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And the award goes to…
- Best hard shell lightweight suitcase: Samsonite Lite-Shock – UK £200-£300 / US $300-$500
- Best soft shell lightweight suitcase: Samsonite Citybeat – UK £100-£200 / US
- Best carry-on lightweight suitcase: July Light – UK £195 / US $245
- Best checked lightweight suitcase: Samsonite Lite-Shock – UK £200-£300 / US $300-$500
- Best durable lightweight suitcase: July Light – UK £195-£275 / US $245-$375
- Best expandable lightweight suitcase: July Light – UK £195-£275 / US $245-$375
- Best lightweight duffle: Samsonite Paradiver – UK £150-£250 / US $180-$300
- Best budget lightweight suitcase: Tripp Chic – £40-£75
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
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.
£195/$245
Samsonite Lite-Shock
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
Specs
- Polyurethane
- S (55 cm) / M (67 cm) / L (79 cm)
- 2.4kg / 2.6kg / 2.9kg
Samsonite Citybeat
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.
£100-£200
American Tourister Airconic
American Tourister is one of my favourite affordable luggage brands whilst combining practical yet stylish and modern luggage.
Tripp Ultra Lite
Specs
- Polyester
- S (55 cm) / M (72 cm) / L (83 cm)
- 2.1kg / 2.6kg / 3kg
Aerolite Lightweight
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
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
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.
| Material | Polypropylene |
| Weight | 2.3kg |
| Size | 20 x 39 x 55 cm |
| Packing capacity | 37L |
| Number of wheels | 4 |
| Guarantee | 5 years |
American Toruister Sea Seeker
| Material | Polyester |
| Weight | 1.5 / 2.5 / 3.1 / 3.6kg |
| Sizes | 45 / 55 / 68 / 80cm |
| Packing capacity | 28 / 36 / 61 / 92.5L |
| Number of wheels | 4 |
| Guarantee | Legal warranty |
Samsonite Airea
| Material | Nylon |
| Weight | 1.8kg |
| Size | 35 x 22 x 55 cm |
| Packing capacity | 38L |
| Number of wheels | 4 |
| Guarantee | 10 years |
Tripp Holiday
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.
| Material | Polypropylene |
| Weight | 2.7kg |
| Size | 20 x 35 x 55 cm |
| Packing capacity | 37L |
| Number of wheels | 4 |
| Guarantee | 5 years |
American Tourister Summerfunk Koffer
Available in 3 sizes (55, 67, 79) and in 4 colours.
| Material | Polyester |
| Weight | 2.2kg |
| Size | 40 x 23 x 55 cm |
| Packing capacity | 43L |
| Number of wheels | 4 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Hauptstadkoffer – TXL Series Suitcase
| 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
| Material | Polyester |
| Weight | 2kg |
| Size | 40 x 20 x 55 cm |
| Packing capacity | 39L |
| Number of wheels | 4 |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Antler Clifton
| Material | Polyester |
| Weight | 2kg |
| Size | 40 x 20 x 55 cm |
| Packing capacity | 37L |
| Number of wheels | 4 |
| Warranty | 10 years |
And I still haven’t found what I’m looking for – See the rest of our suitcase buying guides for more ideas
- Affordable luggage: best suitcase deals | affordable luggage brands
- Carry-on: carry-on luggage with laptop compartments | easyjet cabin bag |
- Checked luggage: checked luggage for international travel | extra large suitcases | expandable suitcases | trunk luggage
- Durable luggage: most durable luggage | zipperless suitcases | aluminium suitcases
- Luggage brands: luxury luggage brands | European luggage brands | eco-friendly suitcases | luggage with lifetime warranty
- Misc luggage: ultra lightweight suitcases | Tripp suitcases | suitcases for cruises | 2 wheel suitcases | rose gold luggage
- Suitcase reviews: Horizn Studios M5 | Level8 Voyageur | Grams(28) 154 City Pack
- Travel accessories: packing cube alternatives | travel accessories for long flights | compression suitcase packing cubes | GPS luggage tracker | passport covers | travel vanity cases | wine suitcases
Last update on 2025-07-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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