When you’re searching for the best lightweight checked luggage for domestic or international travel then, you’ve come to the right spot because this article guides you through what you need to learn when you purchase lightweight checked luggage. If you choose the best lightweight checked luggage, you want to make sure you choose the practical one while also being functional enough that it is lightweight and capable of handling anything you need for your journey. You also need to weigh your choice for size, soft or hard, and whether practicality or design is your focus.
A high-quality lightweight checked luggage is a must when you’re flying for longer stretches of time and carry-on bags are not cutting it. Some checked bags provide loads of pockets to hold you organized, whilst some have large main compartments to fill all your gear– just bear in mind that airlines have various weight restrictions. For both hard and soft shell cases, checked baggage comes along, and several ones even have TSA-friendly locking mechanisms to hold items secure.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 7 hrs of research
Travelpro Maxlite 5 – Softside Lightweight Expandable Upright Luggage – Best Value
Why is it better?
- A zippered area for putting dress shirts inside the top cover portion
- Quick grab area for passports and wallet
- Super lightweight and sturdy
- The zippers all have nice pulls and are easily accessible
Samsonite Neopulse Lightweight Luggage – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- It seems flimsy due to the material, but it’s actually very strong
- The clam shell design makes accessing the contents easier
- The zippered compartments on each side keep things organized
- The spinner wheels work very well everywhere
Best Lightweight Checked Luggage – Overview
The most durable lightweight checked luggage can help avoid small accidents that typically arise during vacations by getting the best lightweight checked luggage or suitcase. And you’ll still be likely to stop certain inconveniences with the correct kind of luggage, such as annoying overweight baggage fees. If you’re searching for a decent suitcase to fit all of your personal items that you need to carry along with you on your journey, it’s a smart choice to choose a hard-sided luggage. It proves to be more necessary and beneficial at your end because not only is the luggage you select solid, robust, and reliable but also lightweight.
Lightweight Checked Luggage Reviews
1. Travelpro Maxlite 5 – Softside Lightweight Expandable Upright Luggage – Best Value
The durable, Travelpro Maxlite 5 – Softside Lightweight Expandable Upright Luggage features the same convenient interior styling as our carry-on sized rollaboard in a checked baggage size designed to accommodate medium-length and longer trips.
Quick-access exterior front pocket, full-length interior lid pocket, side accessory pocket, adjustable hold-down straps, and high-tensile-strength expandable zipper offer convenience and flexibility, while the 2-position adjustable PowerScope Lite handles and high-performance ball-bearing wheels ensure a turbulent-free glide. Make sure you also check our selection of the best luggage sets for international travel.
Key Features:
- Polyester fabric with duraguard coating
- Ball bearing wheels
- Expands up to 2 inches
- Top, side, and bottom carry handles
Specifications:
- Brand: Travelpro
- Capacity: 100L
- Dimensions: 26″ H x 18.5″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 7.08 lbs
- A zippered area for putting dress shirts inside the top cover portion
- Quick grab area for passports and wallet
- Super lightweight and sturdy
- The zippers all have nice pulls and are easily accessible
- Although the wheels are sturdy and roll smoothly, they are not spinner-type wheels
2. DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Lightweight Luggage
Quality and convenience in a sleek design, this DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Lightweight Luggage is constructed of 100% Polycarbonate and is made to resist impact. Includes a 21″ carry-on and 25″ checked suitcase. Soft-touch handles and a scratch-resistant metallic finish is the perfect touches to this suitcase with two packing compartments with a zippered divider to conveniently pack your belongings.
Aero combines style, quality, and convenience in an eye-catching design for travelers to look sharp during their trip. This rolling luggage features two full packing compartments for convenient packing and features soft-touch handles perfect for lifting a fully packed case. Double spinner wheels assure smooth and multidirectional mobility. Love spinners? Check out our review of the best spinner luggage for our top picks.
