If you’re only jetting off for a night or two, save money on checked baggage and instead, opt for lightweight carry-on luggage that holds everything you need while remaining small enough to be stored in the plane’s overhead luggage compartment.
In saying this, a carry-on bag can still serve you well even if you’re planning on only taking longer trips in the future. Why? Well, you can check in your trusty big hard-cover suitcase and keep your carry-on close, filling it with outfits and just enough toiletries to see you through connecting flights, layovers and the first night at your destination.
From weekenders to duffels to suitcases, we’ve rounded up some of the best lightweight carry-on luggage options available in Australia so you can get from A to B with ease. Plus, you’ll find tips on how to select the right cabin bag for you and your short but sweet trip.
2024’s top lightweight carry-on luggage
- Curio 2 55cm carry-on suitcase, $159 (usually $265), American Tourister (here’s why)
- Carry all weekender bag, $295, July (here’s why)
- Samsonite C-lite 55cm suitcase, $749, Strandbags (here’s why)
The best lightweight carry-on luggage to buy in 2024
01
Curio 2 55cm carry-on suitcase in black
$159 (usually $265), American Tourister
Lightweight, durable and secure, it’s no wonder Curio is American Tourister’s bestselling polypropylene collection. This petite but mighty suitable is expandable so you can pack even more for your adventures, and it features a premium interior organiser, multiple pockets and double wheels for smooth rolling on any surface.
“Great product, fits all my needs, smooth to walk with, flexible too,” one five-star reviewer admitted.
Another person simply said: “Love all of it, lightweight, great quality, stylish.”
Capacity: 40/45L
Weight: 2.7kg
Key features:
- Internal organiser
- Expandable
- Cross ribbons
- Double wheels
- Duosaf security zipper
- TSA combination lock
- Mesh pocket
- Available in a myriad of colours and sizes
- 10-year global warranty
02
Carry all weekender bag
from $295, July
This cult-favourite Aussie brand is all about making stylish, minimal and thoughtful travel accessories that will last the distance, which is exemplified in their Weekender bag. Some of its standout features include the 16-inch padded laptop compartment, a water-resistant outer, premium leather carry handles, and thoughtfully placed internal dividers and zipped pockets so you can keep everything you need organised and within reach. You also have the option to monogram it with your name or initials for an additional fee.
“Perfect for a weekend away or as an additional bag to carry on,” one of the hundreds of five-star reviewers said. “Lots of pockets and slides easily over the carry on luggage. Is good quality and it shows.”
A second person wrote: “Love the various compartments. Very functional. Strong and high quality fabric! my fav weekend bag so far.”
Capacity: 28L
Weight: 1kg
Key features:
- Pass-through band for easy attachment to a suitcase
- QuickPass hidden pocket with magnetic closure
- Internal dividers and zipped pockets for documents and small tablets
- Internal key hook
- 16″ laptop padded sleeve compartment
- Detachable dual adjustment shoulder strap
- Gunmetal external D-rings for other attachments
- Five-year warranty
- 100-day returns
03
Samsonite C-lite 55cm suitcase
$749, Strandbags
When it comes to purchasing premium luggage, Samsonite has become the go-to brand for many. This lightweight and durable suitcase expands so you can pack more in for your adventures. Plus, it’s made with a unique reinforced shell for extra strength and resilience.
“To begin, the ultra-lightweight & sturdiness of this luggage have already won my heart,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “To top that, it’s also super classy and sleek!”
Capacity: 42L
Weight: 2.1kg
Key features:
- Ultra-strong hard shell
- 8 spinner wheels
- Self-repairing zippers
- 10-year warranty
Also available at:
- $524.30 (usually $749) from Samsonite
04
Clifton expandable cabin bag suitcase
$299, Antler
This polycarbonate cabin suitcase from 1914-established British brand Antler is hand-finished and comes in 12 sleek shades. With four double-spinner wheels, a cushion grip handle and a strong polycarbonate casing, this suitcase is designed to last years.
“Super stylish cabin bag that I will be excited and proud to use on my trips,” one of the hundreds of five-star reviewers wrote. “Sturdy and ergonomically designed, the Clifton offers ample space for a few nights away. The case itself is designed with the traveller in mind. The compartments inside the case provide ideal solutions for organising your travel accessories, and there is plenty of space for essential clothes and shoes.”
