Choosing lightweight luggage can be challenging. And as a frequent flier, I know how important traveling with a good suitcase is, and how hard it is to come by.
It’s not just about choosing the the cheapest or most stylish option. When purchasing a lightweight suitcase, you’ll want to consider a few things like durability, style, materials, warranty, smart features, packing capacity, and organization structure.
I spent years traveling with flimsy lightweight luggage before ever finding a suitcase that was not only functional but durable as well. Now, having circled the globe dozens of times, I’ve learned a thing or two about what to look for in lightweight luggage.
No matter what you’re looking for, this curated list of the best lightweight luggage should help you find it. Before narrowing it down to a specific bag, be clear about what you’ll be using it for. Each bag is purpose-built and provides unique features. So, as with life, make sure you know what you want first.
What to Look for in Lightweight Suitcases
While every feature of a suitcase has varying importance to different people, having a lightweight bag is a pretty universal need for travelers. Ensuring your luggage is lightweight means less of a struggle getting to and from your trips, and with airlines’ weight limits, increases the amount of items you can stuff in your luggage.
Although we are primarily focused on features that affect weight, there are other features that we encourage you to look out for, as well. Here are some things to keep in mind when searching for your ideal suitcase:
Weight
Purchasing the lightest weight luggage is important as it gives you the most packing space. Most lightweight luggage options are expandable, which can give you that additional space for last-minute items or ones you acquire on your trip.
I suggest considering lightweight luggage for international travel, as not all airlines are as generous in accommodating heavier baggage allowance. The lighter your luggage is, the more essentials you can pack with you in the cabin and the more likely you are to avoid excess baggage fees.
Lightweight bags are also much easier to lift, which makes it a selling point for those who want an easier experience getting their luggage into the overhead compartment, or transporting it places.
Want in on a little-known secret? Wheels are the hidden weight sink of luggage. Ensure that the wheels are constructed out of lightweight materials that roll smoothly. Spinner wheels made out of polyurethane and lightweight bearings are the optimum choice for those looking to cut weight.
Hard vs. Soft Luggage
Not sure whether to choose hard or soft luggage? Generally, hard side luggage weighs more due to the materials used for that more rigid and solid exterior. But this shell makes damaging the bag much more difficult, thus protecting your valuables inside. Its hard exterior also makes it less prone to theft, as it’s difficult to cut or slit open.
Also, hard side luggage is known to be extremely weather-resistant. This protects your valuables from wind, sunshine and moisture.
Lastly, hard side luggage is much easier to clean –– all you need to do is wipe the surface and you’re done! Soft luggage, on the other hand, absorbs water and is more prone to retaining smells and stains.
Made with flexible and softer materials, soft side luggage is best when you’re packing for more than what you’ve planned for. It’s much easier to stuff things inside your soft side luggage, and they often have handy external pockets. This allows you to store last-minute items such as toiletries or jackets.
Its soft exterior also comes in handy when you want to squeeze it in the overhead compartment, luggage racks, or buses. While soft side luggage may not be as “hardy” as its counterpart, it’s often more than capable of withstanding your typical airport and transport conditions.
Price
As the primary concern for many, the price of a piece of luggage is very important. In this article, we’ll offer luggage options with a range of price points, but in general we recommend frequent travelers think of their luggage as an investment.
A higher price tag often means features like durability, tracking services, and warranties. When you travel a lot, you want luggage that is reliable. Avoiding the inconvenience of buying another one or sending it in for repairs all the time is a huge relief for any traveler.
Build Quality and Design
The amount of interior packing space is one of the biggest things to consider when purchasing luggage. Ensure that the frame does not eat into the interior area of the luggage and that there are no unnecessary bulges that reduce packing space.
Similarly, look for frames that are made out of light yet rigid materials. We are talking aluminum, graphite or fiberglass. Cheaper materials like steel or iron will often add a lot of weight to the overall body of the luggage.
Extra compartments, elastic cross straps, separators, and pockets is another thing to consider. These features can help compress your packed items and keep them organized. Expandability is also a great way for you to increase your storage capacity without adding on extra weight.
Materials
The lightest luggage is built out of fabric like nylon or materials like polycarbonate. These materials, although lightweight, provide a great deal of durability.
Some manufacturers may try to lower the overall weight of luggage by using cheaper, lighter materials. Having light luggage shouldn’t come at the cost of its durability, and manufacturers have plenty of options that offer durability at a low weight. This is why this list only includes luggage made of material I know will last you.
Warranty
Always buy luggage that comes with a warranty. Search for brands with extensive warranties covering a wide range of issues and damages.
The length of the warranty is also a key element to look out for. A comprehensive warranty shows that the luggage company is confident that its product will last you a long time.
Sizing
You need to consider the type of traveling you will be doing to get the right lightweight bag. If you’re typically just going on weekend trips, you will likely benefit from a carry-on size bag. Instead of blowing that money on heavier, larger-than-you-need luggage, invest in size-appropriate luggage that is built with lighter and stronger materials.
For longer, more intensive trips, consider investing in a full-size bag or luggage set.
Lightweight Luggage FAQs
Here are some of the common questions people ask when searching for the best lightweight suitcases, and my answers to them.
Final Thoughts on Lightweight Bags
With many airlines charging increasingly exorbitant prices for overweight bags, it’s become a necessity to travel light. Thankfully, with so many lightweight options available, you’re able to choose one that is resilient enough to withstand wear and tear while not adding extra pounds to your bag.
We hope that our guide has helped you figure out what kind of luggage suits you best. Do remember to do research before making any purchases, and check for any product warranty just in case!