Good quality carry-on luggage should be somewhat stylish, lightweight {under 8 pounds is a good goal}, a pleasure to use and something that will last for a good long time if properly cared for. I may be a budget traveler, but luggage is something that I try not to skimp on. I see the value of spending a few more pennies on a quality bag that will last for more than just one round with a carrousel.
Here are four lightweight carry-on bags that meet that criteria.
1. Rick Steves’ 21 inch Roll-Aboard. He helps those headed to Europe by traveling through the back door, has a travel series on PBS and writes guide books – but did you also know Steves has travel gear with his name on it? This one is lightweight, coming in at about seven pounds, and comes in a variety of colors. Be careful to not overfill the expandable compartment, as it just might not fit in the overhead bin if stuffed. It’s currently available in his shop at a sale price of $105.
2. Tumi Voyageur Super Leger International Carry-On. Tumi is a name synonymous with quality. My personal carry-on bag of choice is a Vista Tumi Wheelie, but alas, it is no longer available. However, the Voyageur wheelie designed specifically for international travel to Europe and Asia is a great alternative. This soft lightweight nylon model is the lightest of all four – it weighs just 4.85 pounds. It offers two outside pockets and an adjustable telescoping handle. You’ll also get the added benefit of Tumi Tracer Protection, in case your bag gets lost or stolen. It’s not cheap at $395, however, if you order through April 4th, you’ll save a whopping $100 off the price!
3. Samsonite Bright Lite Spinner. For nearly 100 years, Samsonite has been creating luggage for travelers, but this brand new Bright Lite model is not even hitting store shelves until the end of April. Like all spinners, it moves with barely a whisper thanks to their four multi-directional wheels, which rotate a full 360 degrees. Smooth Maneuver Hoover. The Bright Lite collection has a polycorbonate hard case but are more lightweight than others, coming in at only about 6 1/2 pounds. It’s resistant to dents and dings and the vibrant pink or blue color will set you apart from the sea of black bags at the airport. It will retail at Samsonite.com for $189.
4. Eagle Creek Hovercraft 19-inch. Sized perfectly for most overhead bins, this lightweight wheeled carry-on boasts lots of fun details and weighs just under 7 pounds. It’s made of a sturdy double helix denier nylon fabric. It has a small outside pocket which is perfect for storing a boarding pass and a larger one for your quart-sized liquids bag. I also like the clever fold-out water bottle holder, detachable piggy-back clip and cushioned handles. Available at Ebags for $225.
Do you have a favorite lightweight carry-on bag? Tell us about it in the comments.
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