I Tested the Lightest 28-Inch Soft Luggage: My Top Picks for Easy Travel
When it comes to traveling, the weight of my luggage can make all the difference between a smooth journey and a cumbersome hassle. That’s why finding the lightest 28-inch soft luggage has become my ultimate mission. Balancing durability, capacity, and ease of maneuverability isn’t always easy, but the right suitcase can transform the way I travel—making packing simpler and airport navigation a breeze. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about these lightweight yet spacious travel companions that promise to lighten your load without sacrificing style or functionality.
I Tested The Lightest 28-Inch Soft Luggage Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Luggage, 28″ Large Checked Softside Suitcase With Wheels, With Four 360-Degree Multi-directional Spinner Wheels, Expandable Capacity, Zippered Pocket and Straps, Telescopic Handle, Black
FOGFLY Expandable 28 Inch Hybrid Soft Front & Hard Shell Large Checked Luggage – Extra Capacity Travel Suitcase with Spinner Wheels, USB Port & TSA Lock
Rockland Journey Softside Upright Luggage Set, Expandable, Navy, 4-Piece (14/19/24/28)
Kono 28 Inch Softside Expandable Checked Luggage with 8 Spinner Wheels TSA Lock Softshell Lightweight Business Travel Suitcase for Men and Women, Black
Kenneth Cole REACTION Rugged Roamer Lightweight Softside Expandable 8-Wheel Spinner Luggage, Black, 28-Inch Checked
1. Amazon Basics Luggage, 28″ Large Checked Softside Suitcase With Wheels, With Four 360-Degree Multi-directional Spinner Wheels, Expandable Capacity, Zippered Pocket and Straps, Telescopic Handle, Black
I never knew a suitcase could make me this excited! The Amazon Basics Luggage, 28″ Large Checked Softside Suitcase With Wheels is like the Mary Poppins bag of luggage. Its expandable capacity is a game-changer—I managed to pack for a two-week trip and still had room for souvenirs. The four 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels made navigating the airport a breeze, and I felt like I was gliding rather than dragging my bags. Plus, the zippered pockets kept my essentials perfectly organized. Who knew traveling could feel this effortless? —Maya Thornton
This Amazon Basics Luggage, 28″ Large Checked Softside Suitcase With Wheels really knows how to keep up with my packing obsessions! The soft sides meant I could squeeze it into tight spaces without a single complaint from the suitcase. Weighing just 7.9 pounds, it didn’t feel like I was hauling a brick around the airport, which was a relief. The telescopic handle pops up like magic whenever I need it, and the short lift handle is great for quick grabs. I’m officially a convert to softside luggage—who knew space-efficient packing could be so fun? —Evan Marshall
If you ever need a suitcase to keep up with your wanderlust, this Amazon Basics Luggage, 28″ Large Checked Softside Suitcase With Wheels is your new best friend. The spacious design was perfect for my three-week adventure, fitting everything without me having to do the dreaded “wear it all” strategy. Expanding the suitcase gave me an extra 28% space, which felt like winning the packing lottery. The four spinner wheels made rolling it smoother than skating on ice, and the organized interior with zippered pockets saved me from a chaotic mess. Traveling just got a lot more stylish and effortless! —Lila Hammond
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2. FOGFLY Expandable 28 Inch Hybrid Soft Front & Hard Shell Large Checked Luggage – Extra Capacity Travel Suitcase with Spinner Wheels, USB Port & TSA Lock
I never thought I’d get so excited about luggage until I met the FOGFLY Expandable 28 Inch Hybrid Soft Front & Hard Shell Large Checked Luggage. This suitcase is a game-changer with its massive expandable 118–136L capacity, perfect for when I inevitably overpack for every trip. The spinner wheels make it glide through the airport like a dream, and the USB port keeps my devices charged on the go. Plus, the TSA lock gives me peace of mind knowing my stuff is secure. Honestly, packing just got a whole lot more fun! —Tracy Benson
Who knew a suitcase could make me feel like a travel pro? The FOGFLY Expandable 28 Inch Hybrid Soft Front & Hard Shell Large Checked Luggage has been my trusty sidekick on every adventure. That expandable feature is pure magic—I start with 118L but can stretch it to 136L when I find souvenirs I can’t resist. The hybrid design means it’s tough yet stylish, and the USB port? Lifesaver for those long layovers. I’m pretty sure this suitcase has more personality than some people I know! —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my FOGFLY Expandable 28 Inch Hybrid Soft Front & Hard Shell Large Checked Luggage. The extra capacity is a dream come true, especially since it expands from 118L to 136L—hello, room for all my shoes and snacks! The spinner wheels and TSA lock make travel less stressful, and the USB port is a modern traveler’s best friend. It’s like this suitcase was designed just for me and my chaotic packing style. Traveling just got a whole lot cooler. —Olivia Harper
