8.9
/10
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT VALUE
8.9
/10
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT VALUE
Last Updated:
Jun 30, 2025
Best Lightweight Value – Travelpro Maxlite 5 21"
Featherweight Champion of Value Luggage
Tired of wrestling heavy carry-ons into overhead bins? The Travelpro Maxlite 5 focuses on shedding pounds without sacrificing reliability. We checked user feedback to see if this ultra-light bag delivers on its promise.
🪶
Lightweight
10
Exceptionally light (under 6 lbs), making lifting and maneuvering much easier.
💰
Value
10
Offers reliable Travelpro performance and features at a very accessible price point.
✈️
Handling
8
Spinner wheels provide smooth rolling; handle is functional but feels less robust.
🛡️
Durability
8.5
Polyester fabric holds up well for its weight class; good value for the longevity.
Perfect For
🪶
Weight Conscious
💰
Budget Travel
✈️
Occasional Flyers
🏷️
Value Seekers
👨👩👧👦
Family Trips
Quality & Comfort
Clocking in at 5.3 pounds, the Travelpro Maxlite Carry-On is the lightest suitcase on this list," highlights one review, emphasizing the convenience for lifting and navigating stairs. Users find the PowerScope Lite handle comfortable, and the spinner wheels provide surprisingly smooth rolling for the price. "So light! Makes a huge difference lifting into the overhead bin. Rolls fine," confirms a Reddit user. While components like the handle might feel less substantial than on the premium Platinum Elite line, the significant weight reduction translates directly to a more comfortable and less strenuous handling experience, especially for travelers mindful of weight restrictions or physical limitations."
Durability
Considering its lightweight focus and budget-friendly price, the Maxlite 5 offers respectable durability according to users. The polyester fabric, treated with a DuraGuard® coating, resists water and stains reasonably well. While not as bulletproof as the ballistic nylon used in premium lines, it holds up adequately for typical travel. "It easily fits in United and Southwest overheads," noted one FlyerTalk member, suggesting good structural integrity. Users on Bogleheads forums report decent longevity even after multiple check-ins. It's not designed for extreme abuse like the Platinum Elite, but provides solid durability for its class.
Packability
Packability is straightforward and functional. The main compartment provides standard carry-on capacity (38L before expansion), suitable for trips of 3-7 days. The 2-inch expansion zipper adds valuable flexibility. The interior features a full-length lid pocket and adjustable hold-down straps, offering basic but effective organization. "It's a nice bag, but small," commented one user (referring to the 21" vs larger models). Many travelers supplement the simple interior with packing cubes for better compartmentalization. Overall, it packs efficiently for its size.
Functionality
The Maxlite 5's primary function is providing reliable carry-on transport with minimal weight. It excels at this, making travel physically easier. The spinner wheels function smoothly for easy navigation. The expandable capacity adds practical versatility. The water-resistant coating offers basic weather protection. While lacking advanced features, it delivers core spinner functionality effectively. As one review summarized, "Big on practicality and low on cost, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 offers the best value of any softside bag out there."
Value
Value is the Maxlite 5's defining strength. Priced typically between $120 and $170, it offers Travelpro's reputable quality and practical features at a very accessible cost. Users consistently rate it as an outstanding value, especially considering its exceptional lightness. "My Maxlite 5 has been on over 30 flights... incredibly light... For less than half the price [of premium bags], I'm more than satisfied... Best travel purchase," shared a Reddit user. For budget-conscious travelers or those prioritizing weight savings, it's widely regarded as one of the smartest buys in carry-on luggage.
So light! Makes a huge difference lifting into the overhead bin. Rolls fine, great bag for the price.
Reddit User
Did You Know?
The Maxlite 5 is approximately 1.5 pounds lighter than its predecessor (the Maxlite 4), showing Travelpro's commitment to continuous improvement in addressing one of travelers' biggest concerns—luggage weight cutting into airline allowances.
Quick Verdict
✕
Performance Scores
Durability
8.5
Handling
8
Value
10
Lightweight
10
Lightweight
10
Value
10
Handling
8
Durability
8.5
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
Performance Analysis
Pros and Cons
Pros
✓
Extremely lightweight design (<6 lbs)
✓
Affordable price point
✓
Reliable spinner wheels
✓
100% waterproof knit (no coating)
Cons
x
Less durable than premium lines
x
Basic interior organization
x
Handle can feel less sturdy than premium
x
Less stylish than hardside competitors
Final Verdict
8.9
Excellent
Ultralight design meets reliable performance.
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Spinner is a top choice for travelers seeking an exceptionally lightweight carry-on without sacrificing reliability or breaking the bank. Weighing under 6 pounds, it makes lifting into overhead bins significantly easier and helps maximize precious packing weight allowances.
