Skip to content
Home » Best Suitcase Buying Guides » 19 Best Ultra Lightweight Suitcases

19 Best Ultra Lightweight Suitcases

Elite Travel Blog is supported by our readers using affiliate links where we make a small commission at no extra cost to you (also helps to keep the site ad-free). Find out how we research and choose the best products for our lists.

And the award goes to…

Compare the best lightweight suitcases by weight, capacity and price

[wptb id=21775]

Are lightweight suitcases worth it?

Who wants to lug around a heavy suitcase – getting to your hotel is tiring enough! Lightweight suitcases can also save some precious weight when it comes to airline weight limits so you can pack more clothes and souvenirs. Lightweight doesn’t have to mean cheaper, flimsy material either. You’ll find trusted brand names like Samsonite, American Tourister and July who offer long term warranties, should you need it.

And contrary to belief, there isn’t one single material which makes for the lightest suitcase either. I’ve found a range of soft shell suitcases made from polyester and nylon to hard shell suitcases made from polycarbonate and polypropylene on 2 and 4 wheels. These lightweight suitcases are also a great option for seniors and teenagers.

Criteria I look for in an ultra lightweight suitcase

Weight – A lot of suitcases will say they’re lightweight, but some are a kg/lbs or two heavier than those in my list which can make a difference at the luggage scale. Based on my research and what’s available on the market, I’m confident this list is a range of ultra lightweight suitcases, all of which weigh under 3kg/7lbs. Of course, size and capacity affect the weight too.

A guide to ultra lightweight suitcases by size and capacity.

  • Carry-on (small) – ≤ 2kg / 4.4lbs
  • Medium suitcase – ≤ 2.5kg / 5.5lbs
  • Large suitcase – ≤ 2.8kg / 6.2lbs
  • Extra large suitcase – ≤ 3kg / 6.6lbs

Here are the best lightweight suitcases to buy in 2023

July Carry On Light

delsey-moncey

July Carry On Light

If you’re looking for cabin luggage weighing less than 2kg, July claim it’s the lightest double wheel suitcase in the world and the largest carry-ons in its class. For under £200 you’ll also get SilentMove™ Series 2 360° double spinner wheels, integrated TSA lock and a lifetime warranty too. There’s an expandable version which increases the capacity to 40L, weighing 2.2kg. Sustainable suitcases are few and far between unfortunately, but the July Carry On Light is vegan friendly.

  • Polycarbonate
  • 1.8kg
  • 54 x 36 x 19 cm
  • 32L

£195/$245

Samsonite Lite-Shock

Samsonite Lite-Shock
If you’re looking to invest in a brand name suitcase, I highly recommend this Curv polypropylene Samsonite suitcase which offers value for money. I think you’ll agree the extra money spent gets you a stunningly designed suitcase that’s weighs just 1.7kg.

There’s 4 sizes in total from small to extra large, where the latter still only weighs 2.8kg, making it my favourite large suitcase under 3kg. 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. One small negative are the wheels are single, not double (July Light features double wheels).

Specs:
  • Polypropylene
  • S (55 cm) / M (69 cm) / L (75 cm) / XL (81 cm)
  • 1.7kg / 2.3kg / 2.5kg / 2.8kg

Samsonite Paradiver

Samsonite Paradiver
Rolling duffle bags have risen in popularity due to their flexibility – it can be folded down for easy storage when not in use. If you prefer your luggage with 2 wheels instead of 4, the Samsonite Paradiver is one of the most durable lightweight luggage on this list. It’s made from weather resistant durable polyurethane.

Specs
  • Polyurethane
  • S (55 cm) / M (67 cm) / L (79 cm)
  • 2.4kg / 2.6kg / 2.9kg

Samsonite Citybeat

delsey-moncey

Samsonite Citybeat

If your looking for an expandable lightweight suitcase, I recommend the Citybeat. And if you prefer a 2 wheel carry-on, there’s an upright option available too. It may not win any innovative suitcase design or aesthetic awards, but the classic design is available in some bright colours including this fiery red. The Citybeat is one of the best value polyester options in this list too.

  • Polyester
  • Cabin bag (55 cm) / M (66 cm) / L (77 cm)
  • 2kg / 2.7kg / 3.1kg
  • £119 / £139 / £188

£100-£200

Samsonite D-Lite

  • Made from nylon
  • Front opening
  • Front laptop pocket
  • Cabin bag (55 cm) / S (55 cm) / M (71 cm) / L (78 cm)
  • 1.9kg / 2kg / 2.6kg / 3kg
  • £199 / £209 / £239 / £279
  • Buy from Case Luggage and receive 10% off on your first order

Samsonite C-Lite

  • Made from Polypropylene
  • Cabin bag (55 cm) / L (81 cm)
  • 1.9kg / 3.1kg
  • £185 / £469
  • Buy from Case Luggage and receive 10% off on your first order

American Tourister Airconic

American Tourister is one of my favourite affordable luggage brands whilst combining practical yet stylish and modern luggage.

