10 Ultra Lightweight Suitcases 2023 From £50 (Updated)

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Tired of buying a new suitcase every time the zip breaks? Or just looking for some extra protection of your prized possessions? There are only a handful of zipperless suitcases worth investing. I’ve spent ten hours researching and reading user reviews to find the best no zip suitcases on the market. Read on to find out everything you need to know before making a purchase.

The best lightweight cabin suitcases on the market

Best value cabin suitcase	Tripp Banana Holiday 6
Best suitcase for under £100	American Tourister Summerfunk
Best suitcase for under £200	Samsonite B-Lite Icon
Best suitcase money can buy	Samsonite Lite-Shock

Why buy a lightweight suitcase?

Who wants to lug around a heavy suitcase – travelling to your destination is hard enough! Lightweight suitcases are perfect for those who need something easier to lift and roll around. They can also save some precious weight when it comes to airline weight limits so you can pack more.

I scoured Amazon for the best ultra lightweight suitcases on the market. After looking at 70 suitcases, here’s what I found so you don’t have to do the research.

Criteria I look for in an ultra lightweight suitcase

Weight – The suitcases on this list weigh 3kg or lighter. This weight also makes it perfect for teens and seniors too.

Size – Suitcases come in all shapes and sizes of course, so I chosen to focus on cabin suitcases if available to try and standardise and make comparisons easier.

Here are the cabin bag sizes for the most popular headlines

• Ryanair – 55x40x20cm
• Easyjet – 56x45x25 cm
• British Airways – 56x45x25cm

Outer material – I prefer the material polypropylene for suitcases as it’s light and hardwearing (they make car bumpers out of polypropylene for example). After all, our suitcases get battered and bruised over its lifetime. I have added several non polypropylene suitcases on this list however, if they meet the weight criteria. They also must have four star rating or more on Amazon.

Retailer – Why should you buy your luggage from Amazon? They tend to stock out of season luggage, so you can buy discounted suitcases from leading brands like Samsonite and Antler. And you can get quick, free delivery (handy if you discover you need new luggage a few days before your holiday!

Number of wheels – My travelling world was changed when I got a four spinner wheeled suitcase (Horizn Studio M5 review). It makes your suitcase seem even lighter as you don’t have to exert so much effort to roll along. I definitely think it’s worth the extra money so most of the suitcases in this list are four wheeled. I’d recommend double for wheeled suitcases for extra stability and durability.

Price – And remember, if you buy cheap you buy twice. That’s why I think designer luxury suitcases are worth their price. There is nothing more frustrating on a holiday than your suitcase breaking. All suitcases cost £45 or more.

The list is ordered by lowest cost to highest.

Here are the best lightweight suitcases to buy in 2023

Tripp Sky Blue Chic Cabin 4 Wheel Suitcase

This is the cheapest lightweight suitcase on the list I can recommend. I couldn’t believe you can buy a Tripp suitcase with four wheels and an integrated TSA approved lock for £50. Tripp have been making suitcases for 20 years so they know how to make suitcases that last – it has a 5 year guarantee for peace of mind. I think this beautiful sky blue stands out. This is by far the best cheap suitcase money buy.

Cost at time of writing	£50
Material	Polypropylene
Weight	2.3kg
Size	20 x 39 x 55 cm
Packing capacity	37L
Number of wheels	4
Guarantee	5 years

Tripp Ocean Blue Ultra Lite 4 Wheel Cabin Suitcase

If you prefer polyester suitcases and something that isn’t as bright, this Tripp suitcase is also £50. It comes with a front pocket and is 0.2kg lighter than the above Tripp suitcase, but the packing capacity is 11L smaller. It also doesn’t come with an integrated lock but does come with a padlock and keys.

Cost at time of writing	£50
Material	Polyester
Weight	2.1kg
Size	20 x 35 x 55 cm
Packing capacity	25L
Number of wheels	4
Guarantee	5 years

Tripp Banana Holiday 6

I think the Holiday cabin luggage is the best looking Tripp luggage you can buy. And what better colour for luggage than sunshine yellow (even if they called it banana…). The Holiday was Good Housekeeping Institute approved for 2022.

Cost at time of writing	£50
Material	Polypropylene
Weight	2.7kg
Size	20 x 35 x 55 cm
Packing capacity	37L
Number of wheels	4
Guarantee	5 years

Hanke Expandable Foldable Luggage Suitcase

This Hanke suitcase is unique and is the most compact suitcase when it comes to storing, on the list. This is perfect for people who doesn’t have space in their apartment to store a suitcase. The Hanke suitcase flattens down to the same height as a smartphone, making it easy to store anywhere. When you are using it to travel, you can adjust the height to whatever size you need – 20″, 24″, 28″. There are a couple of downsides however. It’s slightly larger than a cabin bag and doesn’t come with a telescopic handle.