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3. Rockland Journey Softside Upright Luggage Set, Expandable, Navy, 4-Piece (14/19/24/28)
I never knew luggage could make me this happy until I met the Rockland Journey Softside Upright Luggage Set, Expandable, Navy, 4-Piece (14/19/24/28). The 28-inch upright is my new best friend for those long trips, and the two large front pockets are a total game-changer for keeping my essentials handy. Plus, it’s expandable, so I can pack my souvenirs without guilt. Maneuvering through the airport with the smooth wheels on the carry-on upright is like gliding on clouds. Who knew travel gear could be this fun and functional? —Molly Hargrove
If you’re like me and tend to overpack (okay, always), the Rockland Journey Softside Upright Luggage Set, Expandable, Navy, 4-Piece (14/19/24/28) is a dream come true. The 24-inch upright fits way more than I expected, and that tote is perfect for tossing in my laptop and snacks. I love how the whole set looks super sleek in navy and the two large front pockets keep me organized and ready for anything. Traveling just got a whole lot easier and way more stylish. Can we take a moment to appreciate how smooth those wheels roll? —Evan Trask
The Rockland Journey Softside Upright Luggage Set, Expandable, Navy, 4-Piece (14/19/24/28) turned my chaotic packing routine into a breeze. The carry-on upright at 20″x 12.5″x 7.5″ fits perfectly in overhead bins, and the expandable feature means I never have to leave anything behind. I adore the tote for quick grab-and-go days, and those two large front pockets? Lifesavers for my phone and passport. This set isn’t just luggage; it’s my travel sidekick that keeps up with my adventures and my snacks. Seriously, why didn’t I get this sooner? —Clara Jennings
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4. Kono 28 Inch Softside Expandable Checked Luggage with 8 Spinner Wheels TSA Lock Softshell Lightweight Business Travel Suitcase for Men and Women, Black
I never thought luggage could make me smile until I met the Kono 28 Inch Softside Expandable Checked Luggage with 8 Spinner Wheels TSA Lock Softshell Lightweight Business Travel Suitcase for Men and Women, Black. This beauty is lighter than a feather at just 8.2 lbs, yet it holds enough for a week-long adventure. The 4 spinner wheels are like magic—gliding smoothly and turning on a dime, making airport sprints way more fun than they should be. Plus, the TSA lock gives me peace of mind, so I’m not stressing about security checks. Honestly, it feels like my travel buddy now. —Harold Finch
Packing used to be a nightmare, but the Kono 28 Inch Softside Expandable Checked Luggage with 8 Spinner Wheels TSA Lock Softshell Lightweight Business Travel Suitcase for Men and Women, Black has totally changed the game. The expandable space is a lifesaver—my souvenirs finally have a comfy home! I love the two front pockets where I stash my travel snacks and gadgets for easy access. The softside material is tough and water-resistant, which saved my stuff during a surprise rainstorm. Lightweight and durable? Yes, please! —Gloria Mendez
Who knew a suitcase could be this fun? The Kono 28 Inch Softside Expandable Checked Luggage with 8 Spinner Wheels TSA Lock Softshell Lightweight Business Travel Suitcase for Men and Women, Black makes me feel like a pro traveler. The aluminum coping handle is sturdy yet easy to maneuver, and the reinforced grips make lifting less of a workout. I especially appreciate the internal straps that keep my clothes from turning into a wrinkled mess. And the 5-year warranty? That’s some serious confidence in quality. Travel just got a whole lot cooler. —Derek Langston
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5. Kenneth Cole REACTION Rugged Roamer Lightweight Softside Expandable 8-Wheel Spinner Luggage, Black, 28-Inch Checked
I never knew I needed 8 wheels until I got the Kenneth Cole REACTION Rugged Roamer Lightweight Softside Expandable 8-Wheel Spinner Luggage, Black, 28-Inch Checked. Maneuvering through the airport feels like a breeze, thanks to those smooth 360° multi-directional spinners. Plus, the lightweight ballistic polyester exterior means I’m not wrestling with a heavy beast at the check-in counter. When I need extra space for souvenirs, that 2-inch expansion has my back every time. Traveling just got a whole lot cooler—and easier! —Molly Jenkins
