Lightweight Luggage for International Travel
Finalizing itineraries.
Charging phone, camera, and video equipment.
Acquiring local currency.
Confirming transportation.
Preoccupation with these tasks and more is why many travelers adopt a “stuff and huff” attitude toward packing. Stuff everything hastily into your suitcase, and huff everywhere you drag your behemoth luggage.
Many travelers develop a packing list with little consideration for whether their luggage is appropriate. However, tailoring your packing list around the best lightweight luggage available often guarantees a smoother and less demanding trip.
From the packable carry on to the hardside spinner, here are our picks for the 5 best lightweight luggage pieces!
The Best Lightweight Luggage 2019
Whether you're looking for lightweight checked luggage for your next trip to Europe or light carry on suitcases for a quick business trip, we've got you covered. Here are our favorites:
Keep reading for individual reviews on each product!
1. Foldable Travel Backpack
Bago's lightweight foldable backpack is among lightest carry on luggage for its size, versatility, and durability.
The backpack is completely waterproof and comes with the full suite of main, mesh, zippered, and side compartments – even more than you would expect from a traditional backpack!
Best of all, the bago bag can collapse into a zippered compartment no larger than a novel (and much lighter!). This feature is perfect for both economical packing and overflow space in case your checked luggage is overweight!
Bago Foldable Travel Backpack
Available on Amazon for under $25
See all 7 colors and more reviews here
2. Samsonite Hardside Luggage
The Winfield 2 hardside luggage from Samsonite features spinner wheels, a frame, and a telescopic handle which have all been redesigned to minimize weight while maintaining performance.
Combining these custom efforts with more traditional Samsonite features – including impressive size, multi-directional spinner wheels, side-mounted TSA locks, and a brushed exterior – makes the Winfield 2 a premium choice for the best lightweight luggage for international travel.
Lightweight Checked Luggage (24″)
Available on Amazon for under $125
See all 10 colors and more reviews here
3. Gonex Packable Travel Duffle Bag
Though more malleable than hardside suitcases, traditional duffle bags still lack the frame and compressibility needed from the best lightweight luggage.
Fortunately, the Gonex packable travel bag pairs efficient packing with duffle bag volume. Despite holding 60 liters, the empty Gonex only weighs 1.2 pounds and folds into a bag smaller than an iPad case!
The impressive range between the bag’s storage size and total volume makes the Gonex perfect as everything from an overnight bag to carry on luggage!
Lightweight Travel Duffel Bag
Available on Amazon for under $25
See all 12 colors and more reviews here
4. AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage
Being the best lightweight luggage doesn’t always mean collapsing into a pouch smaller than your palm. In fact, the AmazonBasics hardside spinner luggage proves that quality materials and intelligent design are ingredients sufficient to create the best lightweight spinner luggage.
Crafted with ABS thermoplastic and coated with a scratch-resistant finish, the AmazonBasics spinner offers durability without unnecessary weight. Inside, the suitcase provides several small and large zippered compartments that aid organization and discourage over-packing.
Lightweight Carry On Luggage (20″)
Available on Amazon for under $60
See all 7 colors and more reviews here
5. Kenneth Cole Lightweight Checked Luggage
While the majority of lightweight luggage is carry on, the best lightweight checked luggage is essential in avoiding punishing overweight bag fees.
Fortunately, the Out of Bounds lightweight checked luggage from Kenneth Cole Reaction features a nimble frame intentionally designed with airport weight restrictions in mind.
By combining ultra-light polyester interior fabric, an ABS-coated hard-shell exterior, and best-in-class wheels, moldings, and finishing touches, the Kenneth Cole lightweight suitcase seamlessly blends durability with style!
Lightweight Checked Suitcase (28″)
Available on Amazon for under $125
See all 10 colors and more reviews here
6. Delsey Carry-On Spinner
Delsey is a high quality French luggage brand that offers a 10 year worldwide warranty. They stand behind their products and recently introduced their lightest hardside suitcase yet, at a miraculous 4.8 pounds!
The carry on comes with a 100% polycarbonate shell that resists cracks and breaks. I especially like the metallic finish, which looks sleek, shiny and much more expensive than it actually costs! Inside, two packing bags for shoes and laundry are included, which is a nice touch.
Of all the carry on luggage pieces listed here, Delsey luggage has the best wheels for easy mobility. Other positives: the shell is expandable (rare for a hard case) and comes with a TSA approved lock.
I've been a huge fan of Delsey for so long that the brand generously gave me a discount code to share with you all! Enter SHERSHEGOES at checkout for an extra 25% off here.
Delsey Hard Luggage
Sold on Amazon, Delsey, Macys & Bloomingdales
What lightweight gear do you swear by for travel?
Read More in my travel packing checklist series:
Best Travel Luggage
The Best Carry on Luggage for 2021
The Best Packing Cubes for a Perfectly Organized Bag
The Best Lightweight Luggage for Overpackers
The Best Hard Luggage Sets for Stylish Travelers
The Best Underseat Luggage for Minimalists
The Best Carry On Bags for Men - Rugged + Durable!
Business Travel
The Essential Business Packing List
The Best Business Travel Luggage
The Best Laptop Cases for Working Women
The Best Laptop Bags for Men
Packing Hacks
The Best Travel Wallets for All Your Vacation Essentials
The Best Jewelry Cases Never Untangle a Necklace Again!
The Best Toiletry Bags to Clean Up Quick
Travel Packing Lists
The Best Travel Jackets for All Types of Weather
The Best Duffel Bags for Your Next Weekend Trip
The Best Travel Backpacks to Hold Everything You Need
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