By the Travel Gear Content Team. Updated 27 October 2026.
Quick answer: Choose luggage with a low empty weight, such as a polycarbonate hardshell or a ripstop nylon bag, so more of your airline allowance goes to your belongings. Check your airline's weight limits, and use packing cubes to keep it organised. Shop luggage and suitcases.
Heavy bags turn every journey into a workout. Lightweight luggage makes airports and stations easier without leaving behind what you need. For a broader guide, read our guide to choosing luggage and bags, or see our best travel bags for long-haul flights.
Why Lightweight Luggage Helps
Mobility and Comfort
Lighter bags are easier to move through airports, train stations and busy streets, with less strain on your shoulders and back.
Airline Weight Limits
Airlines set weight limits, so a bag with a low empty weight leaves more of your allowance for what you pack. Compare the empty weights on each product page.
Durability Without the Weight
Modern lightweight bags use materials such as polycarbonate and ripstop nylon, which are designed to be tough as well as light.
For Every Traveller
Business travellers, families and adventure seekers can all benefit. Browse our medium suitcases, carry-on cabin luggage, Wanderlite hardshell suitcases and travelling on planes collection.
What to Look For
- Low empty weight: check the weight in the product specs.
- Spinner wheels: easier to manoeuvre.
- Hard shell or ripstop fabric: light and durable.
- TSA-approved locks: useful for travel to or through the United States.
- Carry-on sizing: check your airline's limits.
Options by type: carry-on backpacks, lightweight travel backpacks, foldable luggage and travel duffle and sports bags.
Packing Tips for Lightweight Luggage
1. Start with a Packing List
A list helps you remember the essentials and avoid overpacking. Group it by clothing, electronics, toiletries and documents. See our packing checklist.
2. Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes compress and organise clothes into neat bundles.
3. Choose Versatile Clothing and Roll It
Layer-able, mix-and-match clothes save space, and rolling can minimise wrinkles.
4. Limit Shoes
Shoes are bulky. Limit the pairs you take and pack them in shoe bags.
5. Travel-Sized Toiletries
Browse our travel toiletries, and remember the 100ml limit for carry-on liquids.
6. Tech Organisers
A cable organiser prevents tangles. See our guide to travel chargers.
Conclusion
Lightweight luggage and smart packing make travel more comfortable. Browse our suitcases, packing cubes and luggage tags, straps and covers to gear up.
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