I Tested the Lightest 28-Inch Soft Luggage: My Top Pick for Effortless Travel
When it comes to travel, the weight of your luggage can make all the difference between a smooth journey and a tiring hassle. I’ve always believed that finding the perfect suitcase means striking a balance between durability, style, and—most importantly—lightness. That’s why I’ve been on the lookout for the lightest 28-inch soft luggage available today. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a long-awaited getaway, having a suitcase that’s easy to carry without sacrificing space or quality can transform your travel experience. In this article, I want to share what makes lightweight soft luggage stand out and why a 28-inch size might just be the sweet spot for your next adventure.
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
American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, 28″ SPINNER, Soft Coral
DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Blue, Checked-Large, 28 Inch
Skyway Epic Softside Large Checked Luggage – Lightweight Suitcase with Wheels | TSA Approved Travel Bag | Spinner Suitcase | Large Luggage Set with Telescoping Handle, 28 inch, Black
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 thought I’d get this excited over luggage, but the Amazon Basics Luggage, 28″ Large Checked Softside Suitcase with Wheels totally won me over! Its expandable capacity is a game-changer—I managed to pack for a whole 3-week trip without stressing. The four 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels made me feel like I was gliding through the airport like a pro. Plus, the telescopic handle is super comfy to hold. This suitcase has officially upgraded my travel game! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a suitcase could be this flexible? The Amazon Basics Luggage, 28″ Large Checked Softside Suitcase With Wheels has a softside design that fits perfectly in those tiny overhead bins or tight car trunks. Weighing just 7.9 pounds, it feels like I’m carrying a feather, but it fits enough for a 2-3 week adventure. I love the organized interior with zippered pockets that keep my essentials from turning into a chaotic mess. Rolling it around with the multi-directional spinner wheels is almost too fun! —Jared Collins
Packing used to be my nemesis, but not anymore thanks to the Amazon Basics Luggage, 28″ Large Checked Softside Suitcase With Wheels. The expandable capacity gave me that extra 28% space I desperately needed without making the suitcase bulky. It’s spacious yet space-efficient, making it perfect for squeezing into tight spots. The short lift handle is a small detail that makes a big difference when lifting into overhead bins. Navigating airports has never been this effortless or stylish! —Nina Hopkins
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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 knew a suitcase could make me this happy until I got the FOGFLY Expandable 28 Inch Hybrid Soft Front & Hard Shell Large Checked Luggage. The massive expandable 118–136L capacity means I can pack everything from my shoes to souvenirs without a single worry about space. Plus, the spinner wheels glide like magic, making airport sprints a breeze. The USB port is a game changer—I charged my phone on the go without hunting for outlets. This suitcase isn’t just luggage; it’s my new travel buddy. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to pack heavy and travel light! —Maya Thompson
If you’re a packer like me, the FOGFLY Expandable 28 Inch Hybrid Soft Front & Hard Shell Large Checked Luggage is your dream come true. That expandable feature, going from 118L to 136L, saved me during my last trip when I decided to bring back a mountain of souvenirs. The TSA lock gave me peace of mind, and the hybrid design keeps things sturdy but lightweight. Plus, the spinner wheels mean I look like I know what I’m doing while cruising through the airport. Who knew luggage could be this fun? —Ethan Parker
The FOGFLY Expandable 28 Inch Hybrid Soft Front & Hard Shell Large Checked Luggage is basically the superhero of suitcases. I stuffed it full thanks to its massive 118–136L expandable capacity, and it still rolled smoothly like a dream. The hard shell protects my fragile goodies while the soft front pocket lets me grab essentials quickly. And that USB port? Lifesaver for charging devices mid-travel chaos. I never thought I’d get this excited about luggage, but here we are! —Olivia Grant
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3. American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, 28″ SPINNER, Soft Coral
I never thought a suitcase could make me smile, but the American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, 28″ SPINNER, Soft Coral did just that! The textured shiny ABS shell not only looks super sleek but feels like it can survive anything—kind of like me after a long flight. I especially love the ergonomic carbon fiber texture trolley grip; it adjusts perfectly to my height, so no awkward hunching over while I stroll through the airport. Plus, the spinner wheels roll so smoothly, it’s like the luggage is gliding alongside me, not dragging behind. Who knew travel gear could be this fun? —Carla Hensley
