The Best Lightweight Luggage to Gift (or Receive!)

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two women with lightweight luggage in airport
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Looking for a new piece of luggage? The best suitcases on the market today are lightweight with the features you need: TSA-approved locks, tons of packing space and spinner wheels for easy maneuverability. We’ve reviewed the best lightweight luggage in different sizes, from classic carry-ons to soft-side underseat bags and big boys you’ll need to check. What they all have in common is an unpacked weight under 10 pounds.

Here are our favorite, high-quality lightweight luggage options. Buy one to replace your old suitcase. Or gift one to your favorite travel partner.

Best Lightweight Carry-On Luggage

1. TravelPro Maxlite 5

One of the lightest suitcases on our list, the TravelPro Maxlite 5 is a traveler (and airline crew) favorite with roomy packing space and widespread durable attributes. When it comes to space, we love the two exterior front pockets for packing things you’ll want to access easily—a change of shoes or additional layers perhaps.

In the main compartment, you’ll also find a full-length interior lid pocket and a side accessory pocket to help separate smaller items from your clothes. Need even more space to fit all of your souvenirs on your way home? The TravelPro Maxlite 5 is expandable, with the possibility of adding up to two additional inches of capacity!

Because travel can get messy, the water and stain-resistant fabric on this soft-side suitcase can save your clothes from an overly drenched weekend getaway and keep it looking new for many more journeys to come.

Why TravelPro Maxlite 5 Works for Travelers

  • Carry-on size
  • Weighs 5.4 pounds
  • Soft-side luggage
  • Dimensions: 23 in x 14.5 in x 9 in
  • Expandable
  • 360-degree spinner wheels
  • Lifetime Limited Warranty

2. American Tourister Wavebreaker

Also weighing under 6 pounds, another ultra-lightweight carry-on bag option is the American Tourister Wavebreaker. Those looking for a tough piece of luggage that’s also easy to travel with, should check this one out!

With an ABS scratch-resistant exterior, this hard-side suitcase is durable—yet it remains stylish with four vibrant color options to choose from. Want to be able to spot your luggage quickly and easily on the baggage carousel? Go with the bright Celery Green color option. You won’t miss it.

As for maneuverability, the four multi-directional spinner wheels, push-button locking handle and side carry handle make loading your luggage onto the plane and overhead compartment close to effortless.

Also available as a luggage set.

Why American Tourister Wavebreaker Works for Travelers

  • Carry-on size
  • Weighs 5.4 pounds
  • Hard-side ABS
  • Dimensions: 23 in × 18 in × 11 in
  • Multi-directional spinner wheels
  • Limited 3-Year Global Warranty

3. Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner

With a classic style, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner is a hard shell suitcase that has a lot of modern features. These include double spinner wheels, retracting top and side carry handles and a built-in TSA combination lock and ID tag.

When it comes to space, it’s got that too! Aside from the main compartment, you’ll find a divider and multiple pockets for keeping your luggage organized.

Why Freeform Carry-On Spinner Works for Travelers

  • International carry-on size
  • Weighs 6.5 pounds
  • Hard-side polypropylene
  • Dimensions: 21.25 in × 15.25 in × 10 in
  • Expandable
  • 360-degree spinner wheels
  • TSA 3-dial combination lock
  • Limited 10 Year Global Warranty

4. Away The Carry-On

Don’t let the minimalistic hard shell case on the Away The Carry-On fool you because this luggage is fully loaded when it comes to features!

On the exterior of the carry-on, you’ll find a built-in TSA lock and a durable polycarbonate hard shell. There’s even a leather luggage tag that matches the leather details on the luggage…you never know how many people on your flight will have the same awesome bag.

Inside, we love that they’ve included a water-resistant laundry bag for keeping our dirty clothes or shoes separated! Also, the interior compression strap system works like a built-in packing cube to help you pack more clothes in. With this system, you can fit about 5-7 outfits in this small carry-on bag!

If all of that wasn’t enough, you can also add on an optional removable battery to keep your phone or computer charged while you’re on the go.

Why Away The Carry-On Works for Travelers

  • Carry-on size
  • Weighs 7.1 pounds
  • Durable polycarbonate hard shell
  • Dimensions: 21.7 in x 13.7 in x 9 in
  • 360-degree spinner wheels
  • TSA combination lock
  • Lifetime Limited Warranty

5. Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner

Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner
$69.99 $62.99
Buy Now
11/08/2024 07:22 am GMT

When it comes to budget-friendly luggage, the Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner is hard to beat! For under $100, this carry-on has just about everything you’d need, including a scratch-resistant hard shell exterior. Inside, you’ll find multiple pockets for keeping smaller items safe. Plus, it’s expandable for when you need just a little bit more room to pack. You can even use it for international travel!

