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Trying to pack light? Avoid “ultralight” carryon suitcases that weigh too much! To help you avoid overweight baggage fees, we’ve rounded up the best lightweight luggage. And the best part? They’re all under 5lb!

 

Packing cubes are the secret to traveling carry-on only. Watch this video to learn why!

 


Best Lightweight Carry On Luggage


 

 

Table Of Contents

 

 

Today’s suitcases come with a wide variety of cool features that affect transportation, packing, and protection. You can get wheel locking systems, built-in charging units, and heavy-duty hardware.

However, the thing to keep in mind is that the more bells and whistles there are, the heavier the bag will be! What you need is a balance.

 

 

What is the most lightweight luggage for carryon?

 

 

Here are the best lightweight carry-on luggage under 5 lbs: 

 

 

 

Below you’ll find a full list of the best lightweight luggage for international travel (and domestic) with wheels, including details about each style and why they’re worth bringing on your next trip!

 

 

Lightest Carryon Luggage

 

What manufacturers claim to be lightweight and what truly is the lightest carryon luggage are two incredibly different things.

 

 

What does lightweight luggage weigh?

 

  • Best lightweight luggage for checked bags: 6 – 9 pounds
  • Best lightweight luggage for carryon bags: 4 – 6 pounds

 

 

Let’s start by setting the record straight: a carryon suitcase that weighs over 7-10 pounds IS NOT lightweight.

If cabin (carryon) restrictions require that your TOTAL weight be under 21 pounds, then how is that feasible when your suitcase itself weighs 9 pounds?

It’s not.

The same goes for checked bags. Just because you have a 50 pound weight allowance doesn’t mean you need all of it.

However, if for whatever reason you need to bring an extensive amount of things on a trip (perhaps you’re moving to another country or studying abroad), then you want to make the most of what you can actually bring.

Don’t waste your weight allowance on a heavy suitcase!

 

Read the ultimate guide on how to choose a suitcase!

 

 

The Best Carry On Luggage Lightweight Reviews

 

 

Here are our readers tried-and-tested best light weight luggage reviews:

 

 

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Antler Soft Stripe 22″ Carry-On

 

Antler Soft Stripe Carry On Luggage 4.19lb

 

Designed for a smooth and hassle-free trip, this Antler Soft Stripe 22” Carryon satisfies international airline requirements and is effortless to roll around. Despite its compact dimensions, this bag’s deep packing compartments and spacious internal pockets allow you to pack a great amount inside. It also has a stylish and modern look! 

If you’re looking for a hardside option, Antler’s Single Stripe Expandable Carry-On weighs about 5.73lbs!

 

DETAILS: 1.9 kg / 4.19 lb | 13.8 x 21.7 x 8.3 in / 35.05 x 55.12 x 21.08 cm | Softside | 4 Spinner Wheels | Lifetime Warranty

Where to buy: Antler

 

 

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Osprey Ozone 2-Wheel 22″ Carry-On

 

Osprey Lightweight Carry On Luggage With Wheels 4.48lb

 

I’m a big fan of Osprey and have used their luggage for many years. Ever since I had to stop traveling with the Farpoint, which was backpacking perfection, the Ozone Wheeled 21.5” Carryon has become my new favorite. 

It opens like a suitcase, has several zippered compartments for organization, and has a 16” laptop sleeve. It’s also made from recycled, durable nylon. Their new design is the perfect travel buddy for any kind of adventure!

 

DETAILS: 2 kg / 4.48 lb | 22 x 15 x 9 in / 56 x 38 x 23 cm | Softside | 2 Oversized Wheels | Lifetime warranty

Where to buy: Nordstrom | Osprey | Backcountry

 

 

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Samsonite C Lite 21″ Suitcase

 

Samsonite Lightweight Luggage 4.5lb

 

Travel effortlessly with the C-Lite Carry-On Spinner from Samsonite. Made with durable, lightweight CURV technology, this carry-on is impact-resistant and weighs just 4.5 lbs.

