6 Best Lightweight Carry-On Luggage (October 2026)
The best lightweight carry-on luggage include the Samsonite Omni PC 20-Inch Carry-On for a lightweight hardside, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 21-Inch for the lightest load, and the American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Carry-On for an expandable hardside.
On this page (6 sections)
The Samsonite Omni PC 20-Inch Carry-On is our top pick for lightweight carry-on luggage, with a polycarbonate shell, four spinner wheels and expansion. Choose the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 21-Inch if keeping empty weight low matters most, as it weighs 5.4 lb.
We compared weights, overall dimensions, shell materials, wheels and packing features. Weight matters, but a light bag can still be too large for an airline, so check both measurements before you travel.
For the broader selection, see our carry-on luggage picks. Our carry-on size guide explains how to check outside dimensions, and the carry-on weight limit guide covers airline weight rules.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for a lightweight hardsideSamsonite Omni PC 20-Inch Carry-On
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for an expandable hardsideAmerican Tourister Stratum 2.0 Carry-On
8.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itAmerican Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 Softside Carry-On
Best for a simple softside option - 5
Check itTravelpro Maxlite Air V2 20-Inch Carry-On
Best for organized hardside packing - 6
Check itAmerican Tourister Stratum 3.0 Carry-On
Best for an adjustable handle
The 6 best lightweight carry-on luggage picks
The Samsonite Omni PC 20-Inch Carry-On ranks first by score, while the Travelpro Maxlite 5 has the lowest confirmed weight at 5.4 lb. The American Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 is the heaviest at 7.5 lb.
We scored each pick for its fit with lightweight carry-on shoppers, considering weight, dimensions and packing options. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Overall dimensions | Shell | Wheels | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsonite Omni PC 20-Inch Carry-On | a lightweight hardside | 22 x 15 x 9.5 in | Polycarbonate | Four spinner wheels | 8.7 |
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 21-Inch | the lightest load | 23 x 14.5 x 9 in | 8.6 | ||
| American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Carry-On | an expandable hardside | 8.5 | |||
| American Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 Softside Carry-On | a simple softside option | Polyester softside | 8.3 | ||
| Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 20-Inch Carry-On | organized hardside packing | 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 in | Eight spinner wheels | 8.2 | |
| American Tourister Stratum 3.0 Carry-On | an adjustable handle | ABS | 7.7 |
Lightweight carry-on luggage picks in detail
The Samsonite Omni PC leads the picks below, which run from 8.7 to 7.7 by score. We considered each bag's weight alongside its storage and mobility features, since a lighter case still needs to suit how you pack.
Samsonite Omni PC 20-Inch Carry-On
- Polycarbonate shell
- Four spinner wheels
- Expansion gusset
- Side-mounted TSA lock
A polycarbonate shell pairs with four spinner wheels and an expansion gusset. The side-mounted TSA lock adds a built-in locking option.
Pros
- Polycarbonate hardside shell
- Four multidirectional spinner wheels
- Expansion for added capacity
Cons
- Conflicting published weights need confirmation
- Overall depth is 9.5 in
The Samsonite Omni PC combines a polycarbonate shell, four multidirectional spinner wheels and expansion. Its overall dimensions are 22 x 15 x 9.5 in, so compare those measurements with your airline's size limit.
Samsonite publishes conflicting weights for this model, so confirm the empty weight before choosing it for a strict allowance. Its micro-diamond shell texture is designed by Samsonite to resist scratches.
The case has an expansion gusset and a side-mounted TSA lock. Samsonite backs it with a 10-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Its 9.5 in depth needs checking if your airline has a tight size limit or if you plan to expand the case. Choose it for the shell, built-in lock and packing flexibility rather than assuming it has the lowest empty weight.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 21-Inch
- 5.4 lb
- Softside polyester
- Expands up to 2 in
- Two exterior pockets
At 5.4 lb, this is the lightest pick here. Its softside design adds exterior pockets and an expansion zipper for extra packing room.
