These Are The Season’s Best Lightweight Check-In Bags

Savvy conventioneers follow two cardinal rules: In anticipation of the samples and swag you’re sure to collect at a trade show—baseball caps, candles, phone chargers, commemorative books you actually want to keep, and other promotional bric-a-brac—you should arrive at your destination with checked luggage filled to no more than 60-percent capacity.

Of equal importance, and to further prevent issues during your return check-in at the airport, never spend an inordinate percentage of your checked-bag weight limit on the suitcase itself.

Whether your airline per-piece baggage allowance is 50 or 70 pounds (the latter a cherished perk among business-class passengers and frequent fliers), kicking off your trip with a suitcase that already weighs 17 pounds or more when empty seems wasteful at best. (This is also useful advice for any vacation to a destination teeming with coveted souvenirs—Italian ceramics and French wine immediately spring to mind.)

That’s why we went in search of check-in bags that offer an ideal combination of bountiful capacity and construction that’s equal parts tough and lightweight. Ultimately, any one of these suitcases will fit the bill during your next trip, while also minimizing anticipatory stress when you’re hoisting it onto the luggage scale at the check-in desk.

July / Photo: Courtesy of July

July Checked

With its brushed-aluminum bumpers at every corner, July luggage never fails to exude a vibe that’s decidedly sleek and modern. This Checked style—in a recently released Toffee shade—weighs just 8.3 pounds, while its details are wholly thoughtful, from interior linings that are both waterproof and stainproof to an integrated TSA lock, included laundry bag, the brand’s Y-strap compression system and a telescoping handle that offers 20 height variations to ensure each user can roll through the airport at the ideal comfort level. The piece can be monogrammed for an additional $50, while a transparent mesh cover retails for $45 for exterior protection. 

$375, at july.com

Airs / Photo: Courtesy of Airs

Airs Large Expandable Check-In

A recent entry in the luggage market, Airs is an upstart brand that puts an emphasis on matching your suitcase style to your personality. Though they are offered in 20 color options—from pastels for “Happy” to hues that include magenta for “Electric” or a ’70s-inspired stripe on white for “Retro”—the common element across these hard-shell cases is a set of signature red wheels with 360-degree capability. The white Large Expandable Check-In case seen here is from the “Achiever” group and measures 29.5 inches tall and weighs roughly 10.5 pounds. Interior details include expandable compartments and compression straps. The three sizes currently available in all colors are sold individually or as a three-piece set that, with the large bag seen here, also includes a medium-sized check-in and a carry-on style.

$298, at airs-travel.com

Samsonite / Photo: Courtesy of Samsonite

Samsonite UpLIFT Softside Medium Spinner

Consider a soft-side bag, which tends to be more lightweight than hard-shell cases. This UpLIFT Softside Medium Spinner by Samsonite, a recent debut, stands 27.75 inches high while weighing only 7.7 pounds. It also offers a feel-good element: The body fabric (seen here in Elemental Blue) is crafted of 100-percent postconsumer PET bottles, thus imbuing your choice of suitcase with a sustainable element. Details include spinner wheels, a pair of gusseted front zipper pockets, and, in addition to a multi-stop telescoping handle, top and side handles crafted with extra padding for ease of carrying when rolling isn’t possible. Inside you’ll find compression straps, a zippered lining pocket, mesh pocket that’s also accessible from one of the front panels, and removable wet pouch for liquids.

$229.99, at samsonite.com

Arlo Skye / Photo: Courtesy of Arlo Skye

Arlo Skye Zipper Check-In Large

Like Airs, Arlo Skye’s Zipper Check-In Large weighs in at 10.5 pounds, but it also offers among the largest capacities in this group, an exceedingly roomy 99.5 liters (the preferred volume measurement for luggage capacity). Arlo Skye also recently launched chic new colors, including Champagne and the Sea Sage seen here. The exterior of the Zipper Check-In Large is crafted of impact-resistant polycarbonate that’s lightly textured to minimize scratches, while its proprietary FreeFlex construction allows the user to overpack without stressing the zipper during closure. Interior details include split compartments with zipped pockets and an antimicrobial lining.

$450, at arloskye.com

Quince / Photo: Courtesy of Quince

Quince Expandable Check-In Hard Shell Suitcase

For the largest of its four available luggage sizes, San Francisco-based lifestyle brand Quince offers a roomy Check-In Hard Shell Suitcase that weighs 10.2 pounds and accommodates a 99-liter capacity, in classic colors including navy, wine, olive and the tan seen here. The interior features multiple compartments for organization, a compression panel, and a removable laundry bag. The hard-shell polycarbonate exterior, meanwhile, offers a TSA-approved lock, aluminum telescoping handle, zipper that allows the bag to expand an additional inch, and spinner wheels crafted by Hinomoto, a Japanese brand favored among frequent travelers for their smooth operation and durability. For $49.90, purchase the six-piece group of Eco Compression Packing Cubes to create a matched set that maximizes space.

$425, at quince.com