THE BEST LIGHTWEIGHT LUGGAGE YOU CAN BUY, ACCORDING TO FREQUENT TRAVELERS
Packing is never easy. The essential problem is this: We have to account for a variety of activities and weather possibilities at our destination, while simultaneously adhering to airlines' increasingly stringent weight restrictions. Every pound counts, so it's important to invest in luggage that won't tip the scales towards those painful overweight baggage fees.
To help you find the perfect lightweight carry-ons and checked bags, I leaned into my experience as a travel writer, highlighting the bags that have gotten me around the globe with ease. I also spoke to fellow travel writer Adam Hurly to get a second opinion on the subject. Read on for seven of our favorite lightweight luggage options, and be sure to shop them below before your next trip.
Best Carry On: Herschel Heritage Hardshell Carry On Luggage - 35L, $225
If you're shopping for a lightweight bag, hardshell luggage is a smart choice, and this one from Herschel weighs in at just over six pounds. That means you can fill it up fully without worrying about struggling to lift it into the overhead compartment. The interior compression strap does an excellent job at keeping belongings in place, and the wheels give you a super-smooth spin all through the airport. I fly budget airline Ryanair frequently, so I'm extra careful about the weight of my carry-on, and this bag from Herschel is my go-to.
Specs: 6.15 pounds, 19.69 x 13.99 x 9.06 inches
Pros:
- Sleek design and secure handles
- Enough room for a week’s worth of clothing
Cons:
- Really not any, if I’m being honest
Best Expandable Checked Bag: TravelPro Crew Classic Medium Check-in Expandable Spinner, $271.99
This lightweight bag from TravelPro can expand out an extra two inches to accommodate extra souvenirs or bulky items. Plus, we love how the removable compression packing organizer can be configured to organize your belongings in four different ways. The bag weighs just 9.4 pounds when empty, so there’s lots of space for you to pack all your essentials.
Specs: 9.4 pounds, 27.25 x 18 x 11 inches
Pros:
- Has weather-resistant coating and corner guards for rough travel
- Interior lining is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
Cons:
- Corporate aesthetic might not appeal to all
Best Checked Bag: July Classic Checked, $325
At a truly impressive 8.3 pounds when empty with 80 liters of storage space, this July bag punches above its weight (pardon the pun). Travel writer Adam Hurly says his July bag is one of the best suitcases for international travel, adding that it's “one of [his] favorite suitcases [he's] ever had" thanks to the cool design and interior features. He particularly appreciates the excellent interior organization and compression, plus the smooth glide and super-durable reinforced corners. (July's ultra-lightweight carry-on is another one of our favorites.)
Specs: 8.3 pounds, 26 x 18.75 x 11 inches
Pros:
- Reinforced corner bumpers for jostles along the way
- Comes in a ton of colorways
Cons:
- A removable compression pocket might not be ideal for some
Best Wheeled Duffel: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 110L, $171.06
I used this massive duffel to move myself abroad a decade ago, and it’s still going strong as a fantastic extra-large wheeled bag. It weighs in at just 4.25 pounds, meaning you have a ton of weight allowance left over for packing for big trips and moves. The bag is well-regarded for its durability, and the U-shaped top lid makes it easy to store and access your essentials on the go.
Specs: 4.25 lbs., 30.31 x 13.39 x 14.96 inches
Pros:
- Built for inclement weather with features like storm flaps
- Backpack straps as an option
Cons:
- Can look a little beat up after a few trips
Best Trunk: Monos Hybrid Trunk, $455
Monos’ luggage is fantastic for those looking for a killer blend of function and form, and its trunk is perfect for long voyages. I love the deeper bottom compartment of the trunk suitcase, as it's ideal for stashing bulkier clothing in the winter while keeping lighter-weight essentials up top. The Monos Hybrid Trunk weighs in at just 11.1 pounds, leaving you plenty of room for heavier items, especially in the cold season. (For a smaller lightweight checked bag with all the same features we love from Monos, consider the Monos Check-In Medium.)
Specs: 13.2 lbs., 29.9 x 15.7 x 14.3 inches
Pros:
- Perfect for longer trips
- Impressive interior organization and compression
Cons:
- Only three colorways available
Best Duffel: Kipling Argus Medium, $139 at Amazon
Don't knock duffel bags: Thsi duffel has quite literally gotten me around the world over the past 12 years or so. I was drawn to the bag because it weighs in at under 2 pounds, which is helpful when (like me) you're flying budget airlines that have strict weight limits. Impressively, the duffel still holds up today — there’s barely a stitch out of place. Nowadays, I like to bring it along folded up in another suitcase as a backup bag.
Specs: 1.81 lbs., 24.5 x 13.75 x 13.75 inches
Pros:
- Under 2 pounds
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Might need bungee straps for it to pass as carry-on size
- Not the easiest to carry when stuffed
Best Set: DELSEY PARIS Clavel Hardside Three-Piece Luggage Set, $510.75
This three-piece set of luggage includes some of the lightest luggage Delsey Paris offers. The set is made up of one carry-on bag, one medium-size checked bag, and one large checked bag. Each piece expands an two extra inches for those times when you’re packing a little more. The carry-on weighs in at just 5.3 pounds, and the rest of the luggage is similarly lightweight, so you can get the most out of each and every pack.
Specs:
- Carry-on: 5.3 pounds, 13.75 x 9.75 x 21.75 inches
- Medium checked bag: 7.7 pounds, 11.25 x 18.75 x 27.5 inches
- Large checked bag: 9.8 pounds, 13.25 x 21 x 32.5 inches
Pros:
- One of each standard size suitcase
- Price per bag works out to $170 apiece
Cons:
- Not a lot of color options on Amazon