The best travel backpacks for men for weekend trips & long getaways
By Sherelyn GohDec 11, 2023
Whether traveling for work or pleasure, the right travel backpack will add an element of ease to your expedition. Shop these nine editor-approved picks.
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Pack light: The best lightweight luggage for effortless traveling
Don’t let your luggage weigh you down. Travel smart and lighten your load with the best lightweight luggage options here.
Bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to luggage. While large suitcases may seem more durable, they tend to be heavy and weigh you down so it’s important to find light luggage that can store everything you need and go the distance too.
We've done the heavy lifting by rounding up the best lightweight luggage options that will lighten your load without compromising on style or durability.
Buckle up and prepare for a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience with our seven options of the best lightest weight luggage.
Read more: Travel easier with the best rolling duffle bags
Delsey Paris Clavel Hardside Expandable Luggage With Spinner Wheels
The Carry On Flex
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels
Maxlite Air Carry-On Hardside Spinner
Specifications
Material: Polycarbonate
Dimenstions: 13.75 x 9.75 x 21.75 in
Weight: 5.3 lbs.
Pros & Cons
Expands two inches for easier packing
Has patented zip to secure belongings
Spacious
Comes in different colors
Some reviews mention faulty zippers
Upgrade your travel experience with the Delsey Paris Clavel Hardside luggage. Winner of the prestigious 2020 Red Dot Design Award, this suitcase offers the optimum packing efficiency many travelers crave.
It has internal tie-down straps and a zippered mesh divider so your belongings remain secure, and the suitcase expands to offer up to two inches of additional packing space, perfect for that extra pair of shoes or returning home with souvenirs.
For easy maneuverability, the suitcase rolls on four spinner wheels and the patented zip SECURITECH provides a three times more intrusion-resistant locking system compared to a traditional zipper.
Specifications
Material: Polycarbonate
Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 in.
Weight: 8.15 lbs.
Pros & Cons
Expands for easier packing
Has hidden laundry bag
Interior compression system
Rolls smoothly
Scuffing is common
As Google's top-searched luggage in 2021, the Carry On Flex is the epitome of flexibility, functionality, and style. Ideal for individuals who value versatility in their travel gear, this lightweight suitcase is your perfect travel companion.
With the unique ability to flex an additional 2.25 inches, it can transition from a carry-on to checked luggage. This feature is useful during layovers, extended stays, or when you need to squeeze in those last-minute souvenirs.
The Carry On Flex doesn't compromise on other essential features either. It maintains the Hmuch-loved characteristics of classic carry-ons, including a well-organized interior to keep your belongings in place, and 360° spinner wheels for smooth mobility.
Specifications
Material: N/A
Dimensions: 24 x 18.0 x 11.5 in.
Weight: 8.5 lbs.
Pros & Cons
10-year limited warranty
Six colors to choose from
TSA combination lock
Expandable body
Scratches on the body are common
This lightweight luggage is the go-to for longer trips. Crafted with ultra-light, ultra-strong shells, this suitcase can withstand the rigors of modern travel, ensuring your belongings are kept secure.
Its ability to expand provides added packing capacity, a feature favored by many travelers. Four multi-directional double spinner wheels allow 360-degree upright rolling, eliminating any weight on your arm or shoulder.
The suitcase also offers easy packing solutions with its cross ribbon and divider, keeping your belongings organized. A built-in ID tag is an added convenience.
Not convinced? It’s rated 4.5 stars out of 11,401 reviews, with users raving about how much they can pack in this suitcase and that it’s light and easy to maneuver.
Specifications
Material: Polycarbonate
Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 in
Weight: 6.1 L
Pros & Cons
Organized interior
Interior lining made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
Not as many compartments
The Maxlite Air Carry-On Expandable Hardside Spinner is a lightweight yet durable travel solution designed for those who prefer to keep it light.
Made from 100% polycarbonate, this carry-on is engineered to resist impact, preventing splitting, cracking, or punctures. Its stylish exterior finish is not just about looks—it effectively reduces visible scratches or scuffs, maintaining the suitcase’s sleek appearance trip after trip.
One of the key features of this carry-on is its TSA-approved lock, allowing for hassle-free inspections at the airport.
It also offers an expandable option. If you've picked up a few extra souvenirs or need a little extra room, you can easily maximize the packing capacity. This carry-on is an excellent choice for frequent fliers who value durability, security, and flexibility in their luggage.
