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Trying to pack light? Avoid “ultralight” carryon suitcases that weigh too much! To help you avoid overweight baggage fees, we’ve rounded up the best lightweight luggage (and we actually own most of them, too). And the best part? They’re all under 5lb!

 

Packing cubes are the secret to traveling carry-on only. Watch this video to learn why!

 


Best Lightweight Luggage


 

 

Table Of Contents

 

 

Today’s suitcases come with a wide variety of cool features that affect transportation, packing, and protection. You can get wheel locking systems, built-in charging units, and heavy-duty hardware.

However, the thing to keep in mind is that the more bells and whistles there are, the heavier the bag will be! What you need is a balance.

 

Below you’ll find a full list of the best lightweight luggage with wheels including information about each style, reviews, videos, and pictures, too.

 

 

Lightest Carryon Luggage

 

What manufacturers claim to be lightweight and what truly is the lightest carryon luggage are two incredibly different things.

 

 

What does lightweight luggage weigh?

 

  • Best lightweight luggage for checked bags: 5 – 8 pounds
  • Best lightweight luggage for carryon bags: 3.5 – 5 pounds

 

 

Let’s start by setting the record straight: a carryon suitcase that weighs over 6-10 pounds IS NOT lightweight.

If cabin (carryon) restrictions require that your TOTAL weight be under 20 pounds, then how is that feasible when your suitcase itself weighs 9 pounds?

It’s not.

 

Read this post to learn how to pack for a 7kg baggage allowance!

 

 

The same goes for checked bags. Just because you have a 50 pound weight allowance doesn’t mean you need all of it.

However, if for whatever reason you need to bring an extensive amount of things on a trip (perhaps you’re moving to another country or studying abroad), then you want to make the most of what you can actually bring.

Don’t waste your weight allowance on a heavy suitcase!

 

Read the ultimate guide on how to choose a suitcase!

 

 

What is the best lightweight luggage for carryon?

 

Here are the best lightweight luggage options for carryon. They all have wheels and weigh under 5 lb:

 

  • it luggage Expandable Carry-on
  • Travelpro Maxlite Carry On Luggage
  • Osprey Ozone Wheeled Luggag
  • Osprey Farpoint Wheeled Luggage
  • Samsonite Cosmolite Spinner
  • Delsey Clavel Hand Luggage
  • Lipault Original Plume Spinner
  • Aerolite Ultra Light 
  • Eagle Creek Load Warrio
  • Antler Carry On

 

 

WATCH MY REVIEW OF THE BEST LIGHTWEIGHT CARRYON LUGGAGE:

 

 

The Best Lightweight Luggage Reviews

 

Packing light is our specialty, and we’ve tried and tested almost every one of the suitcases on this list. In fact, we’ve even included our own review videos that provide further information to help you choose the best one for your trip.

 

 

Here are our tried-and-tested best lightweight luggage reviews:

 

 

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Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry On Luggage

 

Travelpro Luggage

 

This bag is simple and classic, and that makes it a keeper in our books. Travelpro is one of my favorite luggage brands because their suitcases are durable and easy to maneuver while also being affordable.

The Maxlite 5 is also one of the best lightweight luggage options for anyone who wants a soft-side case. You can travel anywhere with this and it won’t slow you down, thanks to its smooth 4-wheel spinners, stain-resistant and water-repellant duraguard coating and ergonomic, and high-tensile-strength zipper. Also available in 19″ carryon. Buy it here!

 

 

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Travelpro Maxlite Hardside Carry On Luggage

 

This Travelpro hardside carry-on bag is ultra-durable and ultra-light! The Maxlite expandable carry-on hardside spinner is designed to meet carry-on size restrictions for most domestic airlines while maximizing how much you can pack inside with its convenient 2” expansion option. Also available in carry on 20″Buy it here!

 

 

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Osprey Ozone Wheeled Carry-on 42L/21.5″ | Also available on Osprey

 

Osprey Luggage

 

This Osprey Ozone (version not available anymore) is the bag that has been accompanying me on my long-term travels for the past year. You know I’m a big fan of Osprey and ever since I had to stop traveling with the Farpoint, which was backpacking perfection, the Ozone has become my new favorite but is now currently out of stock, but this Daylite Carry-On 40L Duffel Wheeled Luggage is a good replacement and weighs only 4.4lbs. Also available on Osprey website!

