The Best Lightweight Carry-On Luggage Under 5 lbs

A lightweight carry-on is your secret weapon to breezing through airports, avoiding baggage fees, and traveling with ease.

Luggage design has evolved far beyond simple wheels and handles. In 2025, the best carry-ons are a testament to material science and smart engineering. They feature aerospace-grade polycarbonate, advanced composites, innovative fabrics, and minimalist frames that shed pounds without sacrificing durability.

If you’re on the hunt for the best lightweight carry-on luggage under 5 lbs, read on to find some of the premier pieces on the market.

July Carry On Light

• Dimensions: 21.25″ x 14.25″ x 7.5″ (54 x 36 x 19 cm)
• Weight: 3.9 lbs (1.8 kg)

Straight from Australia’s capital of cool, July’s Carry On Light checks all the boxes of today’s travelers. It’s got a tough German polycarbonate shell, simple yet effective organization, cloud-like lightness, and a clean, contemporary design that’s easy on the eyes. In fact, at just 3.9 lbs (1.8 kg), it is the lightest carry-on luggage in the world.

Available in a multitude of Millennial-inspired colors, including Sand, Forest, and Shadow Lavender, this hard-shell spinner will keep you on-trend during your next adventure.

Its silent 360° double spinner wheels travel smoothly on all surfaces, and you can also personalize your case with a custom print that promises to last as long as your luggage.

Last but not least, a dual-bar 3-stop telescopic handle and TSA-approved lock add to its utility.

Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin U

• Dimensions: 19.6″ x 13.7″ x 7.8″ (50 x 35 x 20 cm)
• Weight: 4.4 lbs (2 kg)

Rimowa’s lightest suitcase yet, the Essential Lite Cabin U, only weighs 4.4 pounds – far under the industry median for a piece of luggage this size – so you still have plenty of wiggle room within even the strictest airline’s weight requirements.

Rounding out the design are all of the same premium trappings you’d expect of the legendary German brand: ball-bearing mounted ultra-quiet wheels, an extendable T-bar-shaped handle, and their signature leather luggage tag.

While a Rimowa suitcase is undoubtedly an investment, they are the inventors of the polycarbonate suitcase and arguably still execute them the best. If your only rubric is quality, the lite Cabin U might be the best lightweight luggage under five pounds on the market today.

Bellroy Lite Carry-On

• Dimensions: 20″ x 13.5″ x 9″ (51cm x 34.5cm x 23cm)
• Weight: 4.63 lbs (2.1 kg)

The Bellroy Lite Carry-On is hands down one of the lightest and most practical bags I’ve ever traveled with.

The first thing that stands out is the material. It’s made from recycled nylon and polyester, which gives it a surprisingly durable (and modern) feel without the added weight. I am still shocked by how light it feels, even when packed.

But it’s not just about being light; Bellroy has designed this bag to make your life easier. I’ve used it on several trips now, and I’m impressed by how easily it moves. The unique two-wheel system, with oversized rollerblade-inspired wheels, glides smoother than almost any other spinner I have ever tested (and trust me, that’s saying something), even across cobblestone streets.

The interior is thoughtfully organized, with plenty of room to pack a few days’ worth of clothes, tech, and essentials – without feeling like you’re overstuffing it. The sleek design means it never looks out of place, whether I’m traveling for business or heading out on a weekend getaway.

So, long story short, if you’re looking for a lightweight carry-on bag that moves like a dream, the Lite Carry-On is a standout in 2025.

Horizn Studios H5 Air

• Dimensions: 21.6″ x 14.6″ x 7.9″ (55 x 37 x 20 cm)
• Weight: 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg)

Pushing the boundaries of ultra-light travel, the H5 Air from Horizn Studios is designed for modern adventurers who refuse to compromise on performance, style, or sustainability. At just 4.9 lbs, this is the lightest carry-on in the brand’s lineup, making it the perfect companion for effortless mobility.

Engineered in Germany, the case is crafted from lightweight polycarbonate with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. It features butter-smooth spinner wheels, a durable telescopic handle, and a thoughtfully designed interior with compression straps and mesh compartments for easy organization. Despite its featherlight build, it doesn’t skimp on resilience, ensuring your belongings stay protected wherever your travels take you.

