The Best Lightweight Luggage for Traveling

By Patricia Doherty
February 14, 2020
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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.
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Lightweight Carry-on Luggage

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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.

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eBags Fortis Pro Traveler Hardside Spinner Carry-on

Courtesy of eBags

This sharp 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, $250 (originally $250)

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Travelpro Maxlite 5 19'' Expandable International Carry-on Spinner

Courtesy of eBags

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: 5 lbs. 4 oz. 

To buy: ebags.com, $102 (originally $280)

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Tumi Latitude International Carry-on

Courtesy of eBags

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.

Weight: 6 lbs. 3 oz.

To buy: ebags.com, $750

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Lipault Original Plume 20" Spinner Carry-on Luggage

Courtesy of eBags

The lightest suitcase 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 several color variations.

Weight: 4 lbs. 2 oz.

To buy: ebags.com, $245

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Genius Pack G4 22" Carry-on Spinner Luggage

Courtesy of Amazon

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, $258

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Rimowa Essential Lite Small Cabin

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

This international spinner is Rimowa's lightest suitcase to date, and that doesn't mean they've sacrificed on durability. The nearly indestructible polycarbonate exterior is more durable than aluminum, while integrated TSA locks add extra security. 

Weight: 4.2 lbs.

To buy: bloomingdales.com, $490

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Calpak Murphie Underseat Carry-on

Courtesy of eBags

If you typically don't need a lot of packing space, consider going for an underseat bag, which you can also bring as a personal item when you have to pack heavier. It has a pass-through strap for easily securing over the handle of another suitcase.

Weight: 6 lbs.

To buy: ebags.com, $100

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Lightweight Checked Luggage

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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.

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Victorinox Connex Medium Hardside Checked Spinner Luggage

Courtesy of eBags

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.

Weight: 8 lbs., 14 oz.

To buy: ebags.com, $349

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Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Exp. Upright

Courtesy of eBags

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, $679

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Tumi Latitude Short Trip Packing Case

Courtesy of Tumi

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, $850

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Delsey Luggage Helium Aero 29" Expandable Spinner

Courtesy of Amazon

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: 12.5 lbs

To buy: amazon.com, from $120

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Lightweight Luggage Sets

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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.

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Samsonite Omni PC 3-piece Spinner Luggage Set

Courtesy of Amazon

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: ebags.com, $240 (originally $470)

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Traveler's Choice Tasmania 3-piece Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage Set

Courtesy of eBags

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, $456 for set of three

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Courtesy of Amazon

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it luggage Lustrous 3 Piece Lightweight Expandable Spinner Luggage Set

Courtesy of eBags

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.

Weight: 5.73-7.91 lbs

To buy: ebags.com, $180 for set of three

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