Specifications
Material: ABS hard shell
Dimensions: 17.72 x 10.63 x 26.38 in.
Weight: 8.08 lbs
Pros & Cons
Affordable price
Durable material
Comes in two or three-piece set options
Fun color options
Handle may seem flimsy
The Amazon Basics 24-inch hardside spinner, in a standout navy blue finish, is the ultimate travel companion for both work and leisure. Its extra-thick ABS hard shell ensures reliable strength and protection.
It has a fully lined 150D-polyester interior and expandable design, which gives you up to 15% more packing space, perfect for those extra souvenirs. Plus, the interior organizer with a divider and three zippered pockets keeps your smaller items organized and easy to locate.
The choice of colors available is a plus, as it makes your luggage easy to spot among a sea of dark-colored suitcases.
Specifications
Material: Multi-layer polycarbonate
Dimensions: 27.5 x 18.5 x 11.5 in.
Weight: 8.9 lbs
Pros & Cons
Built-in, crease-reducing mesh suiter
Scratch-resistant textured case
Extra-wide, tilt-resistant wheel base
Option to add personalized leather monogram nameplate
Self-repairing YKK zippers
Lifetime guarantee
On the heavier side
Higher price point
The Torq Medium Spinner is your dependable travel companion. Designed with a tough multi-layer polycarbonate shell, this hard-shell suitcase is durable enough to withstand any journey while still being incredibly lightweight.
The standout feature of this medium, lightweight luggage is its double spinner wheels, powered by metal ball bearings. This gives you smooth 360º maneuverability, making navigating through crowded airports or train stations a breeze. With ample packing space, it's ideal for extended trips, ensuring all your essentials are safely housed.
Despite its hard-sided luggage design, it manages to maintain a smart and sleek appearance that won't look out of place in any setting, whether you're on a business trip or a vacation.
Specifications
Material: Aluminum
Dimensions: 20 x 11.8 x 27.6 in.
Weight: 10.4 lbs
Pros & Cons
Lifetime guarantee
Multiwheel system
TSA locks
Includes complimentary leather luggage tag and sticker
High price point
Feel like splurging on a lightweight suitcase? You can’t go wrong with a Rimowa. The Cabin Plus by Rimowa is a suitcase that combines striking aesthetics with first-rate functionality. Its distinctive aluminum exterior with grooves not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures durability and protection for your belongings.
The size of the suitcase provides ample space, with a 49-litre volume, yet remains easy to maneuver.
Its design features the Rimowa iconic grooves and you can get this in black, silver or titanium shades.
Which is better: Hard or soft luggage?
Both hard and soft luggage have their pros and cons. Hard luggage is generally more durable, offering better protection for your belongings, especially fragile items. They also tend to be more water resistant and are easier to clean.
On the other hand, soft luggage is often lighter and offers more flexibility when it comes to fitting in extra items thanks to its soft sides. Ultimately, the choice between hard or soft luggage depends on your personal travel needs and preferences.
Which luggage is lighter: Hard or soft?
Typically, soft-sided luggage tends to be the lightest luggage due to the materials used. However, advancements in technology have led to the creation of hard-sided luggage made from lightweight materials such as polycarbonate, creating some of the lightest suitcases available. Therefore, it's possible to find hard-sided luggage options that are just as light, if not lighter, than their soft-sided counterparts.
Which lightweight luggage is our top pick?
We stand by all the choices on our list of best lightweight luggage but if we had to choose, based on thorough research and reviewing, our top picks would be the DELSEY Paris Clavel Hardside Expandable Luggage and the Carry On Flex from AwayTravel.
The Delsey Paris Clavel Hardside luggage has a stylish design, ample packing space and a patented zip SECURITECH locking system, making it a reliable choice for any trip.
The Carry On Flex stands out for its unique ability to expand, transitioning from lightweight carry-on luggage to the lightest checked luggage, and gives you versatility for various travel scenarios.
The right lightweight luggage can greatly enhance your travel experience. Consider your travel needs, personal style and budget when making your decision.
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Prices updated on 01/08/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Sherelyn Goh
A former women's lifestyle magazine editor, Sherelyn Goh has worked with all things beauty, health, style and travel and finds a thrill in discovering and testing new products. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she enjoys food, travel, working out and cooking.
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