Traveling can be stressful, especially when you have to deal with heavy and bulky luggage. That's why many travelers prefer lightweight luggage that is easy to carry, maneuver, and store. Lightweight luggage can also help you avoid excess baggage fees and reduce the strain on your back and shoulders. But how do you choose the best lightweight luggage for your needs? Here are some factors to consider:
- Size: The size of your luggage depends on how much you need to pack and the airline's restrictions. Generally, a carry-on bag should be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while a checked bag should be no larger than 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
- Material: The material of your luggage affects its weight, durability, and appearance. Some common materials are nylon, polyester, leather, aluminum, and polycarbonate. Each has its own pros and cons, such as water-resistance, scratch-resistance, flexibility, and style.
- Features: The features of your luggage can enhance its functionality and convenience. Some features to look for are spinner wheels, telescopic handles, expanders, compression straps, zippered pockets, TSA-approved locks, and USB ports.
To help you find the perfect lightweight luggage for your next trip, we have compiled a list of the top 5 options based on customer reviews, expert recommendations, and our own testing. Here they are:
1. Delsey Paris Clavel Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
This hardside suitcase is one of the lightest we have ever tested, weighing only 5.3 pounds. It has a sleek and modern design with a glossy finish and a metallic logo. It also has four double spinner wheels that glide smoothly over any surface, a recessed TSA-approved lock for security, and a roomy interior with two zippered compartments, tie-down straps, and shoe pockets. The best part is that it has an expander that adds another 0.75 inches of depth for extra packing space. This carry-on bag is ideal for short trips or weekend getaways.
2. Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner
This carry-on spinner is another great option for lightweight luggage, weighing only 6.5 pounds. It has a unique shape that allows it to fit more items without exceeding the airline's size limit. It also has a durable polycarbonate shell that resists scratches and dents, a retractable handle that adjusts to different heights, and four multidirectional wheels that offer 360-degree mobility. The interior features a zippered divider, cross straps, and a wet pocket for toiletries or damp items. Additionally, it has a built-in TSA-approved lock and an ID tag for easy identification.
3. Travelpro Maxlite Hardside Spinner
This hardside spinner is another lightweight luggage option that combines style and functionality. It weighs only 7.3 pounds and has a chic design with chrome accents and a textured finish. It also has four spinner wheels that roll effortlessly in any direction, a contoured handle that provides comfort and control, and an integrated TSA-approved lock that secures the zipper pulls. The interior has two spacious compartments with zippered dividers, mesh pockets, and adjustable hold-down straps. Moreover, it has an expander that provides up to 2 inches of additional packing capacity.
4. Lipault Plume Cabin Spinner
This softside spinner is one of the lightest carry-on bags we have ever seen, weighing only 4 pounds. It has a simple and elegant design with a nylon fabric that is water-resistant and easy to clean. It also has four spinner wheels that offer smooth maneuverability, a telescopic handle that locks in two positions, and top and side handles for easy lifting. The interior has one large compartment with compression straps and a zippered pocket for small items. Plus, it comes in various colors to suit your personal style.
5. Gonex Canvas Duffel Bag
image from gonexsport.com
This duffel bag is not only lightweight but also versatile and practical. It weighs only 2 pounds and can be used as a carry-on bag or a personal item. It has a canvas material that is durable and washable, a leather trim that adds some flair, and metal zippers that are sturdy and smooth. It also has multiple pockets for organizing your essentials, such as a laptop sleeve, an inner zippered pocket, two side pockets, and three front pockets. Additionally, it has an adjustable shoulder strap that can be detached or attached to the back of your suitcase.
These are our top 5 picks for lightweight luggage options for easy travel. We hope this blog post helps you find the best one for your needs. Happy travels!