Complete Guide to the Best Lightweight Luggage

If you’re seeking a quick answer, you can see our top-rated lightweight luggage overall – the Samsonite Omni HERE.

Why buy the Samsonsite Omni?

The Samsonite Omni range offers reliable, high quality luggage. For a premium travel brand, the price tag offers great value too. The range comprises a series of hard side cases with spinner wheels that are suitable for check-in or or carry-on use.

Anyone checking a bag will surely be looking for the best lightweight durable luggage they can find.  

The Samsonite Freeform is a large, lightweight hard shell suitcase with a very robust design.  Customers benefit from the backing of a 10-year Samsonite limited warranty and can choose from a range of 12 colors.  

There are recessed push button handles and combination lock, plus multi-directional spinner wheels that reduce shoulder and arm strain. Inside there are multiple pockets, and the fact that this case is expandable makes it easy to fit everything in.

Pros:

• The wheels are smooth
• Durable
• Easy to clean and look after
• Lots of inside space

Cons:

• No instructions on how to set the combination for the lock (to open the lock, set the numbers to 000 then slide the square button)

Who said luggage had to be plain or boring?  If you love all things Disney or are traveling with children, this soft sided Disney-themed case from American Tourister is a must.

It also attracts extremely positive reviews.  It comes in a choice of five different Mickey or Minnie Mouse designs that should appeal to males and females of all ages.  

Four-directional spinner wheels make it easy to move while avoiding arm or shoulder strain.  Inside there are separate compartments and cross straps to keep your items safe.  American Tourister cases are also backed by their 10-year limited warranty.

Pros:

• Handles are part of the outside case, so there is much less chance they will get damaged or break
• The design is cute and makes your bag very easy to identify at the luggage carousel
• Rolls smoothly

Cons:

• Disney design is not for everyone

Samsonite are one of the most recognizable luggage brands in the world, with a great reputation.

The 28-inch Omni is the best lightweight Samsonite luggage out there, attracting consistently high ratings and rave reviews.  This is the ideal case to check in for longer trips, and it has the backing of a 10-year limited warranty.

TSA locks deter theft, while spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver.  This expanding case comes in a choice of 14 colors and the scratch-resistant outer will keep it looking good for years to come.

Pros:

• Durable
• Sturdy handle
• Expansion makes lots of space!

Cons:

• Only has a zipper (not a latch), which can sometimes break more easily (buying a strap will help)

If you want to look the part, this stylish case from London Fog has plenty of appeal.

The classic design makes it easy to spot on the luggage carousel, and has stain and water-resistant properties to keep it looking good.

This is an expandable case with spinner wheels and an ergonomically designed comfort grip handle. Shoe pockets and an interior organizer will also help you to pack quickly and efficiently.

Pros:

• Very stylish
• Lots of different pockets (inside and outside) to store items
• Easy to maneuver

Cons:

• The fabric can get stained fairly easily

Those seeking the best lightweight suitcase for international travel should appreciate the robustness of a hard shell case.

This Samsonsite Freeform has a 28-inch capacity as well as reliable, multi-directional spinner wheels.  12 colors are yours to choose between, and the hard finish looks good as well as ensuring strength.

As with other Samsonite products this case comes with the backing of the 10-year Samsonite limited warranty.  A recessed combination lock and push button handles on the outside are complemented by multiple pockets on the inside.

Pros:

• Locking mechanism is handy
• Wheels easily
• Doesn’t tip over when standing

Cons:

• Not a lot of inside pockets for organizing your items

This is a great choice for families – or anyone who wants to make sure their suitcase really stands out at baggage reclaim.  Five cheerful Disney designs feature monochrome shades, denim tones or bright reds, so there’s one for every member of the group or family.

It’s as much about practicality as looks, though, with four-directional spinner wheels, separate interior compartments and inside cross straps.

Like other American Tourister products, this case is covered by a 10-year limited warranty too.

Travelpro lightweight luggage is among some of the best you can buy, and this 20-inch expanding case is no exception.

