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Anticipating a vacation is part of the fun, but if you're like most travelers, you may not look forward to packing your suitcase for the trip. And even fewer vacationers relish the thought of lugging heavy bags into and out of planes, trains, and automobiles or lifting them into the overhead storage bin or off the baggage carousel. One easy way to make your travel more manageable is to opt for the best lightweight luggage available.
When upgrading to lightweight luggage, look for pieces that weigh under 10 pounds. You'll also want to decide if you prefer fabric or hard shell suitcases. Look for luggage that has features that make it easier to maneuver — like telescoping handles and multi-wheel construction. Other things to consider are features that make packing easier, like storage pockets and expandable designs, and special conveniences like built-in external USB ports.
To find the best lightweight luggage, we considered the material, sturdiness, and weight of each option. We looked at lightweight carry-on bags, checked luggage, and luggage sets. Here are our favorite lightweight luggage options, including the Fortis Pro 22" USB Carry-On Spinner, which we love for its built-in packing cubes, external USB port, and silent, efficient wheels.
To help you narrow down your choices, here are the best lightweight luggage options currently on the market.
Ah… the security of knowing your bag is nearby so you can scoot off the plane at your destination, bypassing the throngs in the baggage claim area as they wait at the carousel with fingers crossed. The downside can be getting your bag stowed overhead after dragging it down an airplane aisle. A lightweight carry-on bag will make that process easier, weighing up to a pound less than a traditional carry-on.
This sharp spinner from ebags has a luxurious raised rib design with a mirror finish, expansion gusset, and TSA-recognized combination lock. For convenient packing, the clamshell bag has two sections: One large zippered mesh compartment and one divided compartment with built-in wet and dry packing cubes. The Fortis Pro's exterior has a durable polycarbonate finish.
This sturdy carry-on includes a telescoping handle with three height adjustments and four smooth and silent wheels for exceptional maneuverability. The bag is also expandable — you can gain 1.5 inches of width with a simple zip around the perimeter of the suitcase. There's even a built-in external USB port on the outside of the bag with a pouch for you to hook up an external power bank.
Price at time of publish: $160
This lightweight polyester favorite has been updated with four wheels and an adjustable handle for smooth handling. The expansion is tapered, so it won't tip forward when you use the extra two inches of packing space. An interior mesh pocket is convenient for separating contents, and the large exterior zippered pocket is the perfect place for magazines, newspapers, or a tablet.
"As light as the [older version] is, this one's even lighter," remarked a reviewer. "Impossibly light, actually, and it was the first thing I noticed about it. Between that and the 'packing diet' I had to put myself on, it was actually quite pleasant and easy to hoist into the overhead."
Price at time of publish: $150
This glistening carry-on from Tumi's lightest luggage collection is beautiful as well as durable and functional inside and out. Three zippered pockets keep contents organized, and integrated TSA locks keep them secure. There's a five-year warranty and a retractable adjustable handle for easy maneuvering.
Price at time of publish: $795
To buy: zappos.com or verishop.com, $795
One of the lightest suitcases on our list, this carry-on from Lipault Paris is essentially a duffel bag in the shape of a suitcase. It's made with durable water-resistant nylon and comes in several color variations. Inside the main compartment, securing straps and several organizational pockets facilitate your packing efforts. And on the exterior, you have a convenient front zipper pocket for fast access to your small travel essentials.
"It to has a huge capacity for its size — much more than any other carry-on of this size that I have seen," explained one reviewer. "My last trip, I easily packed two pairs of pants, six or seven tops, two cardigan sweaters, two pashminas, one skirt, underwear, two pairs of shoes, a bathing suit and a cover-up, toiletries, one hair dryer, one curling iron, and one other large hair appliance. It zipped easily, and I could have put in more. Even with all of this in it, the bag was still light and convenient to lift, and a dream to maneuver."
Price at time of publish: $245
This international spinner is Rimowa's lightest suitcase to date, and that doesn't mean you'll have to sacrifice durability. The nearly indestructible polycarbonate exterior is more durable than aluminum, while integrated TSA locks add extra security. Packing is made easy with its internal Flex-Divider system, which ensures that everything has a secure place. Enjoy enhanced maneuverability with its telescoping pull handle and smooth-gliding four-wheel design.
Price at time of publish: $560
If you typically don't need a lot of packing space, consider going for an underseat bag; you can also bring it as a personal item when you have to pack heavier. This compact luggage from Calpak has a pass-through strap for easily securing over the handle of another suitcase. In addition to its convenient trolly sleeve, this lightweight pick has a storage divider and pocket for easy packing, plus an easy-to-reach external pocket for your travel accessories and must-haves.
"[It] has made traveling so much better," one reviewer was happy to report. "I am actually on my flight now using my bag for the first time. I love having my stuff at my feet on flight, and I used to carry a big bag on my shoulder which got heavy and I could not do anymore. This is perfect for me!"
Price at time of publish: $110
Longer vacations and special occasion trips usually require more wardrobe options than a carry-on bag can handle. This is when a sturdy lightweight bag is at its best. Tough enough for checking in or tossing into the trunk, these lightweight bags will protect all those outfits and make handling your large bag easier and safer.
