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Don’t worry, your bag doesn’t need to be as small as in this image to be light ;-), but we have not compromised on the weight! When we picked which luggage to review, we had to decide what lightweight means for us.
We decided that the best lightweight carry on luggage weighs under 5 lbs. Some of them may even be considered to be ultra light carry on bags!
Some manufacturers call rollaboard luggage light even when it weighs 7 or 8 lbs. We don’t agree with that. The weight limits used by some airlines are as low as 11 lbs., and 15 lbs. are common. If your carry-on bag weighs 8 lbs. in itself you’ve already used up half or more of what you’re allowed to take with you onboard.
Enjoy our pick, we hope you will find your favorite companion for your future trips! We have not gone for the cheapest here, but for the best!
(But we have actually inluded one budget alternative too!)Read on, or use the table of contents to take you directly to the most interesting part.
Hartmann 7R Hardside Luggage with Double Spinner Wheels
- Body Size: 21.65″ x 15.75″ x 8.7″ (wheels not included)
- Weight: 5.1 lbs
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Unique design with irregular rib details
- Virgin aluminum, dual tube pull handle
- Leather carry handles
- Superior, double spinner wheels
- 21.7x15.8x9
In a hurry? Go check out the Hartmann 7R Carry-On Spinner on Amazon right away!
We like this Hartmann carry-on a lot because of its outstanding design and features. These make this lightweight carry-on luggage as beautiful as it is functional.
The shell is extremely durable and lightweight. This is due to the new and innovative composite material called Curv®. This material is light and scratch resistant as well as impact resistant.
Curv® is a self-reinforcing polypropylene structure. To make it into the marvellous material it is, several layers of the polypropylene are put on top of each other and then heat compressed which makes them partially melt together. Chemical engineering at work for travelers around the world!
It’s amazingly beautiful as well, considering it’s made of woven polypropylene. The fact that it’s metallized probably accounts for some of the beauty.
The case is trimmed with leather details (not fake!), which certainly adds to the stylish impression.
Available colors are black with black trimmings, titanium with natural trimmings, or rose gold with tan trimmings. Which is your favorite?
The wheels are double shock-absorbing spring wire steel wheels with a transparent core. They obviously don’t make much of a contribution to the weight, and are super-durable.
The dual tube trolley handle is made of aluminum, a very strong material that will not break when you run to the gate. The leather handle lies comfortably in your hand. It retracts all the way down and will not be in the way when you store the bag in the overhead compartment. It also locks in place when pulled out and when pushed back into the bag.
Have you ever ran through heavy rain with your (hopefully) lightweight carry on luggage in tow, worrying about whether the splash from the passing car just soaked your underwear? If you buy this bag that is a worry you can forget, since the strong zipper is water-resistant and will keep your clothes dry and nice inside.
There are many additional features. An integrated and recessed TSA combination lock keeps your belongings safe (and customs happy). There are two soft leather-wrapped carry handles, one on top and one on the side, for when you have to carry your bag up the flight stairs. A removable leather ID-tag is included as well.
Inside is a well-spaced and divided interior with textile lining, complete with cross straps to hold your clothes where you want them. There are mesh dividers and two zippered pockets as well as a removabledivider/garment sleeve for organizing your packing.
Fun facts: 7R stands for the gene (DRD4-7R) in the human genome that is said to control our lust for adventures and taking risks. Presumably, 20% of the world’s total population have the gene, and these people are the ones who explore new territory and try out new ideas. Of course they need light carry on luggage on their quest!
Conclusion
It’s obvious this is very durable and lightweight carry-on luggage of highest quality. Are there any cons then? For credibility’s sake, we somewhat wish there were, but we have to admit: we love this carry-on with all our heart!
The only 1 star rating on Amazon is about the buyer not understanding the TSA-lock and having a hard time talking to customer support. Another reviewer considered the bag being too small. Well, what can we say, it is after all a carry-on.
And! This awesome bag is actually available as a large or extra-large checked suitcase as well! You can have two or even three pieces of matching carry-on and checked beautiful and durable Hartmann luggage. Hard to resist, right?
Samsonite Black Label Cosmolite 3.0 20 Inch Spinner
- Overall Size: 21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″
- Weight: 3.7 lbs
- Warranty: Limited 10 Year Global Warranty
- 20.2 x 15 x 7.9 inches weighing 4.1 pounds
- Comfortable and silent smooth rolling spinner wheels with color matching wheel housings
- Split 50/50 opening
- Fully lined interior
- Tie down straps
If you like you can go directly to Amazon and check price and availability for the Samsonite Black Label Cosmolite 3.0 20 Inch Spinner.
