Traveling with light bags is always a good idea. Not only can you pack more stuff, it’s less stress on your body – both physically and mentally. These lightweight bags come in a variety of forms, from the Nylon backpack, to the lightweight roller, to the feather-like upright. The biggest factor for many people with luggage is whether or not it’s carry-on compatible. Because of this, we have listed the dimensions for each bag. It’s always a good idea to double check if any bag is compatible with your carrier’s restrictions because they can vary. That said, most of the time domestic carriers are lenient, so if it’s described as a carry-on bag, it should be good to go.
Here’s the 10 best lightweight luggage options for air travel in order of lowest to highest price.
1. Gonex Packable Backpack
Weight .6lbs |
For those who want a no-frills bag that gets the job done and weighs basically nothing, this .6 pounds Gonex bag is a great choice. It boasts two front pockets and two side pockets plus a surprisingly large interior (that’s more than capable of being stuffed to the brim. It includes a 12-month warranty from the manufacturar and is praised as being a highly practical bag. Plus, it includes a chest strap so it’s great for bearing those heavy loads.
Price: $16.99 (71 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Gonex Packable Backpack here.
Gonex
Pros:
- 12 month warranty from manufacturer
- Water-resistant exterior
- Folds down to extremely small size
- Chest strap allows for easier bearing of large or heavy loads
- Pockets are a good size
Cons:
- One user had an issue with the zipper after a few months
- One user was concerned that bag could be easily penetrated by a wayward branch or similar sharp object in the woods (or similar locale)
Find more Gonex Packable Backpack information and reviews here.
2. Bago Lightweight Backpack
Weight .7lbs |
Similar to the first bag on our list, this Bago lightweight backpack offers a ton of value for a low price. It’s extremely light and also very bright, which can come in handy at the airport or in any situation where one will need to locate their bag. It also includes a small pouch that it can be compressed into. This is a great bag for getting the most weight possible onto an airplane, since the bag itself weighs so very little.
Price: $17.50 (50 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Bago Lightweight Backpack here.
Bago
Pros:
- Multiple pockets for carrying water and other small goods
- Great for avoiding overweight charges as it’s incredibly light
- Water-resistant exterior
- Capacity is decent
- Bag weighs almost nothing
Cons:
- A small percentage of users had issues with durability
- Straps could be thicker
Find more Bago Lightweight Backpack information and reviews here.
3. Leaper Canvas Backpack
Weight 2.1lbs |
This Leaper Canvas backpack comes in a variety of colors and looks, but each pops in their own way. It can hold a laptop up to 14″ large and has cushioned shoulder straps to help with heavy loads. Its canvas material is soft and easy to carry. This is a great bag for kids or for anyone who is into this kind of backpack. If you like its features, check out more styles on Amazon.
Price: $25.58
Buy the Leaper Canvas Backpack here.
Leaper
Pros:
- Comes in variety of looks and colors
- Can fit up to 14 inch laptop in laptop section (up to 15.6″ laptop in main compartment)
- Cushioned shoulder straps help with heavy loads
- Nice looking backpack for school, casual use, and as airport carry-on
- Canvas material is soft and easy to carry
Cons:
- A small percentage of users had issues with durability
- One user found the bag smaller than expected
Find more Leaper Canvas Backpack information and reviews here.
4. Baggallini Messenger Bag
Weight .7lbs |
This Baggallini Messenger bag is like a classier, nicer version of the initial Bago on our list. It is just as lightweight, but it doesn’t look like a parachute that’s been re-fashioned into a practical piece of luggage. It offers a far more stylish appearance, a zippered front compartment, and is praised as a solid bag for travel. Plus, it’s water-resistant, which is always nice when one invariably gets rained on.
Price: $32.95 (52 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Baggallini Messenger Bag here.
Baggallini
Pros:
- Stylish and attractive appearance
- Zippered front compartment has credit card slots, cell phone pocket, and allows for additional storage of tiny items
- Water-resistant fabric
- Praised as great bag for travel
Cons:
- Bag is not reversible meaning it must always be worn on the right shoulder
- One user felt there were too many zippers
- Zippers don’t have interlock (to be securely locked)
Find more Baggallini Messenger Bag information and reviews here.
5. Heritage 20″ Wheel Upright
Weight 6.4lbs |
This Heritage spinner is a great upright for someone who doesn’t want to pull a lot of weight. It works as a carry-on for most airlines and trains, has a great telescoping handle, and its interior is very roomy. Users call it a great value for the money and clocking in at 6.4lbs, it’s really not much to wheel around. While it doesn’t have the most distinct appearance, this is easily solved with the purchase of a luggage tag or a sticker.
Price: $50.6
Buy the Heritage 20″ Wheel Upright here.
Heritage
Pros:
- Roomy interior and lightweight construction
- Retractable telescoping handle praised as high-quality
- Wheels praised as well-built and smooth
- Works as carry-on on most airlines and trains
- Praised as great value for the money
Cons:
- One user had an issue with a dent after the first trip
- Handle had issues for some users
Find more Heritage 20″ Wheel Upright information and reviews here.