 

 

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Osprey Farpoint 36L Wheeled Luggage | Also available on Osprey

 

There may be certain trips where you don’t need as much capacity, which is when the Osprey Farpoint 36L wheeled bag can still offer the same amazing features that include a large panel opening, comfortable straps, and sturdy wheels to tackle uneven terrain.

And though this is marketed as a men’s bag, it’s worked well for a variety of users who say “it’s sturdy, well designed, and constructed—the wheels are heavily protected and unlikely to damage easily.” Also available on Osprey website!

 

 

Watch this video or read my Osprey Ozone 46 review for more details:

 

 

So far it’s worked as a carryon on most airlines, even Air Asia, but it may be two inches too big for budget companies like RyanAir or EasyJet. However, they also have a duffle or backpack version that’s smaller and would work for most budget airlines.

 

 

My only gripe with this bag is that I bought the previous model in black but now they have it in blue. As soon as I have a travel stop in the US, I’m going to get this new color! Buy it here or on Osprey website!

 

 

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Delsey Clavel 19″ Hand Luggage

 

Delsey Luggage

 

I’ve been a fan of Delsey for the past few years, and one of my favorite things about the French brand is its attention to detail, clean aesthetics, and affordable price tag. Delsey definitely offers the most value, and this new suitcase proves it.

Delsey discontinued the soft-side Delsey Traversee Lite which I have and love, but the new Clavel hardside spinner is the lightest Delsey suitcase. This new lightweight luggage has a hard side and a hard-wearing zipper, which means it will stand up to wear and tear. Buy it here!

 

If you’re looking for the best lightweight luggage sets, Delsey also has some awesome options!

 

 

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Lipault Original Plume Spinner 55/20 Luggage

 

Lipault Suitcase

 

Sometimes you want a simple bag without any fancy bells or whistles, and that’s when I recommend Lipault. This spinner suitcase is basic, but in a good way. Despite being 20”, it offers amazing capacity, so you can easily fit a week’s worth of outfits.

It’s also easy to carry and move, while the soft side allows for more flexibility. The top carry handle allows you to lift the suitcase with ease and comfort, making it easy to travel even in the most crowded of airports and train stations. Buy it here!

 

 

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Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 22″ Inch Carry-On Luggage

 

Eagle Creek Gear Warrior

 

One of our readers raved about this great bag from Eagle Creek, so I thought I’d include it on  this list. It’s simple, easy to use and extremely light, which makes it a worthwhile addition to our list of the lightest carryon luggage pieces we could find.

It fits perfectly in overhead bins, however, you’ll have to use this one with packing cubes–there’s no dedicated spots for your items. Still, it’s got what it you need to make through a 3-day weekend in Manhattan or a road trip through the Adirondacks. The price right, too! Buy it here!

 

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Samsonite Cosmolite Suitcase

 

Samsonite Cosmolite

 

During a recent trip to Los Angeles, I set off on a mission to find the most lightweight carryon suitcase with a hard side. I stumbled upon a Samsonite store and was astounded at the excellent selections for their Cosmolite and Lite Shock Collections.

 

I was in between buying either the Cosmolite or the Lite Shock and asked the TFG readers to help me decide as you can see in this video:

 

 

Although both suitcases were incredibly light, I chose the Firelite Spinner instead of the Cosmolite because it’s a newer model and weighed 2 ounces less. In fact, they each weigh UNDER 4 lb – talk about lightest carryon luggage!

 

A post shared by tpsytv (@tpsytv) on

Using it on set for my TPSY TV packing videos!

 

Because it’s brand new and part of Samsonite’s premium collection, it was a steeper price tag than the other suitcases on this list. But so far, it seems absolutely worth it. Buy it here!

 

 

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Aerolite Ultra Light 4 Wheel Carry On Luggage

 

Aerolite Trolley Bag

 

One of the best lightweight luggage options out there comes from Aerolite. It’s roomy enough to store all your belongings and small enough for those carry on only trips. An attractive, sturdy and lightweight bag, it’s easy to maneuver on uneven terrain.

It comes in a wide range of fun colors, particularly this pretty purple. You can’t help but feel happy when traveling with this colorful, easy to carry suitcase! Highly recommended! Buy it here!

 

 

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it luggage 22″ Lightweight Expandable Carry-on

 

it Luggage

 

IT is quite possibly the best brand for ultra-lightweight luggage – it’s their specialty! They have a vast selection in endless colors, materials, and prints. Unfortunately, their USA selection is incredibly limited but if you’re in Europe, you’re in luck because they’re everywhere!