This Black Label Cosmolite 3.0 is the new and revised edition of the popular and well reviewed bag from Samsonite. It’s now even lighter than the previous version, and weighs in at only3.7 lbs which we think is incredible! This bag truly fits into the category of best lightweight carry on luggage.
Like the Hartmann 7R above this is also made form the innovative and very light material Curv®. Other components of the bag have been developed with the latest technologies to reduce the weight of the bag even further.
Let’s have a quick look at what you get with the Cosmolite 3.0:
- Integrated TSA-lock for your security and for pleasing customs
- Monotube fully retractable trolley handle
- Comfortable top and side carry handles
- Four smooth rolling single spinner wheels
- Split 50/50 opening
- Fully lined interior
- Cross straps are set low to hold your clothes firmly in place
- Divider with zipper and an extra zippered pocket for easy packing organization
- Built-in ID-tag
Conclusion
It’s easy to recommend the Samsonite Black Label Cosmolite 3.0 Carry-on Spinner. It’s well designed, beautiful, extremely light, and has a good reputation and happy reviews online.
We haven’t really been able to find anything negative about it. The only negative statement we’ve seen is a from a buyer who had to return it because the wheels vibrated so badly. Some kind of manufacturing mishap we believe. The buyer still gave 3 stars out of 5.
We firmly believe it fits into the category of best lightweight carry on luggage.
Eagle Creek Expanse Wheeled Duffel International Carry On
- Body Size: 13.75″ x 21.5″ x 8.5″
- Weight: 5.4 lbs
- Warranty: No Matter What
- INTERNATIONAL CARRY ON COMPLIANT - The Expanse wheeled duffel offers efficient organization and packing capacity for a carry-on suitcase;Bag dimensions: 13.75 x 21.5 x 8.5 in | 5 lbs 6 oz
- TRAVEL TECH ORGANIZATION - Suitcase comes with padded sleeves for your tablet and laptop, your items will fit and remain easily accessible on and off the plane
- MADE FOR ADVENTURE - Product features abrasion-resistant materials to help block scuffs and stains in high wear areas; long-lasting luggage
- PEACE OF MIND - Whether you’re in an urban jungle or rural countryside, the Central Lock Point with Secure Zip Toggles protects your valuables from others getting into your bag
- NO MATTER WHAT WARRANTY - Eagle Creek's Lifetime Warranty, plus the added insurance of repair or replacement due to product failure during the product lifetime, regardless of the cause
Time for a softsider! And not just any ol’ one, but a sturdy and one-of-a-kind bag from well-renowned Eagle Creek, the Expanse Wheeled Duffel International Carry On.
But can a softsider really be the type of lightweight carry on luggage we want it to be?
Admittedly, at 5.4 lbs this one creeps a tiny bit above our weight limit of around 5 lbs. But given the extraordinary quality of this still light carry-on we decided to allow it.
The durability of the Expanse Wheeled Duffel Carry On can not be emphasized enough. As for the fabric we cannot refrain from quoting Eagle Creek themselves: “The durable scuff resistant fabric can withstand decades of abuse“.
Watch the video below for a quick briefing of all the awesome features of this bag. Or, check out our listing of all the features below it.
Check out the awesome Eagle Creek Expanse Wheeled Duffel International Carry On at Amazon!
- Made of 420D Two-Tone Poly, 300D Diamond Ripstop Poly, 500D Oxford Poly fabric: abrasion resistant and waterproof with protective coating blocking scuff marks and stains.
- Sturdy #10 self-repairing lockable zipper,only you get in!
- Integrated mesh ID tag pocket on back.
- Large padded sleeve in door panel, fits 17″ laptop.
- Cross straps to easily compress and keep your clothes from getting wrinkled.
- Grab handles on three sides, makes it real easy to lift into overhead bin.
- Two inline wheels, which we much prefer for durability‘s sake!
- Wheels are treaded and well protected in heavy-duty over-sized wheel house.
- Bumper plate protects corners.
- Outside compression straps, also serves as lash points
- Trolley handle extends 42″.
- Available in 4 colors: Black, Stone Grey, Twilight Blue and Volcano Red.
Pro tip! Combine your lightweight carry on luggage from Eagle Creek with packing cubes for maximum organization!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for lightweight carry-on luggage and prefer a softside with supreme durability, this is the one you want. It has a simple yet functionable design.
