11 Lightweight Luggage Picks That'll Make Traveling a Zillion Times Easier

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Few things make my stress levels spike quite like luggage weight restrictions. They have a knack for getting under my skin at every stage of my travel journey—whether I'm just setting off on a trip or I'm hauling home a suitcase stuffed with souvenirs and snacks. Simply put, those pesky limits—plus hefty bags slowing me down and digging into my shoulders—used to haunt me on the regular. Which is why I made it my g'damn mission to hunt for the lightest luggage in every category—from backpacks and carry-ons to sizeable checked suitcases.

For me, picking lightweight luggage isn't just a choice—it's the only way to travel. Especially because I've been hit with that dreaded "heavy" bag tag one too many times. The best lightweight luggage should make it challenging to get anywhere close to Delta's 50-pound limit, or even Spirit's tight 40. And to save you hours of research, I spent a whole lotta time curating this guide to the best and lightest luggage from the top brands on the market. Here's a lil peek:

Keep scrolling for 11 of the best lightweight luggage picks for every type of traveler—whether you can fit your entire life into a personal item or are always picking up a slew of bags at luggage claim. Will they change your life? Maybe. But they'll definitely change your travel game.

Hardside Fibertech Carry-On Luggage

I impulse-bought this carry-on a few years back in one of those "I need it now" moments, and it has become my ride-or-die for short trips ever since. (With, like, 50,000 five-star ratings, I should've known it was gonna be worth the hype.) It's feather-light, plus the 360-degree wheels have been a lifesaver when I've had to channel my inner track star to make it to my gate on time.

On the inside, it's a Type A person's dream come true with two zippered compartments, elastic tie-down straps to compress your clothes, and an expansion zipper that's saved me more times than I can even count.

24-Inch Hardside Spinner

This hardside spinner is v popular, holding the number one spot among all of Amazon's carry-on options. It's got all the bells and whistles of a high-end bag, but without the designer price tag.

The spinner wheels glide like a dream, and the interior pockets are a game-changer, even for chaos enthusiasts like moi. Oh, and bonus points for the fact that it's not prone to scratches thanks to the cleverly engineered outer ridging. (Yep, that textured design isn't just for show.)

The Packable Backpack

Need a lightweight backpack? Say👏 less 👏! Away knocked it out of the park with this one—it's so compact that it practically disappears when you're not using it. (Seriously, it folds down into a tiny pouch.) When you do decide to throw it on your back, it's so light you'll barely feel it, promise (unless, you know, you pack it full of sh*t). Plus, it has padded shoulders that make lugging it around as comfy as it is convenient.

Checked Plus Light

Say hi to July! The brand is newer to the scene (it launched in 2018), so it hasn't reached the same level of stardom as luggage leaders like Samsonite and Away...yet! Mark my words, it's on its way.

Let's crunch some numbers for this checked bag: weighing in at a cool 9.2 pounds, it's lighter than most competitors on the market, which usually clock in at well over 10. Plus, its sleek curved design even made my husband do a double-take on our last trip. No wonder it's selling out in so many colors!

Freeform Hardside Expandable

If you're just dipping your toes into the luggage world, let me introduce you to one of the absolute best brands: Samsonite. This lovely white checked bag is a standout from them, IMO. It's fresh and innovative with must-have features like a TSA-approved lock, expandable design, and push-button handle, but it also has those classic touches that you just don't always find these days. Think: High-quality materials (specifically polycarbonate, if you were curious) and a rock-solid 10-year warranty.

Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On Luggage

I really don't need any more luggage, but this soft-sided carry-on is on ya girl's wishlist. I've dug deep into the specs, and let me tell you, it's the ultimate companion for any type of travel, even long-term international getaways. Betcha didn't see that coming for something softside, did you? But shoppers say this baby can really hold its own.

I was actually most convinced when I stumbled upon a review where someone mentioned they didn't even flinch dragging it through cobblestone streets in Europe. That's a testimonial that speaks volumes in my book. If you know, you know.

Chatelet Hardside Carry-On Spinner

I can't even begin to express how much I adore the look of this lightweight carry-on, let alone how chic and sophisticated it makes me feel. The faux leather accents give it a classic vibe that could easily fool someone into thinking it's a vintage find.

But unlike an old suitcase, this one's jam-packed with modern details like a cushy top handle and a convenient USB port. The brand even went above and beyond by treating the inner lining with fancy technology to neutralize any funky odors you might pick up along on your travels (no judgment, obviously).

Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Checked Luggage

Trust me, I've done my homework on lightweight luggage, and this one takes the cake for the largest light pick. It's so big, in fact, that you could probably share it with your fellow travel buddy to streamline your baggage game (I like to do this so I can make someone else carry the suitcase, lol). I'm a big fan of this vibrant pink hue, which is impossible to miss at baggage claim.

Maxlite 5 Softside Lightweight Underseat Carry-On

If you're traveling light (props to you!), this underseat bag (which yes, matches the checked suitcase!) might just become your new bestie. It's Amazon-famous and a staple in my world because it is unbelievably lightweight, plus it features a no-fuss, open-concept interior. You can fill it with a surprising amount of stuff and not wreck your back or shoulder, unlike those heavy book bags from grade school 🙃.

Essential Lite Cabin U

Whether you've been a Rimowa fan for life (slay!) or you just discovered the brand thanks to its Emily in Paris debut, it's time to file this baby away in your brilliant brain. The brand's Essential Lite Cabin U isn't just an investment, it's THE investment luggage piece. At 4.4 pounds (!), it's the lightest option on our list (probably even lighter than your work laptop), not to mention it looks chic as hell and is made with high-quality polycarbonate.

Out Of Bounds Luggage, Three-Piece Set

The beauty of snagging a lightweight luggage set? You'll be ready for any type of journey, be it a speedy weekend getaway or a globetrotting adventure. All three bags in this collection weigh in at under 10 pounds, so no matter which one you grab, you're golden. And don't worry if you don't need a set of three—there's also a two-pack or single options available in a range of sizes for every traveler.

What luggage is the lightest in weight?

While this is a super valid question, it's not the easiest to answer. That's because "luggage" is a broad category of bags. But fear not! That's precisely why I curated this comprehensive list of different options, from underseat rollers to checked suitcases.

So here it goes: The lightest luggage I found is the Away travel backpack, weighing only 0.5 pounds. I know a backpack might not be your go-to for all trips, so I also found a carry-on that measures in at just 4.41 lbs, and a massive checked bag, perfect for sharing with your travel buddy, weighing in at 8.5 lbs. In my book, lightweight luggage that's high-quality, packed with features, and weighs under 10 pounds is a win. And finding something under five? That's rare but, honestly, magical.

Why trust Cosmo?

As you probably know, Cosmo's lifestyle team spends all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews so we can bring you the type of high-quality content we'd want for ourselves (and our standards are preeeetty darn high, TBH).

It's also really important to us that each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge, and we try to make sure the products we feature are good for both you and our planet. If we wouldn't buy something for ourselves, we sure as heck won't recommend it to you—and we're always gonna keep it really, really real. Pinky swear.

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