Best Lightweight Luggage & Carry-Ons Under 8lb

by Albert Varkki updated 06-02-2023

Table Of Contents

If you like to travel light, then you don't want your luggage weighing you down.

But what's the best lightweight luggage?

In this post, we'll give your our top picks for stylish yet lightweight carry-on bags and luggage, as well as how best to choose.

Our top picks:

1		Best for a smart rolling carry-on bag. Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag Read More
2		Best for a smart convertible laptop backpack. 10X Laptop Travel Bag Read More
3		Best for a smart leather laptop bag. City Laptop Bag Read More
4		Best for a smart duffle style weekender. Weekender Read More
5		Best for a small, professional leather work backpack. Liberty Men's Leather Backpack Read More
6		Best for a professional looking garment bag. Grand Leather Garment Bag Read More
7		Best for a professional laptop backpack. Prime Men's Leather Backpack Read More
8		Best professional business briefcase. No.1 Briefcase Read More
9		Best minimalist leather laptop bag. Elegant Briefcase Read More
10		Best for a modern leather laptop briefcase. Essential Briefcase Read More
11		Best for a 17-inch professional leather laptop bag. City Large Laptop Bag Read More

Best Lightweight Luggage for 2023

Here are our top picks for lightweight luggage by style and type:

Voyager Leather Carry-on Bag with Wheels

Best for effortless business travel with a touch of luxury - Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag with Wheels.

Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag Product Highlights:

Color Options	Available in Elegant Black, Solid Brown, Classic Tan, and more
Laptop Sleeve	Includes a sleeve for up to a 16" laptop
Material	Handmade from premium vegetable-tanned Italian leather
Convenience Features	Smooth-rolling wheels, foldaway telescopic handle with two height settings, and easily accessible pockets
Interior	Durable cotton lining with small slots and an interior zipped pocket
Zipper Quality	High-quality Japanese YKK zippers
Sustainability	Crafted sustainably with a focus on supporting local communities
Origin Certificate	Comes with a certificate of leather origin guaranteeing quality and origin
Travel-Friendly	Carry-on compliant with ample space for travel essentials
Additional Features	Luggage tag included for easy identification

Watch the Voyager product video below:

Browse more images of the Voyager:

Our review:

"Extremely popular with male and female travellers alike, this big-selling unisex travel bag is designed to serve you well for years to come. The bag offers a wide range of brilliant features for travellers including the telescopic handle and wheels. It is also carry-on compliant and comes with a luggage tag. There's a special compartment for a laptop up to 16", tough cotton lining and a reliable YKK zipper. The bag makes it easy for you to quickly access travel essentials like your passport and boarding pass and comes with a fold-over magnet closure. Small slots and an interior zipped pocket makes organising smaller items a breeze."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and refined appearance	Not completely waterproof
Built-in wheels and retractable handle for effortless mobility	Not ideal for extremely rough terrain
Ample storage space for essentials	Not the lightest option for a carry-on bag
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Multiple compartments for organized packing
Perfect for business or personal travel

10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag

Best for business travel with a touch of luxury. The 10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag is perfect for carrying your essentials in style.

10X Laptop Travel Bag Product Highlights:

Product	10X Laptop Travel Bag
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 15.6 inch
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Backpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	31 cm (12 in)
Height	42 cm (17 in)
Depth	17 cm (7 in)
Weight	2 kg (0.9 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the 10X product video below:

Browse more images of the 10X:

Our review:

"This unisex bag for travel has been designed to appeal to men and women alike. The bag offers a number of exceptional features that will make your travels a breeze, and these include tough cotton lining and a dependable YKK zipper. The bag has been manufactured from elegant premium Italian full-grain leather. It has a front-loading design that makes it so easy to access your holiday essentials when you require them. You'll also get access to a sleeve to protect your 15.6 inch laptop or 16 inch MacBook Pro. You can use this high-selling offering as a travel bag, a backpack or a messenger bag. Organisation is made simple thanks to the canvas-lined internal compartments."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Fits most laptops up to 16 inches
Designed for easy travel and convenience
Multiple compartments for organized storage

City Leather Laptop Bag

Best for business trips and city travel with a sleek leather design and spacious compartments for laptops and documents.