The No Matter What warranty also makes this an easy choice. Eagle Creek promises to repair or replace your product during it entire lifetime, no matter what the cause of the failure is. Wow. They must have extreme confidence in their products!
If we have to wish for something, that would perhaps be an easily accessible outer front pocket. But, if you make sure to put the things you want that easy access to at the very top of the bag that’s just as good. You can even reach down for your laptop that way!
We have no reservations when recommending the Eagle Creek Expanse Wheeled Duffel International Carry On!
IT Luggage 22″ World’s Lightest 8 Wheel Spinner
- Body Size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
- Weight: 4.07 lbs
- Warranty: 10 Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Exterior Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, interior Dimensions: 18.7 x 13 x 9 inches, weight: 4.07lbs
- 8 wheels for 360 degree maneuverability
- Fiberglass frame provides a lightweight yet durable structure
- The exterior features 2 zip pockets, while the interior features 1 large zip mesh pocket and 2 tie-down straps
- 9x14x22
We could hardly exclude the world’s lightest luggage in an article about best lightweight carry on luggage, now could we? Of course not.
So, let us present the softsider IT Luggage 22″ World’s Lightest 8 Wheel Spinner!
We believe this to be the best budget lightweight carry on luggage.
Check out the video or read about the key features below.
Please be aware that the case in the video has two wheels. However, the design is in all valid aspects the same as that of the 8 wheel spinner presented here.
Like what you saw? Then head directly to Amazon to check out the IT World’s Lightest Los Angeles 2 Wheel Carry On!
Key features:
- Fiberglass frame, provides a lightweight structure.
- Trolley handle is non-locking and as wide as the bag, with a soft grip handle.
- Top and side handles for carrying.
- Four double spinner wheels.
- Two outside front pockets with zippers.
- Flat packing space inside, easy packing!
- Two tie-down straps for keeping your clothes in plac.e
- Large mesh pocket in lid with .
- Fully lined interior.
Conclusion
The World’s Lightest Luggage is extremely well reviewed and popular. It scores 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, which is amazing.
The few negative reviews are about the trolley handle being too short, and the width of it making it difficult to roll the bag in a straight line.
The zippers have also gotten some criticism about being hard to work. Some have also had the unfortunate experience of the zippers breaking and their warranty requests being ignored.
So, all in all, do we recommend the bag? With all the positive reviews in mind, we do think this is a great budget alternative.
As always, you get what you pay for. Valid also when it comes to lightweight carry-on luggage.
DELSEY Paris Luggage Turenne Hardside Spinner
- Overall Size: 21. 75″ X 13. 75″ X 9. 75″
- Weight: 4.7 lbs
- Warranty: Limited 10-Year Warranty
- Our lightest hardside luggage ever; made from extremely durable 100% virgin polycarbonate
- Four spinner wheels assuring a stable base and multi-directional rolling with zero weight on your hand for easy travel
- Fully lined interior has two packing compartments with two zipped dividers to minimize shifting of items; Two soft-touch packing bags for shoes and laundry included
- Recessed 3-dial TSA approved combination lock for security;
- Patented SECURITECH zip proven to be 3 times more resistant than a standard zipper; 21 inch carry on size is perfect for weekend getaways and short business trips
We’re actually amazed by how many examples of hardsided lightweight carry-on luggage there are on the market. This one is from popular Delsey Paris. And yes, it does come from France, the land of great wine and baguettes!
This piece of lightweight carry-on luggage is in the medium price-range, and well worth the money. Let’s look at its features and see if it’s what you need!
Watch the video or look directly at our list below it.
DELSEY Paris Luggage Turenne Hardside Spinner is available on Amazon!
- Made of virgin polycarbonate, providing a lightweight and durable shell.
- TSA-approved lock for zipper pulls.
- Telescoping handle with two locking heights.
- Four 360° doublöe spinner wheels.
- Fuly lined interior.
- Zippered mesh dividers form two separate packing spaces.
- Shoe and laundry bags are included.
- Unique identification and tracking code for each bag.
- Equipped with Zip SECURITECH 2™, almost impossible to penetrate with a sharp object.
Conclusion
Beautiful and lightweight carry on. Very well reviewed all over the place (aka as the internet!). The only objection we’ve encountered is that there are no interior pockets, apart from the shoe and laundry bags. That’s easily solved though through using packing cells!
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