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“Traveling light” is not something I’m especially good at. To put it into perspective, I was once charged a $123-plus excess baggage fee for a single checked bag. It means I’m never without outfit options—you never know when that spare sweater will come in handy—but it does make lifting my carry-on in and out of the overhead bins quite an ordeal, for both myself and the unsuspecting fellow passenger who is inevitably called on for assistance.
So I was intrigued by the bold claim made by Australian luggage brand July, a relative newcomer to the market, which asserts it has developed the world’s lightest carry-on. Weighing in under 4 lbs, the July Carry On Light, $245, offers a 32L capacity, aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell, specially designed noise-reducing wheels, and a lifetime guarantee.
I put it to the test on a weekend away in Palma. It’s a smart, minimal suitcase, available in nine pretty colors that match the rest of the brand’s range. All July cases nest inside each other for compact storage, as well. (Editor’s tip: the brand’s Volume+ backpack also made the cut in our best backpacks roundup.)
It’s true that the suitcase’s weight is impressive. I was immediately struck by how light it felt—it was noticeably easier to handle than other cases I’ve used. But there is a compromise: it is on the smaller side. For trips longer than two nights, consider sizing up to the larger Light Expandable, which allows an additional 8L of space. There is also no laptop sleeve or inner and outer pockets—the benefit of having such a streamlined, lightweight case does mean doing away with a little bit of functionality.
Nonetheless, by rolling my clothes, I was able to fit in everything I needed for my two-night trip, including a couple of outfit changes for evening festivities. Here’s what I packed:
- Three dresses
- A pair of shorts
- A shirt
- Pajamas
- Two pairs of shoes
- Handbag
- Washbag
- Straighteners
- Swimsuit
Another positive note: the wheels are whisper quiet. Heading from my house to the train station, I was impressed by how well it tackled the bumpy pavements en route, making for a far more pleasant journey. I was genuinely surprised by how well it handled, to the point where this was actually the biggest plus point for me.
I’m not sure I can let go of my over-packing ways just yet, so on my next trip, I’m going to invest in some of the brand’s packing cubes to help me squeeze more in. Overall, I’d certainly recommend this case for those looking for a zippy, lightweight carry-on, especially if loud, bulky wheels tend to set your teeth on edge. It looks good, feels impressively light, and handles beautifully—and it arrived back at Heathrow fully unscathed. (And, yes, I did manage to get it in and out of the overhead bins myself.)
The pros
- A very lightweight body
- Whisper-quiet wheels in action
- Easy to handle
The cons
- Relatively small
- No laptop sleeve or additional pockets
You can shop the Carry On Light on the brand’s website here, or see the full range here. Looking for something a bit different? You can actually personalize your July suitcases with a picture of your own pet—find out all you need to know here.