The Best Lightweight Luggage, Tested by Experts
An ultra-light bag lessens the load so you can travel with hardly any strain.
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If you're an overpacker like me, it's difficult to forego your favorite items when packing for a trip. Especially when packing for a longer vacation, you may not realize how heavy your bag has become after you zip it up. Plus, if you're traveling by plane, you may get hit with an additional fee if your bag exceeds the airline's weight limit. A piece of lightweight luggage helps you avoid the extra cost and is easier to roll to the terminal and hoist overhead.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, I frequently test the best luggage brands in the Textiles Lab and pair pieces with consumer testers as well. In recent years, we've evaluated more than 100 different suitcases. I scoured through the data we collected and researched other lightweight luggage from popular brands, combining the findings with my relative expertise.
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner
Pros
- Aced our packing tests
- High maneuverability scores
- Durable material
Cons
- Some testers said telescopic handle felt loose
Samsonite luggage consistently stands out in our Textiles Lab evaluations, and the Freeform Spinner is one of our top-tested suitcases. Not only is the suitcase durable and easy to use, it also weighs in at just 6.5 lbs, making it one of the lightest suitcases featured.
The hardside polyester bag performed well in our drop tests. It also earned top scores in maneuverability, with testers sharing that the wheels rolled smoothly and that the bag was easy to navigate around twists and turns in our luggage obstacle course.
Some testers wished the telescopic handle was sturdier, and stated that it felt loose. But when I evaluated it in the Lab, I thought the handle was comfortable and seemed stable overall.
Designed with a butterfly opening, the bag fully unzips and unfolds to expose two compartments for your belongings, including one fully zippered side and one with an adjustable compression strap. The suitcase was able to fit our entire standard load of clothing, accessories and toiletries during our packing tests, and it can be expanded for an additional inch of packing space. For longer trips or family vacations, Samsonite also offers checked versions and a two-piece set.
RELATED: Best Hardside Luggage
| Dimensions | 21.25" x 15.25" x 10.0" |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Material | Hardside polypropylene |
Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage
Pros
- Plenty of packing space
- Smooth rolling wheels
- Performed well in drop tests
Cons
- Testers wished handle were sturdier
If you're shopping on a budget, it's hard to beat Amazon Basics' collection of hardside luggage. This carry-on bag is priced under $75 and is frequently on sale for less. Online reviewers said the luggage performs better than expected for the low price point, and we've been impressed by it during our Textiles Lab tests, rating it highly for packability and ease of use.
Made with ABS plastic, the suitcase isn't quite as durable as other picks and was more prone to scratching in our evaluations than other bags, but it held up well overall in our drop tests without prominent breakage or other damage.
When testers rolled it through our luggage obstacle course, they said the telescopic handle wasn't as sturdy as others they tried, but they were impressed with the wheel performance, with one tester who said the carry-on was "very easy to move." It was also able to hold our full packing load, thanks to its spacious interior, complete with a zippered panel, compression strap and mesh pockets.
RELATED: Best Luggage on Amazon
| Dimensions | 21.7" x 14.8" x 10" |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs |
| Material | Hardside ABS plastic |
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage
Pros
- External pockets to stash necessities
- Unique tapered expansion
- Brand's luggage performs well in our tests
Cons
- Only two wheels
Travelpro's luggage was developed by an airline pilot for other pilots and flight crews who were always on the go, which means it a great option for frequent flyers. While we especially love the brand's premium Platinum Elite collection, the Maxlite 5 luggage is impressively lightweight at only 5.4 pounds and still built to last.
The carry-on is designed with thoughtful elements like a unique tapered expansion system that prevents the bag from getting top-heavy and tipping when full as well as a comfortable contoured telescopic handle. On the outside of the bag are two pockets, including one that's large enough to hold a laptop, and inside is one large packing space with an additional zippered pocket in the lid and a compression strap to secure everything in place.
Unlike other picks, this bag only has two wheels, meaning it has to be tilted and pulled forward and backward (it's unable to move side to side). But when our testers tried other pieces from this line, they said the wheels were smooth, and the bag has stands in the front to keep it upright at all times.
