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10 Best Lightweight Carry On Luggage 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Osprey Farpoint Men's Wheeled Travel Pack 36L, Muted Space Blue

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,337
Weight
Size
Durability

Most important from
171 reviews

Weight
It is quite light empty and rolls easily with its larger wheels when fully packed.
Size
The space available is very adequate for a 10-day trip, and the internal straps help stabilize the load.
Durability
The outer material held up without a mark even after baggage check with luggage transfers.
Wheels
It is quite light empty and rolls easily with its larger wheels when fully packed.
Compartments and Organization
The space available is very adequate for a 10-day trip, and the internal straps help stabilize the load.

The Osprey Farpoint Men's Wheeled Travel Pack 36L is a versatile and practical choice for lightweight carry-on luggage. Weighing 5.29 pounds, it is relatively light and easy to handle, fitting well within the carry-on size limits with dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The pack's 36-liter capacity offers ample space for short trips, while the adjustable torso fit ensures comfort when carrying the bag as a backpack.

The inclusion of padded top and side handles makes it easy to grab and maneuver the bag in various situations, such as overhead bins or crowded spaces. The wheels enhance mobility, allowing the user to roll the pack smoothly through airports and city streets. In terms of organization, the Farpoint features front panel zippered top pockets for small items and inner zippered organizer pockets, which help in keeping belongings well-arranged and easily accessible.

External gear attachment loops add extra versatility for outdoor enthusiasts who might want to carry additional equipment. This travel pack is ideal for travelers who seek a lightweight and organized carry-on with good mobility and adaptability, especially those who appreciate a combination of backpack and wheeled luggage.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,337
Weight
Size
Durability

Most important from
171 reviews

Weight
It is quite light empty and rolls easily with its larger wheels when fully packed.
Size
The space available is very adequate for a 10-day trip, and the internal straps help stabilize the load.
Durability
The outer material held up without a mark even after baggage check with luggage transfers.
Wheels
It is quite light empty and rolls easily with its larger wheels when fully packed.
Compartments and Organization
The space available is very adequate for a 10-day trip, and the internal straps help stabilize the load.
#2

Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 22"/45L Wheeled Duffel Bag, Koseret Green

Rating
9.6
Durability

Most important from
24 reviews

Durability
Traveling with this bag makes maneuvering through airports a breeze, while its sturdy build handles rough handling well.

The Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 22"/45L Wheeled Duffel Bag stands out for its durability and high-quality materials, which are both heavy-duty and environmentally friendly. Its sturdy High Road chassis ensures that the bag can withstand rough handling while remaining lightweight at 2.8 kilograms. This makes it a great option for travelers who prioritize durability without wanting a heavy bag.

The dimensions (25L x 15W x 23.62H) make it suitable for use as a carry-on for many airlines, though it’s always best to check with specific carriers to ensure compliance. The StraightJacket compression system is a unique feature that adds extra padding and helps to control the load, which can prevent items from shifting during travel and potentially getting damaged. The bag's wheels and handles are designed for easy maneuverability, making it convenient to navigate through airports and other travel environments. It also comes with TSID luggage registration, offering an additional layer of security for peace of mind.

However, the bag's limited number of compartments might be a drawback for those who prefer more organization options. While it does have some organizational features, it may not be sufficient for travelers who carry a lot of smaller items that need to be kept separate. In essence, the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 22"/45L Wheeled Duffel Bag is a durable, lightweight, and easy-to-maneuver option for travelers who prioritize robust construction and load control, though it may fall short in offering extensive organizational compartments.

Rating
9.6
Durability

Most important from
24 reviews

Durability
Traveling with this bag makes maneuvering through airports a breeze, while its sturdy build handles rough handling well.
#3

Osprey Transporter 38L Wheeled Carry-On Luggage, Venturi Blue

Rating
9.4
Weight
Size
Durability

Most important from
66 reviews

Weight
This carry-on is lightweight yet strong, offering scratch resistance and easy organization, making it ideal for various travel situations.
Size
Perfect for international travel, this carry-on meets size regulations and is easy to handle through airports and planes.
Durability
Despite the plasticized fabric appearance, the material is highly functional and water-resistant, making it a practical choice for travelers.
Wheels
The bag's long pull-handle and wide-set wheels provide excellent stability, avoiding the twisting and flopping common with other bags.
Handles
The bag's long pull-handle and wide-set wheels provide excellent stability, avoiding the twisting and flopping common with other bags.
Compartments and Organization
The padded laptop sleeve and multiple interior pockets enhance its practicality for both business and leisure trips.