Cost at time of writing	£77
Material	Polyester
Weight	2.44kg
Size	45 x 26 x 11.9 cm
Number of wheels	4

American Tourister Summerfunk

The American Tourister Summerfunk has additional functionality with two front pockets which also expands. There’s also a TSA approved lock.

Cost at time of writing	£100
Material	Polyester
Weight	2.2kg
Size	40 x 23 x 55 cm
Packing capacity	43L
Number of wheels	4
Warranty	3 years

Hauptstadtkoffer Luggage

The Hauptstadtkoffer suitcase is the cheapest business cabin suitcase on the list. It comes with a 17″ front laptop pocket which is water resistant and has a TSA combination lock. The hard shell has a 5 year guarentee.

Cost at time of writing	£114
Material	Polypropylene
Weight	2.4kg
Size	55 x 40 x 23 cm
Packing capacity	36L
Number of wheels	4
Guarantee	Shell = 5 years, handle = 2 years

Samsonite Base Boost

When you talk about the best lightweight suitcases, you have to mention Samsonite who have been making luggage for 110 years (making them one of the oldest luggage manufacturers). The luggage brand is synonymise for a reason and the Base Boost is an absolute bargain at just under £120 (I didn’t think I’d find a Samsonite suitecase for less than £150 so you’re getting some change and more here too). Sure, the looks a little basic for a Samsonite suitcase, but at the price you’re getting a well made suitcase that has four wheels and a TSA lock too.

Cost at time of writing	£119
Material	Polyester
Weight	2kg
Size	40 x 20 x 55 cm
Packing capacity	39L
Number of wheels	4
Warranty	10 years

Antler Clifton Suitcase

Another brand name worth mentioning is Antler who have been making luggage since 1914. There’s space for two separate sections for delicate items, its own cotton dust bag for storage and front pocket for your laptop. The Clifton is colour-fast, which means scratches will stay true to colour of the shell and comes with a ten year warranty.

Cost at time of writing	£119
Material	Polyester
Weight	2kg
Size	40 x 20 x 55 cm
Packing capacity	37L
Number of wheels	4
Warranty	10 years

Samsonite B-Lite Icon

A more expensive Samsonite option is the B-Lite, but for the price it’s the lightest suitcase on the list for less than £200. I know, at almost £200, you still can’t buy a non polyester suitcase…

Cost at time of writing	£195
Material	Polyester & Nylon
Weight	2kg
Size	40 x 20 x 55 cm
Packing capacity	39L
Number of wheels	4
Warranty	10 years

Samsonite Lite-Shock

Yes, for an extra £100, you can buy a Curv polypropylene Samsonite suitcase. I think you’ll agree the extra money spent gets you a stunningly designed suitcase that’s weighs just 1.7kg.

The ridges not only make this unique aesthetically, it provides shock absorbing properties too. Curv polypropylene is 100% polypropylene that provides stiffness and strength around 5 times those of regular polypropylene.

The Luggage Professionals suggest “in the 7 years we have been selling them, we have never seen a Curv suitcase cracked”.

One small negative are the wheels are single, not double.

If you’re looking for a hard wearing suitcase that is going to last you for years of travel, you can’t really buy better than the Samsonite Lite-Shock.

Cost at time of writing	£295
Material	Polypropylene
Weight	2kg
Size	40 x 20 x 55 cm
Packing capacity	36L
Number of wheels	4
Warranty	10 years

Do hard suitcases break easily?

Hard-shell suitcases are generally more durable and resistant to damage than soft-shell suitcases, but they can still break if subjected to extreme force or pressure. The hardness and strength of a hard-shell suitcase depend on the material it is made from, with polycarbonate and polypropylene being two of the most common materials used in the construction of hard-shell luggage.

Polycarbonate is a high-impact, shatter-resistant material that is often used in the manufacture of hard-shell suitcases, making it a good choice for travelers who are worried about their luggage being damaged during transit. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is a less expensive but still durable material that is often used in the construction of budget-friendly hard-shell suitcases.

It’s worth noting that while hard-shell suitcases are generally more resistant to damage than soft-shell suitcases, they can still break if subjected to extreme force, such as being dropped from a significant height or being crushed by other heavy items. To avoid damage, it’s a good idea to pack your hard-shell suitcase carefully and to choose a suitcase with reinforced corners and a sturdy zippered closure.

