Top 11+ lightweight carry-on bags that earn their place in the overhead locker
As airlines keep tightening carry-on size and weight limits, with wide variances, there is a smart way for a buyer to future-proof a purchase against increasingly strict baggage policies. Enter: the lightweight carry-on.
Whether you’re whisking yourself away to sunnier parts for the weekend or heading interstate overnight on strictly business, you can forgo the checked-in luggage by towing your earthly possessions along in carry-on luggage instead. The trick with lightweight carry-on luggage is to make sure that the premium features are not compromised by the lightness of the luggage. We go through all of that and more, below.
Read on for our top picks for the timeless jet-setter.
GT’s top lightweight carry-on luggage
- Best for frequent flyers and business travellers: Samsonite C-Lite Spinner
- Best luxury : RIMOWA Essential Lite Cabin
- Best affordable: Kathmandu Feather Flight Carry-On
- Best for short trips: Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30L
- Best for long holidays: Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack
Best lightweight carry-on luggage
Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin
Best for lifetime guarantee
A specific kind of person carries a RIMOWA suitcase, and is often the envy of others on the tarmac. The RIMOWA Essential Lite Cabin is the lightest suitcase across all collections from the brand at just 2kg, and also features TSA-approved locks, a zipped mesh divider and the trademarked Multiwheel system for effortless steering. It’s best feature, however, is RIMOWA’s lifetime guarantee for peace of mind.
Weight: 2kg | Capacity: 28L | Size: 50 x 25 x 20 cm
Kathmandu Feather Flight Carry-On
Best for ultra-light feel
The lightest suitcase on this list, the Kathmandu Feather Flight Carry-On is designed to be ultra-lightweight, easily manoeuvrable and impact resistant. Crafted in a ripstop nylon body, this small but mighty design packs a punch with its 40L capacity, just enough for overpackers without bearing the weight (literally) of a heavy suitcase.
Weight: 1.6kg | Capacity: 40L | Size: 52 x 35 x 23 cm
Also available at:
- $349.98 $199 at THE ICONIC
- $349.98 $199 at Amazon
Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Carry-On
Best for the stylish traveller
Another iconic hard suitcase brand, and weighing at just 2.9kg, the Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 is the perfect companion to take you from the airport to the Aman hotel lounge. French design is combined with technical elegance, from the TSA combination lock to the dual density wheels and 10-year warranty, feel confident in a purchase that balances style and functionality with ease.
Weight: 2.9kg | Capacity: 39L | Size: 55 x 35 x 25 cm
Also available at:
- $579 $289 at Amazon
july-carry-on-expandable
Best for domestic frequent flyers
This vegan-friendly expandable suitcase is a frequent flyer favourite. Weighing just 2.2kg, it expands from 35L to 40L with a simple zip, ideal for 4–6 day trips. It is built with aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, SilentMove wheels, a twin-bar handle, and an integrated TSA lock, but if that doesn’t beat the adventurous at heart, the suitcase is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Weight: 2.2kg | Capacity: 35-40L | Size: 54 x 36 x 22 cm
Antler Lightest Expandable Carry-on Luggage
Best for a soft shell option
One of the lightest suitcases on the list, weighing in at 1.9kg, this expandable carry-on by Antler is a great soft shell option for short trips. It is crafted from 100% recycled polyester, and features an easy front pocket, 360° spinner wheels and a lightweight adjustable handle – and feels as if you’re carrying air.
Weight: 1.9kg | Capacity: 37L | Size: 55 x 35 x 23 cm
Also available at:
- from $279 at THE ICONIC
Samsonite 73H Carry-On 55cm
Best for quick-access organisation
This Samsonite 73H carry-on suitcase has been designed with a lighter body that holds an expanded interior capacity and recessed bottom – so don’t stress if you’re prone to overpacking, or overspending on your trip…
We really like it for its quick-access organisation, featuring multiple exterior quick-access pockets for your phone, travel documents and daily essentials, plus a a dedicated tablet compartment.