Why Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Works for Travelers

  • International carry-on
  • Weighs 7.34 pounds
  • Dimensions: 10 in x 14.9 in x 22 in
  • Expandable
  • Budget-friendly

Best Lightweight Checked Luggage

6. DELSEY Paris Comete 3.0

One of our favorite luggage brands, the DELSEY Paris Comete 3.0 is a lightweight and durable medium checked luggage bag. It’s made with an ABS/polycarbonate shell that’s great for keeping your luggage looking new trip after trip because it’s resilient to cracking, breaking or scratching.

You’ll also love how easy this piece of luggage is to maneuver and lift! Thank the four spinner wheels that help it glide along the airport floors, plus three carry handles that make it easy to pick up—one on the top, bottom and side.

Why DELSEY Paris Comete 3.0 Works for Travelers

  • Medium checked luggage
  • Weighs 8.5 pounds
  • Dimensions: 26.5 in x 17.5 in x 11 in
  • Expandable
  • Includes a double locking zipper
  • Limited 3-year warranty

7. RIMOWA ESSENTIAL Check-In M

Planning a girls’ shopping trip to New York or jet-setting somewhere luxurious? The RIMOWA ESSENTIAL is a fashionable choice. Outside, you’ll have your pick of up to four glossy and matte colors—our favorite is the deep green gloss color because we like to stand out in a crowd.

Inside, you’ll find two flex dividers that will keep your belongings secure during transit. For ease of maneuverability around the airport and beyond, the four wheels and telescopic handle are great to have included. Speaking of included, this RIMOWA bag also comes with a complimentary leather luggage tag and a sticker. Yes, please!

Why RIMOWA Essential Check-In M Works for Travelers

  • Medium-sized checked luggage
  • Weighs 9 pounds
  • Dimensions: 26.4 in x 17.8 in x 9.5 in
  • TSA approved lock
  • Lifetime guarantee

8. Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner

Even with its increased capacity, the Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner is under 10 pounds in weight. This lightweight shell, combined with 360-degree spinner wheels, makes getting through the airport a smooth-rolling experience!

Because this is a large checked bag, it offers a considerable amount of packing space. Still need more space? Use the double zipper to expand the suitcase and gain a few more inches in size.

Why Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner Works for Travelers

  • Large checked bag size
  • Weighs 9.59 pounds
  • Durable polycarbonate hard shell
  • Dimensions: 31.1 in × 20.95 in × 13.8 in
  • Expandable
  • 360-degree spinner wheels
  • TSA combination lock
  • Lifetime Limited Warranty

Best Under-seat Luggage Options

9. Tumi VOYAGEUR Oxford Compact Carry-On

Designed to fit under your seat on a plane, you’ll love having this compact carry-on for shorter trips or as an easy-to-access bag during longer trips. Great for work trips, this bag includes two media pockets and a center zip laptop compartment with locking zipper pulls.

Why Tumi Voyageur Oxford Works for Travelers

  • Compact carry-on
  • Weighs 6.6 pounds
  • Dimensions 16.0 in x 14.0 in x 8.0 in
  • Built-in USB port
  • 4 wheels
  • 5-year warranty

Best Duffel Bags and Backpacks

10. Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag

Weighing less than 5 pounds, this Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag offers versatility in travel. You can opt to carry the bag easily by its two handles or extend the locking pull handle to wheel your luggage along beside you. Plus, with four front zippered pockets, your most needed items can be stored and retrieved quickly and easily.

Why Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag Works for Travelers

  • Weighs 4.29 pounds
  • Dimensions 22 in x 12 in x 11 in
  • 4 front pockets for additional storage
  • Includes carry handles, a locking pull handle and two inline wheels

11. Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag

The Samsonite Andante Duffel Bag is a favorite of ours because of its innovative (and extremely useful) water-resistant end pocket. This space is perfect for storing your wet shoes or used towel and bathing suit after a fun trip to a water park resort.

Why Samsonite Andante Duffel Bag Works for Travelers

  • Weighs 9.5 pounds
  • Dimensions: 30.0 in x 15.0 in x 15.0 in
  • Includes carry handles, a locking pull handle and two inline wheels
  • Versatile water-resistant end pocket
Mary Moore is the retro ­loving mother of two young children who enjoys the freedom of driving the open road in search of adventure. She and her family are working their way through the backroads and cities of America in their seafoam green 1950s Bel Air. You can read more about their lifestyle and adventures on the blog Raising Dick and Jane.
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