Not only are their carryons under 5 lbs, but they have a unique shape that allows you to maximize space so you don’t waste it on the suitcase. With the it luggage New York 22″, you can use all the space for your belongings.

The luggage features ultra-light fabric, handles, and wheels and the price is very affordable. Many of their carryon bags range between $50-$80. Buy it here!

 

The key to traveling light is to create an interchangeable capsule wardrobe!

 

 

 

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Antler Brixham 22″ Carryon

 

Antler Carry On Luggage

 

Perfect for travelers who like to pack as much as possible, Antler’s softside Brixham collection is designed to be spacious yet ultra-lightweight, with the carry-on weighing a mere 4.2 lbs! This sleek, modern option has a minimalist design that features protective corner guards, zippered pockets, interior compression, smooth spinner wheels, TSA locks, and highly durable fabric. Fans of the brand highlight the amazing lifetime warranty, too! 

The measurements of this lightweight piece are 21.65″ x 13.78” x 9.25”.

 

 

A sneak peak inside my Samsonite Firelite carryon

 

 

Packing Tips for the Best Lightweight Luggage

 

Packing light is all about research, planning, and preparation. These articles will help you travel carryon only to any destination, no matter the trip length:

 

 

best-lightweight-luggage

Compass Rose Compression Packing Cubes

 

We recommend bringing along a lightweight luggage scale to weigh your cases before going to the airport. This will ensure you are below the weight limit and avoid extra charges.

Also, use packing organizers such as packing cubes to help you simplify your packing process.

 

 

Learn our hacks with packing cubes in this video!

 

We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!

 

Check out this post to find out how packing cubes help you pack everything in a carryon!

 

 

The Best Lightweight Luggage Summary

BRAND / MODEL FEATURES RATINGS | PRICE
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry On Luggage 21 in / 5.4 lbs

ultra-lightweight carry-on spinner, adjustable PowerScope Lite handle, high-tensile-strength expandable zipper
Check Price
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Hardside Carry On Luggage 21 in / 6.3 lbs

ultra-durable and ultra-light, designed to meet carry-on size restrictions for most domestic airlines while maximizing how much you can pack inside with its convenient 2” expansion option.
Check Price
Osprey Ozone Wheeled Carry-on 42L/21.5" 21.5 in / 4.5 lbs

This travel-ready carry-on luggage from Osprey features wheels for rolling convenience and deployable backpack straps to give you multiple carry options. Durable enough for regular use!
TFG APPROVED Check Price
Osprey Farpoint 36L Wheeled Luggage 22 in / 5.29 lbs

“it’s sturdy, well designed, and constructed—the wheels are heavily protected and unlikely to damage easily.”
Check Price
Samsonite Cosmolite Hardside Spinner 21.7 in / 3.7 lbs

Made with CURV® material, Mono-tube retractable main handle, Integrated ID tag, TSA combination lock
TFG APPROVED! Check Price
Delsey Clavel 19" Hand Luggage 21.75 in / 5.3 lbs

TSA combination lock, hard-wearing zip, inner closed compartments
TFG APPROVED! Check Price
Lipault Original Plume Spinner 21.6 in / 4.9 lbs

Easy to carry and move, zipped lateral pocket and full-length interior cover pocket, comfortable carrying handles
Check Price
Aerolite Ultra Light 4 Wheel Carry On Luggage 22 in / 4.62 lbs

ultra-lightweight yet durable suitcase, smooth-rolling and nicely elevated wheels, etractable handles for easy and simple transporting.
Check Price
Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 22 Inch Carry-On Luggage 21 in / 4.59 lbs

Built with a seamless Exo-Skeleton, reinforced with hypalon material, water repellent exterior
TFG APPROVED! Check Price
it luggage Lightweight Carry-on 22 in / 4.07 lbs

2 tie-down straps, large zippered mesh pocket, and two elastic slip pockets
TFG APPROVED! Check Price
Antler Carry On 21.65 in / 4.2 lbs

minimalist design, protective corner guards, zippered pockets, interior compression, smooth spinner wheels, TSA locks, and highly durable fabric
Check Price

 

 


Which suitcases would you add to our list of the best lightweight luggage for travel? Comment below!


 

For more suitcase recommendations, please read:

 


 

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