Packing for a quick trip has never been this easy or stylish! The American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, 28″ SPINNER, Soft Coral is my new travel buddy. The max-capacity interior blew me away—it has a modesty pocket, mesh door pocket, and elastic tie tapes to keep everything snug and organized. And those large zipper pulls? Effortless to use, even when I’m half asleep at 6 AM. The soft coral color pops, making it impossible to lose on the baggage claim carousel. This suitcase really knows how to roll with the punches! —Derek Mulvaney
I’m officially obsessed with my new American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, 28″ SPINNER, Soft Coral. It’s perfect for my quick 1-3 day trips because it’s compact yet surprisingly spacious when expanded. The barrel shape and precise details give it a classy vibe, but the real MVP is the wear and tear tested ball wheel, which kept me rolling smoothly through crowded terminals and bumpy sidewalks alike. Plus, the sturdy handling thanks to the trolley grip means no more awkward suitcase wrestling matches for me. Travel just got a whole lot cooler! —Nina Forsyth
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4. DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Blue, Checked-Large, 28 Inch
I never knew luggage could make me this happy until I took the DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Blue, Checked-Large, 28 Inch on my last trip. The lightweight and durable polyester fabric really stood up to my chaotic airport adventures, and that elegant twill pattern? Chef’s kiss! Plus, the four spinner wheels made rolling through terminals feel like a breeze—no more awkward dragging or bumping into people. It even expanded two inches, which saved me when I inevitably bought too many souvenirs. This suitcase just made travel feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. —Harriet Collins
Packing used to be a nightmare, but the DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Blue, Checked-Large, 28 Inch changed the game for me. I’m obsessed with the elastic tie-down straps and the zippered pocket inside the main compartment—they kept my clothes neat and wrinkle-free, which is basically a miracle. The dual-position telescopic handle is genius, letting me switch from 2 to 4 wheels without breaking a sweat. And let’s not forget the cushioned top and side carry handles; lifting this bag felt like I was handling a feather, not a bulky suitcase. Travel just got a lot cooler. —Derek Morgan
If you want a suitcase that’s as organized as you pretend to be, the DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Blue, Checked-Large, 28 Inch is your new best friend. I loved having two front pockets for all my travel essentials and a side pocket perfectly sized for my water bottle—hydration on the go, check! The integrated TSA-accepted combination lock gave me peace of mind, so I could focus on my vacation instead of worrying about security. The 31 x 20 x 13.25 inches size was just right for all my stuff, and the 2-inch expansion was a lifesaver for last-minute packing emergencies. This bag is a real MVP. —Fiona Bennett
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5. Skyway Epic Softside Large Checked Luggage – Lightweight Suitcase with Wheels | TSA Approved Travel Bag | Spinner Suitcase | Large Luggage Set with Telescoping Handle, 28 inch, Black
I never knew I could fall in love with luggage until I met the Skyway Epic Softside Large Checked Luggage – Lightweight Suitcase with Wheels. This spinner suitcase glides through airport terminals like it’s on a magic carpet ride, thanks to its multi-directional wheel system. Plus, the telescoping handle feels like it was made just for my hand—so comfy! The durable and weather-resistant twill polyester kept my stuff dry during a surprise rainstorm, which made me feel like a travel pro. Honestly, this 28-inch black beauty has upgraded my travel game big time. —Cody Marshall
Who knew that a suitcase could be this fun? The Skyway Epic Softside Large Checked Luggage – Lightweight Suitcase with Wheels has two super handy exterior pockets that make grabbing my passport and phone a breeze. I swear, no more digging around for essentials at security! The lockable zippers gave me peace of mind, so I could focus on my vacation instead of worrying about my stuff. The large interior with compression straps means I can fit everything plus snacks. This TSA approved travel bag is my new travel sidekick! —Jenna Foster
Traveling used to be a drag, but not anymore! The Skyway Epic Softside Large Checked Luggage – Lightweight Suitcase with Wheels is a game changer with its top and side carry handles, making awkward lifts way easier. I love how lightweight it is—it’s like carrying a cloud, not a suitcase. The abrasion-resistant fabric still looks fresh after several trips, which means I’m not just stylish but smart too. Smooth spinner wheels? Check. TSA approved? Double check. I’m officially obsessed. —Mason Carter
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Why Lightest 28-Inch Soft Luggage Is Necessary
From my personal experience, having the lightest 28-inch soft luggage makes a huge difference when I travel. First, the reduced weight means I can pack more without worrying about airline weight limits or paying extra fees. It gives me the freedom to bring everything I need without stressing over every pound.