The brand's luggage has also performed well in our Lab tests for durability, resisting damage after being released at different angles from our drop tester. The material looked great after I placed it in our abrasion tester, which rubbed the material back and forth 15,000 times.
RELATED: Best Softside Luggage
| Dimensions | 20" x 15" x 7.7" |
| Weight | 5.4 lbs |
| Material | Softside polyester |
July Checked Luggage
Pros
- Incredibly smooth wheels
- Contoured telescopic handle locks into place at 20 positions
- Weighs less than many top-tested carry-ons
Cons
- Some scuffs after traveling
Most domestic airlines set a limit of around 50 pounds for checked bags, meaning the weight of your belongings and your suitcase combined can't exceed 50 pounds, or you'll be hit with a pesky fee. To avoid the extra charge, opt for a checked suitcase like this one from popular luggage brand July that's ultra-lightweight for its size. The interior includes an enclosed compartment, an adjustable Y-strap and compression panel, and zippered mesh pockets for storage.
At 8.3 pounds, the checked bag weighs less than many carry-ons we've evaluated, but just because it's lightweight doesn't mean it isn't durable. When one GH analyst took the bag on a trip abroad, she was impressed by how well it held up after making its way through several airports. She noted a few scuffs and marks but no dents or visible damage.
The suitcase also has some of the best wheels we've encountered, with one analyst who shared, "I've never used a carry-on with wheels this smooth." I've personally traveled with luggage from the brand, and our testers and I agree that the wheels are incredibly smooth, giving the bag high ratings for gliding easily over carpet, tile and wood floor — even over bumpy concrete and blacktop. Plus, the telescopic handle locks into place at 20 different positions to prevent it from falling, and it's contoured for comfort.
RELATED: Best Checked Luggage
| Dimensions | 26" x 18.75" x 11" |
| Weight | 8.3 lbs |
| Material | Hardside polycarbonate |
Pros
- Chic metallic colors
- Telescopic handle was a tester favorite
- Proved durable in drop tests
Cons
- Noticeable marks in scratch tests
Calpak's luggage is equally as fashionable as it is functional, so you can travel in style without worrying about the safety of your belongings. This chic carry-on comes in a variety of metallic colors and limited edition shades — all with a monochromatic hard shell, telescopic handle and wheel components. Select colors are currently out of stock, but you can sign up to join the waitlist.
The polycarbonate hardside material doesn't just look great: It proved durable in our drop tests. However, it was more prone to scratches than some other styles we evaluated.
One of our testers' favorite bags, it earned high scores for its easy-to-use telescopic handle and maneuverability. There's plenty of packing space inside the bag, which has a butterfly-style opening with two main compartments and additional zippered pockets to store smaller items.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Calpak Luggage
| Dimensions | 21.5" x 14" x 9" |
| Weight | 7.6 lbs |
| Material | Hardside polycarbonate |
Delsey Paris Helium DLX Softside Expandable Luggage
Pros
- Easy-access external pockets
- Removable toiletries pouch included
- Zippered lining is machine washable
Cons
- Wheels aren't as smooth as other picks
A softside carry-on is ideal for someone without much space for storage because it can be compressed down and stowed away more easily than a hardside bag. And because the material is flexible, you're also able to fill it to the brim with everything you need for your getaway. This one from Delsey has a basic design but is still packed full of helpful features to keep everything you need for an international trip organized.
Two external zippered pockets allow for easy access to travel essentials. The bag unzips to one primary packing space with a compression strap, a removable toiletries bag, a zippered mesh pocket and elastic storage in the lid. Plus, the inner lining can be unzipped and machine-washed for convenient cleaning.
While the bag didn't have the smoothest wheels in our tests, online reviewers still said the bag rolls nicely and highlight that it's easy to maneuver through a busy airport. The polyester material may not be as durable as nylon, but the brand's fabric has held up well during our tests for abrasion resistance, and users say the softside suitcase looks great.
| Dimensions | 14.25" x 10" x 23.5" |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs |
| Material | Softside polyester |
Pros
- Durable polycarbonate shell
- Testers were impressed by the smooth wheels
- Plenty of packing space
Cons
- Prominent scuffs in our tests
Sleek and sophisticated, Monos' luggage is perfect for the minimalist traveler who wants a high-performing yet simple style. The carry-on suitcase aced our packing tests, holding our entire standard load for a weekend trip, including clothing, accessories and toiletries, with room to spare. Our at-home testers were equally impressed by the spacious interior and appreciated the adjustable compression panel and zippered mesh pockets inside of the bag.
