The Best Lightweight Luggage for the Upcoming Travel Season

Ah…the security of knowing your bag is nearby so you can scoot off the plane at your destination, bypassing the throngs in the baggage claim area as they wait at the carousel with fingers crossed. The downside is that it can be hard to get your bag stowed overhead after dragging it down an airplane aisle. A lightweight carry-on bag will make that process easier, weighing up to a pound less than a traditional carry-on.

• Zappos.com, $495. Weight: 4 lbs., 4 oz.

Packing is easy with open-book style and mesh zipper compartments to keep your belongings in place. Its nearly indestructible polycarbonate exterior is more durable than aluminum, and recessed TSA locks add extra security. Good looks and easy handling make it a great choice.

• LLbean.com, $189. Weight: 7 lbs., 6 oz.

The Carryall III’s abrasion-resistant fabric features an attractive print, creating a unique look. Ease of handling is ensured by the sturdy wheels and telescopic handle. This bag’s combination of open packing area and zippered pockets helps you stay organized.

• Ebags.com, $200. Weight: 6 lbs., 7 oz.

This sharp looking bag has a luxurious raised rib design with mirror finish, expansion gusset, and TSA-recognized combination lock. For convenient packing, the bag has two sections: one open compartment and one large zippered mesh compartment. The recessed telescopic handle adjusts for comfort and control.

• Ebags.com, $475. Weight: 6 lbs., 6oz.

Tumi’s lightest luggage is beautiful as well as durable and functional inside and out. Three zippered pockets keep contents organized, and integrated TSA locks keep them secure. There’s a five-year warranty and a retractable, adjustable handle for easy maneuvering.

• Ebags.com, $520. Weight: 6.17 lbs.

The elegant pale gold smooth finish hides a tough 100% polycarbonate structure. You can gain a bit more packing space with the 1.2-inch expansion. An integrated TSA lock provides security, and the comfortable grip ensures ease in handling. Bonus: A free matching iPhone 7 case is offered with each purchase.

• Amazon.com, from $100. Weight: 6.8 lbs.

This lightweight polyester favorite has been updated with four wheels and an adjustable handle for smooth handling. An interior mesh zippered lid pocket is convenient for separating contents, and the large exterior zippered pocket is the perfect place for magazines, newspapers, or folders.

• Brookstone.com, $99. Weight: 6 lbs., 13 oz.

A ridged polycarbonate exterior in a choice of stylish colors makes the DASH an attractive option. Add a bit of extra space for your vacation purchases with the expandable sides, and keep your belongings neat and secure with zippered interior sections and straps.

• Ebags.com, $199. Weight: 6 lbs., 1 oz.

Durable fabric and self-repairing, heavy-duty zippers make this a tough lightweight bag. It has a padded tablet sleeve on the front panel, a “quick stash pocket,” and an expansion zipper for added space. Interior straps and zippered pockets make it convenient and organized for packing.

Longer vacations and special occasion trips usually require more wardrobe options than a carry-on bag can handle. This is when a sturdy lightweight bag is at its best. Tough enough for checking in or tossing into the trunk, these lightweight bags will protect all those outfits and make handling your large bag easier and safer.

• Ebags.com, $695. Weight: 12.5 lbs.

Modern angled lines and metallic finish make this a great looking bag, and its features make it a practical choice. Roomy and organized, it has three zippered pockets, internal straps, and a hanger bracket to keep contents secure. The three-stage telescoping handle and sturdy wheels enhance maneuverability.

• Ebags.com, $220. Weight: 8 lbs., 8 oz.

Self-repairing ergonomic zippers, elastic tie-downs, and built-in shoe pockets make packing easy and convenient. The bag expands a full 2.5 inches for even more space when needed.

• Ebags.com, $340. Weight: 12 lbs., 8 oz.

The scratch-resistant, matte finish polycarbonate exterior is durable and attractive. Open-book styling with one zippered compartment and one open section with straps make packing easy. Handling is convenient, with padded side and top grips in addition to the adjustable handle.

• Ebags.com, $340. Weight: 10 lbs., 0 oz.

Its polyester jacquard weave material is both durable and good-looking. Lightweight, sturdy components and spacious interior with 1.5-inch expansion and internal straps make this a practical choice that handles with ease.

• Ebags.com, $540. Weight: 8 lbs., 12 oz.

Stain and abrasion resistant ballistic nylon along with honeycomb structure give this lightweight bag durability and style. Handling is easy with contour grips and magnetic wheel technology that aligns the wheels as it rolls. For convenience, exterior pockets keep tickets, papers, and accessories handy.

• Ebags.com, $100. Weight: 6 lbs., 0 oz.

This extra-large duffel has a spacious main compartment and multiple external zippered pockets. The padded handle and recessed in-line skate wheel make for easy handling whether you’re carrying or pulling the bag. Its durable nylon exterior comes in your choice of four colors.

• Ebags.com, $550. Weight: 6 lbs., 30 oz.

Sleek looks and a unique color earn this lightweight bag lots of style points. Composed of “Curve,” multiple layers of polypropylene material, it’s durable and convenient, with spacious packing compartments, zippered pockets, and compression straps. Handling is easy with its adjustable handle and leather-wrapped grip.

• Ebags.com, $599. Weight: 10 lbs., 14 oz.

This practical, convenient two-wheeled bag provides more packing space with its outside handle and large exterior pocket. An interior foam roller and tri-fold system for suits minimizes wrinkles. Its hybrid fiberglass frame and ballistic nylon outer fabric ensure lightweight durability. The bag is guaranteed for life.

Looking stylish and put-together–and keeping track of your belongings–are some advantages of matched lightweight luggage sets. These sets offer convenient choices and versatility. When you’re not using them all at once, just grab the one that meets your travel needs, and you have a familiar friend for your trip.

• Kohls.com, from $180. Weight: 6.4-9.9 lbs.

This durable, hard-sided lightweight set comes in four colors and three convenient sizes, including a carry-on that should meet every airline’s requirements. Compression straps and zipper compartments make packing convenient, and four spinner wheels glide smoothly. TSA-friendly locks and a 10-year limited warranty are part of the package.

• Brookstone.com, $400 for set of three. Weight: 5.7-9.9 lbs.

This attractively designed set includes a 22-inch and 28-inch piece with four wheels, and an 18.5-inch bag with two wheels. The scratch-resistant lightweight shell absorbs impact, protecting your belongings and maintaining the bags’ good looks. The fully-lined interior has multi-use pockets, and the expandable feature gives you 25 percent more space when needed.

• Ebags.com, $950 for set of three. Weight: 7.9-10.8 lbs.

These polycarbonate hardside bags with stylish geometric lines come in four colors. All have four dual-spinner wheels, carry handles on top and sides, and telescoping handles for ease in handling. Interior straps, zippered pockets, and an expandable gusset provide versatility for packing and protection of contents. A six-year warranty is included.

• Ebags.com, $660 for set of three. Weight: 5.8-6.3 lbs.

The high-density polyester exterior is both durable and attractive, with four color choices available. Spacious compartments and expandability provide lots of packing area in these lightweight bags. Four spinner wheels and a push-button handle that stows away when not in use make this bag easy to manage and convenient to store.