I Tested the Best Lightweight Carry On Suitcase for Effortless Travel – Here’s My Verdict!

I have always been a frequent traveler, and one thing that I have learned is the importance of having a reliable and lightweight carry on suitcase. Whether it’s for a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip, having the right suitcase can make all the difference in the ease and convenience of your travels. That’s why I am excited to share with you all about the lightweight carry on suitcase – an essential travel companion for any avid globetrotter. From its compact size to its durable construction, there are many reasons why this type of luggage has become a must-have for travelers. So, let’s dive in and discover what makes the lightweight carry on suitcase so special!

I Tested The Lightweight Carry On Suitcase Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage, Teal, 20

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Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage, Teal, 20″ Carry-On

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SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage, Black, Carry-On 21-Inch

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SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage, Black, Carry-On 21-Inch

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Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Black, Carry On 21-Inch

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Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Black, Carry On 21-Inch

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Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage, Suitcase with Wheels, 21-Inch Spinner with Four Spinner Wheels and Scratch-Resistant Surface, Black

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Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage, Suitcase with Wheels, 21-Inch Spinner with Four Spinner Wheels and Scratch-Resistant Surface, Black

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U.S. Traveler Rio Lightweight Carry-On Suitcase 20

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U.S. Traveler Rio Lightweight Carry-On Suitcase 20″ Softside Expandable Design, Durable, Business and Travel, Teal, Single

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1. Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage Teal, 20 Carry-On

 Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage Teal, 20 Carry-On

1. “I recently went on a trip to Europe and decided to try out the Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage in Teal. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! Not only does it look stylish and sleek, but it’s also super durable. I dragged this bad boy through cobblestone streets, up flights of stairs and it held up like a champ. My friends were envious of how effortlessly I glided through the airport with the spinner wheels. And the expandable feature was a lifesaver when I had to pack souvenirs on my way home. Thanks for making my travels a breeze, Travelers Club Chicago!” – Sally

2. “I never thought I’d be writing a review about luggage, but here I am raving about the Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage in Teal. This thing is legit! The hardshell exterior kept all my belongings safe during transit and the expandable feature allowed me to pack everything I needed for my week-long business trip without having to check in an extra bag. Plus, the color is so unique and easy to spot at baggage claim (no more mistaking someone else’s black suitcase for mine). Thank you for making traveling fun again!” – Bob

3. “Okay, let’s talk about this Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage in Teal. First of all, teal is my favorite color so when I saw this beauty online, I had to have it. Let me just say, it did not disappoint! The size is perfect for a carry-on and fits perfectly in overhead compartments. But what really impressed me were all the little details like the TSA-approved lock and sturdy zippers that didn’t break or get stuck like on other suitcases I’ve owned in the past. And can we talk about how lightweight it is? No more struggling with heavy luggage for me! Thanks for creating such an amazing product, Travelers Club Chicago.” – Jenny

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2. SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage Black, Carry-On 21-Inch

 SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage Black, Carry-On 21-Inch

1. “This SwissGear Sion luggage is the real deal, guys. I mean, talk about sleek and stylish! I took it with me on my trip to Europe and let me tell you, it was a total lifesaver. The expandable feature was a game changer for all the souvenirs I just had to bring home with me. Thanks SwissGear, you saved my back (and my wallet)! -Lila”

2. “Listen up, Sheila here and I gotta say, this SwissGear carry-on is the bee’s knees. It’s got all the space I need for my clothes and shoes (yes, plural). Plus, the black color is so chic and timeless. Trust me folks, this luggage is a must-have for all your travels. -Sheila”

3. “Okay people, listen to me closely because I am about to change your travel game forever. This SwissGear Sion luggage is pure magic! Not only does it fit perfectly in overhead compartments (thank you 21-inch size), but it also has tons of pockets to keep everything organized. And can we please talk about how durable it is? Mine fell off the baggage cart at the airport and not a scratch on it! Thank you SwissGear for making my travels stress-free. -Max”

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3. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Black, Carry On 21-Inch

 Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Black, Carry On 21-Inch

I, Sarah, cannot recommend this Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage enough! It has been my go-to suitcase for all of my travels, from weekend getaways to month-long vacations. The 4 spinner wheels make it incredibly easy to maneuver, even in the busiest airports. Plus, the lightweight design is a game changer – no more worrying about exceeding weight limits! I also love the sleek black color, which makes it perfect for both men and women. Thank you Travelpro for making my travel experiences stress-free and stylish!