Committed to conscious design, Horizn Studios manufactures the H5 Air with recycled materials and offers a carbon-neutral production process. Plus, if you’re looking to upgrade your entire travel setup, you can save 20% when purchasing two or more products – just use the code MYSET20 at checkout.

Samsonite Proxis 22 x 14 x 9 Carry-On Spinner

• Dimensions: 23.6″ x 16.3″ x 9.3″ (60 x 41.4 x 23.6 cm)
• Weight: 4.7 lbs (2.1 kg)

Samsonite created their own proprietary material to craft the Proxis Carry-On Spinner, making it one of their most lightweight suitcases to date. Called Roxkin, this revolutionary, multi-layered shell provides resiliency without brittleness, so it pops right back into shape even if it happens to get dented.

While it’s small enough to adhere to even some of the most strict baggage size requirements, it has a vast amount of smartly organized packing space. It even has a USB charging port to keep you connected on the go.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L

• Dimensions: Standard: 20.9″ x 13.4″ x 7″ (53 x 34 x 18 cm) / Extended: 20.9″ x 13.4″ x 7.9″ (53 x 34 x 20 cm)
• Weight: 3.2 lbs (1.44 kg)

Whether you’re a beginner or an old pro at single-bag travel, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L is sure to impress. It’s designed specifically to maximize your packing space while remaining within the size requirements for a carry-on so you can feel completely unfettered out on the road.

Unlike many of its competitors, this lightweight carry-on backpack features a unique expandable design, with clever tuck-away shoulder straps, 360-degree grab handles, and an optional hip belt accessory, making it a cinch to carry to any destination.

After almost 3 years of regular use, its stellar organization and suitcase-like packing capabilities, along with the sleek and durable construction, led us to conclude that this might just be the best carry-on bag for international travel.

Hartmann InnovAire Global Carry-On

• Dimensions: 21.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ ( 55 x 40 x 20 cm)
• Weight: 4.5 lbs (2 kg)

From smooth gliding wheels to a TSA security lock, the Hartmann InnovAire Global Carry-On has plenty of great features, but its true magic lies in its revolutionary construction – it’s made with Curv, a woven, self-reinforced polypropylene material known for its lightweight qualities and unparalleled shock impact performance.

The leather handles are a luxurious touch, and the elemental color palette (think Graphite, Earth, and Ivory Gold) will make you stand out from the crowd.

Antler Soft Stripe Lightest Cabin Suitcase

• Dimensions: 21.6″ x 13.8″ x 7.9″ (55 x 35 x 20 cm)
• Weight: 4.2 lbs (1.9 kg)

If you’re looking to lighten your load without sacrificing style or structure, Antler’s Soft Stripe Cabin is a standout in the soft-shell category. As the brand’s lightest suitcase, this recycled polyester spinner is designed for hassle-free short stays, quick getaways, and weight-restricted European flights.

Thoughtfully engineered inside and out, it features a deep 32-liter packing capacity, well-organized internal pockets, and a wide-opening design that makes loading and unpacking feel effortless. The outer fabric is made entirely from recycled materials but feels anything but flimsy – its ribbed texture adds a subtle layer of sophistication while offering surprising durability for soft-side luggage.

Four smooth-gliding spinner wheels and an adjustable lightweight handle keep you agile on the go, while the TSA-approved combination lock adds peace of mind. Plus, like all Antler cases, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Bellroy Venture Duffel 55L

• Dimensions: 23.6″ x 14.6″ x 12.6″ (600 × 370 × 320 mm)
• Weight: 1.98 lbs (900 g)

Proof that big doesn’t have to mean heavy, the Bellroy Venture Duffel 55L is a rare find: ultra lightweight carry-on luggage under 2 lbs (1 kg), with the space and versatility to handle weekend trips, one-bag travel, or active getaways.

Its clean, barrel-shaped design skips the gimmicks and focuses on function. An ultra-wide zip opening makes packing a breeze, while internal mesh pockets and a detachable water-resistant stuff sack keep your load organized and your dirties separate. It even includes a hidden slip pocket for your AirTag.

Made from durable, water-resistant Baida nylon (with 70% recycled content), the Venture Duffel is built to take a beating but looks sharp doing it. You get three carry modes – in hand, over the shoulder, or crossbody – thanks to its soft-edge handles and adjustable padded strap with two mounting points.

For minimalist travelers seeking maximum volume with minimal weight, this is one of the most capable under-2-lbs carry-on bags available.