City Laptop Bag Product Highlights:

Material	Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Color Options	Solid Brown, Elegant Black, Deep Red
Laptop Compatibility	Fits up to 15.6-inch laptop
Inner Lining	Durable Italian cotton lining
Zipper Quality	Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access
Origin	Made in Florence, Italy
Sustainability	Supports local communities and eco-friendly
Design	Professional and spacious design for work or travel essentials
Adjustable Strap	Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap
Inner Pockets	Stitched 100% cotton canvas lining
Compartments & Pockets	1 large zipped main compartment divided by a zipped padded pocket
Personalized	Option to personalize with initials or a special message.

Watch the City product video below:

Browse more images of the City:

Our review:

"This incredibly elegant unisex bag for travel has been designed to appeal to men and women alike. The bag is manufactured from outstandingly elegant and dependable materials including Italian full-grain leather. It can accommodate a laptop of up to 15.6 inches and has been designed with longevity in mind. Invest in this bag and receive several years of support as you explore everything that the world has to offer. The bag also comes with tough cotton lining and boasts rounded top handles which make it easy to transport it from country to country. Take a closer look at this exquisite unisex travel bag today."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and sophisticated design	Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space and compartments	Not ideal for extremely heavy items
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Easy to clean and maintain

Weekender Leather Weekend Bag

Best for a stylish weekend getaway with friends, the Weekender leather bag is spacious and durable, perfect for packing all your essentials.

Weekender Product Highlights:

Material	Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Design	Spacious design perfect for gym and travel with a dedicated sleeve for up to a 16" laptop
Interior	Durable cotton lining with compartments for organization
Zipper	Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access
Compliance	Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
Craftsmanship	Handcrafted in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen
Additional Features	Adjustable and removable leather shoulder strap, studs on the base for protection, solid brass hardware
Personalized	Option for custom laser engraving
Use Cases	Travel, gym, sports, weekend getaways
Sustainability	Supports local communities and eco-friendly practices

Watch the Weekender product video below:

Browse more images of the Weekender:

Our review:

"Look no further if you require a unisex bag for travel � this carry-on compliant bag can give you everything you need. The bag is made from premium full-grain leather and comes complete with a sleeve for a laptop up to 16". The bag is perfect for overseas travel as well as your next staycation and boasts robust cotton lining and a YKK zipper. The bag has been designed to be as practical as it is elegant. It also comes with smooth top leather handles and an adjustable shoulder strap which will make transportation a breeze. Carry clothing, chargers, toiletries and more."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and sophisticated design	Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space for essentials	Not ideal for extremely heavy items
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Easy to clean and maintain
Multiple compartments for organized packing
Suitable for weekend trips and overnight stays

Liberty Leather Backpack

Best for urban explorers seeking a sleek and functional backpack for work and play - Liberty Leather Backpack.

Liberty Men's Leather Backpack Product Highlights:

Product	Liberty Men's Leather Backpack
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Adjustable Straps
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	40 cm (16 in)
Height	33 cm (13 in)
Depth	12 cm (5 in)
Weight	1.4 kg (0.6 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Liberty product video below:

Browse more images of the Liberty:

Our review:

"Have you been searching for a remarkable unisex travel bag that will last for years before it needs to be replaced? If so, this could be the perfect solution. The bag has been lovingly manufactured by leading Italian craftsmen and is made from premium full-grain leather. It comes with a tough YKK zipper alongside handy zipped front pockets which are ideal for storing holiday essentials including your phone, books, sunglasses and suntan lotion. You'll also have access to a sleeve that can hold a laptop up to 14 inches wide. Carry the bag with the adjustable shoulder straps or the reliable top handle."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Designed for men
Multiple compartments for organized storage
Stylish design
Comfortable to wear as a backpack

Grand Leather Garment Bag

Best for business travelers who want to arrive in style with wrinkle-free clothing, the Grand Leather Garment Bag is a must-have.

