Suitcase weight is something you never think about until you’ve been royally EFFED by Norwegian Air and forced to pay $100 at the gate for a check-in fee. Or something. Regardless of your defining experience, once you realize that a heavy suitcase can become an actual money-suck in the long run, you start to pay attention to these things. Stay as far away as possible from any extraneous fees and surcharges with these ultra-lightweight suitcases and bags.
This glossy Rimowa Essentials Lite is a more affordable version to get in on the Rimowa train, without the ultra-high price tag. Available in tons of fun colors (the glacier blue is just CALLING my name, I don’t know about you), this super light suitcase (4.9 lbs!) is the brand’s lightest one yet. It has TSA-approved locks, fancy ball-bearing and cushioned wheels, and will store enough for a weekend getaway, easily.
This vegan leather suitcase is so vintage-chic, that you might be forgiven for thinking it’s actually retro. Nay! In fact, it’s actually got a ton of super-modern features, like recycled zippers and a lining made from recycled water bottles. It’s got a durable polycarbonate shell and is also scuff-resistant.
No, it’s not sexy (it’s a little ugly, I’ll say it,) but it’s 4.07 lbs for 22 inches. Having personally picked up one of these babies at TJ Maxx a few years ago and being ~wowed~ by the lightness, sometimes you just gotta prioritize functionality over fashion. Do bear in mind though, the lightweight design def has something to do with the soft-shell style, so if you’re traveling with precious camera equipment, books, etc, you may be better with a hardshell.
If you love bold colors and patterns (lime green outside with french bulldog astronauts riding fish on the inside? Somehow they make it work!) or need a waterproof bag, this is for you. The Baboon duffel/backpack (note: you can’t sling it like a shoulder bag, so you gotta double-strap it or carry it), fits more than enough for a weekend getaway, and you can rest easy knowing if you get stranded in the rain waiting to be picked up, your precious items will be safe. Also comes in a cheekily named “Boomer Pink” (get it?) shade that’s like the Insta-famous AWAY, but in a fun new shape that not everyone has.
This sleek carry-on is good for basically any kind of vacay. It weighs only seven pounds and is also the prettiest shade of rose gold, and it’s sooo easy to take around thanks to the cute spinner wheels.
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the matching set
Amazon Basics Amazon Basics 2-Piece Geometric Expandable Spinner Suitcase Set
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the matching set
Amazon Basics Amazon Basics 2-Piece Geometric Expandable Spinner Suitcase Set
Amazon’s two-piece luggage set is so freakin’ adorable, with a cute chevron pattern. But, casual, it’s also super affordable and easy to roll and lug around.
This blue cutie is under eight pounds and has almost 2,000 5-star reviews. It’s compact, scratch-resistant, and has spinner wheels so you can *literally* run to your next destination. Plus, it has an expandable zipper so you can stuff all your souvenirs inside. Genius.
Shout-out to all the influencers, celebs, and basically everyone on my Insta feed, because you have fully convinced me that I need an Away suitcase. It’s sturdy, it has an ejectable battery, and it weighs less than eight pounds. Ideal.
If you need a chic bag for a weekend trip with your new classy bae, hi, we gotchu. This Madewell tote is the perfect size for summer, because it can fit all your essentials: a bikini, SPF, and your fave shades. What else do you really need?
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the one to splurge on
Ted Baker London Ted Baker Bow Embossed Trolley Suitcase
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the one to splurge on
Ted Baker London Ted Baker Bow Embossed Trolley Suitcase
Did you hear my jaw drop? This Ted Baker suitcase is gorgeous and cute with a bunch of little bows designed into its hard shell. But it’s also so light at just 7.9 pounds.
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the *other* rose-gold one
Kenneth Cole Reaction Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Carry-On
11
the *other* rose-gold one
Kenneth Cole Reaction Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Carry-On
This Kenneth Cole creation is another rose-gold delight that’s basically a steal. The hard-shell exterior is great for frequent fliers, and inside, it has different compartments for all your vacation lewks. At only 6.25 pounds (yup, crazy), you’ll be able to throw this guy into any overhead bin with ease.
This super-light suitcase (only 6.5 pounds!) comes in the prettiest pastel colors, making it perfect to take with you on tropical trips. Inside, you’ll find different compartments to store and protect all your goods.
Ball the eff out with this fabulous soft metallic bag. Perfect for that weekend rendezvous to Saint Tropez or, you know, a trip to visit your fam. This one weighs less than five pounds (!).
This mini marble bag is built to last and stand out. The gold hardware adds a chic touch, but the spinner wheels and the fact that it’s seven pounds make it impossible to resist.
Trade in your emotional baggage for this dreamy, bright carry-on. At nine pounds, it’s durable enough to withstand bumps and knocks but still light enough to throw into the trunk or roll around a new city.
Travelpro is beloved by even the most avid travelers, and this six-pounder is so easy to roll around on a plane, train, or automobile. Plus, look at that pretty blue!
Samsonite’s Freeform is another durable carry-on, with spinner wheels and a built-in lock. At just over six pounds, it expands, too, in case your vacay plans include spending all your time and $$ shopping.
Carina Hsieh lives in NYC with her French Bulldog Bao Bao — follow her on Instagram and Twitter • Candace Bushnell once called her the Samantha Jones of Tinder • She enjoys hanging out in the candle aisle of TJ Maxx and getting lost in Amazon spirals.