Key Features:
- Four twin spinner wheels
- Recessed “one-button” locking handle system
- Fully lined interior with two compartments
- Integrated 3-dial tsa-accepted combination lock
Specifications:
- Brand: DELSEY Paris
- Dimensions: 25″ H x 17.5″ W x 11.5″ D
- Weight: 10.2 lbs
- No worries about losing a separate lock due to the included TSA friendly lock
- Fits more than you would think
- The handle has 2 adjustable heights
- Polycarbonate construction is very solid
- Only one big compartment (no accessory pockets on the outside like soft spinners)
3. Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside CX Expandable Lightweight Luggage
The Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside CX Expandable Lightweight Luggage is made with 1680D ballistic nylon outer fabric. The bag expands 2.5 inches for up to 25% more packing space; Pack for an extra day or two and compress down to carry-on size; Includes garment carrier, wide garment compression straps to securing contents, preventing wrinkles.
Features include high-grade rubber spinner wheels, aircraft-grade aluminum telescoping, outsider handle with 4 stop heights, strong hybrid fiberglass frame, reinforced corner guards, self-repairing YKK zippers. Lockable double zipper pulls keep contents secure, TSA-friendly lock allows agents to inspect your bag without damage to lock. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best garment bags for travel.
Key Features:
- Bag expands 2.5 inches for up to 25% more packing space
- 1680D ballistic nylon outer fabric
- Outsider handle with 4 stop heights
- Self-repairing YKK zippers
Specifications:
- Brand: Briggs & Riley
- Capacity: 83L
- Dimensions: 28″ H x 20″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 11.9 lbs
- Opens and closes easily
- Wheels roll easily and turn easily
- The compression technology is amazing
- Tthe zippers and other materials are clearly high quality
- The front wheels are smaller than the rear
4. Timbuk2 Quest Duffel
If you like to carry a duffel but don’t want to carry a duffel, this is the duffel for you. It duffels. It rolls. But its handle and wheels are so well disguised no one has to know you can or will roll. The Timbuk2 Quest Duffel is streamlined & ultra-modern, yet wise beyond its years. You have to be tough to survive the modern airport and the Quest gets it done. Lightly pack it for a weekend or stuff it for a summer, Quest is ready to roll.
Multiple external pockets sized to fit all your travel accessories, large floating pocket for shoes or toiletries, internal mesh wall pocket helps keep things in place. This luggage roller features a double-pole handle system, hidden handle for easy use as roller, smooth-rolling wheels for easy pulling over any surface, and reinforced grab handles on all sides for an easy heave-ho.
Key Features:
- Large floating pocket for shoes or toiletries
- Reinforced grab handles on all sides
- Internal mesh wall pocket
- Smooth-rolling wheels
Specifications:
- Brand: Timbuk2
- Capacity: 66L
- Dimensions: 27.6″ H x 13.8″ W x 13.8″ D
- Weight: 6.2 lbs
- The zippers are strong
- The wheels are high quality, able to take weight and do not crack under strain
- The interior is deceptively large
- The separate large pockets are perfect
- A bit expensive
5. American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage
The American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage features a sleek hardside exterior, various interior features, and an Instagram-worthy color palette. Travel in style, without compromising on product quality or convenient features. Wider pull handle combines to provide an exceptionally comfortable grip. Integrated, multi-stage aluminum pull handle for extra lightness. Retracting top and side carry-handles remain protected when checking baggage.
Cases expand for added packing capacity. Large front panel interior pocket for added packing organization. Deep main compartment with mesh modesty pocket for personal items. Compression straps keep clothing neatly packed while traveling. This lightweight line offers heavyweight protection riding on effortless 360 degree Spinner Wheels.
Key Features:
- Multi-stage ergonomic trolley handle
- Push-button handles
- 360 spinner wheels
- Book opening case
Specifications:
- Brand: American Tourister
- Dimensions: 31″ H x 19.8″ W x 12.6″ D
- Weight: 8.7 lbs
- It rolls very nicely
- Much lighter than expected
- Easy to carry
- Seems very sturdy
- The wheels are not the highest quality but hold up very well
6. Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller
The Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller is an ultra-light rolling clamshell suitcase with sleek styling. The clamshell construction makes for easy packing and organizing and internal mesh divider keeps items separate and organized. The expandable top compartment is perfect for quarantining shoes and toiletries.
