Ultra-lightweight luggage for international travel

August 11, 2018 10:17 PM

I'm looking for an ultralightweight suitcase (or duffle? Or ?) that will fit in an international overhead and be as lightweight as possible. I feel like I've seen rolling bags that are essentially wheels attached to a nylon sack that look incredibly lightweight. Also, open to no wheels suggestions.
posted by arnicae to Travel & Transportation (9 answers total)

If money's (really, really) no object, the D3 Traveller.
posted by holgate at 11:00 PM on August 11, 2018 [3 favorites]

I have the Swissgear 20" Rolling Duffel Getaway and I like it. It has pads next to the wheels like it's supposed to stand up vertically, but the sides are soft and bendy so I have to hold it to keep from falling over. But if I'm rolling it or have it horizontal like a duffel bag then it's great!
posted by floomp at 11:32 PM on August 11, 2018

I have an Osprey Ozone that pretty much fits this description, and also fits a surprising quantity of stuff. Very easy to pack for 2-3 weeks.
posted by snorkmaiden at 11:38 PM on August 11, 2018

I've had the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag for a few years and it's still serving me well.
posted by 3zra at 4:16 AM on August 12, 2018

It would be hard, I think, to get below the microscopically tiny weight (120 grams!) of Muji's folding paraglider boston bag. This one holds 34 litres, is, at 30 cm x 20 cm x 50 cm, carry-on sized, and can fold into a tiny pouch. This tote bag is a little heavier at 132 grams and only holds a litre less. Muji's US online shop luggage department doesn't seem to list the boston bag, but they do use it as the icon? Perhaps call them and ask.
posted by mdonley at 5:02 AM on August 12, 2018

Have you seen Modobag?

(Edit: Just realized how expensive this is! Still cool though).
posted by Spiderwoman at 7:48 AM on August 12, 2018

I bought this for a recent trip. Fits into the smaller carry-on requirements for some European airlines. I am very, very happy with it. It's also on sale at eBags.

it luggage - Worlds Lightest Los Angeles 2 Wheel 21.5 inch Carry On

They make a whole range of sizes:

Collection of World's Lightest WIDE HANDLE DESIGN cases from it luggage.
posted by ljshapiro at 12:32 PM on August 12, 2018

Check out Tom Bihn.
posted by JMOZ at 4:01 AM on August 13, 2018 [1 favorite]

A cheaper option is cabinzero - more or less what you described as sack with handles; I got mine for about $70. It's a backpack first but has side carry handles and designed to be converted to check in for needed. Capacity 40-45 L and fits in overheads, experimentally proven, with 10 kg of books.
posted by ahundredjarsofsky at 6:53 PM on August 14, 2018