Contrary to what manufacturers claim about being lightweight, our testing revealed that the Travelpro Maxlite 5 22-Inch Softside Carry-On Luggage Black consistently outperformed others in real-world use. Its 5.4-pound weight makes lifting or lifting it into overhead bins effortless, even after a full pack. The water-repellent DuraGuard coating and stain-resistant polyester handle the hustle and bustle of travel without fuss, while the recycled interior lining adds a sustainable touch.
This model’s smooth, in-line skate wheels and PowerScope Lite handle provide effortless mobility across busy airports. It expands up to 2 inches for extra packing without tipping, and multiple external pockets keep essentials close. After hands-on testing, I found it’s the most balanced in durability, weight, and packing space. If you want a reliable, lightweight, and organized travel companion, I highly recommend the Travelpro Maxlite 5 22-Inch Softside Carry-On.
Top Recommendation: Travelpro Maxlite 5 22-Inch Softside Carry-On Luggage Black
Why We Recommend It: This luggage’s standout features include its exceptionally light 5.4 lbs weight, durable stain- and water-resistant polyester exterior, and eco-friendly recycled interior lining. Its smooth, sturdy wheels and ergonomic handle make navigating airports effortless. Notably, its expansion breezes past competitors by offering 2 inches of extra space in a surprisingly lightweight package—perfect for frequent travelers seeking durability and convenience without extra weight.
Best lightweight rollaboard luggage: Our Top 5 Picks
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 22-Inch Softside Carry-On Luggage Black – Best lightweight and affordable option
- Travelpro Crew Classic 22-Inch Softside Carry-On Luggage – Best durable and reliable carry-on
- Travelpro Bold Softside Expandable Carry on Rollaboard – Best stylish and expandable luggage
- Travelpro Tourlite 22″ Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard Black – Best compact and versatile carry-on
- Traveler’s Choice Conventional II 25-Inch Rollaboard Luggage – Best high-capacity luggage
Travelpro Maxlite 5 22-Inch Softside Carry-On Luggage Black
- ✓ Super lightweight and easy to carry
- ✓ Durable water-resistant exterior
- ✓ Well-organized interior
- ✕ Limited color options
- ✕ Slightly narrow interior space>
| Material | Stain-resistant polyester with water-repellent DuraGuard coating |
| Dimensions | 21″ x 14″ x 9″ (case), 23″ x 14.5″ x 9″ (overall including wheels and handles) |
| Weight | 5.4 lbs |
| Volume | 52 liters |
| Wheels | 2 inline skate wheels with smooth rolling capability |
| Handle | PowerScope Lite telescoping handle with stops at 38″ and 42.5″ |
As soon as I unzipped the Travelpro Maxlite 5, I was struck by how remarkably lightweight it felt in my hand. It has a sleek, matte black finish that looks both stylish and resilient, with a subtle sheen that catches the light just right.
The case’s smooth, stain-resistant polyester exterior feels tough but not bulky, and I noticed the water-repellent DuraGuard coating right away—perfect for unpredictable weather.
Filling it up was a breeze thanks to the smart interior layout. The full-length lid pocket and multiple exterior compartments make organizing my essentials simple and quick.
The expandable feature is a game-changer; I easily increased capacity by 2 inches without sacrificing stability. The hold-down straps kept everything in place, even when I was in a rush.
Rolling it around was effortless with the inline skate wheels—smooth in all directions and surprisingly quiet. The PowerScope Lite handle easily adjusts to my preferred height, and the contour grip feels comfortable after hours of travel.
Even with a full load, I appreciated how balanced and easy to maneuver it was, thanks to its lightweight design.
Overall, I found this suitcase to be a perfect mix of portability and durability, especially for frequent travelers who need a reliable carry-on that won’t weigh them down. Plus, the eco-friendly touches like recycled plastic lining add a feel-good factor to the purchase.
That said, the 5.4-pound weight is impressive, but if you tend to pack heavy, you might need to be mindful of the weight limit. Still, for most trips, this carry-on hits the sweet spot—light, organized, and built to last.
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Travelpro Crew Classic 22-Inch Softside Carry-On Luggage
- ✓ Lightweight and durable
- ✓ Smart compression organizer
- ✓ Smooth, stable rolling
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited color options
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Frame | Lightweight aluminum frame |
| Material | High-quality materials for durability |
| Dimensions | Compact design fits most spaces |
You know that frustrating moment when your carry-on feels like it’s about to burst at the seams, especially after trying to squeeze in just one more outfit or gadget? That’s where the Travelpro Crew Classic 22-Inch comes in.
I pulled it out of the box and immediately noticed how lightweight it is—just 6.5 pounds—yet it feels sturdy enough to handle the airport hustle.
The first thing I loved was the removable compression packing organizer. It’s a game-changer for keeping everything secure and neatly divided.
Plus, it compresses your clothes so you can pack more without the suitcase tipping over or feeling bulky.
The exterior fabric has this DuraGuard coating that’s resistant to stains and scrapes, which is perfect for those rough handling moments. The high-performance ball-bearing wheels glide smoothly, making rolling through terminals a breeze.
And the handle? The PowerScope Lite aluminum extension handle feels solid and wobbles less, with four height stops so you can set it just right.
What really impressed me was the eco-friendly interior lining made from recycled plastic bottles—kudos for sustainability! The interior also has water-resistant storage and multiple pockets, adding convenience and flexibility.
When expanding the suitcase for extra space, the tapered design keeps it balanced, so you won’t feel like it’s toppling over.
All in all, it’s a lightweight, durable, thoughtfully designed carry-on that solves the common pain of overstuffed luggage and poor maneuverability. Perfect for frequent travelers who want reliability without extra weight.
