10 Best Lightweight Luggage: For All Budgets ⋆ Expert World Travel (2024)

• Best Lightweight Overall
  Delsey Helium AeroJump To Review
• Best Lightweight Hardside
  Samsonite S’Cure Hardside LuggageJump To Review
• Lightest Suitcase
  Travelpro Maxlite 5 LuggageJump To Review
• Luxury Lightweight
  Rimowa Essential LiteJump To Review
• Best Lightweight Softside
  IT Luggage Los Angeles 2Jump To Review
• Lightest Checked Luggage
  IT Luggage Bossa NovaJump To Review

Best Lightweight Overall

Delsey Helium Aero

Delsey Helium Aero isone of my favorite carry-on suitcases of all time. It is made fromPolycarbonate, a lightweight but remarkably durable material. It is also a very flexible material, which will bend upon impact. So, say you step on the shell of your suitcase – it would bend inwards, and not break.

The Helium Aero is an amazing option for people who like tokeep their stuff organized and safe. It featuresan external compartment, which is very rare on hardside suitcases. This allows you to keep certain items easily accessible, or just separate from your stuff in the main compartments.

And it does havetwo spacious main compartments, withexpandable capacity. One compartment features tie-down straps, while the other has a full-panel zippered divider with a pocket. So, when I packed the Helium, I tried to put larger things under the tie downs as they secure more easily.

This lightweight luggage also hasfour double spinner wheels that glide smoothly and quietly, even on some of the airport floors I have visited. The telescopic wheel handle also makes it easy to maneuver your suitcase and lets you glide through the airport crowds effortlessly. Ok, I know moving any luggage, featherlight or otherwise through the airport is never fun, but at least it does not feel like a drag.

In addition to that, the Helium Aero also features top and side grab handles, as well as aTSA-friendly lockthat keeps all your belongings safe. And it is available in five colors, so there’s plenty of variety to choose from.

So, what’s the downside? Well, it’s the weight. At some 8 lbs, this is actually one of the heaviest suitcases featured in this review. I found it was quite heavy to lift, but overall still ok for shorter journeys.

Another thing I found challenging was to stuff this 19” carry-on with so many items that it exceeded an airline’s weight restrictions. Sure, I would say it’s bigger than most carry-ons, but unless you put bricks in it, I had no trouble lifting it.

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Best Lightweight Hardside

Samsonite S’Cure Hardside Luggage

If you’re concerned with the safety of your belongings, you will want to geta zipperless case. And the lightest luggage option available in Samsonite S’Cure – the carry-on size of this suitcase weighs a mere 6.4 lbs, which is absolutely amazing for a zipperless hardside. Mind you, I found several suitcases with zipper closures that weigh more than this one.

It’s a mystery how Samsonite managed to make this super lightweight luggage so – top of the class. It is partly due to the materials; this luggage is made from scratch-resistant polypropylene, which is one of the lightest and most durable materials for suitcases. I also find it does not tend to mark easily, which is a bonus.

Samsonite also reduced the weight of the S’Cure by removing the lining, which is not my favorite thing in the world, but makes for a lightweight Samsonite case for sure.

I noticed that there’s nothing inside the main compartment to protect your clothes and keep them clean. But there is a divider, so there’s at least some protection for your items. And the lack of lining means that you get more packing space, so it’s not all bad. After one trip I did not notice my clothes getting dirty, but I can image a lack of lining might be an issue over time.

This is zipperless luggage, soyou can’t expand its capacity. It has three latches, one of which has a TSA-friendly combination lock – very easy to set up and use. This does mean that it’s not always going to be easy to close your suitcase – you can’t just sit on it and force the zipper to close.

Instead, you will need to pay attention to how much stuff you’re packing and try to not go overboard.

The S’Cure also comes withfour double spinner wheelsthat roll silently and smoothly. It hasa retractable wheel handlefor easy maneuvering, It hasa grab handle on the side and an indent that you can grab at the bottom, so it should be easy to pick up and place in the overhead compartment.

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Lightest Suitcase

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Luggage

The Maxlite 5 is the lightest luggage in this review. So, if that is what you are after, then go no further!

