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Two suitcases, one green and one blue, in the overhead bin of an airplane
Maridav | Adobe Stock

10 Ultralight Rolling Carry-on Bags Under 6 Pounds

Here’s the thing about ultralight luggage: It’s not always very light. In our opinion, the ultralight category should be reserved for suitcases six pounds and under. But such lightweight luggage can be hard to find.

The Lightest Carry-on Luggage

We’ve rounded up 10 carry-on spinner and roller bags that weigh in under the six-pound mark. They range in price from affordable to splurge-worthy and come with a variety of bells and whistles. Listed from lightest carry-on case to heaviest (based on manufacturers’ specs), here they are.

July Light Expandable Carry-On

July Light Expandable Carry-On suspending in the clouds (left) and close up of wheels and zipper closure of July Light Expandable Carry-On (right)
July

The Numbers: The July Light Expandable Carry-On is 4.9 pounds.

Why We Like It: This 35L option is the lightest carry-on bag of the bunch and can be expanded up to 40L, providing plenty of packing space. The lining is water- and stain-resistant and the exterior is made from a strong polycarbonate exterior, making this one of the most durable options on this list.

Osprey Ozone 4-Wheel Carry-On

Two views of the Osprey Ozone 4-Wheel Carry-On in teal
REI

The Numbers: The 22-inch Osprey Ozone 4-Wheel Carry-On weighs 5 pounds.

Why We Like It: Top and bottom handles and high-clearance wheels make the Osprey Ozone easy to carry and maneuver throughout the airport, while the included Travel Sentry ID means you don’t need to worry about lost luggage should you need to gate check your bag.

Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On

Woman packing the Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On on a bed (left) and a product shot of the Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On with extended handle (right)
CALPAK

The Numbers: The Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On weighs 5.1 pounds.

Why We Like It: This extra tiny carry-on comes outfitted with a TSA-approved lock, compression straps, and a laptop compartment. Its small size is perfect for squeezing into frequently cramped overhead bins,

Flex Vega Carry-On Suitcase

Multiple views of the Flex Vega Carry-On Suitcase in teal
Rollink

The Numbers: Flex Vega Carry-On Suitcase also weighs in at just 5.1 pounds.

Why We Like It: Marketed as “the world’s first collapsible suitcase”, the Flex Vega Carry-On is lightweight and compact. This bag expands to 9″ thick with a volume of 42L, but folds down to just 2″ thick for easy storage.

Travelpro Walkabout Carry-On

Macy's

The Numbers: The Travelpro Walkabout Carry-On comes in at just 5.2 pounds.

Why We Like It: Ball bearing wheels give this bag maximum maneuverability and the interior lid pocket as well as exterior organizational pockets keep necessary items close at hand.

Aerolite Carry-on MAX Lightweight

Front and back views of Aerolite Carry-on MAX Lightweight
Amazon

The Numbers: The 22-inch Aerolite Carry-On MAX Lightweight weighs 5.3 pounds.

Why We Like It: Aerolite’s lightweight carry-on has roomy pockets, an affordable price, and a five-year guarantee.

Travelpro Maxlite Expandable Spinner

Front and back views of Travelpro Maxlite Expandable Spinner
Travelpro

The Numbers: The Travelpro Maxlite Expandable Spinner is 5.4 pounds.

Why We Like It: In many cases, lightweight comes at the expense of durability. Not so with this elegant, streamlined bag, which was built to be lightweight and tough.

Rockland Rio Carry-On

Two views of the pink and white spotted Rockland Rio Carry-On
JCPenney

The Numbers: The Rockland Rio Carry-On is 5.5 pounds.

Why We Like It: The Rockland Rio is able to be wheeled with the retractable handle or carried by the ergonomic top or side handles. The best part: this suitcase comes with a matching tote bag, perfectly sized for use as a personal item.

Bric’s X-BAG 21″ Carry-on Spinner

Two views of the Bric's X-BAG 21" Carry-on Spinner in cream
Saks Fifth Avenue

The Numbers: The 21-inch Bric’s X-Bag Carry-on Spinner weighs 5.5 pounds.

Why We Like It: This dependable nylon carry-on can fit a ton, plus it’s stylish. It doesn’t skimp on features either, with four 360-degree spinner wheels, a telescoping handle, and leather detailing.

Lucas Ultra Lightweight 20″ Spinner

The Lucas Ultra Lightweight 20" Spinner (left) and the Lucas Ultra Lightweight 20" Spinner as compared to a average height man (right)
Amazon

The Numbers: The Lucas Ultra Lightweight 20″ Spinner weighs 5.8 pounds.

Why We Like It: The heaviest of our lightweight carry-on luggage, the Lucas Spinner makes up for the bit of extra weight with its roomy pockets and spinner wheels.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editor’s note: Ashley Rossi and Codey Albers contributed to this story. This story was originally published in 2015. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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