  • Made from Polypropylene
  • Cabin bag (55 cm) / M (67 cm) / L (77 cm)
  • 2kg / 2.7kg / 3.2kg
  • £139 / £159 / £169
  • Buy from Fenwick and receive 10% off on your first order when you sign up to their newsletter

Tripp Ultra Lite

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

Specs
  • Polyester
  • S (55 cm) / M (72 cm) / L (83 cm)
  • 2.1kg / 2.6kg / 3kg

Aerolite Lightweight

Aerolite Lightweight
Another lightweight suitcase option under £100 (the checked version only weighs 2.95kg. That’s thanks to the outer material which is made from 600 Denier polyester making is super lightweight yet rip-resistant. There’s also a front pocket for easy access to your belongings..

Specs
  • Rip-resistant 600 Denier polyester
  • 3-digit combination barrel padlock
  • 4 wheels
  • S (47 cm) / L (75 cm)
  • 1.85kg / 2.95kg

IT Duo Tone

IT is one of the most highly rated budget luggage brands in the UK (the other is Tripp). There are several budget, lightweight options, but I’ve chosen the Duo Tone.

The cheapest lightweight suitcase on the list. It still comes with a TSA approved lock, 8 wheels, two front pockets and 10 year warranty.

Specs:

  • Polyester
  • S (57 cm) / M (67 cm) / L (77 cm) / XL (87 cm)
  • 2.32kg / 2.55kg / 2.9kg / 3.28kg
  • £36/ £55 / £65 / £75

American Tourister Urban Track

Sale
American Tourister Urban Track
Or maybe you’re looking for an alternative to a suitcase? The American Tourister Urban Track is a travel bag with 2 wheels. Both the inner lining and outer fabric are made from recycled PET bottles.

Available in 3 sizes, the large still only weighs 3kg.

Specs
  • Polyester
  • S (55 cm) / M (68 cm) / L (78.5 cm)
  • 2.5kg / 2.6kg / 3kg

Tripp Chic

TRIPP Sky Blue Chic Suitcase
This is the cheapest lightweight suitcase on the list I can recommend. For 50m, you get a brand name suitcase with four wheels and an integrated TSA approved lock – incredible value. 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.

Available in 3 sizes (55, 67, 77cm) I think this beautiful sky blue stands out, but there’s it’s also available in black and navy.
MaterialPolypropylene
Weight2.3kg
Size20 x 39 x 55 cm
Packing capacity37L
Number of wheels4
Guarantee5 years

American Toruister Sea Seeker

American Tourister Sea Seeker
An American Tourister for less than £100 is a good deal. You won’t lose this vibrant Aqua Green is a crowd either.
MaterialPolyester
Weight1.5 / 2.5 / 3.1 / 3.6kg
Sizes45 / 55 / 68 / 80cm
Packing capacity28 / 36 / 61 / 92.5L
Number of wheels4
GuaranteeLegal warranty

Samsonite Airea

Sale
Samsonite Airea
Samsonite make some of the lightest suitcases on the market. This Samsonite Airea also comes as an expandable model for even more packing capacity.
MaterialNylon
Weight1.8kg
Size35 x 22 x 55 cm
Packing capacity38L
Number of wheels4
Guarantee10 years

Tripp Holiday

TRIPP Holiday 7 Suitcase
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.

It’s made of polypropylene like the Tripp Chic and also featues an Integrated TSA Lock, but is 0.4kg heavier. Available in 3 sizes (55, 66, 76cm) and in 6 colours.
MaterialPolypropylene
Weight2.7kg
Size20 x 35 x 55 cm
Packing capacity37L
Number of wheels4
Guarantee5 years

American Tourister Summerfunk Koffer

American Tourister Summerfunk Koffer
If you need easy access to your belongings like laptop or passport without having to open the main compartment, the American Tourister Summerfunk has a front pocket which also expands. It also features a front opening rather than split. There’s also a TSA approved lock.

Available in 3 sizes (55, 67, 79) and in 4 colours.
MaterialPolyester
Weight2.2kg
Size40 x 23 x 55 cm
Packing capacity43L
Number of wheels4
Warranty3 years

Hauptstadkoffer – TXL Series Suitcase

Hauptstadtkoffer -TXL Series Suitcase
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.
MaterialPolypropylene
Weight2.4kg
Size55 x 40 x 23 cm
Packing capacity36L
Number of wheels4
GuaranteeShell = 5 years, handle = 2 years

Samsonite Base Boost

Samsonite Base Boost – Spinner L Expandable Suitcase, 78 cm, 105/112.5 l, Black (Black)
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.
MaterialPolyester
Weight2kg
Size40 x 20 x 55 cm
Packing capacity39L
Number of wheels4
Warranty10 years

Antler Clifton

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.
MaterialPolyester
Weight2kg
Size40 x 20 x 55 cm
Packing capacity37L
Number of wheels4
Warranty10 years

And I still haven’t found what I’m looking forSee the rest of our suitcase buying guides for more ideas

Last update on 2025-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API