Weight: 1.9kg | Capacity: 36L | Size: 55 x 36 x 24 cm
Also available at:
- $399 $239.40 at THE ICONIC
- $399 at David Jones
Antler Icon Stripe Carry-On 55cm
Best for a durable hardshell
Another hardshell option, the Antler Icon Stripe Carry-On is a well-coveted model, enjoyed for its expandable design, high quality shell and range of beautiful colourways to compliment everything from your airport fit to your luggage tag and packing cubes, all available on the Antler website in similar colours.
Weight: 2.7kg | Capacity: 34L | Size: 55 x 35 x 23 cm
Also available at:
- $299 at THE ICONIC
- $299 at David Jones
Samsonite C-Lite Spinner
Best for European-made quality
The Samsonite C-Lite is an iconic, European-made collection featuring a lightweight Curv shell that’s both ultra-strong and award-winning. Expandable with a TSA lock, integrated USB, dual wheels and recycled PET lining, this Red Dot Design Award winner delivers durability and style in a timeless, globally recognised silhouette.
Weight: 2.3kg | Capacity: 36L | Size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Also available at:
- $749 $449.40 at THE ICONIC
- $749 at Myer
Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L
Best for one-bag travellers
For travellers who value style, tech and organisation all in one, this pack is a smart pick. The ability to compress/expand volume means you can expand for longer trips. The weather-resistant shell and highly organised internal layout make it especially good for travellers with laptops, electronics and those moving between hotels/cities rather than pure outdoor hikes. There is also a hip belt for comfort, which is important if you’re backpacking across the globe.
Weight: 1.44kg | Capacity: 27-33L | Size: 38.1 x 53.09 x 34.04 cm
Also available at:
- $449.95 at Peak Design
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack
Best for backpackers and long-haul travellers
This versatile and lightweight pack is a personal favourite of mine, accompanying me on a two-month sojourn across Europe. For a 40L capacity, it is incredibly lightweight, with a robust construction and hidden harness/hip belt system. For Aussie travellers flying domestic or international, it hits airline carry-on size limits reasonably well while giving hiking-grade comfort when walking between terminals or through city to accommodation. Designs are gender-specific for a better fit, including Farpoint (designed for men) or Fairview (designed for women).
Weight: 1.58kg | Capacity: 40L | Size: 22.86 x 35.56 x 55.88 cm
Also available at:
- $359 $287.20 at Wild Earth
Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30L
Best for ultra-light minimalist travellers
Compact but mighty, this carry-on backpack is designed with a variety of features to help you streamline travel time, including a handy exterior top pocket for organisation, shoulder straps that can be neatly tucked away and a discrete rear pocket to fit your laptop. Don’t let the size of this backpack fool you; it’s the kind of bag that punches well above its weight (but not literally).
Weight: 0.9kg | Capacity: 30L | Size: 50 x 36 x 12 cm
Also available at:
- $329 at THE ICONIC
- $329 at Bellroy
What to know before purchasing a lightweight suitcase
Before purchasing a lightweight suitcase for a flight, there’s a few things to know. So, we chatted to the experts.
This depend from brand to brand. “Stronger and more features usually means heavier, so every brand you see in market is about their interpretation of what the right opportunity cost is for the best product for the customers needs,” says Athan Didaskalou, co-founder of luggage brand July.
“In practical terms, we think about three tiers: above 4kg, between 2.5kg-4kg, and below 2.5kg. Anything above 4kg – which is actually a fairly standard carry on case weight – you’re going to be trading off lightness for a sturdier frame and design features,” he says, referring to design features such as protective aluminium, which tends to weight a little heavier. “It’s really only when you hit below 2.5kg that you get a lighter case that allows you to pack that extra souvenir for your kids at the airport, or for travellers who are sensitive to lifting heavy luggage up stairs or above their head.”
According to Athan, when you’re opting for a lightweight bag, “you’re trading features for weight, so you’ve entered the opportunity cost game.” He tell us that it’s less about hiding and more about weighty features that people care about. “Frames help keep stability and lessen the likelihood of cracking and bending. Aluminium corners help with additional protection. Handles are a convenience play. Every gram comes down to what experience are you willing to sacrifice to have a lighter bag,” he says. “While I may be biased, weight isn’t everything.”
Quality luggage should ideally come with a three to 10-year warranty, however many premium brands do offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty. However, as Athan jokingly points out: “If a brand is not offering lifetime warranty, run.”