Travelpro is one of those amazing lightweight luggage brands that will rarely disappoint you. If you’re not looking for anything specific, but just a lightweight anddurable suitcase, you might as well go with one of theirs. I will cover the Maxlite 5 here, but be sure to also check outtheir Crew 11 range.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 carry-on is alightweight spinner suitcase. It is made frompolyester, which is a very durable material. It doesn’t have the best water resistance, so I’m thrilled to see that this particular bag iscoated with DuraGuard. This increases its water resistance by miles, and it also helps with stain resistance.

Sure, I did not test it by throwing it in a river, but so far it has not gotten my gear soaked and I can imagine even light rain while the airport staff are loading it will be fine.

The Maxlite 5collection is about half a pound lighter than the Travelpro Maxlite 4, which was already remarkably lightweight. That puts this particular carry-on luggage at 5.4 lbs, making it one of the lightest suitcases featured in this review.

This luggage is equipped withsingle spinner wheels,for easy maneuvering of your luggage. And the thing I love about it is that it features amulti-stage telescoping handle. It means you can lock the handle in several positions, and adjust it to a height you feel comfortable with.

In addition to that, this carry-on luggage comes withthree grab handles – top, side, and bottom.This allows you to easily grab the top and bottom handles to pick up your suitcase, and store it in the overhead compartment.

There isa single packing compartmentin this lightweight luggage, and it is fully lined. It hastie-down straps and a zippered pocketin the main compartment, as well as a large zippered pocket (compatible with a suiter section) on the top cover.

And there’s also anexternal compartment on the front of the suitcase,which is great for any items you like to have easily accessible.

You can alsoexpand the capacityof the Maxlite 5 carry-on and get two extra inches of packing space. Which is great considering it is primarily lightweight luggage.

RELATED POST: TRAVELPRO MAXLITE 5 (ENTIRE COLLECTION) REVIEW

Luxury Lightweight

Rimowa Essential Lite

Having had the pleasure to travel with the Rimowa Essential Lite, I can personally tell you that this suitcase is the lightest hardside luggage around! In fact, I would go as far as to classify it as ultra lightweight luggage!

And on top of that, it looks as stylish as anything I have seen in dozens of airports around the world. Even at first glance, it captures attention with its high-end polycarbonate shell, which gives the suitcase not only a sleek, modern look but also unmatched durability.

Of course, the grooved design, a signature of Rimowa and a nod to classic airplane aesthetics is renowned throughout the luggage world. But Rimowa suitcases cost a pretty penny for a reason – quality, durability, top materials and attention to detail.

Traveling with the Essential Lite is a breeze. Despite its seemingly robust construction, the suitcase is exceptionally lightweight – the lightest in Rimowa’s repertoire, in fact. This allows you to pack everything you need while effortlessly maneuvering this stunning luggage through busy airports or crowded city streets.

The fun with a Rimowa suitcase does not stop there, there is also the sublime handling. The Essential Lite is equipped with Rimowa’s high-quality Multiwheel® system, a game changer in my travel experience. Each suitcase wheel is ball-bearing mounted, ensuring smooth, seamless movement even when the suitcase is at its full capacity. It’s as if your suitcase glides alongside you rather than being dragged behind. Unless you are on the cobbled streets of Paris that is!

For those who value security in their travels as I do, the Essential Lite offers peace of mind with its TSA-approved lock (which also means the TSA don’t have to break your lock to check your case).

Rimowa’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction extends to a generous 5-year guarantee, promising repair or replacement in case of any manufacturing defects. Of course, if you did not know, Rimowa is a German company, so what else would you expect from the land of BMWs and Mercedes?

If you’re a traveler seeking convenience, style, and durability all in one package, the Rimowa Essential Lite might just be your perfect travel companion. If you only want a light carry-on, then it’s one of the lightest on the market. And if you want ultra lightweight checked luggage then the Large Check In is also very light indeed!

Luxury luggage might not be for everyone, but if you ask my parents, this is the best lightweight luggage for seniors by a country mile!

American Tourister Stratum XLT

American Tourister is another company that makes great luggage. Their parent company is Samsonite, so you’re pretty much getting the same level of quality. You’re just paying less because it won’t say Samsonite on your suitcase. It still makes one of the best lightweight luggage for international travel or something at home too.

