lightweight suitcases
 

Now with the new weight limits - (BMI from London to Venice next spring allows us only 44lbs checked and 22lbs carry on).

We are looking for light weight suitcases, preferably still with wheels. Found a 21 " that is about 7 lbs. -Rick Steeves.

Any suggestions for a 24" or a 26". ours are around 13Lbs.

won't be taking all these suitcases on one trip obviously but just looking for this and future trips.

take camera equipment which takes up space and weight - must be in carryon. back pack that is heavy is NOT doable.

currently take a 24 or 26 inch each plus 1 carryon usually. depends on trip, weather, etc.

don't need advice on how to pack lighter. just on suitcases that are lighter.

Thanks

I just read an article on the new Equator line of luggage, quite lightweight. It sounded pretty good.

The Delsey brand has a line of lightweights. My mother bought one for our trip to France last week. I had not previously heard of this brand, but there were quite a few of them on the baggage carousel of Air France. She is very happy with hers and it came in all sizes from a little train case (I guess people don't really use that term anymore) all the way up to a big boy 30 inch one. The best part about it is that she got it at TJMaxx for a super lowball price. We checked several different locations and all had the entire set in 3 different colors.

Check out www.packinglight.com
Its a web site carrying several brands of luggage, some of which is very lightweight. They even carry a new line of hard sided luggage that is as lightweight as most soft sided.

Dear Joanel, Look on llbean web site and you'll find Microfiber luggage. I have all 3 pieces and have used them a number of years. The 28" is 12 lbs. 8 oz. I notice their Vintage design has a 28" that is 10lbs. 12oz.( wish I had that one) If you get their card you will get free shipping. Always!! Happy travels, Joan

Joanel, I just looked at the packinglight web site. I think I'm going to get some new luggage. Luck, Joan

You might want to go to ebags and look at the Optima brand. I have a 3 piece set - 29, 25, and 21 carryon that were only $99. They are very lightweight- empty anyway! They have held up well over several trips- they should get a big test in 10 weeks on my London, Edinburgh, Paris trip.

..love my travelpro platinum..but honestly even if your suitcase weighs 10 lbs why would anyone want to carry 56lbs of stuff! Pack light.. The only time I carry a lot if if I am skiing.

Traveler,
Concentrate on not packing
much-get travel clothes from Travelsmith.com. The weight of the
suitcase is just one thing-all the stuff
you bring is another. By the end, it will
all weight alot, because of the souvenirs.
Bon voyage!

Last spring we bought a Montlake, Skyway suitcase. They are lightweight (9.8 lbs for 26"), yet said to be durable. They come in 22, 26 & 29 inches. I lost the website address for online viewing/purchasing. I did find that retailers offer Westlakes for less than the company website (E.g., $60 for 26" at Dillards).

I'm already agonizing and struggling with this same issue for a trip that doesn't occur until July 2005 when we will be making several flights within Europe. We have enough different luggage in the house to open up our own store but I, personally, do not consider a suitcase that weighs between 10-14 pounds empty to be "lightweight" when I can only check 44 pounds.

My own solution is to use two heavy Cordura nylon duffle bags which weigh less than 1 pound empty and pack all the clothes using Eagle Creek Pack-it Cubes and fold packs which are wonderful organizers. I'm strapping the two duffels onto one very collapsible a luggage carrier for movement from entry points and when I have to, taking a taxi!

When I get back next year I'll let you know how it went.