8 Best Lightweight Carry-On Travel Bags for 2025

This ultra-slim underseat duffel punches well above its weight, delivering a no-nonsense solution for travelers who want to avoid baggage fees without sacrificing durability. Measuring 17.7 x 12.6 x 6.3 inches, it perfectly fits Spirit and Frontier Airlines’ tight personal item limits, slipping effortlessly under the seat. Crafted from tear-resistant nylon, it stands up to repeated use and light impacts, while its 25L capacity handles essentials for weekend trips or gym commutes—making it ideal for those who prioritize space efficiency and airline compliance.

In real-world testing, this bag shines on short flights and quick getaways. The trolley sleeve allows it to slide over suitcase handles, streamlining airport navigation, and the exterior pockets keep passports, phones, and snacks within easy reach. While it lacks a shoulder strap (on Model A), the sturdy top handles make hand-carrying comfortable for brief durations. It struggles slightly with bulkier items—like boots or thick jackets—but that’s expected given its slim profile designed specifically for underseat storage.

Compared to more feature-rich options like the BAGSMART or WANDF’s own upgraded model, this version is stripped down but highly effective—perfect for budget-conscious flyers who value simplicity and reliability. It’s not the most organized bag on the market, but it gets the job done without frills. For travelers seeking a rugged, airline-compliant personal item that won’t break the bank, this WANDF duffel offers better build quality than most sub-$10 alternatives.

Meet the featherweight champion of personal item bags—a travel duffel that disappears in your suitcase when not in use yet expands to a full 25L capacity. At just 7.2 ounces, this Narwey foldable duffel is among the lightest on the market, making it an ideal second bag or emergency backup. Its dimensions (18 x 13 x 6.3 inches) are tailor-made for Spirit and Frontier Airlines, fitting snugly under the seat to help you dodge carry-on fees with ease.

During travel tests, the bag proved surprisingly resilient despite its ultralight build. The waterproof fabric held up well against light rain and spills, and the reinforced straps handled a packed load of 15+ pounds without strain. The external storage pocket is handy for boarding passes or headphones, and the luggage sleeve keeps it stable on rolling suitcases. However, the lack of a shoulder strap (on Model 1112) limits hands-free options, forcing you to carry it by hand or tuck it under your arm—less than ideal for long terminal walks.

When stacked against the WANDF or BAGSMART models, this Narwey duffel wins on packability and price, but sacrifices versatility. It’s best for travelers who need a disposable-grade travel companion that won’t add weight to their load. If you’re after a barebones, ultra-light personal item bag for occasional use, this mint green tote delivers exceptional value—especially if you pair it with a strapped version for longer hauls.

Step into organized travel efficiency with the BAGSMART 35L duffel—a bag that balances capacity and convenience without tipping the scales. While slightly larger than underseat standards, its smart foldable design and lightweight polyester make it a top pick for travelers who need more space but still want airline compatibility. The standout here is the dedicated ventilated shoe compartment, a rare feature at this price that keeps gym gear or muddy footwear separate and odor-controlled.

In practical use, this duffel transitions seamlessly from gym session to weekend getaway. The 35L volume accommodates clothes, shoes, toiletries, and accessories with room to spare, and the multi-pocket layout—including side mesh pockets and a front quick-grab mesh pocket—keeps small items sorted. The detachable shoulder strap and trolley sleeve add carrying flexibility, while the durable, water-resistant fabric shrugs off light rain and daily wear. It may not fit under every seat, but it’s perfect for airlines with generous overhead bins.

Compared to the Narwey or base WANDF models, this BAGSMART bag offers significantly more utility and organization—ideal for women who want one bag to handle travel, fitness, and short trips. It’s heavier than ultralight options, but that trade-off brings structure and smart storage. For those seeking a versatile, well-organized duffel that bridges gym and travel needs, this model outperforms many in its class with thoughtful design and solid build.

This all-in-one travel powerhouse redefines what a personal item bag can do—offering wet/dry separation, shoe isolation, and a TSA-approved toiletry pouch in a single compact design. With exact 18x14x8-inch dimensions, it’s built to maximize space under your seat while complying with Spirit and Frontier rules. The ventilated shoe compartment at the base keeps soles away from clean clothes, and the dedicated wet pocket is perfect for swimsuits or damp towels—features rarely seen in budget-friendly carry-ons.

Real-world testing confirmed its superior organization and travel-ready features. The TSA-compliant clear toiletry bag zips directly into the main compartment, speeding up security checks without unpacking. Padded, detachable shoulder straps make carrying comfortable, and the trolley sleeve with a zippered essentials pocket adds serious functionality. It handles a full weekend’s worth of gear with ease, though overstuffing can strain the zippers—stick to the 25L sweet spot for best results.

Against the BAGSMART or Narwey models, this WANDF bag is packed with premium features that justify its higher cost. It’s heavier and less packable, but the trade-off is unmatched organization and hygiene control. For frequent flyers, gym-goers, or beach travelers who need maximum functionality in a compliant size, this model delivers where others cut corners. It beats the competition with smarter storage and better travel-specific design.

