Lightweight Suitcases

For a 23 kg checked allowance, look for a case with an empty weight between 3 and 4 kg. That leaves 19 to 20 kg of usable packing capacity, ample for most trips. A medium or large hard-shell in polypropylene typically sits comfortably within that empty-weight range. Check the product page dimensions against your airline's size limits before booking.

Soft-sided luggage is generally lighter than a hard-shell of comparable size; soft carry-ons can weigh as little as four pounds. Our Soft Stripe 2.0 Medium and Large hold the titles of lightest medium and lightest large suitcase in our range. That said, our Single Stripe Medium is our lightest hard-side case, and its polypropylene shell construction closes the gap considerably. If protection matters as much as weight, a hard-shell is worth the marginal difference. Explore our soft-shell suitcases and hard-shell suitcases side by side to decide.

Yes, provided the shell material is chosen well. Polypropylene and polycarbonate both absorb impact without cracking, and reinforced corner construction distributes stress across the frame. Hard-back hybrid designs, like the Discovery Wheeled Duffel whose hard shell back resists scuffs and scratches, demonstrate that lightweight cases can take the rough treatment of conveyor belts and overhead lockers without showing the wear.