This luggage roller features a double-pole handle system, bike-inspired comfort roller handle system, padded front zippered pocket compatible with up to 13″ laptop or tablet, and integrated ID window for fast, clear identification.
Key Features:
- Integrated ID window
- Internal mesh divider
- Reinforced grab handles
- Clamshell construction
Specifications:
- Brand: Timbuk2
- Dimensions: 28.7″ H x 14.6″ W x 13.8″ D
- Weight: 8.82 lbs
- Solid construction
- Wheels are super smooth and don’t make any noise
- The clamshell design makes organization easy and access to your gear convenient
- The carry handle on each side really helps all the time
- Handle operation isn’t terribly smooth
7. Victorinox Werks Traveler 5.0 WT Softside Spinner Luggage
Victorinox Werks Traveler 5.0 WT Softside Spinner Luggage has been strategically engineered to weigh less, offer great capacity, and provide more packing options as a result of the intelligent Pack More System. Inspired by the ingenuity and multi-functionality of the Original Swiss Army Knife, the Pack More System includes five different packing solutions. Pack it your way and travel with more the things that are important to you.
Multiple packing solutions including the Pack More Divider, x-shaped compression straps, zippered expansion, removable suiter, and attach-a-bag strap. U-shaped front pocket contains a divider for stashing your laptop or reading materials. Durable dual-caster spinner wheels deliver a smooth, stable, quiet roll and provide 360-degree movement with zero weight-in-hand.
Key Features:
- One-touch, dual-trolley aluminum handle system
- Dual-casters
- Versatile front pocket
- Removable suiter
Specifications:
- Brand: Victorinox
- Capacity: 45L
- Dimensions: 24″ H x 14.96″ W x 9.45″ D
- Weight: 6.7 lbs
- The inside is well thought-out and the suiter is minimal in stature
- Lightweight, the wheels are incredibly low friction
- The interior has loads of pockets and packing tools
- A special grippy rubber lines the zippers and handles of this bag
- The handle does feel a little loose
8. Samsonite Neopulse Lightweight Luggage – Premium Pick
Samsonite Neopulse Lightweight Luggage redefines the benchmark for lightweight polycarbonate luggage. This gorgeous collection offers the perfect combination of lightness and strength thanks to its innovative, self-reinforcing design. Functional, fully-lined interior features elastic cross-straps and divider panel to keep clothing neatly pressed in transit, Flat top and side carry handles to maximize baggage allowances.
Four, multi-directional dual spinner wheels provide 360 degrees, easy-pivot mobility. Rolls upright so there is no weight on your arm or shoulder, The ribbed-shell finish reduces the visibility of scratches caused by challenging trips. With a built-in combination lock, the Samsonite cases are good to go no matter where you are. Our guide to the best Samsonite luggage offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Elastic cross-straps
- Divider panel to keep clothing neatly pressed in transit
- Flat top and side carry-handles
- Integrated 3-digit TSA lock for additional peace of mind
Specifications:
- Brand: Samsonite
- Dimensions: 28″ H x 19″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
- It seems flimsy due to the material, but it’s actually very strong
- The clam shell design makes accessing the contents easier
- The zippered compartments on each side keep things organized
- The spinner wheels work very well everywhere
- Scratches easily
9. Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds Lightweight Checked Luggage
Travel comfortably with this dependable Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds Lightweight Checked Luggage. Loaded with amazing features including a spacious fully lined interior, molded corner guard reinforcements for maximum impact resistance, and a large U-shaped zipper pocket that allows for double-sided packing.
Also features multi-directional 4-wheel spinners that allow for smooth 360-degree rotation over any terrain allowing you to get where you’re going faster. A must-have designer checked luggage piece for travelers and professionals who value both style and function.