This high-capacity workhorse is built for travelers who need more room without checking a bag. At 40L and 20 x 13.3 x 8.7 inches, it fits carry-on limits for United, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines, making it a versatile choice for major U.S. carriers. Unlike underseat models, this duffel is designed for the overhead bin, giving you serious packing flexibility for 3–5 day trips. The padded, detachable shoulder strap ensures comfortable carry, even when fully loaded.

In real-use scenarios, the bag handles heavy loads with confidence. The sturdy fabric and reinforced zippers resist tearing, and the exterior pocket keeps essentials like boarding passes accessible. The luggage sleeve integrates smoothly with rolling suitcases, and the foldable design saves space at home. While it’s not meant for underseat storage, its size is a sweet spot for travelers who want one bag to do it all—though it may feel bulky in tighter cabins.

Compared to the 25L WANDF or Narwey mini duffels, this model offers double the capacity with added comfort features. It’s less discreet as a personal item but excels as a primary carry-on. For those who need a durable, spacious, and airline-approved duffel without the price tag of premium brands, this Narwey bag hits the sweet spot between capacity, comfort, and value—outperforming smaller rivals when you need to pack more.

The shape-shifting superstar of travel bags, the Vankor duffel features an ingenious expandable design that gives you 30% more space on demand—perfect for return trips with souvenirs or weekend hauls. At 17.5 x 7.5 x 13 inches (unexpanded), it’s compact enough to fit under seats or in overhead bins, and when zipped open, it gains 4 inches in height for extra volume. Weighing only 0.64 lb, it’s one of the lightest expandable duffels available.

In testing, the expansion mechanism worked smoothly, with reinforced stitching and heavy-duty zippers holding firm under load. The water-resistant fabric and wrinkle-free material kept contents safe and presentable, while the outer zippered pocket provided quick access to phones or keys. The luggage sleeve made rolling transitions effortless, and the soft yet durable construction handled rough handling well. It’s not the most structured bag, but that’s the trade-off for its ultra-packable nature.

Against fixed-size rivals like the WANDF or BAGSMART, the Vankor stands out with adaptive capacity—a game-changer for unpredictable packing needs. It lacks a shoe compartment or wet pocket, but its expandable flexibility and floral-stylish design appeal to travelers who value both form and function. For those who want a lightweight, stylish duffel that grows with their needs, this bag outshines rigid competitors with smart, scalable design.

This fashion-forward fusion of style and function proves you don’t have to sacrifice looks for practicality. Crafted from soft, thick Taslon fabric, the BAGSMART gym duffel feels premium in hand while remaining lightweight and wrinkle-resistant. Its 24L capacity and 16.5×7.5×11.8-inch profile make it a perfect underseat fit for most airlines, and the PVC wet pocket keeps damp towels or swimsuits isolated—ideal for post-workout flights or beach trips.

Performance-wise, the bag excels in comfort and accessibility. The adjustable shoulder strap and dual handles offer carrying versatility, and the exterior zip pocket keeps essentials secure and easy to grab. It slides smoothly over suitcase handles thanks to the trolley sleeve, and the interior layout keeps gear organized without clutter. While it lacks a shoe compartment, the wet/dry separation is well-executed, and the overall build feels durable for daily use.

Compared to the WANDF with wet pocket, this BAGSMART model is lighter, softer, and more stylish, though slightly less rugged. It’s ideal for style-conscious travelers, gym users, or nurses who want a sleek, TSA-free personal item that transitions from airport to office. With better aesthetics and comparable features, it outperforms bulkier rivals in elegance and ease—making it the top pick for those who want to travel light and look great doing it.

Enter the tech-savvy traveler’s dream—a backpack that charges your phone on the go while meeting every airline’s carry-on rules. The Taygeer backpack features a built-in USB port with internal cable routing, allowing you to connect your power bank inside and charge devices externally—perfect for long layovers or mobile workers. With 15.6-inch laptop compatibility and 9 smart pockets, it’s a highly organized, flight-ready companion for students, nurses, or digital nomads.

In real-world use, the backpack shines for comfort and accessibility. The 180-degree zipper opens flat for TSA checks, eliminating the need to unpack, and the shoe pouch at the base keeps soles separate—a rare and welcome feature. Padded straps and dual handles make it easy to switch between backpack and handbag mode, and the water-resistant fabric protects against spills and light rain. It fits overhead bins and under seats, though the pink design may not suit all professional settings.

Against duffel rivals, this Taygeer model offers superior ergonomics and tech integration, making it ideal for backpack lovers who need laptop space and charging convenience. While it’s not foldable and heavier than duffels, it outperforms in organization and daily usability. For travelers who want a versatile, tech-enabled carry-on with style and function, this backpack beats traditional duffels in mobility and modern features.