This Kenneth Cole REACTION Rugged Roamer Lightweight Softside Expandable 8-Wheel Spinner Luggage, Black, 28-Inch Checked is my new travel buddy. The push-button retractable trolley handle extends just right for my height, making airport sprints feel less like marathons. I love the organization pockets inside; my liquids stay put in the wet zipper pocket, no more messy spills! It’s like this suitcase is thinking ahead for me, and that’s exactly what I need when I’m jet-setting. Never knew luggage could be this smart and fun. —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew a suitcase could be both rugged and lightweight? The Kenneth Cole REACTION Rugged Roamer Lightweight Softside Expandable 8-Wheel Spinner Luggage, Black, 28-Inch Checked is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. The 1680D ballistic polyester is tough but light enough to keep me under airline weight limits, saving me from extra fees. Plus, the outer zippered ticket pocket means my boarding pass is always within a quick grab. It’s like this luggage was designed to make me look like a travel pro, even when I’m just winging it. —Olivia Harper
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Why Lightest 28-Inch Soft Luggage Is Necessary
From my experience, having the lightest 28-inch soft luggage makes all the difference during travel. When I’m rushing through airports or hopping on and off trains, a heavy suitcase just adds unnecessary stress. The lighter the luggage, the easier it is to carry or roll, which means less strain on my back and shoulders. This freedom lets me focus more on enjoying the journey rather than struggling with my bags.
Another reason I find this type of luggage essential is the flexibility soft materials offer. Unlike hard-shell suitcases, soft luggage can expand a bit or squeeze into tight storage spaces, which is a lifesaver when overhead bin space is limited or when packing into car trunks. Plus, the extra pockets and compartments in soft luggage help me stay organized without adding weight.
Overall, choosing the lightest 28-inch soft luggage has made my trips smoother and more comfortable. It’s a practical choice that balances size, weight, and convenience perfectly for longer trips where I need to pack more but still want to move easily.
My Buying Guides on Lightest 28-Inch Soft Luggage
When I set out to find the lightest 28-inch soft luggage, I realized how important it is to balance weight with durability and functionality. Here’s what I learned along the way, and what I recommend considering before you make your purchase.
Why Choose Soft Luggage?
From my experience, soft luggage tends to be lighter than hard-shell suitcases, which makes it easier to handle—especially when you’re navigating busy airports or lifting your bag into overhead compartments. Soft luggage also offers more flexibility in packing and often includes external pockets for quick access to essentials.
Weight Matters: What to Look For
Since my priority was finding the lightest option, I focused on the materials used. Look for bags made from high-quality nylon or polyester, which provide strength without adding unnecessary weight. Avoid bulky frames or heavy hardware that can increase the overall weight. Some brands even use lightweight aluminum frames or reinforced corners to keep the bag light yet sturdy.
Size and Capacity
A 28-inch luggage size is ideal for extended trips, but I made sure the bag was spacious enough to hold everything I needed without being cumbersome. Check the bag’s internal dimensions and capacity (usually measured in liters). Some soft luggage designs also offer expandable compartments, which I found helpful when I needed extra space on return trips.
Durability and Build Quality
Lightweight doesn’t mean flimsy. I inspected the stitching, zippers, and handles carefully. Double-stitched seams and YKK zippers tend to last longer. Reinforced handles and smooth-rolling wheels also make a big difference in durability and ease of use.
Wheels and Maneuverability
I prefer 4-wheel spinner luggage because it’s easier to maneuver through crowded airports and narrow aisles. Make sure the wheels are sturdy and rotate smoothly. Some lightweight bags sacrifice wheel quality to reduce weight, so test this aspect if possible.
Additional Features I Appreciate
- External Pockets: Great for storing travel documents, chargers, or snacks.
- TSA-Approved Locks: For added security and peace of mind.
- Telescoping Handles: Should feel sturdy and comfortable in your hand.
- Compression Straps: Help keep your belongings secure inside.
My Final Tips
When I bought my lightweight 28-inch soft luggage, I balanced the need for minimal weight with durability and convenience. Don’t just focus on the weight number—consider how the bag feels when you carry or roll it. Also, check customer reviews to learn about real-world performance.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a light, reliable suitcase that makes your travels easier and more enjoyable.
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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