The Best Lightweight Luggage, Tested And Reviewed By Our Travel Team

Weight: 5.4 pounds | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Capacity: 46 liters

Best for:

• Those who need extra packing space
• Budget-conscious travelers 

Skip if:

• You want something sleek and stylish

Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 suitcase scored the highest marks from our testers thanks to its lightweight material, durability and smooth-rolling wheels that make it easy to maneuver. At 5.4 pounds, it’s the second lightest suitcase on this list, and it’s built with a heavy-duty polyester exterior, comfortable and ergonomic PowerScope handle and two exterior compartments for organization. As one of the most trusted luggage brands out there, this Travelpro suitcase is also a relatively affordable pick. 

What our testers say: “Aside from being super lightweight, the best part about this bag is its smooth rolling capabilities,” says Forbes Vetted senior content strategy analyst Catie Jaffe, who traveled with this suitcase on a trip to Madrid. “I have had a tried and true favorite suitcase for many years, and when I used this model, I was shocked by the difference. I am also on the taller side, and appreciated that the handle came up to a comfortable height when fully extended.”

Weight: 7.7 pounds | Material: ABS plastic | Dimensions: 13.6 x 9.5 x 20.9 inches | Capacity: 40 liters

Best for:

• Those who want a budget-friendly, hardside suitcase 

Skip if:

• You want something more stylish

For travelers on a tight budget, the Amazon Basics 21-inch Expandable Spinner is a lightweight option that’s durable enough to be tossed around one or two times a year. It clocks in at under $100 and is made from extra-thick ABS plastic that holds up well and protects belongings while in transit.

What our testers say: “We’ve taken this 21-inch Amazon Basics roller on multiple cross-country flights and road trips and it’s held up beautifully,” says Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala.“I love that it’s light enough for my 6-year-old to handle, and the telescoping handle offers positions that work for both her height and mine. It’s a big win when your kids can roll their own suitcases.” It’s also expandable, making it great for overpackers.

Weight: 7.9 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | Capacity: 39.8 liters

Best for:

• Those who tend to overpack
• Bright color options

Skip if:

• You’re looking for a low cost option 

If you’re a chronic overpacker, you’ll appreciate this lightweight option from Away, which has a wraparound expandable zipper so you can squeeze in a few extra garments or souvenirs on your next trip. It includes the same features as the Away The Carry On, so expect an interior compression system, 360-degree spinner wheels and a durable polycarbonate shell. 

What our testers say: “This is my favorite suitcase to travel with,” said deputy editor Kari Molvar in our tested guide to the Best Away Luggage. “It’s very lightweight; I threw it into the back of cabs, tugged it over curbs and tossed it on the luggage rack in the hotel room with ease."

Weight: 3.9 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Dimensions: 21.3 x 14.2 × 7.5 inches | Capacity: 32 liters

Best for:

• Those looking for a sleek hardside option that doesn’t compromise on quality
• An ultra-lightweight option

Skip if:

• You prefer an expandable option

The July Carry-On Light is crafted with an Aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shell and weighs a mere 3.9 pounds, making it the lightest suitcase on our list. It scored the second-highest marks of any lightweight carry-on suitcase we tested—second only to our overall pick, the Travelpro Maxlite 5—thanks to its sturdiness and easy-to-maneuver build. While it does not expand like our expandable pick, the Away The Carry-On Flex, it’s a top hardside option if that is not important to you.

What our testers say: “It felt sturdy and smooth right out of the box, and it’s also super light," says Forbes Vetted tech editor Rebecca Isaacs. “The wheels are very smooth, and it felt easy to maneuver around the airport during my trips. The build is small and thin, so I didn't feel like I was lugging around a full-size suitcase.”

Weight: 8.3 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Dimensions: 26 x 18.8 x 11 inches | Capacity: 80 liters 

Best for:

• Longer trips that require more clothing
• Modern, stylish design

Skip if:

• You plan to travel for longer than two weeks

Consider the July Checked suitcase for long-haul trips requiring a larger, but still lightweight, bag. This suitcase weighs a little over 8 pounds, meaning it won’t be too difficult to haul off the carousel, and its interiors offer an ideal amount of space for a two-week trip. It’s crafted from the same German polycarbonate shell as the rest of the brand’s suitcases, which protects your belongings in transit. 

What our testers say: “This bag came home from our trip—which included planes, cars and trains—with just a couple of scratches on the corners," says Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung. “Despite being lightweight, it was definitely durable. I was pleasantly surprised at how little it was scuffed through our travels.”