6. It Luggage World’s Lightest 22″ Carry-on
Weight 4.07lbs |
For those who really want to keep things light, this It bag shaves off two pounds from the above Heritage bag and has just as many features. It’s lightweight, spacious, and easy to move around. Its smooth double wheels guarantee that the ride will always go well. It’s outstandingly light and boasts two exterior pockets, which can come in handy for organizational purposes.
Price: $57.99 (64 percent off MSRP)
Buy the It Luggage World’s Lightest 22″ Carry-on here.
Pros:
- Can be used as a carry-on
- Incredibly lightweight and easy to haul around
- Praised as spacious
- Good for kids
- One of the lightest bags in its class
Cons:
- One user was not a fan of the quality of the wheels
- Smaller than some other carry-ons at a similar size
- Rounded corners reduce interior space
Find more It Luggage World’s Lightest 22″ Carry-on information and reviews here.
7. It Luggage 26″ Spinner
Weight 5lbs 3oz |
If bigger is better, then this luggage is definitely better. It luggage manages to deliver a 4″ bigger spinner while adding a mere pound and an ounce. It’s extremely lightweight, but this is not carry-on sized. Still, users love it for its exterior pockets (two), side handle, and ability to pack more goods than similarly sized suitcases (which tend to go over the weight limit more easily). It’s an attractive and practical bag, even if its look is pretty minimalist- its contents sure won’t be.
Price: $59.99
Buy the It Luggage 26″ Spinner here.
It
Pros:
- About as lightweight as a spinner can get
- Praised as attractive and functional bag
- Lightweight means one can pack even more goods than heavier luggage
- Solid value for the price
- Two exterior pockets
Cons:
- A small percentage of users had issues with durability
- Not all that rigid or protective of contents; frame is plastic
- No bottom handle
Find more It Luggage 26″ Spinner information and reviews here.
8. Skyway Luggage 28″
Weight 7.7lbs |
This Skyway Luggage 28″ is huge, affordable, and not very heavy. Coming in at a reasonable 7.7lbs, it’s a great way to move a ton of stuff. One user even reported moving 100lbs of goods in this beast. Not only is it a powerhouse, the manufacturer guarantees it for five years. Plus, it stands on its own. This is a great bag for people who need to move a lot of stuff. That said, note that for most airlines, you’ll be limited to a mere 50lbs, so this isn’t a benefit that all will be able to take advantage of, but it can come in handy in certain situations.
Price: $76.99 (22 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Skyway Luggage 28″ here.
Skyway
Pros:
- Five year limited warranty from manufacturer
- Praised as lightweight, affordable and suprirsingly spacious
- One user packed 100lbs into bag; wheels handled it well
- Stands on its own
Cons:
- Picky airlines may say it’s too big to be checked warns one user
- Can get dirty easily
- No reinforced sides
Find more Skyway Luggage 28″ information and reviews here.
9. TravelPro Maxlite3 Expandable Spinner 22″ (Editor’s Choice)
Weight 6.5lbs |
This expandable spinner isn’t the lightest out there, but it is a great speed demon. It’s built to last, has a contour grip, and passes most carry-on tests (as long as its front pocket isn’t overfilled. Plus, it has a handle on the bottom which always comes in handy for those moments when one needs to carry their bag (such as up or down stairs). This is a very smooth-rolling bag that will last a long time. It may not be the lightest on our list, but it’s one of the strongest all around bags with a great capacity and an awesome set of features.
Price: $114.88
Buy the TravelPro Maxlite3 Expandable Spinner 22″ here.
TravelPro
Pros:
- Contour grip makes it easier to haul around
- Wheels praised as smooth-rolling and very high quality
- Handles on top and bottom
- Compact and low profile
- Passes most airlines carry-on test (but don’t stuff the front pocket)
- Expandable
Cons:
- Doesn’t meet carry-on requirements on some airlines (should pass for most, however)
- A small percentage of users had issues with the quality of construction
Find more TravelPro Maxlite3 Expandable Spinner 22″ information and reviews here.
10. Coolife Three Piece
Weights 20 inch – 7.8lbs, 24 inch – 9.2lbs, 28 inch – 11lbs |
This Coolife Three Piece set offers decently low weights at an affordable price. Plus, you know your purchase will be protected with a two year warranty from the manufacturer. These bags boast a stylish appearance, high quality zippers, and wheels that are built to last. Plus, the double front pockets come in super handy. These are a great buy and a very light set.
Price: $139.99
Buy the Coolife Three Piece here.
Coolife
Pros:
- Two year warranty from manufacturer
- Front pockets are convenient
- Great value for the price
- Stylish look
- Zippers are high quality
Cons:
- One user found luggage to be much smaller than expected
- A small percentage of user had issues with durability
- One user claimed that the soft exterior could be easily penetrated by a sharp object
Find more Coolife Three Piece information and reviews here.
Still looking for the right lightweight bag? Browse more top-rated lightweight bags on Amazon.