With the tight carry-on bag rules on most European airlines (LH: 8 kg and 55x40x20 cm, SAS: 8 kg and 23x40x55 cm, UK one bag rule etc.) packing light isn't simply enough, but you also need to find a very light carry-on bag. What is the lightest (yet sturdy) carry-on bag you've bought and used?
Non-wheeled backpack-type bag (but the backpack straps can be tucked in and the bag carried with a side handle also)
1.33 kg according to the specifications
22" * 14" * 9" = 56cm * 36cm * 23cm (this is typical US carryon size, though if you don't pack it completely full, it should be able to squish down a cm or few in each dimension)
Note, however, that stuffing it full of clothing can still put it over the 7kg limit that many airlines in Asia have (though they are not always strict about enforcing that limit).
Their info sheet indicates: "Carry-On-Friendly: Measuring 9" x 21" x 14" and weighing less than 3 lbs, it fits within most airlines' carry-on guidelines."
It has backpack type straps that tuck into a rear panel . The back has a foam insert to give it shape when loaded and is covered with the same material as the pack. Weighed mine and it is less than 2 lbs.
The expandable Convertible Carry-On is a little less than 3lbs. The back on this one is thicker and has a covering that is textured and breathable. More like a that of a true backpack.
Quality is better than I expected for the current price of less than $70 with shipping.
I like it because it folds down to about 2inches thick. Keep it in my checked bag in case I have to remove items to meet a bag weight standard or do a little extra shopping.
If you're really looking for the lightest, then the Outdoor Products Essential Carry-On fits the bill....Just under 2 lbs. It's very basic and only $30 at Campmor.
Keec <---- Have you heard of these guys? www.keec.com.au - they make very cool satchel bags that are designed and made in Melbourne and they rock! I just bought a leather one, but they had back-pack type material too if you prefer something more robust (or if you're vegan!).
I like them cos they're stylish, can carry heaps (they even expand bigger!), and don't look like a "travel bag"
Crumble, thanks for starting this thread and the very cool suggestions.
The Travelite is amazing! 1.9kg (4.18lb) for a 41.3 inch bag that is expandable and has wheels and will fit in the sizer for sure. That's gotta be the find of the century. Especially at a price of a mere $140! Fully lined interior, ball bearing wheels, compression straps and outside pockets to boot, PLUS a 3 year warranty. I am proud to say that this is German, of course.
Perhaps you can give us some more impressions of the bag and how it holds up?
The A. Saks 21 incher weighs a mere 1.2lb, that's 545 grams! And it is still very sturdy.
Even the revived MLC Burrito at 1151 grams and the classic MLC at 1332g don't come close.
The Tom Bihn Tristar (arguably a more evolved bag for close to 5x the price of the A. Saks) weighs 1550 grams and is smaller than the A. Saks but comparable, if a little smaller than the Travelite.
However, of those three only the EG is lighter than the Travelite and it doesn't have wheels. The BR 235x is quite a bit heavier (2583g) and still doesn't have wheels.
So it looks like the Travelite roller and the A. Saks 21" Exp. Carry-on shoulder bag are the champs in each category unless you want to go super flimsy.
The Travelite is amazing! 1.9kg (4.18lb) for a 41.3 inch bag that is expandable and has wheels and will fit in the sizer for sure. That's gotta be the find of the century. Especially at a price of a mere $140! Fully lined interior, ball bearing wheels, compression straps and outside pockets to boot, PLUS a 3 year warranty. I am proud to say that this is German, of course. l
The WORLDEU link by Lufthansa (interesting shop by the way) says they ship worldwide. I have seen Travelite in stores in Germany but have never paid any attention. I will now.
The A. Saks duffle is carry-on size but won't fit the sizer (12x12 dimension kills it, also the big feet probably). Otherwise looks like a good and well thought out bag. Price seems right, too. Personally I'd get the 21" bag I linked to. I also like the 26" suitcase, though.
It doesn't have wheels, which I find essential. If I'm confused as to which product you mean, would you please repeat the link?
Yes, that's exactly the one. It is true it doesn't have wheels. If you absolutely want wheels try getting the Travelite shipped (should be worth it, it looks much better than the Sub-0 G) or get the Samsonite Micromover cart with the A. Saks sans wheels. You'd still beat the Travelite in weight, it would have even more volume and be cheaper, if not quite as practical.
If the sizer is not a problem for your kind of travel (it might become one in the future, so always think of that), then the wheeled duffle you linked to, would also be a good choice.
The WORLDEU link by Lufthansa (interesting shop by the way) says they ship worldwide. I have seen Travelite in stores in Germany but have never paid any attention. I will now.
That travelite bag is amazing. Alas the WorldShopEU LH site doesn't ship to the US. It seems impossible to get shipped to the US. I'm thinking of shipping to a friend in London. It looks perfect. The stupid americans build Kevlar monstrosities that weigh 10+ pounds and the germans (or swiss?) build a fantastic looking bag at only a bit over 4 lbs. I have to get one of these.
Lightest carry-on bag