This ultra light case is sturdy, featuring stain-resistant polyester fabric, a ‘Duraguard’ water repelling coating and skate wheels.  You can also choose between 8 stylish shades.

This carry on Travelpro case has been ergonomically designed, so it’s easy to move around without causing strain on your muscles or joints.  

There are plenty of handy inside pockets, compartments and adjustable straps, too.

Pros:

• Stays upright when standing
• Wheels easily
• Durable fabric

Cons:

• The handle is not the sturdiest

Another winner from one of travel’s biggest brands comes in the form of the 20-inch Omni.  If you want lightweight Samsonite luggage that you can carry onto the plane, then this good-looking, sturdy case should fit the bill.

Like the larger versions, it comes in a range of 14 cool options.  This spinner case features a scratch-resistant shell and secure side-mounted locks as well as expansion and compression capabilities.

Again, owners also have the reassurance of a limited 10-year Samsonite warranty.

Pros:

• Sturdy handle
• Good value for money
• Wheels easily

Cons:

• The shape is too big for some airlines

This is, without doubt, one of the best lightweight spinner carry on luggage cases.

A lightweight Travelpro bag with spinner wheels, this 21-inch case also comes in other sizes.  The expanding design means it can be used as a check-in bag as well as a carry-on.

Self-aligning, spinner wheels are multi-directional and for added protection there is corner armor and skid guards.  A stain-resistant outer coating and removable toiletries bag add to the practicality of the design.

Pros:

• Good quality
• Lots of inside space
• Easy to wheel

Cons:

• Some airlines won’t allow it as carryon because of the size of its total measurements

If you’re in the market for the best lightweight hardside luggage, then the Freeform from Samsonite is a large, check-in case with an incredibly strong design.

The backing of the 10-year limited warranty is attractive, as is the choice of 12 colors.  A recessed combination lock provides peace of mind, while multi-directional spinner wheels make it super simple to move around.

As they’re so easy to control, the wheels also prevent stress on your shoulder and arm.  This case also has multiple pockets, is expandable and has recessed push button handles.

American Tourister offer some great lightweight hard suitcases, including the Moonlight range.

The 28-inch hardside case comes in an impressive range of 11 plain colors or patterns.  Inside, various compartments and secure straps make packing simple, while spinner wheels ensure maximum maneuverability.

Lightweight yet robust, this case can look classically elegant or ensure you stand out from the crowd, depending on which design you go for.

Pros:

• Nice color selections
• Good quality
• Lots of space

Cons:

• Scratches fairly easily

Those searching for the best lightweight hardshell luggage should certainly take a look at the Samsonite Omni range.

The 28-inch version is ideal for use as a check-in case and it is expandable to suit your load.  Key features include spinner wheels, theft-resistant TSA locks, a scratch-resistant outer shell and a choice of 14 right or neutral colors.

As usual this Samsonsite case is also covered by the company’s 10-year limited warranty.

We’ve already listed two other sizes of this case in the checked and carry-on luggage categories.  Samsonite are certainly among the best lightweight luggage brands, and have produced another winner with the 24-inch version of their bestselling Omni case.

Just like the larger and smaller cases, the 24-inch Samsonite Omni has that tough, scratch-resistant outer that comes in 14 colors.

There are secure side locks, spinner wheels, push button locking handles and that 10-year warranty.  Pockets, sections and straps inside help you pack efficiently and again this case can compress and expand as required.

Pros:

• Well built/ sturdy
• Don’t tip over when standing
• Rolls well

Cons:

• Wheels can sometimes break
• No built in luggage tag

This lightweight travel bag with wheels from Travelpro is a professional style spinner case.

As well as this 21-inch carry-on size there are smaller and larger options too.  When packed to its maximum expanding capacity it can become a checked bag, while if it’s used without expansion you can make the most of that permissible carry-on capacity.

The smooth, self-aligning spinner wheels can move in any direction and there are skid guards and corner armor for protection.  The outer coating resists staining and a removable toiletries bag is included.