Grand Leather Garment Bag Product Highlights:

Material	Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Color Options	Solid Brown, Classic Tan, Elegant Black
Design	Professional garment bag for making a statement at work
Lining & Zipper	Durable cotton lining with Japanese YKK zipper
Carry On Compliant	Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
Origin	Made in Florence, Italy
Interior	Fine Italian cotton lining
Sustainability	Supports local communities and eco-friendly
Capacity	Can fit suits, shirts, shoes, accessories, and a laptop
Additional Features	Can be used as a gym bag, spacious design
Personalized	Optional laser engraving to make it really unique

Watch the Grand product video below:

Browse more images of the Grand:

Our review:

"This beautiful unisex bag for travel has been designed with longevity in mind. The bag comes complete with a tough YKK zipper and boasts outstanding cotton lining. This popular bag is as spacious as it is functional, giving you enough space to carry outfits, laptops and more. What's more is that the bag is compliant with carry-on rules. Get your most treasured goods from the airport to the hotel in style with our highly elegant and dependable unisex travel bag. The bag has been manufactured by leading Italian craftsmen and is as sophisticated as it is reliable. Take a closer look today."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and elegant design	Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space for clothes and accessories
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Features hanger hooks for easy storage of garments
Zippered compartments to keep clothes secure during transport

Prime Leather Backpack

Best for business trips with a touch of luxury. The Prime Leather Backpack is spacious, organized, and exudes sophistication.

Prime Men's Leather Backpack Product Highlights:

Product	Prime Men's Leather Backpack
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Adjustable Straps
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	40 cm (16 in)
Height	27 cm (11 in)
Depth	12 cm (5 in)
Weight	1.2 kg (0.5 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Prime product video below:

Browse more images of the Prime:

Our review:

"This unisex bag for travel is designed to support you on your global adventures for many years. It is made from elegant premium grade full-grain leather and has robust cotton lining and a YKK zipper. The bag comes complete with a sleeve for a laptop up to 14 inches side. The large zipped pocket on the front is ideal for storing holiday essentials such as books, sunglasses, suntan lotion and your passport. There are three separate compartments inside the main compartment. Carry the bag with ease with the top handle or the adjustable shoulder straps. Take a closer look at this fantastic unisex travel bag today."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Designed for men
Multiple compartments for organized storage
Stylish design
Comfortable to wear as a backpack

No.1 Men's Leather Briefcase

Best for business travel with a touch of luxury. The No. 1 Premium Leather Briefcase exudes sophistication and practicality for the modern professional.

No.1 Briefcase Product Highlights:

Material	Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Design	Spacious triple-gusset design suitable for a laptop up to 15.6 inches
Interior Lining	Durable Italian cotton lining
Zipper	Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access
Security	Locking feature for unattended safety
Origin	Made in Florence, Italy
Sustainability	Supports local communities and eco-friendly practices
Engraving	Option to personalize with engravings
Shoulder Strap	Padded for extra comfort, adjustable and detachable
Personalized	Custom engraving options available for a unique touch
Usage	Ideal for professionals, travelers, and students; versatile for work, meetings, and travel

Watch the No.1 product video below:

Browse more images of the No.1:

Our review:

"Do you need an elegant unisex bag for travel that will serve you well for years to come? If so, this could be the ideal option for you. This popular bag is manufactured from premium Italian full-grain leather and has a spacious triple-gusset design. There's enough capacity for a 15.6 inch laptop to help you stay connected as you explore the world, and you'll also benefit from tough cotton lining and a dependable YKK zipper. This highly functional unisex travel bag has been inspired by some of the most timeless designs in history and is made by seasoned professionals in Florence."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Classic and stylish design
Suitable for both professional and casual use

Elegant Slim Leather Laptop Bag

Best for business travel with a touch of sophistication. The Elegant Slim Leather Laptop Bag is perfect for carrying your essentials in style.

Elegant Briefcase Product Highlights:

Product	Elegant Briefcase
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 14 inch
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	40 cm (16 in)
Height	30 cm (12 in)
Depth	8 cm (3 in)
Weight	1.1 kg (0.5 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Elegant product video below:

Browse more images of the Elegant:

Our review:

"Have you been searching online for a unisex travel bag that will serve you well for years to come? If so, this product could be perfect for your needs. This popular travel bag has been built to provide comfort and convenience during trip after trip and should serve you well for years to come before it needs to be replaced. Made from premium Italian full-grade leather, the bag comes complete with a dependable YKK zipper and has tough cotton lining. The bag offers enough space for a laptop of 14 inches wide. You can also opt for the adjustable shoulder strap when you require a more casual appearance. This high-selling bag also has a large back pocket."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Slim and compact design	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Elegant and professional appearance
Fits most laptops up to 15.6 inches
Multiple compartments for organized storage

Essential Modern Briefcase

Best for business trips with a modern edge. The Essential Modern Briefcase is sleek and functional, perfect for carrying your work essentials in style.