The Osprey Transporter 38L Wheeled Carry-On Luggage in Venturi Blue is a solid option for those seeking durable and lightweight carry-on luggage. Weighing in at just 5.1 pounds, it is relatively easy to handle and meets most carry-on size requirements with dimensions of 21.5 x 14 x 9 inches. The luggage features a high-clearance chassis and 90mm wheels, which make it capable of rolling smoothly over various surfaces. It also has an extendible handle, padded top, side, and molded bottom handles for comfortable handling, particularly when lifting it into an overhead compartment.

These features make it quite user-friendly in terms of mobility and ease of transport. One of its standout features is the padded sleeve on the front panel, which can fit laptops up to 16 inches, making it a good choice for business travelers. The wide-opening main compartment with internal zippered mesh closure helps to keep your items organized and secure during travel. Additionally, the external zip access pocket is handy for keeping travel essentials like glasses or toiletries within reach.

The luggage is made from recycled materials and has a PFC-free DWR treatment, which is an eco-friendly touch that also provides moisture resistance. Though it may be a bit more expensive compared to other options, the combination of durability, thoughtful design, and eco-friendly materials makes it a good contender for frequent travelers looking for reliable carry-on luggage.

Rating
9.4
Weight
Size
Durability

Most important from
66 reviews

Weight
This carry-on is lightweight yet strong, offering scratch resistance and easy organization, making it ideal for various travel situations.
Size
Perfect for international travel, this carry-on meets size regulations and is easy to handle through airports and planes.
Durability
Despite the plasticized fabric appearance, the material is highly functional and water-resistant, making it a practical choice for travelers.
Wheels
The bag's long pull-handle and wide-set wheels provide excellent stability, avoiding the twisting and flopping common with other bags.
Handles
The bag's long pull-handle and wide-set wheels provide excellent stability, avoiding the twisting and flopping common with other bags.
Compartments and Organization
The padded laptop sleeve and multiple interior pockets enhance its practicality for both business and leisure trips.

Buying Guide for the Best Lightweight Carry On Luggage

Choosing the right lightweight carry-on luggage can make your travel experience much more enjoyable. The key is to find a balance between weight, durability, size, and features that suit your travel needs. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting the best carry-on luggage for you.
WeightWeight is a crucial factor because it determines how easy it will be to carry and maneuver your luggage. Lightweight luggage typically ranges from 4 to 7 pounds. If you travel frequently or have to carry your luggage for long distances, opting for a lighter option (around 4-5 pounds) can save you a lot of effort. For those who need more durability and don't mind a bit of extra weight, a slightly heavier option (6-7 pounds) might be more suitable.
SizeSize is important to ensure your luggage meets airline carry-on requirements and fits in overhead compartments. Most airlines allow carry-ons up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If you often fly with budget airlines, you might want to check their specific size limits, as they can be stricter. Choose a size that maximizes space without exceeding these limits, especially if you tend to pack a lot or bring back souvenirs.
DurabilityDurability ensures your luggage can withstand the rigors of travel. Look for materials like polycarbonate, ballistic nylon, or aluminum, which offer good protection against impacts and wear. If you travel frequently or carry valuable items, investing in a more durable material is wise. For occasional travelers, a less robust but still reliable material might suffice.
WheelsWheels affect how easily you can move your luggage. There are two main types: two-wheel and four-wheel (spinner) designs. Two-wheel luggage is better for rough terrain and curbs, while four-wheel luggage offers better maneuverability in tight spaces like airports. If you often navigate crowded areas, four-wheel spinners are ideal. For those who travel to places with uneven surfaces, two-wheel options might be more practical.
HandlesHandles are important for comfort and ease of use. Look for telescoping handles that can be adjusted to your height and have a comfortable grip. Some luggage also features side and top handles for easier lifting. If you have back issues or need to carry your luggage up stairs frequently, ergonomic and well-placed handles can make a big difference.
Compartments and OrganizationCompartments and organization features help keep your belongings tidy and accessible. Look for luggage with multiple pockets, dividers, and compression straps. If you travel with electronics, consider options with padded compartments for laptops or tablets. For those who like to stay organized, luggage with various compartments can make packing and unpacking more efficient.
Security FeaturesSecurity features like TSA-approved locks and anti-theft zippers can protect your belongings. TSA-approved locks allow security personnel to open your luggage without damaging it. If you carry valuable items or travel to places with higher theft risks, these features are particularly important. For general travel, basic security features should suffice.

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