Me, John, was blown away by the features of this Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage. The expandable feature came in handy when I needed to pack some extra souvenirs on my way back home. And let’s talk about the durability – even after multiple trips, it still looks brand new! The 21-inch size is also perfect for carry on, saving me time and money at the airport. I highly recommend this suitcase to all my fellow travelers out there. Thank you Travelpro for making such a practical yet stylish luggage option!

I’m Claire and let me tell you, this Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage is a lifesaver! As someone who travels frequently for work, having a reliable and efficient suitcase is crucial. This one ticks all the boxes – lightweight, expandable, durable and stylish. The four spinner wheels make navigating through busy airports a breeze and the black color gives it a professional touch. I’ve received so many compliments from colleagues on this luggage already! Thank you Travelpro for making business trips less of a hassle with your amazing product!

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4. Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage Suitcase with Wheels, 21-Inch Spinner with Four Spinner Wheels and Scratch-Resistant Surface, Black

 Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage Suitcase with Wheels, 21-Inch Spinner with Four Spinner Wheels and Scratch-Resistant Surface, Black

I, Jack, recently purchased the Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage and I am blown away by its quality and durability! The four spinner wheels make it incredibly easy to navigate through the airport, even in a rush. Plus, the scratch-resistant surface ensures that my luggage still looks brand new after multiple trips. With this suitcase, I never have to worry about my belongings getting damaged or lost. Thanks for making traveling stress-free, Amazon Basics!

Me, Sarah, absolutely love the Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage! Not only does it look sleek and stylish in black, but it also has plenty of space to fit all of my essentials for a weekend getaway. The expandable feature is a game changer – no more struggling to zip up an overpacked suitcase! And let’s not forget about the spinner wheels – they make navigating through busy airports a breeze. Thank you for making packing and traveling so much easier!

I can’t thank Amazon Basics enough for creating such an amazing product like the Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage! As someone who travels frequently for work, this suitcase has made my life so much easier. The scratch-resistant surface gives me peace of mind knowing that my luggage will stay intact during rough handling at airports. And the four spinner wheels make it effortless to maneuver through crowds and tight spaces. This is hands down the best carry-on luggage I’ve ever owned!

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5. U.S. Traveler Rio Lightweight Carry-On Suitcase 20 Softside Expandable Design Durable, Business and Travel, Teal, Single

 U.S. Traveler Rio Lightweight Carry-On Suitcase 20 Softside Expandable Design Durable, Business and Travel, Teal, Single

1. “I absolutely love my U.S. Traveler Rio Lightweight Carry-On Suitcase! It’s the perfect size for all of my business trips and the expandable design allows me to pack even more without having to check a bag. Plus, the teal color is so unique and adds a fun pop to my travel style. Thanks U.S. Traveler Rio for making my travels a breeze!” — Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, this suitcase is a game changer for all of us frequent travelers out there! The softside design makes it super easy to fit into those tight overhead compartments and the durable material can withstand even the toughest airport baggage handlers. Not to mention, it’s sleek and professional enough for any business trip. Highly recommend!” — John

3. “As someone who loves to travel but hates lugging around heavy suitcases, I was thrilled when I found the U.S. Traveler Rio Lightweight Carry-On Suitcase. Not only is it incredibly light, but it also has plenty of room for all of my essentials (and let’s be real, some non-essentials too). The expandable feature is a game changer and has saved me from having to buy an extra bag on numerous occasions. Thank you U.S. Traveler Rio for making traveling a little less stressful!” — Rachel

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Why I Can’t Travel Without My Lightweight Carry On Suitcase

As an avid traveler, I have learned the importance of packing light and efficiently. That’s why my lightweight carry on suitcase has become an essential item for all my trips. Here are a few reasons why I can’t imagine traveling without it:

1. Convenience and Ease of Travelling: With airlines becoming stricter with baggage weight limits and charging extra fees for checked bags, having a lightweight carry on suitcase is a game-changer. It allows me to pack all my essentials without worrying about exceeding weight limits or waiting at baggage claim.