As well as checking so many other boxes, the Samsonite Freeform’s multi-directional wheels make it a hot pick among spinner cases.

This case is strong, sturdy and stylish, and comes in 12 color options.  A 10-year limited warranty adds peace of mind, as does a theft-resistant, recessed combination lock.

The spinner wheels are very easy to control, and the clever design also helps to reduce strain on shoulders and arms.  Inside there are multiple interior pockets and the case is also expandable.

This extra large lightweight suitcase measures an impressive 28 inches, making it ideal for an longer or family trip.  If you’re going away for longer than a week’s vacation, you can pack it all in thanks to this sturdy, sizeable case.

The extra-thick hard shell is super strong, and it has robust solid zip fastenings.  Inside, the interior features a divider and three zipped storage pockets, while a telescoping handle and spinner wheels enhance maneuverability.

This expandable case can hold over 100 liters, yet weighs under 12lbs.

Pros:

• Rolls easily
• Sturdy case
• 3 zipper inside pockets

Cons:

• The handle is not the sturdiest

At 29 inches, this Delsey lightweight luggage comes in a little larger than most.

This lightweight wheeled luggage looks very stylish, yet is also ultra strong.  Travelers can choose between five colors, and whichever they choose will benefit from a range of impressive features.  These include a lightweight, super-tough ABS construction and scuff and scratch resistant grained finish.

Spinner wheels and a TSA approved lock ensure this is moveable yet tough, while the interior even includes a water-resistant pocket.

Pros:

• Expandable, so you can store more or make it smaller.
• Lightweight, but still very durable.
• Rolls easily

Cons:

• Not the lightest option here

Another superb travel product from Samsonite is the Solyte 29 inch case.

The soft sides ensure it is ultra lightweight, yet it makes the ideal check-in bag for a longer trip away. Inside there are some clever features like the WetPak pocket and smart fix buckles that hold the straps out of the way during packing and unpacking.

There are interior and exterior pockets and compartments, plus four-directional spinner wheels.

Pros:

• Sturdy construction
• Wheels easily
• Lots of space inside including pockets

Cons:

• Not the cheapest option

This luggage set from American Tourister checks so many boxes for anyone seeking a set of lightweight travel luggage.

21-, 24- and 28-inch cases are included.  The former is one of the finest lightweight carry ons available, while the larger cases are perfect for checking in.

With spinner wheels, this lightweight hard case luggage set is sturdy, practical and stylish. You can also choose between 11 designs, including metallic, marble, iridescent, floral and tropical finishes.

Pros:

• Nice designs
• Lots of space
• Wheels easily

Cons:

• Scratches fairly easily

Quite possibly the best lightweight luggage brand on the market, Samsonite’s Omni cases have already featured in several categories above.  Now we turn to the 3-piece Omni set, which includes this superb case in three different sizes.

Check off all your lightweight luggage requirements in one hit by investing in the set, which contains 20-, 24- and 28-inch cases.

Each of the expanding cases features spinner wheels, a scratch-resistant shell, side-mounted security locks and that 10-year limited warranty backing.  Again you can choose between 14 colors, too.

Pros:

• Smooth, sturdy handle
• Wheels easily
• Lots of space with expansion

Cons:

• Despite being ‘scratch resistant’, it can get scratched

Not everyone wants a set of hardside travel luggage, like those listed above.  If you prefer the softer option, then why not take a look at this Delsey set?

When investing in this set, you get the best lightweight 29-inch luggage – as well as 25- and 21-inch cases too.  

The set comes in a choice of four colors and is backed by a 10-year Delsey limited warranty.  This to quality Delsey luggage is lightweight yet sturdy, with exterior and interior pockets to help you stay organized while on the move.

James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents.  He is passionate about experiential travel, i.e. meaningful travel that actively engages with the environment and culture. 

He helps people have similar experiences that involve active participation in activities and festivals; engaging with the local food and handicrafts through lessons and food tours; and interacting positively with environment by hiking, riding, rowing, diving and low/no impact animal encounters. 

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