Key Features:
- Protective durable hard shell
- Retractable telescopic trolley handle
- Self-repairing zippers
- Top and side handles
- 4-wheel spinners for 360-degree movement
Specifications:
- Brand: Kenneth Cole Reaction
- Dimensions: 28″ H x 19″ W x 10.25″ D
- Weight: 9.6 lbs
- Sturdy, the outside case is hard and solid and can withstand impact well
- Functional zippers on the inside
- There’s also a cloth lining on the inside (over the hard case) which has a zipper too
- The handles have really nice, finished steel molding at the base of the handle
- The scratches on the hard case show really easily
10. AmazonBasics Softside Spinner Lightweight Luggage
With its extra-large 30.9-inch size, this AmazonBasics Softside Spinner Lightweight Luggage offers some serious packing space–perfect for extended vacations or trips lasting longer than a week. Compared to hardside luggage, the softside luggage offers enhanced flexibility. It can fit into tight spaces more easily or be collapsed down a bit to make room for other bags or for more compact storage when not in use.
The spinner luggage provides a durable zipper for reliable closure, and its expandable design creates more packing space for extra room when you need it (and less when you don’t). The luggage features a fabric lining that helps protect stored items from scratches and snags, while its three interior storage pockets, each with a secure-closing zipper, help keep things safely stored and neatly organized, making it easier to find what you need when you arrive.
Key Features:
- Durable zipper closer
- 150D-polyester interior organizer with 3 zippered pockets
- Telescoping handle
- Securely mounted short handle
- 360-degree spinner wheels
Specifications:
- Brand: AmazonBasics
- Capacity: 77L
- Dimensions: 30.91″ H x 17.52″ W x 12.99″ D
- Weight: 7.87 lbs
- Good handle extension
- Spacious internal and external zippered storage pockets
- Expansive internal straps
- Great materials
- Mediocre wheels, tipsy when empty
Buying Guide
Materials
Whether you choose to go for a soft-sided piece of luggage, you always have plenty of fabrics to choose from. The cheapest alternative is polyester. Ballistic nylon is easy and durable to clean. Cordura nylon is thicker than ballistic nylon and lighter than that. If longevity is your main concern, make sure the denier level that shows the fabric ‘s fiber thickness is tested. The higher the number, the thicker the material. We suggest picking something above the 500-denier number for the best performance.
Weight
Once you calculate the suitcase ‘s weight you’ll need to remember a few items. Whether you choose a hard side case, you’ll have to understand that it will be heavier, and a soft side luggage would be a bit lighter. When you choose a large suitcase, of course, that would also weigh a little more than a smaller suitcase will. Test the exact material from which it is made, others are lighter and heavier, but it does come at an expense. It can not hold up to harsh handling if it’s cheaply made.
2 or 4 Wheels
Most travelers believe the best alternative is luggage with four wheels capable of spinning 360 degrees. You can move and pull the luggage in nearly every direction after all. Which is the downside, then? First, should you find yourself on just a little incline, the baggage will roll much more quickly. Moreover, the wheels on four-wheelers are typically mounted externally, ensuring that they are more prone to break off than their equivalents on two-wheels.
Handles
Ensure that your luggage has a handle that retracts quickly and comfortably while going around a crowded airport, as handles just can’t be a total hassle. It’s also advised that you look for handles that are large enough to encourage you to carry your luggage at a reasonable arm length when contracting to the halfway level. Search for suitcases that have both top and side handles that make the transport smoother when getting in and out of travel right off the baggage claim.
Expandability
Wonderful quality of luggage is the capacity to increase the size of the baggage, and every bag must be expandable. When you want to buy additional pieces, expandability will improve capacity, and build a more secure atmosphere for luggage content. Internal compartments facilitate organization while traveling. Hard-case suitcases are usually better in this way, as they require you to use straps and zippered pockets.
Frequently Ask Questions
Which is better hard or soft luggage?
The most common type of luggage on the market appears to be soft luggage mostly because it used to be so much lighter than hard luggage. This has improved leading to the use of more specialized lightweight fabrics in hard luggage. Honestly, the choice comes down to personal preference. Most soft luggage is expected to have external pockets and expandable parts. Hard luggage on the other side provides better security and is more sturdy.
What types of wheels are best for luggage?
For luggage, in-line skate wheels are the best, since they provide superior maneuverability. Spinner wheels is becoming more popular and polyurethane-based wheels are hard-wearing and sturdy.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best lightweight checked luggage as well as our guide on features to look for in a lightweight checked luggage. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.