Here's the thing about ultra-light luggage: it's not always very light. The industry designation includes suitcases that weigh as much as eight pounds empty; that's nearly a third of your average baggage allowance. We are not impressed.
In our opinion, the ultra-light category should be reserved for suitcases five pounds and under.
But suitcases this featherweight can be hard to find.
So we've rounded up 10 carry-on roller bags that weigh in under the five-pound mark.
They range in price from $65 to $800, and come with all variations of bells and whistles. From lightest to heaviest (based on manufacturer's specs), here they are.
IT Luggage World's Lightest - 2 Wheel
The Numbers: The 21.5-inch IT Luggage World's Lightest two-wheel suitcase weighs in at 3.43 pounds. An even smaller 19-inch carry-on is only 2.88 pounds.
Why We Like It: It was true when we reviewed it two years ago and it's true today: IT Luggage is still the lightest rolling carry-on we've ever seen. IT Luggage also has rollers with more features (like four wheels or a locking telescoping handle), but they weigh a little more.
Cost: $65 on Amazon
Rimowa Salsa Air Multiwheel
The Numbers: The 17-inch Salsa Air Mini Multiwheel weighs 3.5 pounds; the 22-inch Ultralight Cabin Multiwheel IATA weighs 4.2 pounds.
Why We Like It: We love its design, its spinner wheels (four wheels that allow for 360-degree mobility), and appreciate the zippered mesh separators that keep all your stuff from falling out when you open the suitcase.
Cost: The 22-inch version is $475 from LuggagePros.com.
Lucas Vortex Lite Expandable Ultra-Lightweight Spinner
The Numbers: According to multiple sellers, the 20-inch Lucas Vortex Lite Expandable Ultra-Lightweight Spinner is 3.8 pounds.
Why We Like It: The Vortex manages to squeeze in features such as zippered expansion, four spinner wheels, and plenty of pockets without adding a lot of weight to the design.
Cost: $80 from Amazon.
Sherpani Nuage
Why We Like It: In a recent review, we gave it high marks for great detailing like interior mesh pockets and stretch material so you can fit in just a bit more. It's by far the most feminine bag, with subtle patterns throughout.
Cost: $194 from Amazon; $200 on Sherpani.com.
Hartmann 7R Global Carry On Spinner
The Numbers: The 22-inch Hartmann 7R Global Carry On Spinner weighs 3.9 pounds.
Why We Like It: This is the ne plus ultra of super-lightweight carry-ons. It earns its high price tag with details like shock-absorbing wheels, recessed leather carry handles, a carbon-fiber telescoping handle, and a water-resistant zipper.
Cost: $765 from Amazon or Hartmann.com.
Samsonite Black Label Firelite 20" Spinner
The Numbers: The Samsonite Black Label Firelite 20" Spinner weighs 4.44 pounds.
Why We Like It: An appealing balance of form and function, the Firelite looks cool (and comes in great colors) and was designed for strength and handling.
Cost: $428 from Amazon.
Eagle Creek Lync System
Cost: The 20-inch bag is $255; the 22-inch version is $260 from REI.
Zero Halliburton Zero Air II
The Numbers: The 20-inch Zero Halliburton Zero Air II is 4.8 pounds.
Why We Like It: In many cases, lightweight comes at the expense of durability. Not so with the elegant, streamlined Zero Air II, which was built to be lightweight and tough.
Cost: $395 from Amazon or Zero Halliburton.
Ricardo Beverly Hills 20-Inch 4W WheelAboard
The Numbers: The Ricardo Beverly Hills Venice Superlight 20-inch 4W WheelAboard suitcase is 4.9 pounds.
Why We Like It: It's an affordable carry-on that manages to come in under the five-pound mark with extras like with spinner wheels and mesh zip dividers.
Cost: $140 from Amazon
Traveler's Choice Forza
The Numbers: The 22-inch Traveler's Choice Forza weighs five pounds.
Why We Like It: A roomy interior with tie-down straps, spinner wheels, and nylon exterior make this a solid choice for the price.
Cost: $70 from Amazon; a three-piece set is $240 from Traveler's Choice.
Some products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.
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