a great option for checked luggage on long excursions.
- Winfield 2 Fashion 24 Upright – Interior dimensions are 24 x 16.5 x 11 inches. Exterior dimensions are 26 x 16.5 x 11.75 inches. Weight is 9.3 lbs.
- Winfield 2 Fashion 20 Carry-on – Interior dimensions are 20 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches. Exterior dimensions are 21.5 x 13.5 x 9.64 inches. This carry-on spinner only weighs 6.7 pounds.
Choose from 4 colors: Deep blue, charcoal, orange, or purple.
Delsey Luggage Dauphine 19 Inch International Carry-on Spinner Trolley
Purported to be the world’s second largest luggage brand (behind Samsonite), Delsey Luggage is a French luggage company that has taken the luggage industry by storm. Designing creative and innovative packing solutions, their focus is providing functionality that simplifies and enhances travelers’ experiences.
If a small dimension bag is what you need, then this stylish Dauphine 19 inch international carry-on spinner trolley is a beautiful option. This deep red bag is perfect for overnight or week-end jaunts, and has the lines to fit in the overhead compartment of major domestic and international airlines. And this bag incredibly weighs a mere 3 pounds, 8 ounces.
This luggage has a soft sided polyester exterior and a nylon lined interior, where you’ll find clothing straps to keep items from shifting, and a zipper compartment for accessories or delicates. The outside zip pocket is convenient for additional packing of tickets, itineraries, and other items you want quick and easy access to.
Constructed with Delsey’s unique Dual Drive design, this bag can be rolled upright on 4 spinner wheels or tipped to pull on only 2 wheel. The patented two position handle is what allows this to work – just adjust it to the angle you choose and roll your bag in the way that is most comfortable for you.
Delsey Luggage Helium Aero Spinner Trolley
Here’s another winner from Delsey Luggage. The Helium Aero Spinner Trolley collection consistently appears on virtually every list of the most highly rated lightweight, hard case luggage available. These feature-rich bags offer everything the savvy traveler is looking for.
The polycarbonate exterior is ultra durable and very lightweight, and sports a rich gloss finish that’s available in assorted colors. The ribbed design prevents them from slipping when stacked, and it reduces scratches and scrapes. Each of the four spinner wheels is doubled, for eight wheels in all, adding strength and improved handling and stability.
These bags expand by two full inches at the pull of a zipper, increasing packing capacity by 20%.
Not only does the Helium Aero open flat for easy access to two separate, roomy compartments, but the bag can also be expanded by 20% capacity when needed. Inside you’ll find versatile organization pockets and compartments, and tie-down straps to hold clothing in place and minimize wrinkles. And for an added sense of security there’s an integrated combination lock that is TSA-compliant.
These spinner trolleys come in sizes ranging from 21 inches to 29 inches, to suit a variety of packing requirements. The most popular size is the Helium Aero 21 inch Carry On Spinner Trolly, which comes in at a weight of about 8.4 pounds.
Traveler’s Choice US Traveler Rio Two Piece Expandable Carry-On Luggage Set
Traveler’s Choice is one of the best luggage brands to offer low-cost luggage options that last. Their hugely popular US Traveler Rio 2-piece expandable carry on luggage set combines functionality with durability and low weight. At only $40 at this writing, this is top value for budget-minded occasional travelers.
The two piece set includes the following:
- 21 inch upright carry on – Dimensions: 21 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches, and weighs just 6.6 lbs.
- 14 inch travel tote bag – Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 6 inches, and weighs a mere 1.3 pounds.
The 1200d thick and rigid polyester exterior is extremely durable and easy to maintain by spot cleaning. The 21 inch carry-on can be expanded by 25% at the pull of a zipper. Unlike spinners, the two wheeled design allows the use of inline skate wheels that are integrated and kept secure by corner casing protectors.
These bags feature spacious exterior zippered pockets for extra accessories such as book or tablet, glasses, documents, keys, and other items you may want to easily access without opening the entire bag.
Choose from royal blue, purple, green, or orange.
Clearly there is no simple answer to what is the best lightweight luggage. Your ultimate choice will depend on your personal preferences and packing style. Luckily there are so many great options to choose from to help make your travels as easy and enjoyable as possible.