Made of durable polycarbonate material, the hardshell suitcase performed well in our drop tests and withstood major dents and breakage, but both our experts and testers noted some prominent scuffing with use. The brand does provide a cleaning sponge, which we found was helpful at getting rid of surface-level marks.
Along with proving durable in our evaluations, the suitcase was loved by testers who said the wheels glided across the floor. One tested said that she didn't feel like she was dragging the suitcase behind her; instead, it was rolling alongside her while she moved.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Monos Luggage
| Dimensions | 22" × 14" × 9" |
| Weight | 7.01 lbs |
| Material | Hardside polycarbonate |
Pros
- Made with polycarbonate, a durable material
- Lightest of all suitcase picks
- Online reviewers said wheels are smooth
Cons
- T-bar handle may not be as comfortable as others
The lightest of our traditional suitcase picks, this carry-on from Rimowa, showcasing the brand's iconic grooved shell, is just 4.9 pounds. Made with polycarbonate, a material that has proven strong in our Lab tests, the hardside bag should be able to withstand regular use without dents and damage. Rimowa's luxury bags have repeatedly stood out in our evaluations for their durability and ease of use.
To keep the bag ultra light, the telescopic handle features a slim T-bar design, which in our experience isn't quite as comfortable as a contoured handle, but it does still lock into place at three heights for better maneuverability. A few online reviewers said the wheels "glide effortlessly," with one who described them as "the smoothest wheels ever!"
The bag's streamlined design features a butterfly-style opening that unfolds to two primary packing compartments. Each compartment is covered in a zippered mesh panel for breathable, secure storage, in addition to a zippered pocket to stash small items.
| Dimensions | 21.7" x 15.8" x 9" |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs |
| Material | Hardside polycarbonate |
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Pros
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Held entire packing load in our tests
- Breathable mesh ventilation
Cons
- Water bottle holders may not hold larger bottles
This popular travel backpack from Osprey was the lightest in our evaluations, making it a great pick for a quick day trip or for someone who doesn't want to lug around a bulky bag. Our testers loved the brand's small yet spacious backpacks, highlighting that they're filled with "lots of compartments."
The Daylite Plus is equipped with an open space for larger belongings, a padded laptop sleeve and two external pockets for quick access to essentials, along with two elastic water bottle holders (ideal for smaller bottles). Despite its small size, it fit our entire load in our packing tests.
Testers also liked Osprey's "comfortable, cushioned shoulder straps" made with ventilated mesh for added comfort and breathability. In addition to shoulder straps, there's a sternum strap and a removable waist belt to provide support and aid with weight distribution to prevent shoulder and back pain.
RELATED: Best Travel Backpacks
| Dimensions | 11" x 9.4" x 18.9" |
| Weight | 1.29 lbs |
| Material | Softside polyester |
How we test luggage
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test luggage in our Textiles Lab using specialized equipment and standardized practices. In addition, we share luggage with our consumer testers who try it out for themselves before providing us with real-user feedback. In recent years, we've tested more than 100 pieces of luggage including duffels, carry-ons, checked suitcases, travel backpacks and more.
We've gathered thousands of data points for review to make our selections for the best lightweight luggage. Here's what we consider when we evaluate luggage:
✔️ Size and ease of use: First, we measure and weigh each piece of luggage to be sure that the brand's listed dimensions are accurate and that the bags meet the standard size restrictions set by most airlines. We also assess features, like zippers, handles and locks, and give the bag an overall score for ease of use.
✔️ Packability: We fill each suitcase with a standard load of items (e.g. carry-ons are packed with enough items for a three-day trip) including clothing, accessories and toiletries, and we rate the bags based on the amount of belongings they can hold.
