Travel luggage: it’s bulky, big, and cumbersome. Right? Usually. Most luggage is meant for durability and not comfort – if it was, it wouldn’t be so heavy. Some luggage manufacturers, though, are working to create luggage that is both lightweight and durable. If you’re curious, here are a few great examples. Check out our list of best lightweight luggage for international travel!
Best Lightweight Luggage for International Travel in 2020
iFly Ez-Glider
The iFly Ex-Glider is a piece of luggage that slides effortlessly throughout the airport while supporting all of your necessary travel gear. Measuring 26 x 17 x 11, it qualifies as a “checked bag”. Have a few items that need to be accessed in a moment’s notice? No worries! The Ez-Glider features a large exterior top pocket and an extra-large pocket on its lower half. The suitcase is made from polyester and uses four spinner wheels that boast a 360 turn capability and stick out from the rest thanks to their bright yellow hue. Inside the bag are security straps that can be used to secure your most important items and clothing, as well as a handy shoe pocket. Surprisingly, the suitcase only weighs 6 pounds.
Pros:
- Built-in pocket for shoes
- Lightweight
- Smooth spinner wheels
Herschel Supply Co. Dawson Backpack
For travelers that frequent European cities with cobblestone streets or magical staircases, having a highly adaptable piece of luggage is a must. From herschel, this backpack is just that. It’s also sturdy, fashionable, and lightweight. It’s made of durable polyester that is easy to clean and features a magnetic flap and adjustab;e toggle-cord closures. It also boasts an internal laptop pouch, exterior pockets, and a large zip compartment for keeping small items. Even with so many pockets, the backpack has a sleek appearance and a lightweight, low-maintenance design. The Dawson backpack comes in a variety of eye catching and classic colors.
Pros:
- Available in a variety of colors
- Adjustable closures
- Lightweight and low maintenance
Buy the Herschel Supply Co. Dawson Backpack here
Briggs & Riley Transcend Spinner
Known for never cutting corners when it comes to style, Briggs & Riley have created this cutting-edge suitcase with modern travelers in mind. The suitcase boasts a wide array of handy features including expansion, which can give your suitcase an added 2.5 inches of space- just enough for a few last minute, nearly-forgotten items. The suitcase has four easy-glide spinner wheels and weighs 10 pounds, which makes it relatively lightweight despite its size of 11 x 8 x 25. To ensure you find a style to suit your personality, the suitcase comes in three distinct colors: merlot, rainforest, and slate.
Pros:
- Expands by 2.5 inches
- Three color options
- Easy-glide spinner wheels
Buy the Briggs & Riley Transcend Spinner here
Samsonite Winfield 2 Expandable Luggage
One of Samsonite’s most attractive pieces of luggage, this expandable suitcase is both stylish and functional. It’s made of 100% polycarbonate material, with its case made to absorb impact and resists structural damage by returning to its shape when it is compressed. The suitcase is lightweight and equipped with a number of secure pockets including the large zip compartment inside. If you need more room, the suitcase can expand an extra 1.5 inches and if the suitcase is too heavy, you can roll it through the airport on its wheels. In addition, the suitcase also boasts TSA locks that keeps thieves away but makes it easy for TSA agents to conduct mandatory luggage searches.
Pros:
- Thief-proof TSA locks
- Expands up to 1.5 inches
- Resistant to damage
Buy the Samsonite Winfield 2 Expandable Luggage here
Skyway Luggage Mirage Ultralite
The Skyway Mirage Ultralite comes equipped with various handy features. One of the most notable is the full-length mesh pocket and total amount of storage that the luggage offers. In addition to the mesh pocket, it also has two outer zip pockets and a main compartment. The suitcase is expandable, extending its space with the pull of a zipper. Its wheel system, which is made up of spinner wheels, works with the compact, light-weight design to ensure a smooth, fatigue-free experience. One small, but incredibly handy benefit of this suitcase is its side carrying handle.
Pros:
- Both outer and inner pockets
- Side carrying handle
- Spinner wheels
Buy the Skyway Luggage Mirage Ultralite here
GRO Carry-On 2.0 Classic
Minimalists all over the world are falling in love with this classic piece of luggage. Despite its simple appearance, it’s chalked full of advanced features and modern luxuries, including its oversized wheels. The rolling carry-on suitcase is designed to be easy to pull regardless of location and is extremely durable, as well as light weight. Its outer shell is made of nylon, it uses YKK zippers, and its handle is extra long, making it ergonomic for travelers of all heights. Inside is a laptop compartment, and outside are a number of pockets that make it easy to stay organized.
Pros:
- Extra long handle
- Dedicated laptop compartment
- Oversized wheels
Buy the GRO Carry-On 2.0 Classic here
Standard 35L Carry-on Backpack
Backpacks make great carry-ons – especially this one. The Standard 35L carry-on backpack is a highly versatile piece of luggage, converting from backpack to suitcase within seconds. It can also be turned into a shoulder bag. It’s equipped with unique hide-away straps, a detachable hipbelt, and a strap for attaching to other luggage. When wearing it as a backpack, users can look forward to the padded back space, which is ventilated and promotes air flow. The backpack can expand to 45L, making it ideal for those who need the extra space but without the heavy weight or bulky size of a traditional large suitcase.
Pros:
- Detachable hipbelt and shoulder straps
- Ventilated back padding
- Expands
Buy the Standard 35L Carry-on Backpack here
Vocier F38 Leather Zero Crease Luggage
This Vocier suitcase is perfect for business travelers who pride themselves on always having a fresh, wrinkle-free business outfit at the ready. Made of Tuscan leather, the suitcase is essentially a carry-on trolly, capable of holding two full suits at any given time. It uses a unique Zero-Crease system that zips your outfits into a gently curving compartment and prevents wrinkles from forming. The suitcase also features a discreet zip pocket under the handle and comes in two classy colors.