It features smooth double spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and an eco-friendly Recyclex interior lining. With a 1″ expansion for extra packing space and an external USB port for on-the-go charging, it’s the ideal choice for seamless travel.

 

DETAILS: 2.04 kg / 4.5 lbs | 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in / 55 x 39 x 20 cm | Hardside | 4 Spinner Wheels | External USB Port | 1″ Expansion | TSA-Approved Lock | Limited Lifetime Warranty

Where to buy: Samsonite | Dillards

 

 

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Delsey Brochant 3 20″ Expandable Hand Luggage

 

Delsey Brochant 3 Lightweight Luggage 4.6lb

 

I’ve been a fan of Delsey for years, and one thing I love about the French brand is its impeccable attention to detail, sleek aesthetics, and affordable pricing. The Brochant 3 20″ Expandable carry on spinner suitcase is a perfect example of that, offering outstanding value.

This soft-shell luggage is among the lightest from Delsey, making it ideal for modern travelers. The suitcase features an expandable design, providing extra room when you need it. It’s equipped with 360° double spinner wheels, ensuring smooth and easy navigation through busy airports. Sturdy zippers and an integrated TSA lock keep your belongings secure while you travel. Plus, its sleek, durable design offers the perfect combination of functionality and style.

 

DETAILS: 2.1 kg / 4.6 lbs | 13.5 x 9.5 x 19.25 in / 35 x 24 x 49 cm | Hardside | 4 Spinner Wheels | Expandable | Limited 5 Year Warranty

Where to buy: Bloomingdales | Dillards

 

If you’re looking for the best lightweight luggage sets, Delsey also has some awesome options!

 

 

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Samsonite Proxis 22″ Global Carryon

 

Samsonite Proxis Lightweight Spinner Luggage 4.6lb

 

Modern in both look and design, this Samsonite Proxis Global Carryon offers lightweight strength and dual-spinner wheels to lessen your load. It’s full of practical features, including a USB charging port, interior dividers and pockets, and an ergonomic handle. Users rave about the multi-layered exterior that easily survives rough handling. 

 

DETAILS: 2 kg / 4.6 lb | 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm | Hardside | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels | Limited 10 Year Warranty

Where to buy: Nordstrom | Samsonite | Bloomingdales | Macy’s

 

 

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Lipault Plume 21″ Cabin Suitcase

 

Lipault Lightweight Carry-On Luggage 4.8lb

 

Sometimes you want simple, lightweight travel luggage without any fancy bells or whistles, and that’s when I recommend Lipault. This spinner suitcase is basic but in a good way. Despite being 21”, it offers amazing capacity, so you can easily fit a week’s worth of outfits. The top carry handle allows you to lift the suitcase, making it easy to travel even in the most crowded of airports and train stations.

 

DETAILS: 2.2 kg / 4.8 lb | 21.6 x 13.8 x 8.3 in / 55x 35 x 21 cm | Softside | 4 wheels | 3 Year Warranty

Where to buy: Selfridges

 

 

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Rimowa Essential 21″ Lite Cabin Luggage

 

Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin Hardside Luggage 4.9lb

 

The Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin in Gloss Ivory Beige offers the perfect balance of luxury, lightweight design, and durability. Weighing just 4.9 lbs, this carry-on is part of Rimowa’s lightest collection yet, making travel a breeze. Its fiberglass frame and abrasion-resistant fabric ensure long-lasting use while providing excellent maneuverability.

The suitcase features a unique wide handle, giving you superior control during your journey. Designed for modern travelers, it offers both style and convenience for your travels.

