Anticipating a vacation is part of the fun, but if you’re like most travelers, you don’t look forward to packing your suitcase for the trip. And even fewer vacationers relish the thought of lugging heavy, overstuffed bags into and out of planes, trains, and automobiles, not to mention baggage carousels.
Whether you’re someone who has your suitcase packed a week early or one of those who waits until a few frazzled hours before leaving, you want to be sure to have the lightest luggage you can find.
Related: 12 Suitcases That Will Make You Love Hardside Luggage
These selections are some of the best lightweight luggage options available. They’re sturdy, stylish, and most are four-wheeled so they’ll be easy to handle. Instead of being pulled along behind you, four wheelers glide effortlessly alongside, like a well-trained puppy. Lightweight carry-on bags are easier to hoist into the overhead bins, and lightweight check-in suitcases might just prevent some post-arrival backaches.
Lightweight Carry-on Luggage
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.
Rimowa Salsa Air Cabin Multiwheel
Packing is easy with open-book style and mesh zipper compartments to keep your belongings in place. Its nearly indestructible polycarbonate exterior is more durable than aluminum, and recessed TSA locks add extra security. Good looks and easy handling make it a great choice.
Weight: 4 lbs., 6 oz.
To buy: zappos.com, $495
eBags Fortis Pro Traveler Hardside Spinner Carry-on
This sharp new spinner from eBags has a luxurious raised rib design with mirror finish, expansion gusset, and TSA-recognized combination lock. For convenient packing, the bag has two sections: one large zippered mesh compartment and one divided compartment with built-in packing cubes. There's even a pouch for you to hook up an external power bank to that makes the USB plug easy to access from the outside of the bag.
Weight: 7 lbs. 12 oz.
To buy: ebags.com, $200
Tumi 'V3' International Slim Carry-on
Tumi’s lightest luggage 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.
Weight: 6.4 lbs.
To buy: tumi.com, $475
Victorinox Etherius Expandable Ultra-light Global Carry-on
The elegant pale gold smooth finish hides a tough 100% polycarbonate structure. You can gain a bit more packing space with the 1.2-inch expansion. An integrated TSA lock provides security, and the comfortable grip ensures ease in handling. Bonus: A free matching iPhone 7 case is offered with each purchase.
Weight: 6.17 lbs.
To buy: ebags.com, from $130
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable International Carry-on Spinner
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.
Weight: 6.8 lbs.
To buy: ebags.com, from $112
Genius Pack G3 22-inch Carry-on Spinner Luggage
This expandable bag, available in four colors, will keep travelers organized with designated compartments and an embedded packing checklist. Exterior pockets and a removable laundry bag add to its convenience.
Weight: 7.8 lbs.
To buy: amazon.com, $209
Lightweight Checked Luggage
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.
Tumi Latitude Short Trip Packing Case
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.
Weight: 8.2 lbs.
To buy: tumi.com, $745
Delsey Luggage Helium Aero 29" Expandable Spinner
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.
Weight: 12 lbs., 8 oz.
To buy: amazon.com, $130
SwissGear Travel Gear Lightweight 28-inch Spinner
Its polyester jacquard weave material is both durable and good-looking. Lightweight, sturdy components and spacious interior with 1.5-inch expansion and internal straps make this a practical choice that handles with ease.
Weight: 10 lbs., 4 oz.
To buy: ebags.com, $120
Hartmann Luggage Innovaire Medium Journey Spinner
Sleek looks and a unique color earn this lightweight bag lots of style points. Composed of “Curve,” multiple layers of polypropylene material, it’s durable and convenient, with spacious packing compartments, zippered pockets, and compression straps. Handling is easy with its adjustable handle and leather-wrapped grip.
Weight: 7 lbs., 1 oz.
To buy: ebags.com, $540
Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Exp. Upright
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.
Weight: 10 lbs., 14 oz.
To buy: ebags.com, $619
Lightweight Luggage Sets
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.
Samsonite Omni PC 3-piece Spinner Luggage Set
This incredibly durable set includes three spinners: a 20-inch, 24-inch, and a 28-inch. 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.
Weight: 6.81-10.35 lbs.
To buy: amazon.com, $320 for set of three
Traveler's Choice Tasmania 3-Piece Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage Set
These polycarbonate hardside bags with stylish geometric lines come in four colors. All have four dual-spinner wheels, carry handles on top and sides, and telescoping handles for ease in handling. Interior straps, zippered pockets, and an expandable gusset provide versatility for packing and protection of contents. A six-year warranty is included.
Weight: 7.9-10.8 lbs.
To buy: ebags.com, $240 for set of three
it luggage MegaLite Luggage Collection 3 Piece Spinner Luggage Set
The high-density polyester exterior is both durable and attractive, with four color choices available. Spacious compartments and expandability provide lots of packing area in these lightweight bags. Four spinner wheels and a push-button handle that stows away when not in use make this bag easy to manage and convenient to store.
Weight: 5.8-6.3 lbs.
To buy: ebags.com, from $200 for set of three
