Alright, let’s get real—lugging around a clunky suitcase is so 2019. In 2025, everyone’s finally wising up and ditching the heavy stuff. According to Skyscanner, 68% of Americans are all about that carry-on life now. Honestly, who wants to pay $50 for a checked bag when you could buy, like, a week’s worth of tacos instead? Whether you’re scrambling up a Colorado trail or eating deep dish in Chicago, you want gear that’s light, smart, and won’t have TSA giving you the side-eye. Here’s my totally biased, no-nonsense guide to the best lightweight travel gear for 2025.
Why You Should Care About Lightweight Travel Gear in 2025
Look, nobody wants to drag a deadweight bag through JFK. Lightweight gear means less cash wasted on fees, less sweating through terminals, and way less chance of the airline losing your stuff. You know what’s better than standing at baggage claim for 30 minutes? Not standing at baggage claim. And it’s not just me shouting into the void—Travelzoo says people are saving up to $50 a flight by skipping checked bags. @PackLight2025 on Twitter swears by their 35L Cotopaxi, and I have to agree: it fits everything, and you breeze right by the baggage carousel. Honestly, makes traveling feel a little more like winning at life.
Top 10 Lightweight Travel Gear Picks for U.S. Trips
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
This thing’s a classic for a reason. Only 2.5 lbs, opens like a suitcase so you’re not digging around like a raccoon, and it’s made from recycled stuff so you can feel a little virtuous.
Why It Slaps: Carry-on approved, tough, and eco-friendly.
Best For: City slickers, weekend warriors, and anyone who packs too much.
Where: Cotopaxi or REI. - Anker Nano Power Bank 10,000mAh
Seriously, don’t be that person hunting for outlets. This tiny Anker brick weighs less than a cheeseburger and charges your phone three times.
Why It Slaps: Pocket-sized, charges fast, built-in cable.
Best For: TikTok addicts and digital nomads.
Where: Amazon or Anker. - PackTowl Personal Towel
Dries faster than you can say “ew,” doesn’t stink, and packs down tiny. Basically, the towel you wish you had in college.
Why It Slaps: Odor-resistant, packs into a pouch.
Best For: Campers, beach bums, and road trippers.
Where: PackTowl or REI. - Smartwool Merino Wool Base Layer
Merino wool is magic—it doesn’t smell, keeps you warm OR cool, and you can wear it for days (don’t ask how I know).
Why It Slaps: Cuts down on laundry.
Best For: People who hate overpacking.
Where: Smartwool or Backcountry. - Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On
Wheels that don’t suck. Super light. Somehow fits more than it looks like it should.
Why It Slaps: No airline side-eye, lifetime warranty.
Best For: Folks who want to look like they’ve got their life together.
Where: Travelpro or Amazon. - Patagonia Houdini Jacket
Folds down to nothing, blocks wind and rain, and you’ll look outdoorsy even if you’re just going to Starbucks.
Why It Slaps: Packs into its own pocket.
Best For: Hikers, dog walkers, and weather worriers.
Where: Patagonia or REI. - Ekster TravelPack™ Vacuum Kit
Because you always want to bring “just one more thing.” This little pump squishes your clothes down so you can overpack and still close your bag.
Why It Slaps: USB-C pump, saves a ton of space.
Best For: Overpackers (no shame).
Where: Ekster or Amazon. - LiquiSnugs Reusable Toiletry Bottles
Stop gambling with hotel shampoo. These bottles stick to the shower wall and won’t leak all over your clothes.
Why It Slaps: TSA-sized, don’t leak, stick to stuff.
Best For: Minimalists and germaphobes.
Where: LiquiSnugs or Amazon. - Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
Okay, it’s pricey, but if you’re into snapping epic shots, this tripod is light, strong, and folds down small.
Why It Slaps: Handles big cameras, still fits in your bag.
Best For: Hardcore photographers (or wannabes).
Where: Peak Design or B&H Photo. - Helinox Chair Zero
Ever wish you had a chair at the campsite, beach, or even a long airport line? This weighs basically nothing and actually supports you.
Why It Slaps: Light, comfy, packs down tiny.
Best For: Campers, hikers, or anyone who hates sitting on the ground.
Where: Helinox or REI.
How to Actually Pick This Stuff
Here’s what I look for, and trust me, I’ve learned the hard way:
- Weight: Under 3 lbs is the sweet spot. Don’t even look at anything heavier for your main bag.
- Versatility: If it can pull double-duty (like merino layers), it’s in.
- Durability: Lifetime warranty? Yes, please.
- Compactness: If it doesn’t fit in a carry-on, it’s out.
- Budget: Don’t cheap out on stuff you’ll use every day, but if it’s a $600 tripod… make sure you’re actually gonna use it.
Reddit’s u/SmartPacker2025 raved about the Ekster vacuum kit, so you know it’s not just me. Seriously, travel lighter. Your back will thank you, and you’ll look like you know what you’re doing—even if you don’t.