Weight: 6.6 pounds | Material: Water-resistant polyester | Dimensions: 21 x 13.8 x 9 inches | Capacity: 31 liters

Best for:

• Superior organization with front pockets

Skip if:

• You prefer a structured bag with more protection

The Calpak Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On scored high marks in our testing for its unique puffy material and interior organization that makes packing a breeze. While its material is not as heavy-duty as our top overall pick, the Travelpro Maxlite 5, it’s built with plenty of pockets, including two in the front as well as a dedicated laptop sleeve for devices up to 17 inches in length. At under 7 pounds, it’s also one of the lightest options on our list.

What our testers say: “This product was very thoughtfully designed," says Forbes Vetted senior editor Bridget Chapman. “I kept discovering new pockets and storage spaces as I used it. I was worried it was a touch too small at first since I tend to overpack, but the front zippered cover fits a good amount of additional stuff.” 

Weight: 5.9 pounds | Material: Recycled Polyester | Dimensions: 18 x 32 x 12 inches | Capacity: 105 liters

Best for:

• Long-haul trips that require more luggage
• Sophisticated design

Skip if:

• You want a smaller option 

Despite being one of the largest suitcases we tested, the Antler Soft Stripe Large is one of the lightest pieces of luggage on our list. It offers deep compartments, plenty of structure and a sophisticated look. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and can expand when needed, making it one of the most versatile lightweight picks we’ve come across. 

What our testers say: “This suitcase is so lightweight that when it’s unpacked, it’s light enough to be lifted up with one finger," says Forbes Vetted senior travel editor Astrid Taran. “Even after packing it to the brim, it still came under the weight limit (15 pounds) of the small international airline I checked it on."

Weight: 4.9 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches | Capacity: 37 liters

Best for:

• Those who want a lightweight suitcase that is also stylish and durable
• Generous lifetime warranty

Skip if:

• You’re looking for a low-cost option

Weighing a mere 4.9 pounds, this elegant Rimowa suitcase is over two pounds lighter than nearly any other hardside luggage we evaluated, and it glides effortlessly over any surface thanks to its celebrated ball-bearing mounted wheels. While it’s certainly a splurge, it’s made from a durable polycarbonate that will last you years; Rimowa also provides a generous lifetime warranty that will replace any damaged parts.

What our testers say: Eva Phan, the founder of the luxury travel website Eva Darling, has traveled with the Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin on countless trips. “I’ve never had a carry-on suitcase that’s so easy to lift into a tall overhead storage compartment,” she says. “It’s singlehandedly one of the best travel investments I’ve made as a frequent traveler.”

Weight: 2.7 pounds | Material: 500D recycled Cordura nylon | Dimensions: 11 x 16.5 x 10.5 inches | Capacity: 25 liters

Best for:

• Frequent travelers and commuters who want to use the same bag 
• Multiple pockets that organize smaller essentials

Skip if:

• You prefer a leather briefcase that looks a bit more polished

For luggage that can easily slide under the airplane or train seat in front of you, the Mystery Ranch Expandable Briefcase is a versatile option. It functions as a briefcase, shoulder bag or backpack and offers plenty of compartments to keep you organized while traveling. Its exterior has a quick-access pouch where you can put belongings that you reach for frequently, and the spacious main compartment can easily store a laptop, notebook, sweatshirt and more. 

What our testers say: “This bag hits the sweet spot between not enough organizational pockets and too many,” says Chez Chesak, the executive director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. “My last carry-on just had too many pockets going on, making getting something in or out of the bag a pain.”

Weight: 4.8 pounds | Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 21.6 x 13.8 x 8.3 inches| Capacity: 36 liters

Best for:

• Multiple pockets
• Bright color options

Skip if:

• Those who might need extra space on week-long trips

If you’re packing for a short getaway, the Lipault Plume Cabin Sized Spinner is compact, weighs under five pounds and is made from durable nylon that holds up well over time. It comes with numerous pockets, from a front zippered pocket to a bottom compartment to a zippered lateral compartment for odds and ends. Beyond the organizational features, it earned top marks from our testers for its attractive design.

What our testers say: “I typically lean toward hardside luggage because I like the sleek, minimalist look," says Forbes Vetted updates writer Claire Epting, who traveled with this bag. "I found that this suitcase emulated that same aesthetic while also offering two of the best benefits of softside luggage: flexibility and exterior pockets."