Essential Briefcase Product Highlights:

Product	Essential Briefcase
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 15.6 inch
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	40 cm (16 in)
Height	31 cm (12 in)
Depth	10 cm (4 in)
Weight	1.3 kg (0.6 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Essential product video below:

Browse more images of the Essential:

Our review:

"Don't settle for less when you need a unisex travel bag that appeals to men and women alike. This popular bag gives you enough space for a 15.6 inch laptop and is made from premium Italian leather. Invest in this bag and you'll gain access to a large back pocket, a reliable YKK zipper and a detachable shoulder strap. The bag is often used to transport clothing, make-up, books, toiletries and more. This big-selling briefcase is handcrafted in Florence, Italy by some of the country's most skilled craftsmen. It comes with an exquisite hardware finish and is ideal for the airport, the hotel and everywhere in-between."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Modern and stylish design	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Spacious and versatile
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Multiple compartments for organized storage

City Large Leather Laptop Bag

Best for urban professionals who need to carry a laptop and essentials in style. The City Large Leather Laptop Bag is sleek and functional.

City Large Laptop Bag Product Highlights:

Product	City Large Laptop Bag
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 17 inch
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	45 cm (18 in)
Height	34 cm (13 in)
Depth	8 cm (3 in)
Weight	1.6 kg (0.7 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the City Large product video below:

Browse more images of the City Large:

Our review:

"This brilliant unisex travel bag appeals to men and women alike. The bag has designed to be your perfect companion for many holidays to come and can accommodate any laptop up to 17 inches. The bag boasts a pleasingly slim profile and can be used to transport all your travel essentials like clothes, refreshments, sun cream, toiletries and books. Made from premium grade Italian full-grain leather, the bag has sturdy zippers and hardware. It also comes with round top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap that make carrying a breeze. Expect the bag to last for many years before it needs to be replaced."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Fits most laptops up to 17 inches
Multiple compartments for organized storage

Softshell vs Hardshell

To protect your device, you should use either a hard or a softshell case. If you're unsure which one is right for you, let me help you sort it out.

Softshell bags are ideal for individuals who wish to maintain their travel arrangements in order in terms of weight and convenience. Hardshells just can't compete with the number of compartments found inside and out of softshell cases. Unfortunately they're not as powerful or durable. Another downside is if you're obliged to check a softshell bag, it may look like a pancake on the luggage carousel.

Compare this with a hardshell bag. In the case of an emergency, your carry-on bag can be checked. Each case will be made of high-grade materials and is quite durable. Designed to withstand airport baggage handlers, these bags are perfect for flying travel.

For choosing between the two, first identify the most important features to you, such as spinning wheels, an expandable capacity, dividers, and pockets. Choose the luggage that fulfills all of your requirements, then.

Related pages:

Consider Size Limits for Travel Bags

Carry-on baggage comes in a variety of sizes and designs. Make sure your bag is carry-on size approved before you purchase.

Several sizes are available for each of the luggage I've detailed here. So far, I've concentrated on carry-ons because they're the lightest. Because of this, I only provided information about their weights and heights.

Choose Quality for a Travel Bag That Will Last

The material of the casing tells you a lot about its build quality and long-term usefulness.

In most cases you will get what you pay for, particularly with softshell bags.

With hardshell bags, you will likely end up with broken handles if you choose a lower quality bags, whereas softshell bags tend to wear down and can rip.

The best material for a softshell bag is leather, as it combines both durability and style.

Related pages:

Alternatives to Lightweight Luggage

The most obvious alternative to a lightweight piece of luggage is something more heavy duty.

This could be a hardshell suitcase, or simply a bulkier backpack.

What is considered lightweight to you may be heavy to someone else, so try to weigh a bag that you're comfortable carrying at the moment, to give yourself a baseline of what you will be able to handle.

Conclusion

We hope you found our lightweight luggage article useful.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments, or email info@vonbaer.com.

Related:

Want to read more? We have some great articles on Style, and Travel.

Author: Albert Varkki

Albert Varkki is the co-founder of Von Baer. He understands leather products as a consumer, supplier, and a manufacturer, helping you with the inside knowledge you need, to choose the perfect leather product for you.

We always aim to have the highest editorial standards, and only publish accurate information on our website.