Pros
- Lightest confirmed weight in this group
- Two exterior pockets plus interior organization
- Expands up to 2 in
Cons
- 23 in overall height may exceed some airline limits
- Softside material may not suit buyers who prefer a hard shell
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 21-Inch is the lightest bag in this group at 5.4 lb. Its overall dimensions are 23 x 14.5 x 9 in, including wheels and handles.
The softside polyester has a water-resistant DuraGuard coating, and the interior lining uses recycled plastics with H2O Guard. The bag has four spinner wheels and a PowerScope Lite handle with stops at 38 in and 42.5 in.
For packing, it includes two exterior pockets, a full-length lid pocket, a side accessory pocket and adjustable hold-down straps. It expands up to 2 in, so check the expanded size if you plan to use that space.
Travelpro provides Limited Lifetime Coverage and a one-year Trusted Companion Promise for airline or carrier damage when registered after purchase. If you want help choosing a bag around your trip, read our complete carry-on buying guide.
American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Carry-On
- 7.3 lb
- Textured hard shell
- Four spinner wheels
- Expands 1 in
This 7.3 lb hardside carry-on expands 1 in and has a textured shell. Inside, a modesty pocket, mesh door pocket and elastic tie tapes help keep items in place.
Pros
- Expands 1 in
- Four spinner wheels
- Interior pockets and tie tapes
Cons
- Heavier than both Travelpro bags
- 9.5 in depth needs checking against airline limits
The American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Carry-On weighs 7.3 lb and has a textured hard shell. Its dimensions are 22 x 15 x 9.5 in, and it expands 1 in when you need more room.
Four spinner wheels support rolling in different directions. The interior has a modesty pocket, a mesh door pocket and elastic tie tapes, which give you a few ways to separate smaller items from clothes.
This pick is heavier than both Travelpro bags in this group. Choose it if you prefer a hardside case with expansion and interior pockets, and confirm the full dimensions against your airline's rules.
American Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 Softside Carry-On
- 7.5 lb
- Polyester softside
- Four spinner wheels
- Expands 1 in
This softside carry-on has a polyester body and expands 1 in. At 7.5 lb, it is the heaviest pick in this lightweight group.
Pros
- Softside polyester construction
- Four spinner wheels
- Expands 1 in
Cons
- Heaviest pick in this group at 7.5 lb
- 23.5 in height may be too tall for some limits
The American Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 Softside Carry-On is a polyester carry-on weighing 7.5 lb. Its dimensions are 23.5 x 14.5 x 9.5 in, and it has four spinner wheels.
The case expands 1 in and uses an adjustable carbon-fiber-texture trolley grip. American Tourister describes the polyester body as rugged and includes carbon-fiber trim accents and gunmetal hardware.
This is the heaviest pick in the group, so it makes more sense if you want a softside case and its design features suit you. Check its 23.5 in height against your airline's limit before packing.
Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 20-Inch Carry-On
- 6.7 lb
- Polycarbonate shell
- Eight spinner wheels
- Two zippered divider panels
At 6.7 lb, the Maxlite Air V2 combines a polycarbonate shell with two zippered divider panels. Its eight spinner wheels and expansion zipper add packing and rolling options.
Pros
- Eight 360-degree spinner wheels
- Two zippered divider panels
- Expands 2 in
Cons
- Overall depth is 9.5 in
- Heavier than the Maxlite 5 Softside
The Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 20-Inch Carry-On weighs 6.7 lb and has a polycarbonate shell. Its overall dimensions are 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 in, including the wheels and handles.
Eight spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees, and the adjustable PowerScope Lite handle lets you set the grip height. Inside, two zippered divider panels with pockets keep packed items sorted.
The case expands 2 in and has an integrated TSA lock. Travelpro says its polycarbonate material flexes on impact, and its lining uses recycled bottles.
Travelpro provides a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Its one-year Trusted Companion Promise covers airline damage repair when the bag is bought new and registered.
American Tourister Stratum 3.0 Carry-On
- 7.3 lb
- Eight spinner wheels
- RightHeight adjustable handle
- Expandable packing space
The Stratum 3.0 weighs 7.3 lb and has a handle that adjusts to multiple heights. Its external dimensions are 22 x 15 x 9.5 in, with expansion for extra items.
