At 5.4 lbs it's the lightest structured carry-on Wirecutter has tested, and Reddit's r/onebag community loves it for budget-conscious travelers. Gets you Travelpro quality at a lower price point.
At 5.4 pounds, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner, our budget pick for the best carry-on, is the lightest suitcase we tested that we like.
The go-to recommendation across Reddit's travel and BuyItForLife communities. Airline crew-approved durability with a lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects.
The most popular hard-shell option in this price range, with a polycarbonate shell and a cult following. WIRED staffers use it, and it's the baseline comparison for every competitor in this category.
Lightweight polycarbonate shell at a price well under $200, with two years of real-world use backing it up from Reddit users. Flies under the radar but punches above its weight.
The gold standard of carry-on luggage with a true unconditional lifetime warranty, including airline damage. Slightly above $200 but worth mentioning as the upgrade path Reddit and Wirecutter both point to.