 

DETAILS: 2.2 kg / 4.9 lbs | 21 x 14 x 9 in / 53 x 36 x 23 cm | Hardside | 4 Spinner Wheels | 10 Year Warranty

Where to buy: Bloomingdales | Neiman Marcus

 

 

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July Carry On 21″ Light Expandable

 

July Carry On Light Expandable Luggage 4.9lb

 

July is quite possibly the best brand for lightweight hardside luggage! The Carry On Light 21” expandable luggage is made of vegan-friendly materials, has a strong Aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell, and the 35L capacity and additional 5L when expanded allows you to maximize space so you don’t waste it on the suitcase.

The luggage features an ultra-light shell with  360° double spinner wheels, sturdy YKK zippers, and an integrated TSA lock. Its many features make it a reader favorite!

 

DETAILS: 2.2 kg / 4.9 lb | 21.25 x 14.17 x 8.66 in / 54 x 36 x 22 cm | Hardside | Expandable | 4 Spinner Wheels | Lifetime Warranty

Where to buy: July

 

 

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Samsonite Uplift 19″ Hardside Carry-On Spinner

 

Samsonite Uplift Hardside Carry-On Spinner 5.07lb

 

The Samsonite Uplift Hardside Carry-On Spinner combines durability and elegance in a lightweight design. Perfect for quick trips or business travel, this carry-on boasts a sleek and resilient hardside exterior with a tough, abrasion-resistant shell.

The 360-degree double spinner wheels ensure smooth and effortless mobility, while the built-in TSA lock adds a layer of security. The spacious interior is designed for maximum packing efficiency, while the expandable option allows extra storage when needed. Travel in style and convenience with this reliable, versatile piece from Samsonite.

 

DETAILS: 2.3 kg / 5.07 lb | 19.29 x 13.58 x 9.06 in (49 x 34.5 x 23 cm) | Softside | 4 Double Spinner Wheels | Manufacturer’s 10-Year Limited Warranty

Where to buy: Bloomingdales | Samsonite | Dillards | Kohl’s

 

 

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Osprey Farpoint 36L Wheeled Luggage

 

 Osprey Farpoint Softside Luggage 5.29lb

 

For certain trips where you don’t need as much capacity, the Osprey Farpoint 36L wheeled bag can still offer some amazing features including a large panel opening, comfortable straps, and sturdy wheels to tackle uneven terrain.

And though this is marketed as a men’s bag, it’s worked well for a variety of users who say it’s the perfect lightweight, durable luggage that’s sturdy, well-designed, and well-constructed. 

They also have duffle or backpack versions that are smaller and would work for most budget airlines, but always check your airline’s baggage allowance policy before flying.

 

DETAILS: 2.4 kg / 5.29 lb | 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm | Softside | 2 Oversized Wheels | Lifetime Warranty 

Where to buy: Nordstrom | Osprey

 

 

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Samsonite Ecodiver 21″ Carry On

 

Samsonite Ecodiver Softside Luggage 5.3lb

 

Calling all adventure travelers! The Samsonite Ecodiver Carry On is ruggedly built yet has a sleek and sporty design. It’s made of sustainable, water-resistant coated fabrics, so anything from rain to accidental spills to dusty roads doesn’t faze this bag! 

The interior features a laptop compartment and compression straps for efficient packing, while the exterior has TSA locks and reflective details for added safety. 

 

DETAILS: 2.4 kg / 5.3 lb | 21.6 x 13.8 x 9.1 in / 55 x 35 x 23 cm | Softside | 2 Wheels | Limited 5 Year Warranty

Where to buy: Samsonite | Macy’s

 

 

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Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Carry On Luggage

 

Travelpro Lightweight Luggage 5.4lb

 

Travelpro is a reader favorite because its suitcases are durable, easy to maneuver, and affordable. The Maxlite 5 Carryon is one of the best lightweight luggage options for anyone who wants a soft-side case. With smooth 4-wheel spinners, a stain-resistant and water-repellant Duraguard coating, and great organizational compartments, this is great for domestic flights. It’s also available in 19″ Carry on, perfect for Europe. 

