If you’re anything like us and ‘packing light’ isn’t a term you’re familiar with, a lightweight suitcase is essential.
The cost for additional items like luggage is ever increasing, ending up with overweight bags is a hefty hit on the bank balance that no one wants to experience when heading to or from your much-deserve break.
Starting with the minimal amount of kilos on the scales means you can maximise outfits and shoes to your heart’s content. After all, options are key.
Generally large checked bags that sit under 4kg are considered to be fairly lightweight but innovation in the case game will get you a model closer to the 2kg mark, similarly for cabin bags around 0.5kg to 2.4kg.
These are figures that become all the more important as you toe the line between the 23kg allowance and ending up having to wear the entirety of your holiday wardrobe on the sauna-like plane. The popular TikTok trend of disguising your possessions in an empty cushion case is only going to work for so long before travel staff will catch on.
Save your pennies and steer clear of back strain and invest in the lightweight luggage below.
LIGHTWEIGHT CHECKED BAGS
it Luggage World's Lightest Large 4 Wheel Soft Suitcase
Weight: 2.47kg
Size: H83 x W48.5 x D26.5cm
Capacity: 90L
There’s a reason why IT Luggage is a popular brand on the baggage reclaim conveyer belt. It’s a lightweight, easily manoeuvrable suitcase that can pack a huge amount into a compact space. It has a wide handle design embellished with a cushioned pad and four swivel wheels for easy movement. The case is constructed with a fibreglass structure and high tensil fabric that is hard-wearing. It also comes with a 10 year warranty so it’s a no brainer purchase.
Buy now £50.00, Argos
Eastpak Tranverz L Suitcase
Weight: 500g
Size: 33.02 x 40.01 x 79.02 cm
Capacity: 121L
It almost seems farfetched that a suitcase of this capacity could weigh such a light amount. This makes this Eastpak travelling essential the bag of choice if you were moving abroad or jetting off for an extended period of time as you can pack everything but the kitchen sink and still have baggage allowance to spare. The case comes in a rainbow array of colours with a double deck interior to pack both sides and an integrated TSA lock.
Buy now £120.00, Amazon
Samsonite HI-FI 4-Wheel 81cm Expandable Extra Large Suitcase, Black
Weight: 4kg
Size: H81 x W54 x D32cm
Capacity: 119L
Heading to and from the airport is made easy with Samsonite’s extra large suitcase. If you prefer hard cases in order to give the contents that additional layer of security from knocks and bumps, this will add a kilo or two but if that’s a non-negotiable, this may be the case for you.
It is made from a featherweight polypropylene suitcase, shock-absorbing suspension and a water-repellent PU zip. Inside there’s room for the entirety of your wardrobe with dividers and compression straps as well as the option to expand it further so you can do some shopping on arrival. There’s a five year guarantee included.
Buy now £245.00, John Lewis
Lipault Foldable two-wheel suitcase 65cm
Weight: 2.7 kg
Size: 65 x 44 x 28cm
Capacity: 69 L
Explore all four corners of the globe with your trusted Lipault suitcase at your side. It has a soft exterior that is made from twill nylon. The interior is spacious with a pockets galore. Best of all, when you’re home from your trip, the suitcase folds up to take up as little space as possible in storage.
Buy now £199.00, Selfridges
Samsonite C-Lite 4-Wheel 75cm Expandable Large Suitcase, Black
Weight: 2.8kg
Size: H75 x W51 x D31cm
Capacity: 94L
Samsonite is likely the brand that comes to mind when you think of lightweight luggage. The label has been nailing this sector of the travel game for years with its ability to pack innovative features without excessive weight. This cases uses the same light polypropylene hard shell as the suitcase above with slightly less storage capacity. It is so easy to get around with four wheels and the extendable handle - and there’s a TSA lock for security.
Buy now £399.00, John Lewis
LIGHTWEIGHT CABIN LUGGAGE
IT Luggage 47cm World's Lighest Two Wheel Trolley Suitcase
Weight: 1.5kg
Size: 30.5 x 19 x 47 cm
Capacity: 22L
Why is it that no matter where your gate is placed, it’s always the wrong end of Duty Free? You won’t complain though when you have the IT Luggage cabin bag trailing behind you. It is made from a lightweight fabric with two rolling wheels and an easy-hold extendable handle with the brand’s signature padding. The case comes in two sizes, this XS and M (40.5 x 23.4 x 65 cm; 1.85kg).
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
Longchamp Le Pliage extra large travel bag
Weight: 445g
Size: 55 x 40 x 23cm
Capacity: 21.7L
The beauty of Longchamp’s cult Le Pliage bag range is its ability to fold into itself and become less than A3 in size. This has made the piece a go-to for globetrotters the world over, especially if you are planning on a shopping spree when you reach your destination. It comes in a variety of sizes and colours and is crafted in a canvas material with leather handles so it will stand the test of time.
Buy now £105.00, Selfridges
Skyflite Skypak folding woven travel bag
Weight: 600g
Size: 25 x 30 x 3cm
Capacity: 90L
When it comes to investing in a suitcase, it is important to consider your storage. When the vacation is over and you refuse to unpack, this piece will decorate your room for the foreseeable. Eventually, you will need to put it away and if space is lacking, you’ll be pleased to have the Skyflite duffle on hand. This bag folds into itself - think of a mac in a sack and this is the same principal. When unpacked, it has the space for weekend and far flung trips alike, but folded up, it can slip into any drawer.
Buy now £60.00, Selfridges
American Tourister Summer Funk 55cm 2-Wheel Upright Cabin Case
Weight: 2kg
Size: H55 x W40 x D20cm
Capacity: 42L
Fill your weekends with spontaneous city breaks and keep costs low by having the American Tourister cabin case on hand. This lightweight design won’t leave you with unexpected charges but still gives you the opportunity to pack outfit options just incase the weather turns. It’s tough-wearing and robust with smooth two wheels and a TSA lock.
Buy now £109.00, John Lewis
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Rolling Carry-on Tote 2 Wheels
Weight: 2.4kg
Size: 39x41x22 cm
Capacity: 32L
If you’re travelling for work or don’t fancy the thought of having to iron your clothes on your hard-earned annual leave, the Travelpro Carry-on is designed with built-in pockets and even the ability to place hangers. The compact sizes packs a lot more than you’d expect and you can stack your briefcase or any other bags on top with ease.
Buy now £110.00, Amazon
Osprey Daylite Duffel 45
Weight: 600g
Size: 53 x 36 x 24cm
Capacity: 45L
Osprey is known and loved for its lightweight luggage options - whether you are travelling for months, adventure-seeking, hiking, climbing, running or more. This duffel is a great all-rounder that you can use for overnight stays or even the gym so you get fair use out of it when you’re not heading abroad. it comes in bold and pared-back colourways alike with easy-access pockets. There’s a sustainable nod too as it’s constructed from GRS-certified recycled materials.
Buy now £65.00, Osprey