4 Best Lightweight Luggage Options for Effortless Travel
Lightweight luggage combines durability and convenience, making it perfect for stress-free travel. Find the right option to match your needs and enjoy your journeys!
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Are you looking for a new suitcase?
We know that finding the perfect suitcase can be tough. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the three best lightweight suitcases on the market. Whether you’re looking for something small and compact or a more significant piece that can hold everything, we’ve got you covered. Finding your favorite suitcase can make travel more enjoyable and stress-free.
All of these suitcases are easy to carry, with comfortable straps and handles that make it easy to lug your luggage around. Plus, they all come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect one for you.
Continue on to read more about our top three lightweight bags and purchase the one that’s perfect for you!
What to Look for in Lightweight Luggage
When shopping for lightweight luggage, there are several key features to consider to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Weight: The primary factor is the weight of the luggage itself. Opt for luggage made with lightweight materials to avoid unnecessary bulk.
- Material: The material can significantly impact both the weight and durability of your luggage. Look for options made from lightweight yet sturdy materials like nylon, polyester, or polycarbonate.
- Size: Ensure the luggage meets airline carry-on size requirements if you plan to avoid checked bags. Smaller luggage is more convenient but may offer less packing space.
- Packing Space: Assess your packing needs. If you pack light, a smaller suitcase might suffice. For those who need more room, look for luggage with ample packing space.
- Wheels and Handles: Sturdy wheels and handles are crucial for easy maneuverability. Look for luggage with smooth-rolling wheels and comfortable, adjustable handles.
- Compartments: Multiple compartments can help keep your belongings organized. Consider your organizational needs when choosing luggage.
- Zippers and Pockets: Durable zippers and additional pockets can enhance the functionality of your luggage, making it easier to access and organize your items.
By considering these factors, you can find the perfect lightweight luggage that meets your travel needs.
Types of Lightweight Luggage
There are several types of lightweight luggage available, each designed to meet different travel needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
- Carry-on Suitcases: These are designed to meet airline carry-on size requirements, making them perfect for avoiding checked bag fees. They are typically smaller and lighter, ideal for short trips.
- Checked Bags: These larger suitcases are meant for checked luggage and can hold more items. They are suitable for longer trips where you need to pack more.
- Backpacks: Ideal for hiking or backpacking, these are lightweight and compact, perfect for carrying essentials on the go.
- Duffel Bags: These are great for carrying bulky items like sports equipment or camping gear. They are spacious and often come with shoulder straps for easy carrying.
- Luggage Sets: These sets include multiple pieces, such as a carry-on suitcase, a checked bag, and a personal item. They offer versatility and convenience for various travel needs.
Choosing the right type of lightweight luggage depends on your travel style and the duration of your trips.
How We Choose The Best Lightweight Luggage for You
Lugging around a heavy suitcase is no fun. It can be hard to find the right one that is both lightweight and durable.
With all of the different types of luggage on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is best for you. You want something that is lightweight so it’s easy to carry, but you also don’t want it to fall apart after just a few trips.
We’ve done the research for you and found the best lightweight suitcase options out there. Whether you’re looking for a hardshell or softshell case, we’ve got you covered. Plus, our top picks are all under 8 pounds so you can easily take them with you on your next trip. Our reviewers have backgrounds in marketing communications, ensuring they understand both the technical details and effective messaging in evaluating luggage.
Why We Love It
The Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner is a lightweight, durable, and affordable carry-on luggage option. Its protective ABS hard shell is scratch-resistant, ensuring long-term durability, while its four double-spinner wheels provide smooth maneuverability.
With a spacious, expandable interior offering 15% more packing space, along with zippered pockets and elastic cross straps for organization, it’s perfect for both business and leisure travel. Weighing under 8 pounds and meeting most airline carry-on size requirements, this luggage balances convenience and functionality, making it an excellent travel companion.
Why We Love It
The SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage is an excellent option for a weekend trip, offering ample space and convenient features for short travels. Made from sturdy polyester fabric, it resists scuffs and features expansion zippers for additional packing capacity. Its smooth-rolling wheels and adjustable handle ensure effortless maneuverability, while handy compartments like a removable zippered wet bag keep items organized.
With 360-degree spinner wheels and a retractable push/pull handle, it’s easy to handle even in busy travel environments. Additionally, the SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage meets the size and weight requirements for international travel, making it a hassle-free option for frequent flyers.
Why We Love It
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage is an excellent choice for travelers seeking lightweight, durable, and spacious luggage. Designed with tough fabric and an expandable feature, it allows extra packing capacity without adding significant weight. Weighing just 5.4 pounds, it is one of the lightest options available, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Equipped with multiple pockets, including a side accessory wet pocket, and elastic straps, it ensures organized packing. The bag also features a patented contour grip PowerScope handle for smooth handling and is backed by Travelpro’s Limited Lifetime Coverage with additional repair benefits in the first year. Whether for short getaways or long-haul trips, the Maxlite 5 offers an unbeatable combination of functionality and convenience.
Why We Love It
The Eagle Creek ORV 30" 2-Wheel Trunk is a durable and spacious luggage option with a 97-liter capacity, ideal for rugged travels and adventure. Constructed with Bi-Tech and Bi-Tech Armor fabrics, it offers excellent abrasion and weather resistance, along with puncture-resistant lockable zippers for added security. It features oversized treaded wheels and protective elements like a skid plate and bumper for smooth handling on rough surfaces.
Key features include an expandable wet/dry compartment, internal and external organizational options like elasticized pockets and a cargo net, as well as an Equipment Keeper for securing gear. Backed by Eagle Creek’s No Matter What lifetime guarantee, this luggage is built for both reliability and peace of mind during any travel expedition.
Luggage Materials and Weight
The material of your luggage plays a crucial role in its weight and durability. Here are some common materials used in lightweight luggage:
- Nylon: Known for being lightweight and durable, nylon is a popular choice for softside luggage.
- Polyester: Another lightweight and durable option, polyester is often used in both softside and hardside luggage.
- Polycarbonate: This material is lightweight and impact-resistant, making it ideal for hardside luggage.
- ABS Plastic: Often used in hardside luggage, ABS plastic is both lightweight and durable.
The weight of luggage can vary greatly depending on the material and size. Here are some approximate weight ranges for different types of luggage:
- Carry-on Suitcases: Typically weigh between 5-10 pounds.
- Checked Bags: Generally weigh between 10-20 pounds.
- Backpacks: Usually weigh between 2-5 pounds.
- Duffel Bags: Often weigh between 5-10 pounds.
By understanding the materials and their impact on weight, you can make an informed decision when choosing your lightweight luggage.
Luggage Wheels and Handles
The wheels and handles of your luggage can greatly impact its maneuverability and convenience. Here are some features to look for:
- 360-Degree Spinner Wheels: These wheels allow for smooth and easy maneuverability in any direction, making it effortless to navigate through crowded airports or streets.
- Sturdy Handles: Look for handles that are sturdy and comfortable to grip, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of travel.
- Telescopic Handles: These handles can be easily extended and retracted, providing convenience and ease of use.
- Ergonomic Handles: Designed to fit comfortably in your hand, ergonomic handles help reduce fatigue during long journeys.
By choosing luggage with these features, you can ensure a smoother and more comfortable travel experience.
Best Lightweight Luggage for You
Thanks for sticking with us as we explored some of the best lightweight luggage on the market today. We hope our findings have helped you in your search for the perfect piece of luggage to take on your next trip.
Be sure to check out the prices above and find the perfect set of suitcases for your next trip!
Happy Travels! 😄
Raquel Juster
Raquel
Raquel
Raquel