What type of suitcase do cabin crew use?

The exact type of suitcase used by cabin crew members can vary depending on the airline and personal preferences. Some cabin crew members use hard-shell suitcases made of materials such as polycarbonate or polypropylene, while others prefer soft-shell suitcases made of materials such as nylon or polyester. Both hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases offer their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of suitcase often comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the individual cabin crew member.

In general, cabin crew members look for suitcases that are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and have enough space to store their uniforms, toiletries, and other personal items. Durability is also an important factor, as the suitcases need to withstand the rigors of regular travel.

What type of suitcase is best for international travel?

The type of suitcase that is best for international travel depends on a variety of factors, including your travel style, destination, and the length of your trip. Here are a few types of suitcases to consider for international travel:

Hard-shell Suitcase

Hard-shell suitcases are made of a rigid material, such as polycarbonate or polypropylene, and are known for their durability and resistance to damage. They are a good choice for travelers who are worried about their luggage being damaged during transit.

Soft-shell Suitcase

Soft-shell suitcases, made of materials such as nylon or polyester, are more flexible and often have more space for packing. They are a good choice for travelers who need to pack more items or who prefer a softer, more pliable suitcase.

Spinner Suitcase

Spinner suitcases have four wheels and can be easily rolled in any direction, making them a good choice for travelers who want a suitcase that is easy to maneuver. They are available in both hard-shell and soft-shell versions.

Expandable Suitcase

Expandable suitcases have a zip that allows the suitcase to expand, providing additional packing space. They are a good choice for travelers who need extra space for souvenirs or who are packing for a longer trip.

Ultimately, the best type of suitcase for international travel is the one that meets your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as durability, size, weight, and the type of trip you are taking when choosing a suitcase for international travel.

Is hard side luggage heavier than soft side?

The weight of a suitcase can vary depending on its size, material, and brand. However, as a general rule, hard-shell suitcases tend to be heavier than soft-shell suitcases due to the rigid material used in their construction.

Hard-shell suitcases are typically made of materials such as polycarbonate or polypropylene, which are known for their durability and resistance to impact. These materials add weight to the suitcase compared to lightweight materials used in soft-shell suitcases, such as nylon or polyester.

That being said, there are also lightweight hard-shell suitcases available on the market that are designed to be both durable and lightweight. On the other hand, some soft-shell suitcases can also be quite heavy, depending on their size and the materials used in their construction.

When choosing a suitcase for travel, it is important to consider both the weight of the suitcase and its capacity to hold your belongings. Ideally, you want a suitcase that is lightweight yet still durable and spacious enough to accommodate all your items.

Are hard side suitcases better?

It depends on what you are looking for in a suitcase. Hard-shell suitcases offer several benefits, such as:

Protection: Hard-shell suitcases provide excellent protection for your belongings, as they are less likely to get dented or crushed. This is especially important for fragile items, such as electronics or delicate clothing.

Durability: Hard-shell suitcases are typically made from materials that are more durable and less likely to crack or break. This means that they will likely last longer than soft-sided suitcases.

Cleanliness: Hard-shell suitcases are easier to clean and keep clean. They can be wiped down with a damp cloth and do not absorb stains or odors like soft-sided suitcases can.

However, hard-shell suitcases also have some disadvantages. They are typically heavier than soft-sided suitcases, which can be a problem if you are traveling with a lot of luggage. Additionally, they are often more rigid and may not fit as much as a soft-sided suitcase of the same size. Finally, they can be more expensive than soft-sided suitcases.

Ultimately, the choice between a hard-shell and soft-sided suitcase depends on your personal preferences and travel needs. If you prioritize protection and durability, a hard-shell suitcase might be the right choice for you. If you value versatility and ease of packing, a soft-sided suitcase might be a better option.

What colour luggage is best?

The best color for your luggage depends on your personal preferences and travel needs. There is no single “best” color for everyone. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the color of your luggage:

Visibility: Lighter-colored or brightly-colored luggage is easier to spot on a baggage carousel, especially if it has a distinctive pattern or design. This can be especially helpful if you are traveling with multiple pieces of luggage and want to quickly identify your own.

Style: Some people prefer to choose luggage in a color that reflects their personal style or matches the color of their travel accessories, such as a backpack or purse.

Practicality: Darker-colored luggage is less likely to show scuffs, dirt, and stains, which can be a concern if you are traveling frequently or to destinations with challenging terrain.

Ultimately, the color of your luggage is a personal choice and you should choose a color that you like and that meets your travel needs. You might also consider buying luggage in a neutral color that is easy to match with other items in your travel wardrobe.