When it comes to traveling, having a lightweight suitcase can make all the difference. Not only is it easier to maneuver through airports and train stations, but it also allows you to pack more without going over weight restrictions.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best lightweight suitcases for travel on the market. We’ve researched expert reviews and customer feedback to bring you a list of top picks that offer durability, functionality, and style.
You’ll learn about the features that make each suitcase stand out, such as durable materials, spinner wheels, and expandable compartments. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who wants to pack light, this guide will help you find the perfect lightweight suitcase for your needs.
Pros:
✅ Lightweight and durable
✅ Practical and stylish
✅ Expandable and easy to pack
Cons:
⭕ Expensive
Pros:
✅ The suitcase is lightweight, making it easy to carry around
✅ It has a lot of storage space and compartments
✅ The spinner wheels make it easy to move around on different surfaces
Cons:
⭕ The suitcase doesn’t have an expandable zipper, so you can’t pack as much stuff in it as you’d like to
Pros:
✅ Lightweight and durable.
✅ Lots of space.
✅ Spinner wheels make it easy to roll around.
Cons:
⭕ Plastic seems thin, though it’s not flimsy (just lighter than the Samsonite).
Pros:
✅ Looks great.
✅ Sturdy, high-quality construction.
✅ Spins well even when fully packed.
Cons:
⭕ Expensive.
Introduction
If you’re planning a trip, there are few things more important than the suitcase you choose. It will be your constant companion on your journey to and from the airport, so it’s essential that it’s both lightweight and sturdy.
But with so many options available today tincluding carry-ons and duffelssuhow do you know which one is best for your needs? We’ve done the research for you!
Luggage that is lightweight and easy to carry ranks among the top priorities for most travelers.
Quality, lightweight luggage is more important to frequent travelers than you might think. It may not seem like a big deal if you only travel once or twice per year, but for those who frequently enjoy the luxury of being able to pack up and go on short notice, it can be a huge burden to have to schlep around heavy bag after heavy bag. Luggage that is lightweight and easy to carry ranks among the top priorities for most travelers.
Forget about back problems many people don’t realize they’ll suffer from them later in life until they’ve already begun traveling with heavy bags. If you’re worried about becoming one of those unfortunate individuals who suffers from chronic back pain due to their luggage choices, lighten up!
You should always consider purchasing quality, lightweight luggage instead of hauling around an oversized piece of luggage full of unnecessary items just because it looks nice (or because your parents bought it). Lightweight luggage will keep your spine happy by taking some weight off its shoulders!
To find you the best luggage, we talked with more than a dozen travel experts and frequent fliers, tested suitcases ourselves, and dove into existing reviews. We also looked at specific categories of luggage to see which bags had the highest customer ratings on Amazon.com and other sites.
Our favorite lightweight suitcase is made by Travelers Club Luggage because it easily handled every challenge we threw at it from being tossed around an airport baggage carousel to surviving being kicked down three flights of stairs by a man who’d packed too much for his trip (oops!). But if you want something that packs up smaller or if you need wheels instead of handles, there are loads of options here for any budget and style preference.
We also looked at a variety of suitcases in person at luggage stores. While you can order luggage online and have it delivered to your home, we found that getting hands-on experience with the product was immensely helpful. It was during this process that we noticed some things about each bag that we might not have noticed otherwise.
We asked the salesperson for their opinion on the bags we were considering buying, as well as if they had any recommendations for other bags or brands. They had some good insight into which ones were high-quality, lightweight options with durable zippers, wheels, and handles that would last through many trips without breaking down and which ones weren’t worth the money simply because they didn’t meet those standards (or worse).
In addition to checking out all of those features above, you should always take time to test out your suitcase before purchasing one especially if you’re going away soon! You want something light enough so it won’t weigh down your shoulder but sturdy enough so it doesn’t break from opening too many times during transit; this way, when you arrive at your destination with all of your belongings intact (and not missing anything), then congratulations! You’ve discovered The Best Lightweight Travel Suitcase!
We narrowed the field down to eight carry-ons and checked the bags that our experts recommended.
To find the best carry-on luggage, we narrowed our search to eight suitcases and travel bags that our experts recommended. All of them passed a variety of durability tests and were less than two pounds heavier than their maximum weight limits when filled to their maximum capacity.
Each bag was tested by a panel of frequent fliers and travel experts, who evaluated each model’s material quality and construction as well as its ability to fit inside overhead bins on three major airlines: American, Delta, and United. The models were also weighed empty using an airline-approved scale before being packed full with 30 pounds’ worth of stuff.
We then loaded up each bag with 50 pounds worth of gear for a total weight limit of 70 pounds the typical weight limit for an airline economy class passenger in 2019 to see how much each model could handle before sagging or tipping over on its wheels (both things you should avoid if possible).
The Appropriate Suitcase for You
We’re not going to lie; the best lightweight suitcase for travel will not be the same model you buy if you’re looking for durability and maximum storage space.
The good news is that there are plenty of options on the market today with a wide range of features, including those that offer adequate protection from baggage handlers while still being super light in weight. In fact, we’ve identified six top contenders who perfectly balance both qualities.
You should also keep in mind that your choice will depend on your budget and how much money you’re willing to spend on luggage. But don’t worry you won’t have to break the bank. These suitcases are all very affordable without sacrificing quality or performance!
Whether you’re more interested in your comfort or in saving money, you can find a great bag to go along with it.
Whether you’re more interested in your comfort or in saving money, you can find a great bag to go along with it.
There are plenty of options out there that will fit your budget and still allow you to have a comfortable trip.
If your primary concern is avoiding airline baggage fees, look for a bag that’s as light as possible without sacrificing durability. Lightweight suitcases may be less durable than standard suitcases, particularly if they are made of fabrics that aren’t designed to withstand heavy travel stresses.
However, some of the best lightweight suitcase brands do an excellent job of balancing the needs of their customers with those of the airlines.
One thing you’ll notice about many lightweight models is that they don’t have wheels or handles; they’re designed to be carried like backpacks.
Although this may not be so convenient when you’re walking through airports and train stations, it’s helpful once you get where you’re going and want to carry your luggage around town unnoticed (and avoid paying extra fees).
For durability, we recommend a hard-sided suitcase or a soft-sided model made from ballistic nylon fabric.
Hard-sided suitcases are more durable than soft-sided models, but they’re also heavier. Ballistic nylon fabric is a good choice for hard-sided cases because it’s lightweight and very durable.
We also suggest trying out the handles on any suitcase you’re considering before making a final decision; some people prefer curved handles while others like straight ones.
You’ll also want to consider the shape of your suitcase’s handle. This can be a matter of personal preference, but we find that curved handles are better suited for lifting and straight handles are better suited for rolling. Curved handles tend to be easier to grip, while straight handles give you more leverage when it comes time to roll.
One final consideration: How easily can you use your suitcase with one hand? If you plan on traveling alone or with only one other person, this is an important question because it will determine which handle style straight or curved is best suited for your needs.