American Tourister Stratum XLT suitcase ismade from ABS plastic, which is not as durable as Polycarbonate. But it does have better scratch resistance, and I found these cases look new for longer. In addition to that, ABS plastic is very light – the carry-on Stratum XLT weighs just 6.3 lbs, while the largest case in the collection weighs 8.7 lbs.

This means when I lifted it, it was not like carrying a dead weight around, even before it was packed. Of course, once I had fully loaded it, it was still heavy enough, but why not start with a featherlight suitcase I say!

The American Tourister luggage hastwo packing compartments. One compartment has elastic cross-straps and a zippered pocket, while the other features a full panel zippered divider. And the capacity is expandable, which is awesome.

You getfour single spinner wheels on the Stratum XLT, and I found they don’t glide very smoothly, which is not so surprising as they are not dual spinners.

The one important thing this case lacks is a lock. When I take my cases to be checked in I like to lock them. And having to bring your own makes life harder. So, I was not so happy leaving this one with the airport staff.

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Best Lightweight Softside

IT Luggage Los Angeles 2

This ultra-lightweight luggage has to be featured in our review of the best lightweight suitcases on wheels! This IT lightweight suitcase is an affordable option, which makes sense because they make the world’s lightest suitcase.

The Los Angeles 2 is a carry-on suitcase that weighs a mere 3.81 lbs, making it the lightest checked luggage featured in this review!

And that’s not the only reason why you will love this very lightweight luggage. Its main compartment is very spaciousand can fit more clothes than your average carry-on luggage. That is because this suitcase hasa very wide wheel handle, which does not protrude into the packing space at all.

Thewheel handle extends a little, but not as much as traditional double-barrel wheel handles do. However, if you like that it’s wide, that it doesn’t take away from the capacity of the packing space, and that it has a soft grip, then definitely get this suitcase. The design of the handle is proprietary to IT luggage, and you won’t find it in any other luggage.

The Los Angeles 2 suitcase has afiberglass frame, but its main body is made from two-tone fabric. Its main compartment is fully lined with polyester, and it features two tie-down straps and four slip pockets for easy organization.

Additionally, this bag also hastwo external pockets. They’re great for any items you want to have handy while traveling – the top zippered pocket is the perfect size to hold your wallet, passport, and boarding pass.

Everything about this affordable lightweight luggage is amazing, except for the wheels. It features two in-line skate wheels that are smooth and silent, which means that you have to tilt the case to get them rolling. And since you can’t extend the wheel handle as much, it’s not going to be the easiest bag to maneuver.

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AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage

The AmazonBasics lightweight luggage is a great option for people who can’t afford to spend a lot of money on luggage. It’s under $50 and is probably the most affordable suitcase in this entire review. If you’re on a tight budget, definitely consider getting it.

This bag ismade from thick ABS plastic, which has great scratch resistance. However, ABS doesn’t have the best impact resistance, and the shell will break under too much pressure.

The carry-on features double spinner wheels and a telescopic wheel handle, for the effortless maneuvering of your suitcase. And there are both top and side grab handles, which allow you to easily pick up your suitcase and store it in the overhead compartment.

Theinterior of this carry-on is fully lined and divided into two packing compartments. One features a full panel zippered divider, and the other one has elastic cross straps. There arethree zippered pockets total inside the suitcase, which is great for keeping smaller items safe.

Plus, you can expand the capacity of this bag by an extra 15%and get enough space for all those souvenirs you purchased on your trip.

Unfortunately, the AmazonBasics suitcase does have some downsides. It doesn’t have a lock, so if you’re ever forced to check it, there’s no guarantee your items will stay safe. The wheel handle is somewhat flimsy, and it moves around when fully extended. Plus, you can only lock it into position when fully extended, which is not going to be a comfortable height for everyone.

All things considered, I’d say that this is a very average suitcase. But, it is also the absolute best suitcase you can get for some $50!

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Samsonite SoLyte DLX Expandable Softside

Samsonite has a lot of lightweight suitcases, but the SoLyte DLX is easily a favorite of mine for those that like to travel. It ismade from rugged polyester and has a very durable exterior.The lightweight luggage comes withdouble spinner wheels and a retractable wheel handle for effortless maneuvering.