Capacity: 38/43L
Weight: 2.9kg
Key features:
- Innovative twist-grip handle
- Expander zip
- TSA combination lock
- Comes with a dust bag
- Lifetime warranty
05
Wanderlite 20″ 55cm luggage
$46.95, Kogan
Investing in a piece of luggage can leave a bit of a dent in your pocket, no matter how small it is. However, that’s certainly not the case with this budget-friendly option from Wanderlite, which comes with all the bells and whistles needed in a sturdy and safe carry-on. For starters, it has a durable hard shell that’s tough enough to withstand any adventure. Plus, it’s built with smooth dual wheels and a secure code lock.
Capacity: 40L
Weight: 2.5kg
Key features:
- Built-in retractable trolley system
- Smooth 360 dual wheels spinner
- Secure code lock
- Aluminium pull rod
- Corner guard protectors
- Top and side carrying handles
- One-year warranty
Also available at:
- $46.95 from Big W
- $46.95 from Woolworths
06
High Sierra composite 4 55cm expandable wheel bag
$275, Strandbags
Is it a duffle for weekends away? A rolling suitcase you can wheel through airports? A backpack for long treks? Well, it’s all three, thanks to the incredibly versatile design. The telescopic trolley handles hideaway, as do the padded shoulder straps in a zippered compartment, allowing you to use this bag in whatever way works best for you and your travels. It weighs only 2.3kg and comes with multiple compartments and external loops to stash and attach all your essentials. Plus, it features front and top comfort-grip handles, lockable zips and corner guards to keep everything safe and secure.
“Absolutely love this bag,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “Sturdy wheels and backpack option is a bonus. Small enough to use as carryon luggage or plenty of room to fill it to capacity and use it as checked luggage. Lots of extra features and would highly recommend this bag.”
Capacity: 39L
Weight: 2.3kg
Key features:
- Soft construction
- External loops and multiple compartments
- Versatile design can be worn as a holdall, luggage or backpack
- Lockable zips, kick-plate and corner guards for extra protection for your belongings
- Telescopic trolley handles and padded shoulder straps can be hidden away
- Five-year warranty
Also available at:
- $165 (usually $275) from High Sierra
- $165 (usually $275) from Myer
07
Nere Stori 55cm suitcase
$200, The Iconic
The most difficult part about this suitcase is choosing between the eight delicious colours on offer. Aside from that, having this Nere number by your side will make all your travels an absolute breeze. With a quality ABS hard shell, an expander and eight spinner wheels, it’s the stylish and strong luggage you can rely on.
Capacity: 38/46L
Weight: 3.2kg
Key features:
- Expandable
- Self-repairing zippers
- Built-in TSA combination lock
- Available in eight colours
- 10-year warranty
Also available at:
- $200 from Strandbags
What is the size of a lightweight carry-on bag?
The general standard of a lightweight carry-on bag in Australia measures around 58 x 36 x 23cm, with the empty bag weighing between 1kg and 2.9kg. Most Aussie airlines have a 7kg carry-on luggage limit but be sure to look up specific airline guidelines before your flight.
Is hard or soft luggage better for carry-on?
Ultimately, the best type of luggage for carry-on depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are concerned about protecting your belongings, hard luggage is a good choice as it’s usually more water-resistant and less likely to be damaged if squished in the overhead compartment. If you’re looking for a more lightweight and easier-to-store option, soft luggage might be the way to go.
What to consider when shopping for lightweight carry-on luggage
Whether you’re jetting off to Europe or interstate, there are a few things to consider in your bag of choice.
- Weight: The lighter the luggage, the more weight you’ll have left for your clothes and other belongings (in accordance with different airlines’ carry-on weight allowance).
- Wheels: Luggage with four spinner wheels are usually the easiest to manoeuvre – especially in crowded airports.
- Handle: The handle should be sturdy and comfortable to grip – adjustability as a handle feature doesn’t go astray, either.
- Pockets and compartments: Luggage with multiple pockets and compartments will help you keep your belongings organised.
Looking to save money on lightweight carry-on luggage? Check out our coupon codes for Amazon, Myer and more.