Pros
- RightHeight handle adjusts to multiple heights
- Eight spinner wheels
- Has a molded hook for a small airport bag
Cons
- Among the heavier picks here
- Exact expansion depth needs confirmation
The American Tourister Stratum 3.0 Carry-On weighs 7.3 lb and measures 22 x 15 x 9.5 in externally. Its RightHeight trolley handle adjusts to multiple heights, and eight spinner wheels support movement in different directions.
The case expands for extra packing space, though American Tourister gives conflicting expansion measurements. It also has zippered pockets and a molded hook for holding a small airport bag.
At the same weight as the Stratum 2.0, this option offers a RightHeight handle and molded hook. Its ABS shell makes it another hardside choice if those features matter more to you than reducing empty weight as far as possible.
How should you compare carry-on weights?
Compare the empty weight with the bag's full outside dimensions, including wheels and handles. A 5 lb bag can still exceed a carrier's size limit, while a slightly heavier bag may suit you better if its storage layout fits your packing needs.
Weight also affects how much you need to lift into an overhead bin. If you have a strict airline weight allowance, leave room for the contents rather than choosing by empty-bag weight alone.
Which lightweight carry-on weight should you use?
Use the empty-bag weight to compare cases, then weigh your packed bag before travel. If a brand gives conflicting figures, confirm the model's weight before relying on it for a tight allowance.
Is softside or hardside better for a light carry-on?
The 5.4 lb Travelpro Maxlite 5 is the lightest option in this group, so softside wins here on confirmed empty weight. The hardside Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 weighs 6.7 lb, while the Omni PC's conflicting published weights need confirmation.
Softside bags can offer exterior pockets, as the Maxlite 5 does. Hardside options such as the Omni PC and Maxlite Air V2 provide polycarbonate shells, so choose by the features you want and the bag's weight.
How much does expansion affect carry-on size?
Expansion adds packing space but can make the bag deeper. The Maxlite 5 expands up to 2 in, the Maxlite Air V2 expands 2 in, and the Stratum 2.0 and 4 KIX 2.0 each expand 1 in.
The Omni PC and Stratum 3.0 also expand, but don't rely on an exact added depth without confirming it. Measure the packed case with expansion open if you plan to use that extra room.
Check the full packed dimensions against your airline's limits before relying on expansion. For packing ideas that don't depend on extra depth, use our carry-on packing guide.
What should you check before choosing lightweight carry-on luggage?
Check the full outside dimensions first, then compare weight, shell type and storage. Look for features that matter to your trip, such as exterior pockets, divider panels, spinner wheels or an adjustable handle.
Choose the Omni PC for our highest-scoring lightweight carry-on, or pick the Maxlite 5 if keeping empty weight low is your main goal. Consider the Maxlite Air V2 for two zippered dividers and eight spinner wheels, and browse our carry-on luggage picks for other needs.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a lightweight hardside
Samsonite Omni PC 20-Inch Carry-On
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for an expandable hardside
American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Carry-On
8.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is a good weight for a lightweight carry-on?
A carry-on around 5 to 7 lb is a useful starting point if you want to keep empty weight low. The confirmed weights here range from 5.4 to 7.5 lb, but compare the bag's total outside size with your airline's rules too.
Is softside or hardside luggage lighter?
Neither shell type is always lighter, so compare individual bags. The softside Travelpro Maxlite 5 weighs 5.4 lb, while the hardside Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 weighs 6.7 lb.
Materials, wheels, handles and packing features all matter when you choose a case.
Does a lightweight carry-on meet every airline's size rules?
No, a lightweight carry-on does not automatically meet every airline's size rules. Weight and outside size are separate limits, and airlines can set different dimensions.
Measure the full packed bag with wheels and handles, then check your carrier's current carry-on rules before travel.
Should I choose a carry-on with expansion?
Choose expansion if you want extra packing room, but don't assume the expanded bag will fit your airline's size limit. Added space can increase the bag's depth.
Check the full packed dimensions and leave it unexpanded if that extra depth would make it too large.