Despite its lightness, users report solid durability from the polyester fabric, smooth-rolling spinner wheels, and practical features like expandable capacity. While it lacks the premium feel and robust build of higher-end lines, the Maxlite 5 delivers outstanding value, making it a favorite among budget-conscious flyers and anyone prioritizing minimal weight.
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Compare Alternatives
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21"
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Expandable
Water-Resistant Coating
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You Might Also Like
Lightweight Value Pick
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21"
Featherweight Champion of Value Luggage
8.9
SCORE
Ultralight design meets reliable performance.
Last Updated:
Jun 30, 2025
Tired of wrestling heavy carry-ons into overhead bins? The Travelpro Maxlite 5 focuses on shedding pounds without sacrificing reliability. We checked user feedback to see if this ultra-light bag delivers on its promise.
✓
Strengths
Extremely lightweight design (<6 lbs)
Affordable price point
Reliable spinner wheels
Durable fabric its class
X
Consider
Less durable than premium lines
Basic interior organization
Handle can feel less sturdy than premium
Less stylish than hardside competitors
View Current Price
Compare
🪶
Lightweight
10
💰
Value
10
✈️
Handling
8
🛡️
Durability
8.5
🌧️
Weather
9.2
Performance
🪶
Weight Conscious
💰
Budget Travel
✈️
Occasional Flyers
🏷️
Value Seekers
👨👩👧👦
Family Trips
Perfect For
Quality & Comfort
Clocking in at 5.3 pounds, the Travelpro Maxlite Carry-On is the lightest suitcase on this list," highlights one review, emphasizing the convenience for lifting and navigating stairs. Users find the PowerScope Lite handle comfortable, and the spinner wheels provide surprisingly smooth rolling for the price. "So light! Makes a huge difference lifting into the overhead bin. Rolls fine," confirms a Reddit user. While components like the handle might feel less substantial than on the premium Platinum Elite line, the significant weight reduction translates directly to a more comfortable and less strenuous handling experience, especially for travelers mindful of weight restrictions or physical limitations."
Durability
Considering its lightweight focus and budget-friendly price, the Maxlite 5 offers respectable durability according to users. The polyester fabric, treated with a DuraGuard® coating, resists water and stains reasonably well. While not as bulletproof as the ballistic nylon used in premium lines, it holds up adequately for typical travel. "It easily fits in United and Southwest overheads," noted one FlyerTalk member, suggesting good structural integrity. Users on Bogleheads forums report decent longevity even after multiple check-ins. It's not designed for extreme abuse like the Platinum Elite, but provides solid durability for its class.
Packability
Packability is straightforward and functional. The main compartment provides standard carry-on capacity (38L before expansion), suitable for trips of 3-7 days. The 2-inch expansion zipper adds valuable flexibility. The interior features a full-length lid pocket and adjustable hold-down straps, offering basic but effective organization. "It's a nice bag, but small," commented one user (referring to the 21" vs larger models). Many travelers supplement the simple interior with packing cubes for better compartmentalization. Overall, it packs efficiently for its size.
Functionality
The Maxlite 5's primary function is providing reliable carry-on transport with minimal weight. It excels at this, making travel physically easier. The spinner wheels function smoothly for easy navigation. The expandable capacity adds practical versatility. The water-resistant coating offers basic weather protection. While lacking advanced features, it delivers core spinner functionality effectively. As one review summarized, "Big on practicality and low on cost, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 offers the best value of any softside bag out there."
Value
Value is the Maxlite 5's defining strength. Priced typically between $120 and $170, it offers Travelpro's reputable quality and practical features at a very accessible cost. Users consistently rate it as an outstanding value, especially considering its exceptional lightness. "My Maxlite 5 has been on over 30 flights... incredibly light... For less than half the price [of premium bags], I'm more than satisfied... Best travel purchase," shared a Reddit user. For budget-conscious travelers or those prioritizing weight savings, it's widely regarded as one of the smartest buys in carry-on luggage.
So light! Makes a huge difference lifting into the overhead bin. Rolls fine, great bag for the price.
Reddit User
You Might Also Like
Excellent
Ultralight design meets reliable performance.
8.8
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Spinner is a top choice for travelers seeking an exceptionally lightweight carry-on without sacrificing reliability or breaking the bank. Weighing under 6 pounds, it makes lifting into overhead bins significantly easier and helps maximize precious packing weight allowances.
Despite its lightness, users report solid durability from the polyester fabric, smooth-rolling spinner wheels, and practical features like expandable capacity. While it lacks the premium feel and robust build of higher-end lines, the Maxlite 5 delivers outstanding value, making it a favorite among budget-conscious flyers and anyone prioritizing minimal weight.
SHOP NOW
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you.
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited