The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Rollaboard Carry On is my new favorite suitcase, thanks to its incredible lightweight, durability, and style.

The luggage world strives to become better at a few basic questions. How can we make luggage lighter, more durable, easier to wheel around, and easier to “live out of?” The evolution of suitcases has brought us to the Travelpro Maxlite 5. Travelpro has refined this suitcase into a virtually perfect specimen; it’s better and lighter than before! I can confidently say that it’s my personal new favorite and a great carry on suitcase. The best qualities? It’s incredibly light and offers good organization and space. Plus, it’s stylish, the zippers work well, and the extra expansion room really comes in handy. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 collection is Travelpro’s newest line. It emphasizes incredible lightweight and durability. Here, we’ll focus on the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Rollaboard Carry On Suitcase, but the various pieces in the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Collection offer the same style, toughness and lightweight construction.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Features & Benefits

It’s Ridiculously Lightweight

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When I saw the Travelpro box outside my doorstep, I was excited. I lowered to lift with my legs, wrapped by arms around the large box and prepared to work a little to get it inside the door. However, it felt like lifting an empty box! Rather than get my workout of the day, I picked up the box with one hand, and brought it inside. I hadn’t even seen this new Travelpro Maxlite 5, and I was already in love. Well, as long as it actually was inside this incredibly light box. Indeed, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 is mysteriously lightweight. (How do they make that magic happen?) The Travelpro Maxlite 5 22” Rollaboard Spinner Carry On weighs a total of 5.4 pounds. That’s about half a pound lighter than the Travelpro Maxlite 4 International Carry On Rollaboard!

However, it’s also important to note that this light weight doesn’t mean that Travelpro compromised in other areas. The size is still perfect for a carry-on: meets the overhead requirements, and still gives you the needed room to pack. In fact, the dimensions of this Travelpro Carry On are 23” high, 14.5” wide, and 9” deep. The total volume of the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Rollaboard Carry On is 15.2 L.

Well-Placed, Strong Handles

The handles on the Travelpro Maxlite Carry On were the first clue for me that this suitcase is durable. The top and side handles are super convenient for grabbing the luggage no matter which side it’s on. These handles are thickly padded, and reinforced where they meet the body of the luggage. Because of the extra thick grip, the handles at first seemed to scrape your knuckles, as there wasn’t much room between the handle and the body of the luggage. However, after even the first use, these seemed to open up more, and allow more space to grab the suitcase.

Lastly, the top, extendable handle is arguably the most important. The Powerscope handle is lightweight. It locks in two different positions to allow options for length. I personally appreciate the texture of the handle; it’s both smooth and grippy. My only qualm is the size of the “release button” for extending the handle. The small oval in the middle presses down to allow for the telescoping of the handle. It requires a precise hit with the top end of your finger. For me, it impacts a rushed airport wheeling experience to have to fidget with the handle. Overall, though, it’s a minor inconvenience considering it’s still a trustworthy handle.

Durable

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Despite its impressive lightweight, this Travelpro Maxlite 5 doesn’t cut any corners on durability. The handles are super reinforced, with screws and thick, overlaid stitching. The zippers work smoothly, and are substantial, rather than flimsy.Furthermore, the zipper tabs are wide and curved. I personally appreciate that; since they’re even easier to grab and pull around the corners. Additionally, the Polyester fabric features DuraGuard, to help resist water and stains. Inside, the H2O guard prevents water damage on the lining. As with most of the Travelpro products, the durability trials include tests for strength, length, and temperature, to ensure this luggage will last.

Lastly, this Travelpro Maxlite Carry On comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Like the Subaru of suitcases, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Collection will likely accompany you on a lifetime of travels. Inside your luggage, you’ll find a card to register your Travelpro product. You simply have to take a photo and text it in, and you’ll activate your warranty.

Ideal Outer Pockets

The little pockets within a carry on suitcase are crucial when you’re scrambling to meet your check out time, or fumbling for your charger at the airport gate. To begin, I’ll start with the outside of the Travelpro Maxlite 5 carry on. The top, or front features a vertical zipper that opens to a smaller pouch. This is big enough to fit your phone, a charger, and your passport wallet. I appreciate the styling around this pocket. Thanks to the stitching and fabric enveloping it, the zipper faces upwards and makes it really easy to stick your hand in. Next, a large, three-sided zipper opens the second-largest compartment. This zipper unzips about three-quarters of the whole section, making it really easy to access. This pocket offers a great space to put seventeen or so books, all your electronic devices, and enough jeans for a month. There’s plenty of space in here, and that’s why it’s not considered a “laptop sleeve.” It’s really much bigger than that. You could fit folders or binder for a work trip, or keep all your magazines unwrinkled in here.

There’s no pocket on the backside of the suitcase, against the telescoping handle, like some other suitcases have.. However, this doesn’t personally bother me, since those pockets tend to become too tight to even fit a hand in. Plus, the contents of those back-positioned pockets tend to become extra crushed.

Spacious, Organized Interior

Lastly, there’s the large interior space, complete with organizational options. My typical packing experience ends up with shoving in some last-minute items. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 seemed to ease open and willingly accept that last sweatshirt. The extra two inches, when expanded truly helps, too, but note that you may need to keep it closed when on a plane. The corners are firm and square, and the zipper circles around them. That means there’s hidden space in the corners that you can pack extra tight.

Storage pockets inside include a typical pocket on the inside of the outer flap. Additionally, there’s a smaller garments pouch against the spine of the suitcase. This smaller pocket is ideal for socks and underwear, or toiletries. It’s the entire depth of the suitcase, and about 12-14 inches long. Lastly, keep your contents from flailing around inside with the garment strap. Buckles allow you to adjust and clip together.

Stylish

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The color of my Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry On Rollaboard is called “Dusty Rose” on the Travelpro website. I love this color, but I will say that it appears differently in the online photos. The website shows a brighter, more pink color, whereas my luggage is a slightly dull, more purple shade. I think it’s lovely; the shade is different without being childish, or too bright.  In addition to “Dusty Rose,” you can choose from these neat colors: black, slate green, azure blue, and midnight blue. Furthermore, the stitching and design on the front give the suitcase a tiered and textured look.

Alternative Travelpro Luggage

TravelPro Platinum Magna Expandable Spinner 25”

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The TravelPro Spinner’s name advertises its best quality: the super smooth wheels. This TravelPro checked suitcase will easily glide through airport corridors as well as sidewalks. Grab the sturdy handle and swivel the large suitcase right in place. Additionally, the expandable feature provides you with an extra two inches of wiggle room. The exterior is a soft shell, which allows for this extra feature: external pockets. That’s precisely the perk of a soft side; you can have quick access to belongings in the outer, zipped pockets. Besides gliding smoothly, the zippers will work smoothly for you, too. We even like that the zippers themselves are large; this makes them easier to pull. High-density ballistic nylon makes up the exterior, aided by DuraGuard to provide resistance to stains or other damage. Additionally, the PowerScope telescoping handle has three stops won’t break on you since it’s made from aluminum!

Travelpro Crew 11 Expandable Rollaboard Suiter

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Though not quite as light as the newest Travelpro Maxlite 5, this Travelpro carry-on has been a favorite for a while. As with most Travelpro suitcases, you’ll find high-quality polyester, complete with DuraGuard to resist water and stains. The wheels roll smoothly (this Rollaboard has two wheels, and firm, bumper-protected bottoms stands). This suitcase is especially great for transporting dresses and suits. Thanks to the interior design, those dressy items will remain wrinkle-free. A power bank, pocket, and external USB port are additional reasons that this carry-on has become a favorite. The added bonus of premium leather carry handles ensure you’re traveling in style!

Travelpro Platinum Magna 2 Expandable Rollaboard

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Complete with leather accents and durable fabrics, the Platinum Magna 2 Collection from Travelpro means serious business. Speaking of business, the Platinum Magna 2 Expandable Spinner Suiter is perfect for work trips, since the deluxe suiter helps prevent wrinkles while in transit. We especially appreciate the hefty grip on the telescoping handle of this Travelpro carry on. The patented Contour Grip is special for the spinner-type of luggage. The four wheels roll nicely alongside you in any direction. The special grip allows the palm of your hand to better control the steering. Additionally, the zippers are high-quality, work smoothly and easy to grab.

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