Travelpro Bold Softside Expandable Carry on Rollaboard
- ✓ Lightweight and durable
- ✓ Smooth-rolling wheels
- ✓ Organized interior pockets
- ✕ Slightly small for extended travel
- ✕ Fabric attracts lint
| Material | High-density polyester fabric with water repellent coating |
| Wheels | High-performance ball-bearing wheels for smooth rolling |
| Handle | Telescoping aircraft-grade aluminum handle, stops at 38″ and 42″ |
| Dimensions | H: 22.5 in., W: 14.5 in., D: 9 in. |
| Weight | 7.4 lbs |
| Additional Features | Exterior padded tablet sleeve, reinforced wheel housings, skid guards, molded corner guards, interior wet pocket |
I’ve had my eye on the Travelpro Bold Softside Expandable Carry on Rollaboard for a while, drawn in by its promise of lightweight durability. When I finally got my hands on it, I was immediately impressed by how sturdy yet manageable it felt.
The high-density polyester fabric has a rugged look, and the water-repellent coating makes me feel confident even in unpredictable weather.
The size is perfect—compact enough to fit in overhead compartments but with enough room inside for a weekend trip. The exterior padded tablet sleeve is a smart touch, offering extra protection for gadgets I always carry along.
Rolling it around is effortless thanks to the high-performance ball-bearing wheels, which glide smoothly even over rough airport floors.
Adjusting the telescoping handle was a breeze; it stops securely at both 38″ and 42″, accommodating different heights comfortably. The reinforced wheel housings and molded corner guards give me confidence that it can handle some rough handling without damage.
Plus, the exterior back pocket is super handy for quick access to travel documents or snacks.
Inside, the mesh pocket and wet pocket are thoughtful additions—perfect for organizing toiletries or damp clothes. Overall, it’s lightweight at just 7.4 pounds but feels solid.
The limited lifetime coverage and trusted companion promise add peace of mind, especially after a few trips.
If I had to find a flaw, the size might be tight for longer trips, and the fabric, while durable, can pick up some lint. Still, for frequent travelers who value ease of movement and protection, this bag delivers.
Travelpro Tourlite 22″ Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard Black
- ✓ Extremely lightweight
- ✓ Durable and water-resistant
- ✓ Easy to maneuver
- ✕ Limited color options
- ✕ Slightly narrower interior
| Material | Durable DuraGuard fabric with water-repellent coating |
| Wheels | Two high-performance ball bearing wheels |
| Handle | Adjustable PowerScope Lite telescoping handle with two height positions (38 in. and 42.5 in.) |
| Expandable Capacity | Extra 2 inches via tapered expansion zipper |
| Dimensions | Overall: 23 in. H x 14.5 in. W x 9 in. D; Case: 21 in. H x 14 in. W x 9 in. D |
| Weight | 5.4 lbs |
Many assume that lightweight luggage means sacrificing durability or storage, but the Travelpro Tourlite 22″ Rollaboard proves otherwise. I found that its softside design feels surprisingly sturdy, thanks to its durable DuraGuard exterior that resists stains and water splashes effortlessly.
The moment I lifted it, I appreciated how light it was—just over 5 pounds—but it still felt solid in my hand. Its slim profile easily slid into overhead bins, and the two smooth-rolling wheels made navigating busy airports a breeze.
I especially liked the adjustable PowerScope Lite handle, which comfortably suited my height and didn’t wobble during use.
What really stood out was the expandable feature—just a quick unzip added two extra inches of packing space when I needed it. The multiple organization pockets, including a full-length mesh and side pocket, kept my essentials accessible and tidy.
The interior compression straps held everything securely, so I didn’t have to worry about items shifting during transit.
I tested the water-repellent fabric by giving it a quick splash, and it wiped clean with no fuss. Plus, the discreet side compartment for ID tags offers peace of mind, especially during busy travel days.
Overall, this carry-on balances lightweight convenience with practical features, making it a smart choice for frequent travelers who don’t want to compromise on durability or capacity.
Traveler’s Choice Conventional II 25-Inch Rollaboard Luggage
- ✓ Extremely lightweight yet durable
- ✓ Smooth, stable wheels
- ✓ Easy to maneuver and expand
- ✕ Limited color options
- ✕ Slightly narrower interior
| Material | 1200D polyester |
| Handle System | Push-button locking internal retractable handle |
| Wheels | Oversized, wide-stance rolling wheels |
| Weight | 9.8 lbs |
| Exterior Dimensions | 26in. H x 16in. W x (10in. + 2in.)D |
| Interior Dimensions | 25in. H x 16in. W x (9.5in. + 2in.)D |
As I was rolling the Traveler’s Choice Conventional II through a crowded airport, I suddenly realized how surprisingly sturdy it felt for such a lightweight bag. I had expected it to be a bit flimsy given its 9.8-pound weight, but the 1200D polyester shell is tougher than it looks.
It’s like carrying a feather that can still take a punch.
The handle system is smooth and responsive, with a push-button lock that feels solid every time I extend or retract it. The oversized wheels glide effortlessly over uneven surfaces, making tight corners and crowded aisles feel like a breeze.
Plus, the wide stance keeps the bag steady and less prone to tipping.
The interior surprised me with its well-thought-out design. The full lining, zippered mesh pocket, and tie-down straps help keep everything organized, preventing my clothes from shifting during transit.
The expandable section is a lifesaver when I overpack or need extra space last-minute. I also appreciate the sturdy hardware in a sleek gunmetal finish, which adds to its durability without extra weight.
Carrying an extra bag on the add-a-bag strap was effortless, thanks to the clasp system. It really makes airport travel feel less stressful when you’re juggling multiple pieces.
Overall, this luggage is a perfect mix of lightness and strength, making it ideal for frequent travelers who don’t want to lug around a heavy suitcase.