✔️ Durability: To evaluate durability, we place each piece of luggage in our drop tester and release it repeatedly at different angles from a set 3-foot height. We then score the luggage based on how well it resists dents, breakage or general damage.
When we evaluate softside luggage, we place a piece of the material in our abrasion tester, which rubs the material back and forth 15,000 times to simulate long-term use and then visually assess and score the amount of wear.
For hardside suitcases, we perform a scratch test in which an analyst drags a piece of metal along the shell, making note of any scratches or marks.
Along with abrasion resistance and scratch resistance, we test for water resistance by placing water on a bag's zipper and measuring how much liquid seeps through to the inside of the bag.
✔️ Consumer testing: We set up a luggage obstacle course in the Lab for consumer testers, which involves navigating the luggage around twists and turns, raising and lowering the luggage, rolling it over different types of flooring (carpet, tile and wood) and more. Our testers score each piece of luggage they assess and also rate properties like the overall appearance, the sturdiness of the telescopic handle and the maneuverability.
Outside of reviewing luggage in the Textiles Lab, we share luggage with testers who are able to take the bags on their own trips and vacations, and then share feedback about their real-world experiences with the luggage — for example, how well it fits into overhead bins, how it looked coming off of the luggage carousel and whether or not they could fill it with everything they needed for their trip.
What to look for when shopping for the best lightweight luggage
✔️ Wheels: In our evaluations, bags with four 360-degree spinner wheels tend to earn higher marks for maneuverability than those with just two wheels. Suitcases with four wheels can be pushed and pulled forward, backward and side to side, while those with two wheels must be tilted to roll and only move forward and backward.
✔️ Telescopic handle: A sturdy telescopic handle with a nice grip can make a big difference in the overall comfort of your suitcase. If you're able to shop in person, I recommend raising and lowering the handle a few times to ensure it's smooth and locks into place properly. And once you've purchased your suitcase, be careful when opening and closing the telescopic handle because jerking movements can damage it.
✔️ Carrying handles: Suitcases, duffels and backpacks often feature carrying handles along the side of the bags for raising and lowering the bags, like when you're lifting your suitcase into the overhead bin or grabbing it from the trunk of your car. Grab the carrying handles to ensure they're roomy enough and feel comfortable to grip.
✔️ Compartments: Decide whether or not you prefer one large packing space for your belongings or if you'd rather have smaller, separate compartments to organize your things. And look into the total number of internal and external pockets, along with water bottle holders, laptop compartments, shoe compartments and more.
✔️ Zippers: While you're shopping (if you're in person), pull on the zipper tab to open and close the suitcase several times to assess whether the zipper is easy to use or jams easily.
✔️ Charging capabilities: Some suitcases feature a built-in USB port so that you can add a battery to charge your phone and other small electronics while you're on the go. If you opt to purchase a charger and use the USB port, ensure your battery meets restrictions placed by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration.
✔️ Warranties and returns: Luggage brands tend to offer warranties that only cover manufacturing defects, rather than any damage, and these defects can be difficult to prove. Instead of focusing on the warranty, I recommend checking to see if the brand offers a trial period or an any-reason return policy. That way, you can try the bag out without worry before committing, especially if you're shopping online instead of in person.
Which is lighter: hard-sided luggage or soft?
In our years of testing, we've found that there are hard and softside suitcases that are lightweight and hard and softside suitcases that are heavyweight. In other words: No one type of luggage is lighter than the other. Instead, it boils down to details like the design, the material used and the overall construction.
If you prefer hardside suitcases, I recommend avoiding metals like aluminum and instead opting for a suitcase made of ABS plastic or polycarbonate. ABS plastic tends to be the lightest of the hardside materials but isn't quite as sturdy as polycarbonate, which is highly durable yet a little pricier.
For softside suitcases, I suggest going with a polyester pick rather than nylon. Polyester typically weighs less but doesn't perform quite as well as nylon in our tests. However, it is still a durable option overall and is often more affordable than nylon.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. As part of the Textiles Lab, she has tested and researched luggage of all kinds including luggage sets, carry-ons and luggage for international travel. Constantine is also a frequent flyer and combined her relative expertise and personal experience with our Lab's data to choose the best lightweight luggage picks.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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