Here's the thing about ultra-light luggage: it's not always very light. The industry designation includes suitcases that weigh as much as eight pounds empty; that's nearly a third of your average baggage allowance. We are not impressed.In our opinion, the ultra-light category should be reserved for suitcases five pounds and under.But suitcases this featherweight can be hard to find.So we've rounded up 10 carry-on roller bags that weigh in under the five-pound mark.They range in price from $65 to $800, and come with all variations of bells and whistles. From lightest to heaviest (based on manufacturer's specs), here they are.IT Luggage World's Lightest - 2 WheelThe Numbers: The 21.5-inchIT Luggage World's Lightest two-wheelsuitcase weighs in at 3.43 pounds. An even smaller 19-inch carry-on is only 2.88 pounds.Why We Like It: It was true when wereviewed ittwo years ago and it's true today: IT Luggage is still the lightest rolling carry-on we've ever seen. IT Luggage also has rollers with more features (like four wheels or a locking telescoping handle), but they weigh a little more.Cost: $65 onAmazonRimowa Salsa Air MultiwheelThe Numbers: The 17-inchSalsa Air Mini Multiwheelweighs 3.5 pounds; the 22-inchUltralight Cabin Multiwheel IATAweighs 4.2 pounds.Why We Like It: We love its design, its spinner wheels (four wheels that allow for 360-degree mobility), and appreciate the zippered mesh separators that keep all your stuff from falling out when you open the suitcase.Cost: The 22-inch version is $475 fromLuggagePros.com.Lucas Vortex Lite Expandable Ultra-Lightweight SpinnerThe Numbers: According to multiple sellers, the 20-inchLucas Vortex Lite Expandable Ultra-Lightweight Spinneris 3.8 pounds.Why We Like It: The Vortex manages to squeeze in features such as zippered expansion, four spinner wheels, and plenty of pockets without adding a lot of weight to the design.Cost: $80 fromAmazon.Sherpani NuageThe Numbers: The 22-inchSherpani Nuageweighs 3.85 pounds.Why We Like It: In arecent review, we gave it high marks for great detailing like interior mesh pockets and stretch material so you can fit in just a bit more. It's by far the most feminine bag, with subtle patterns throughout.Cost: $194 fromAmazon; $200 onSherpani.com.Hartmann 7R Global Carry On SpinnerThe Numbers: The 22-inchHartmann 7R Global Carry On Spinnerweighs 3.9 pounds.Why We Like It: This is thene plus ultraof super-lightweight carry-ons. It earns its high price tag with details like shock-absorbing wheels, recessed leather carry handles, a carbon-fiber telescoping handle, and a water-resistant zipper.Cost: $765 fromAmazonorHartmann.com.Samsonite Black Label Firelite 20" SpinnerThe Numbers: TheSamsonite Black Label Firelite 20" Spinnerweighs 4.44 pounds.Why We Like It: An appealing balance of form and function, the Firelite looks cool (and comes in great colors) and was designed for strength and handling.Cost: $428 fromAmazon.Eagle Creek Lync SystemThe Numbers: The 20-inchEC Lync Systemweighs 4 pounds 6 ounces; the 22-inch version weighs 4 pounds 9 ounces. Configured as a backpack or a duffel without the rolling frame, the bags are 1 pound 12 ounces and 1 pound 14 ounces, respectively.Why We Like It: The EC Lync System is a rolling bag that converts to a backpack or a duffel, and can be collapsed and stored in a small stuff sack. We applaud Eagle Creek for totally rethinking what an ultra-lightweight carry-on can be.Cost: The20-inch bagis $255; the22-inch versionis $260 from REI.Zero Halliburton Zero Air IIThe Numbers: The 20-inchZero Halliburton Zero Air IIis 4.8 pounds.Why We Like It: In many cases, lightweight comes at the expense of durability. Not so with the elegant, streamlined Zero Air II, which was built to be lightweightandtough.Cost: $395 fromAmazonorZero Halliburton.Ricardo Beverly Hills 20-Inch 4W WheelAboardThe Numbers: TheRicardo Beverly Hills Venice Superlight 20-inch 4W WheelAboardsuitcase is 4.9 pounds.Why We Like It: It's an affordable carry-on that manages to come in under the five-pound mark with extras like with spinner wheels and mesh zip dividers.Cost: $140 fromAmazonTraveler's Choice ForzaThe Numbers: The 22-inchTraveler's Choice Forzaweighs five pounds.Why We Like It: A roomy interior with tie-down straps, spinner wheels, and nylon exterior make this a solid choice for the price.Cost: $70 fromAmazon; a three-piece set is $240 fromTraveler's Choice.Some products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.More from SmarterTravel:8 Ways to De-Junk Your SuitcaseTravel-Bag Details We Love6 Packing Tips for HoardersSEE ALSO:Here's what you should pack in your carry-on bagFOLLOW US! BI Travel is on Twitter Join the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: How To Avoid Long Lines At The Airport
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