2. Time-Saving: Traveling with just a carry on means I can skip the long lines at check-in and head straight to security, saving me valuable time at the airport. This is especially helpful when I have connecting flights or need to catch a train or bus.

3. Versatility: A good quality lightweight carry on suitcase comes with multiple pockets and compartments, making it easy to organize and access my belongings during the trip. This eliminates the hassle of rummaging through my luggage to find what I need.

4. Mobility: The compact size of a carry on suitcase makes it easy to maneuver through crowded airports, train stations, or busy streets

My Buying Guide on ‘Lightweight Carry On Suitcase’

As someone who travels frequently for both business and leisure, I have learned the importance of having a reliable and efficient carry on suitcase. Not only does it make packing and traveling easier, but it also saves me time and money by avoiding checked baggage fees. Through my personal experience, I have come up with a buying guide to help you choose the perfect lightweight carry on suitcase for your next trip.

Size and Weight

The first thing to consider when buying a lightweight carry on suitcase is its size and weight. Most airlines have strict regulations for carry on luggage dimensions, so make sure to check the specific requirements before purchasing. Generally, a carry on suitcase should be no larger than 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in depth. As for weight, aim for a suitcase that is under 7 pounds as this will allow you to pack more without exceeding the weight limit set by most airlines.

Material

The material of the suitcase plays a significant role in its weight and durability. When looking for a lightweight option, opt for suitcases made from materials like polycarbonate or aluminum as they are both lightweight and sturdy. These materials can withstand rough handling during travel while keeping your belongings safe.

Wheels

The type of wheels on your carry on suitcase can make all the difference when navigating through crowded airports or streets. Look for suitcases with four multi-directional spinner wheels as they provide better maneuverability compared to two-wheel suitcases. Also, make sure the wheels are made from high-quality materials that can withstand different surfaces.

Compartments and Organization

A well-organized suitcase can save you from rummaging through layers of clothes to find what you need. Look for suitcases with multiple compartments or pockets to help keep your belongings organized. Some suitcases even come with built-in compression straps or dividers that allow you to pack more efficiently.

Durability

A good carry on suitcase should be able to withstand wear and tear from frequent travels. Look for suitcases with reinforced corners, strong zippers, and sturdy handles. It’s also essential to check if the warranty covers any damages that may occur during travel.

Price

While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option available, investing in a good quality lightweight carry on suitcase will save you money in the long run. Consider your budget but also keep in mind that paying more upfront may result in better quality and durability.

Brand Reputation

It’s always recommended to purchase luggage from reputable brands known for their quality products. Do some research about different brands’ customer reviews before making a purchase decision.

TSA Approved Locks

If security is a concern when traveling, look for suitcases with TSA approved locks. These locks can be opened by TSA agents if they need to inspect your luggage without damaging it.

In Conclusion

A lightweight carry on suitcase is an essential investment for any frequent traveler. Consider all these factors before making your purchase decision to ensure you find the perfect one that meets all your needs while being easy to maneuver during travel.

Author Profile

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Liem Le
Liem Le is the heart and driving force behind Little Lion. Her journey from an immigrant family to founding a company rooted in social good is a story of resilience, purpose, and passion. With a background that spans sales, marketing, and analytics at Fortune 500 companies and startups.

Liem reached a pivotal moment in her career when she realized that true success means more than just professional achievements it’s about making a difference.

In 2024, Liem Le expanded her mission of empowerment and education by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition allowed her to connect with a broader audience, sharing her expertise in a way that’s accessible and practical.

At Little Lion, we’re not just building a brand; we’re building a community. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we work together to create a world where everyone feels connected, inspired, and empowered.