We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

How Do I Choose the Lightest Luggage?

Nick Mann
By Nick Mann
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

With the right luggage, a traveler is able to efficiently carry the gear he or she needs. Often, having the lightest luggage available can be beneficial because it is easier to carry, allowing a traveler to move more rapidly. When searching for the lightest luggage, it's important to keep five factors in mind. These factors are how often the individual travels, the luggage's material, size, style and cost.

One of the biggest concerns when looking at luggage is how much traveling is going to be done. If travel is somewhat infrequent, then often a lower quality product will suffice. On the other hand, if a substantial amount of traveling is done, then it's usually a good idea to purchase better quality luggage that can withstand some wear and tear.

The desired quality of the luggage can also affect the choice of material. There are numerous types of material on the market, but quality is often evidenced in the denier. The higher the denier number, the stronger the material, and the lower the denier number, the weaker the material. Lesser quality luggage is typically under 1,000 denier, while higher quality is over 1,800.

The size of the lightest luggage should generally be on the smaller end. In order to be considered lightweight luggage, the product should be no more than ten pounds while empty. Many times a simple carry-on will be enough to carry a traveler's gear. If the individual plans on hauling a substantial amount of gear, then usually rolling luggage on wheels is the best choice. This makes it possible to haul quite a bit while minimizing the effective weight.

Style should also be considered when choosing the lightest luggage. This is more important for some people than others, but the individual should be happy with the look. Color and the overall appearance should primarily be taken into account. Also, nylon frames tend to work well when trying to keep weight at a minimum. Aluminum and other frame materials tend to be heavier and more cumbersome.

Cost is often another factor when looking for the lightest luggage. Like most products, a higher cost tends to mean a higher quality product and vice versa. Many of the better products are lightweight, but still made from long lasting, durable materials. Often selecting a higher end item will benefit frequent travelers in the long run. If minimal traveling is expected, then sometimes lower priced luggage will be sufficient.

It's usually a smart idea to look around for at least two or three options before making a purchase. This will give travelers better odds of finding the right deal. Both online or brick and mortar luggage stores can be good shopping choices.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.