 

DETAILS: 2.4 kg / 5.4 lb | 23 x 14.5  x 9 in / 58.43 x 36.8 x 23 cm | Softside | Expandable | 4 Spinner Wheels | Limited Lifetime Warranty

Where to buy: Travelpro

 

The key to traveling light is to create an interchangeable capsule wardrobe!

 

 

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Bric’s X-Travel 21″ Spinner Carry-On

 

Bric’s Ultra Lightweight Carry-On Luggage 5.5lb

 

The Bric’s X-Travel 21-Inch Spinner Carry-On combines style and functionality, crafted with a durable, water-resistant nylon shell for easy-to-carry utility. Featuring a two-way zip closure, this carry-on ensures secure packing and convenient access to your belongings. The exterior is equipped with four Japanese Hinomoto swivel casters, offering effortless maneuverability through airports. Two zip pockets provide quick access to essential items.

Inside, the lined interior includes two straps to keep clothing and accessories secure, reducing garment creasing during travel. A zip pocket helps keep items organized. Designed for convenience, this carry-on also features top and side carry handles, along with a three-stage telescoping handle for easy navigation.

Made from polyamide with PVC coating and leather accents, it’s easy to spot clean and maintain.

 

DETAILS: 2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs | 15 x 21 x 9 in (38 x 53.3 x 22.9 cm) | Softside | 4 Spinner Wheels | Water Resistent | Limited Lifetime Warranty

Where to buy: Nordstrom | Macy’s | Dillard’s | Bloomingdales

 

 

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Osprey Transporter 40L Duffle Wheeled Carry-On Luggage

 

Osprey Transporter Duffle Softside Luggage 5.6lb

 

For a durable, versatile carry-on, the Transporter 40-Liter Duffel Wheeled Carry-On Luggage offers a combination of practicality and mobility. Featuring a sturdy design, this duffel is perfect for both short trips and as an additional travel bag. The oversized wheels ensure smooth rolling, while the spacious main compartment provides ample room for your essentials.

The adjustable, padded handle offers comfort, and the water-resistant exterior makes it ideal for travel in all conditions. A sleek, functional option for those who need extra space and flexibility.

 

DETAILS: 2.55 kg / 5.62 lb | 23 ½” H x 15 ¾” W x 11″ D / 59.7 x 40 x 28 cm | 40 L | Softside | 4 Spinner Wheels | Expandable | Top and Side Carry Handles | 10 Year Warranty

Where to buy: Nordstrom | Osprey

 

 

Luggage Size and Weight Restrictions

 

Domestic Airlines Carry On Luggage Size Guide

International Airlines Carry On Luggage Size Guide

carry-on-luggage-size-domestic-airlines

 

 

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Compass Rose Compression Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes

 

How to Organize Your Travel Clothing

 

Many of our readers use Compass Rose Packing Cubes to organize and compress their clothing and other items they plan to bring. These packing cubes are the only ones on the market with a number and color-coded system, so you know where you packed everything. 

And now the Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13 x 5 x 2.8, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8 x 13 x 8.5. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items!

 If you want to learn how to use packing cubes, watch the video below. 

 

 

Learn our hacks with packing cubes in this video!

 

They’re truly the best packing cubes. Our readers rave about them! Buy them here!

 

Check out this post to find out how packing cubes help you pack everything in a carryon!

 

 

best-lightweight-luggage

Compass Rose Digital Luggage Scale

 

Not many people are familiar with luggage scales, but they’re incredibly helpful when you’re a frequent traveler. We recommend bringing along a lightweight luggage scale to weigh your cases before going to the airport. This will ensure you are below the weight limit and avoid extra charges.

They’re also great to bring along so you can reweigh if you plan on packing shopping or souvenirs in your baggage before returning home.    

With a compact luggage scale in hand, you’ll never have to worry about excess baggage fees!

 

 


Which suitcases would you add to our list of the best lightweight luggage for travel? Comment below!


 

For more suitcase recommendations, please read:

 


 

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