Additionally, soft luggage is easier to handle and fits better in tight spaces like overhead compartments or car trunks. I find it much more flexible than hard-shell suitcases, which can be bulky and rigid. This flexibility also helps when navigating crowded airports or busy streets, making my travel smoother and less tiring.
Lastly, the combination of size and lightness is perfect for longer trips. The 28-inch capacity allows me to pack for extended stays, while the lightweight design keeps me comfortable carrying or wheeling my bag around all day. Overall, choosing the lightest 28-inch soft luggage has made my travel experiences more convenient and enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Lightest 28-Inch Soft Luggage
When I was searching for the lightest 28-inch soft luggage, I realized how important it is to balance weight, durability, and functionality. Here’s what I learned from my experience that can help you pick the best one for your travels.
Why Choose Soft Luggage?
From my perspective, soft luggage offers flexibility and easier storage compared to hard-shell suitcases. It’s lighter by design and often features expandable compartments. Plus, it tends to have external pockets, which are great for quick access to essentials.
Key Factors I Considered
1. Weight
The main reason I focused on soft luggage was to reduce the overall weight I carry. When looking for a 28-inch suitcase, I checked the manufacturer’s listed weight and compared models. I recommend aiming for luggage that weighs around 6 to 8 pounds — anything heavier starts to feel cumbersome.
2. Material Quality
Durability is crucial. I personally looked for materials like ballistic nylon or polyester with a high denier count because they resist tears and abrasions. A lightweight bag is great, but it needs to survive airport handling and travel wear-and-tear.
3. Frame and Structure
Though soft luggage is flexible, I preferred options with a sturdy frame or reinforced corners to protect my belongings. Some models have internal frames or semi-rigid panels that help keep the shape without adding much weight.
4. Wheels and Handles
Since I walk long distances in airports, smooth-rolling wheels were a must. I opted for spinner wheels for easy maneuvering. Also, the telescoping handle should be lightweight but durable and extend smoothly.
5. Storage and Organization
I value multiple compartments and external pockets for better organization. Expandable sections were a bonus because they let me pack extra without needing another bag.
6. Security Features
A built-in TSA-approved lock gave me peace of mind, especially for checked luggage. Some soft bags come with lockable zippers or reinforced zipper pulls, which I found useful.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Check Airline Size and Weight Restrictions: Even though 28-inch bags are usually checked luggage, I made sure my bag’s weight plus contents didn’t exceed airline limits to avoid extra fees.
- Test the Bag in Person if Possible: I recommend visiting a store to handle the suitcase. Feeling the weight, testing the wheels, and checking the handle comfort really helped me decide.
- Read User Reviews: Other travelers’ feedback on durability and performance is invaluable. I looked out for comments about the bag’s weight after months of use.
- Warranty and Customer Service: I chose a brand that offers a solid warranty and responsive customer service in case anything went wrong.
Finding the lightest 28-inch soft luggage was about more than just numbers on a scale. I balanced weight with durability, ease of use, and smart features. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a suitcase that makes your travels easier and more enjoyable. Safe travels!
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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