Pros:
- Curved compartment
- Discreet zipper pockets
- Made of durable leather
Buy the Vocier F38 Leather Zero Crease Luggage here
Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45
The Aeronaut 45 is compact and durable, giving it plenty of appeal for use as a carry-on bag. It can be stored in an overhead airplane compartment or under the seat with ease, which makes it super convenient. The Aeronaut 45 is frameless and flexible, as well as equipped with standard handles, backpack straps, and detachable shoulder straps. Its zippers are waterproof, ensuring that water and moisture stays out of the internal storage pockets and large main compartment. This bag comes in two distinct colors and is made of tough, stain-resistant materials.
Pros:
- Flexible
- Detachable shoulder straps
- Two color options
Buy the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 here
Raden A22 Carry-on Luggage
The Raden A22 is designed for travelers who enjoy being connected during their adventures. The 4-wheeled suitcase doubles as both a suitcase and a charger, as it boast the built-in technology to charge various electronics. It can also weigh your suitcase and connect with Bluetooth. Despite these amazing features, the suitcase is light enough to carry without too much fatigue and sells for a reasonable price. In terms of storage, the suitcase features internal mesh pockets and zip pockets that are complete with waterproof zippers.
Pros:
- Waterproof zippers
- Built-in chargers
- 4 heavy-duty wheels
Buy the Raden A22 Carry-on Luggage here
Delsey Quilted Underseat Tote
Finished with a quilted design, this Delsey tote is perfect for providing underseat storage during long flights. It’s made from a durable polyester material and features a classy diamond quilted pattern. It offers multiple zip pockets for organization, dual top handles for carrying, a retractable handle, and in-line skate wheels that make transportation a breeze. The main compartment is lightly padded to provide a protective storage space, while the side pockets can hold water bottles and other accessories. On the back of the suitcase is a handy slip-through band that allows it to be secured to the handles of any other luggage you might have.
Pros:
- Classic diamond pattern
- In-line skate wheels
- Included slip-through band
Buy the Delsey Quilted Underseat Tote here
Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel
As spacious as it is stylish, this rolling duffel is a favorite among frequent travelers. It’s made of water-resists Bi-Tech fabric and boasts a unique collapsible design. The design is complete with a retractable top handle, smooth-glide rolling wheels, and reinforced stress points. The zippers of the rolling duffel are self-repairing and include a storm flap for added moisture protection. The bag has a main compartment that is large enough for a variety of items, a front zipper pocket, and a small pouch that can be used as a bag for luggage or for storing items such as shoes.
Pros:
- Duffel is collapsible
- Reinforced stress points
- Additional storm flap for protection against moisture
Buy the Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel here
Vagrant Traveller Leather Bag
As rich in style as it is in space, this travel bug is a must-have for sophisticated travelers and those with a rugged sense of style.The bag is 18 inches in size and made from leather. It features a duffel bag design and metal hardware details including buckled front pockets. The various pockets of the bag include a main compartment and flaps on both sides and the front of the duffel. The duffel comes with a detachable shoulder strap that is great for transforming the bag into a tote.
Pros:
- Leather
- Detachable shoulder strap
- Durable metal hardware
Buy the Vagrant Traveller Leather Bag here
Benefits of Using Lightweight Luggage
Cost Effective
As you’ve probably noticed, the heavier luggage is, the more it costs – not only to purchase but also to travel with, as bags are weighed and travelers are charged on their weight. Lightweight luggage (5-8 pounds) is the most cost effective of all the luggage types, as it’s easier on the pocket book both at the time or purchase and at the gate at the airport. When your luggage weighs a ton, you can’t fit as much in it without entering into another weight class and acquiring heavy baggage charges. However, if it;s light to begin with you can squeeze more luggage inside without worrying as much over the final weight.
Ergonomics
Lightweight luggage is designed to reduce the amount of strain put on your arms, shoulders, and upper body as you travel from place to place. Using lightweight luggage as opposed to regular luggage can help ensure that preexisting back, neck, or shoulder problems are not made worse during travel. They also make it easier for you to move freely during your trip, as movements aren’t restricted by heavy metal suitcases that seem to weigh a ton.
Convenience
Lightweight, sleek styles can be stored with ease in overhead compartments or under the seat. This makes it easy to get to your items during long flights or bus rides, and ensures that carrying your luggage from one place to another is as convenient as it is necessary.
What Makes Luggage Lightweight?
There are a few factors that go into the weight of luggage.
Material
Material is the most important part of what makes a piece of luggage lightweight or standard. Many fabrics are heavy, and lightweight luggage manufacturers take care to avoid using them. Or, they will mix a heavier fabric with a lightweight fabric to reduce the overall weight.
Hardware
By hardware we mean fasteners; zippers, buckles, buttons and the likes. It might not be obvious but metal fastenings can actually add a surprising amount of weight to a suitcase of duffle bag. One or two small buckles (for item safety purposes) are more than ok, but a whole bag full of unnecessary metal hardware will only weigh your bag down. Our favorite kind of closures are drawstring – they’re lightweight and easy to use, but also pretty secure.
Extra features
Extra features can add to the weight of your luggage, as well. When we say features we mean things like added USB ports, internal batteries for charging small electronics, and heating and cooling packs. While these features are nice, they are also heavy! So if you don’t absolutely need them, we’d recommend choosing something with fewer bless and whistles.
Hope you enjoyed this post on best lightweight luggage for international travel in 2020 and comment below if you have other additions.
