11 Best Lightweight Luggage Picks to Make Travel Days Much Less Painful

Need a lightweight backpack? Say 👏 less 👏! Away knocked it out of the park with this one from their new Featherlight collection. It's so compact that it practically disappears when you're not using it, but when you do decide to throw it on your back, it's so light you'll barely feel it. It also has a laptop compartment, two water bottle pockets, and a trolley sleeve, so it's beyond ideal for busy travel days.

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!

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, in my opion. 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 special 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.

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 soft-sided, 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.

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!).

Trust me, I've done my homework on lightweight luggage, and this one takes the cake for the largest, lightest 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.

If you're traveling light (props to you!), this underseat bag (which yes, matches the checked suitcase from Travelpro!) 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 🙃.

Whether you've been a Rimowa fan for life (congrats on having great taste!) 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.

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 each, 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.