It is available in three sizes, and not all have the same features. The two checked cases have more internal pockets but lack the luggage strap and the USB port that you get on the carry-on.

All three suitcases feature a spacious main compartment with expandable capacity.And all of them have two zippered mesh pockets anda Wetpak – a waterproof pocket designed to hold any wet items or toiletries.The two checked bags have two additional slip pockets.

One thing I absolutely love about this kind of luggage is that it hasSmart Fix Buckles. Their sole purpose is to keep the tie-down straps out of the way while you’re packing- a simple, but extremely helpful solution.

You also gettwo external compartments. The upper one is perfect for items you want to have handy at the airport, like your passport, boarding pass, wallet, etc. And the lower compartment is pretty big (especially on the checked bags), and can easily hold any items you remember to pack last-minute.

Thesmallest carry-on suitcase weighs just a little over 7 lbs, which is really lightweight. Of course, if we compare that to the weight of IT Luggage suitcases, the SoLyte appears to be heavy.

But, keep in mind that this is Samsonite – you’re getting quite a lot of features that the cheaper suitcases lack, and really top-of-the-line quality. However, you won’t get any kind of lock, which is a shame.

Check out our detailed review of Samsonite Solyte DLX here.

Victorinox Werks Traveler 6.0 Frequent Flyer

If you are not too concerned with suitcase prices, I highly recommend you consider getting the Victorinox Werks Traveler. Especially if you usually travel for business – it has some excellent features that will really make your life easier.

One of those isa suiter section, which will ensure that your suits stay wrinkle-free in the suitcase. And another cool feature isthe padded, 15” laptop sleeve. It also has a tablet pocket, so all your electronics can stay safe in the suitcase.

The exterior of the Frequent Flyer is made from 600D Ballistic Nylon. The material has great water resistance, and is entirely abrasion-proof, guaranteeing the safety of your belongings. And the suitcase comes with a TSA-friendly combination lock, for extra peace of mind.

This carry-on has a unique feature that the larger suitcases from this collection don’t – a USB charging port. I love tech-friendly luggage, and so far this particular lightweight luggage is looking great!

It has a spacious main compartment, with cross straps and an internal zippered pocket. The divider/suiter section features zippered pockets on each side, for easy organization of your belongings. You can also expand the capacity of the main compartment, and get a maximum of an extra 5.5”.

And, of course, this lightweight luggage comes with double spinner wheels and a telescopic wheel handle.

The handle is made from Swiss-grade aluminum, so it is very lightweight and sturdy. Plus, there aretwo external compartments, perfect for any items you like to have handy during your travels.

I’d say that the only downside of this lightweight luggage is the price – it is rather expensive, but you are getting a lot of bang for your buck.

Lightest Checked Luggage

IT Luggage Bossa Nova

Here’s another suitcase from the World’s Lightest collection by IT Luggage. The Bossa Nova is a27.6” suitcase that weighs a mere 4.51 lbs. And that is absolutely impressive – most carry-on luggage featured here weigh almost twice as much, and they are still considered lightweight luggage.

This lightweight checked luggage comes with four double spinner wheels, that are smooth, silent, and sturdy. There’s alsoa wide wheel handle, just like on the other IT Luggage bag I showed you.

It does not protrude into the main compartment, and it feels very sturdy in your hand. The luggage also featurestop and side grab handles with contoured grips.

In the interior, you get extra space since you don’t have to pack around the wheel and handle tubes. The interior of the bag featuresone large zippered pocket, as well as two tie-down straps to keep your clothes in place.

The 27.6” Bossa Nova suitcase has onlyone external compartment. It is rather big, and can easily fit any last-minute items you think of. The smallest suitcase in this range actually has two zippered pockets, and it would be a great carry-on – not only is it insanely light, but it also allows for easy organization.

However, the second pocket is reserved only for the carry-on; the other two larger suitcases do not have this feature. It depends on how you travel, but it should not be an issue for most people.

Other downsides of the Bossa Nova suitcase include lack of a lock and non-expandable capacity. So, if you really want one of the lightest suitcases around, you will need to compromise on these features.