The newest luggage line from Swiss brand Victorinox is made with 100% pure Makrolon polycarbonate. With self-repairing YKK zippers, high-quality Hinomoto wheels, and Lisof silent tires (that are manufactured by Mitsubishi), this 27-inch spinner is built to join you on the road for many years to come.
"Very nicely designed," wrote one Amazon shopper. "Love the surface, it has been very resistant so far. [The] perfect size, even when not extended. Very lightweight, best moving wheels out of all luggage I had so far. Worth every cent."
Price at time of publish: $369
To buy: amazon.com or walmart.com, $773
This practical, convenient two-wheeled bag provides more packing space with its outside handle and large exterior pocket. An interior foam roller and tri-fold system for suits minimizes wrinkles. Its hybrid fiberglass frame and ballistic nylon outer fabric ensure lightweight durability. The bag is guaranteed for life.
"I'm a corporate pilot and regularly pack for trips three to five days in length," explained one customer. "This bag is perfect for these trips. It's lightweight, incredibly easy to roll and maneuver, expandable, and looks good."
Price at time of publish: $779
The metallic finish makes this a great-looking bag, and its features make it a practical choice. Roomy and organized, it has two zippered pockets, internal straps, and a hanger bracket to keep contents secure. The three-stage telescoping handle and sturdy wheels enhance maneuverability.
"I've been a Tumi guy for decades and for good reason," one shopper began their review, adding, "With checked baggage being subject to weight restrictions, these lightweight bags allow us to maximize what we're able to take on our extended trips."
Price at time of publish: $850
The scratch-resistant, matte finish polycarbonate exterior is durable and attractive. Open-book styling with one zippered compartment and one open section with straps make packing easy. Handling is convenient, with padded side and top grips in addition to the adjustable handle.
"The suitcase is relatively light, which is great when you know you'll need that weight allowance for more shoes," one reviewer wrote. "The wheels move really smoothly, even over streets and cobblestones. The handle never sticks. I love that it locks in the halfway position, making it easier to push through an airport. Best of all, the suitcases never tipped over."
Price at time of publish: $147
Looking stylish and put-together — and keeping track of your belongings — are some advantages of matched lightweight luggage sets. These sets offer convenient choices and versatility. When you're not using them all at once, just grab the one that meets your travel needs, and you have a familiar friend for your trip.
This incredibly durable set includes three spinners in 20-inch, 24-inch, and 28-inch sizes. The scratch-resistant lightweight shell absorbs impact, protecting your belongings and maintaining the bags' good looks. The fully-lined interior has a mesh divider and cross straps for easy organization.
"Just spent nearly a month touring Europe with this set," shared one customer, adding, "The bags were sturdy and well balanced. We were easily able to put our backpacks and carry-on bags on top of these and not need to keep a hold of them to keep them from tipping."
Price at time of publish: $451
These three suitcases are impressively lightweight, but they're also designed with durability and stability in mind. Spacious compartments and expandability provide lots of packing area in these lightweight bags. Spinner wheels and a push-button handle that stows away when not in use make these bags easy to manage.
"I didn't have to be concerned about being pulled aside because of an overstuffed bag," one reviewer wrote, adding, "This is as advertised: lightweight and moves smoothly through airplane aisles."
Price at time of publish: $299
Equal parts durable and lightweight, this three-piece set from eBags is encased in a 100 percent polypropylene shell that is strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of traveling. Its dual-spinner design ensures nimble mobility and is stocked with convenient internal features like elastic tie-down straps, zipped dividers, and mesh pockets. Plus, the carry-on bag has a USB charging port.
"Great lightweight and spacious luggage for families looking to travel with minimal bags," shared one customer. "We were able to fit five days of clothes for two adults and one child, toiletries, a kid's scooter and helmet, and gifts — all under 50 pounds."
Price at time of publish: $360
Made from a light-yet-sturdy thermoplastic polymer material, this two-piece set, which features a carry-on bag and a 28-inch checked suitcase, has your basic packing needs covered. Both expandable pieces are equipped with multi-directional spinning wheels, an ergonomic telescoping handle, and plenty of storage space.
"I have never been able to fit so much into a carry-on," one impressed shopper said, adding, "I have gone on a week-long trip to Alaska in winter with it where I needed thick ski pants and thick sweaters — with the vacuum bags, everything fit with room for hiking boots and room to spare… It's super lightweight and does not add bulk while being very hard on the outside so if you had to check it, it would be just fine.'
Price at time of publish: $146
This four-piece set comes with three rolling bags and a matching travel tote to strategically pack everything you need for your trip. According to the brand, their expandable design helps increase your packing capacity by 25 percent. The rolling luggage options each feature push-button retractable handle systems, and the tote bag has an adjustable padded strap for optimal comfort.
"Perfect size, lightweight," one Amazon shopper said of the medium-sized bag. "I was looking for something bigger than just a weekend (one to two nights) but not a large one for a long trip; this was perfect. [It] held four days' worth of clothes (extra for temperatures ranging from 65 to 90), three pairs of shoes, and miscellaneous items."
Price at time of publish: $330
To buy: amazon.com, $53-192