As a reviewer who spends an inordinate amount of time navigating airport terminals, I’ve developed a kind of sixth sense for luggage. I can spot a wobbly spinner wheel from fifty paces and hear the groan of a stressed zipper from across the concourse. The truth is, most carry-on bags are a compromise. You get ultralight weight, but it feels flimsy. You get fortress-like durability, but it weighs a ton before you’ve even packed a sock. You get a cavernous interior, but its external dimensions push the sizer limits. For years, my personal quest has been to find the elusive “perfect” carry-on: a bag that is feather-light, deceptively spacious, and durable enough to withstand the casual brutality of modern travel. This search led me directly to a brand beloved by pilots and flight crews, and specifically to the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 22-Inch Expandable Carry On. It promises a masterful blend of these competing demands, and I was determined to find out if it lives up to the legend.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: A half pound lighter than Maxlite 4, this rollaboard meets most international carry-on size limits. Case Dimensions: 21" x 14" x 9" | Overall...
- DURABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY: Made from stain-resistant polyester with a water-repellent DuraGuard coating and ergonomic, high-strength zippers for lasting...
What to Demand from Your Next Carry-On Before You Buy
A carry-on is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for efficient, stress-free travel. It’s your mobile closet, your overhead-bin companion, and your ticket to avoiding the baggage carousel purgatory. The primary benefit is control—keeping your essentials with you, sidestepping lost luggage nightmares, and saving on checked-bag fees that seem to climb higher each year. A great carry-on streamlines your journey from curb to gate, allowing you to be more nimble, more organized, and ultimately, more relaxed.
The ideal customer for this type of product is the frequent flyer, the weekend adventurer, or the business traveler who prioritizes packing efficiency and mobility. They understand that every ounce and every inch counts. This bag is for the person who has mastered the art of the travel capsule wardrobe and needs a reliable, no-fuss tool to support their journeys. Conversely, it might not be the best fit for those who are chronic over-packers needing the vast space of a large checked suitcase, or adventure travelers who might require the rugged, go-anywhere functionality of a technical backpack. For those travelers, a larger checked bag or a specialized duffle might be more appropriate.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The single most critical factor. Pay close attention to “overall dimensions” (which include wheels and handles) versus “case dimensions.” A bag that’s 22 inches on paper can easily exceed carry-on limits if the wheels and handles add another 1.5 inches. We’ve found that two-wheel “rollaboard” designs, like this one, often provide more internal packing space for the same external footprint because the wheels are recessed into the case, unlike spinners whose wheels protrude significantly.
- Capacity/Performance: Look beyond just the dimensions to the storage volume, measured in liters. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 boasts a generous 52-liter capacity, which is exceptional for its class. The internal layout is just as important; a single, large compartment offers more flexibility than one broken up by bulky internal hardware. Features like expansion zippers and well-placed pockets drastically improve real-world packing performance.
- Materials & Durability: A bag is only as strong as its weakest point. For softside luggage, look for high-denier polyester or ballistic nylon, ideally treated with a water- and stain-resistant coating like Travelpro’s Duraguard. Pay special attention to the “touch points”: zippers should be robust (high-tensile-strength pulls are a plus), the telescoping handle should be sturdy with minimal wobble, and the wheels should be high-quality, ideally with ball bearings for a smooth, silent glide.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Your luggage shouldn’t fight you. A comfortable, multi-stop handle accommodates users of different heights. Multiple grab handles (top, side, and bottom) make lifting it into an overhead bin or car trunk effortless. Softside polyester is generally easy to spot-clean with a damp cloth, ensuring it looks good for years to come.
While the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 22-Inch Expandable Carry On is a champion in the softside category, your travel style might demand the rigid protection of a hardshell case. For a broader look at all the top models in that space, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Pfiester Rue, Abigail (Author)
- CARRY-ON DESIGN: Best for 1-5 day trips without the hassle of checking luggage; measures 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 inches, including wheels
- 20" Carry-on: 20" H x 13. 5" L x 11" W, 6. 92 lbs.
Unboxing the Travelpro Maxlite 5: A First Look at a Road Warrior’s Ally
Pulling the Travelpro Maxlite 5 out of its box, the first thing that struck me was its astonishing lack of weight. At a mere 5.4 pounds, it feels almost impossibly light, a sensation that immediately translates to “more weight allowance for my stuff.” This isn’t the flimsy, cheap lightness of a discount bag; it has a confident structure. The polyester fabric has a tight, durable weave, and the Duraguard coating gives it a subtle sheen and a feel that promises to shrug off light rain and coffee spills. The ergonomic zipper pulls feel substantial in your hand, a small but reassuring detail. Extending the PowerScope Lite handle is a smooth, two-stage process with solid clicks at its 38-inch and 42.5-inch stops—no rattling or excessive play. Compared to its predecessor, the Maxlite 4, it’s half a pound lighter, a significant reduction that demonstrates Travelpro’s commitment to refining an already successful formula. It immediately presents itself not as a flashy piece of luggage, but as a thoughtfully engineered tool for travel, which you can see in its thoughtful design details.
Key Benefits
- Exceptionally lightweight at just 5.4 pounds, maximizing packing allowance.
- Generous 52-liter interior with 2 inches of expansion.
- Durable two-wheel design is stable and maximizes internal space.
- High-quality materials, including a water-resistant coating and sturdy hardware.
Potential Drawbacks
- Plastic standing feet have been a point of failure for some users.
- Two-wheel design is pulled behind you, lacking the 360° maneuverability of spinners.
In the Field: A Performance Breakdown of the Travelpro Maxlite 5
A suitcase can look great out of the box, but its true character is only revealed under the pressures of a real trip. We put the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 22-Inch Expandable Carry On through its paces on a multi-leg domestic trip, evaluating it on the three pillars of carry-on performance: packing efficiency, real-world maneuverability, and long-term durability.
The Art of Packing: Maximizing Every Inch of its 52 Liters
This is where the Maxlite 5 truly begins to shine. The main compartment is a deep, uncluttered rectangle, with the handle channels creating only minimal intrusion on the floor of the case. This simple, open-plan design is far more versatile than intricately divided interiors, allowing for the use of packing cubes or simply rolling clothes to fill every available cubic inch. For a five-day business trip, I easily packed two pairs of slacks, four shirts, a blazer, workout clothes, a pair of dress shoes, and my toiletries bag without even touching the expansion zipper. The adjustable hold-down straps are effective at compressing clothes and preventing them from shifting in transit. The full-length interior lid pocket is perfect for keeping shirts flat or isolating dirty laundry on the return journey, while the small side accessory pocket is a great spot for socks or charging cables.
The softside construction offers a subtle but significant advantage: “give.” Unlike a hardshell case with its rigid limits, the polyester fabric has a slight flex, allowing you to squeeze in that one last item. This flexibility was confirmed by one user who reported packing for an 11-day trip to Florida with ease. When I did need more room for souvenirs on my return, the 2-inch expansion feature was a lifesaver. It’s operated by a separate, sturdy zipper and provides a substantial boost in capacity, turning the bag from a disciplined carry-on into a much more generous suitcase. This expansion capability is a feature that truly sets it apart for versatile travel.
Navigating the Gauntlet: From Sidewalks to Airport Terminals
Maneuverability is the second critical test, and the two-wheel design of the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 22-Inch Expandable Carry On is a deliberate choice with distinct pros and cons. While four-wheel spinners offer effortless gliding and 360-degree turns in open airport halls, they often struggle on any surface that isn’t perfectly smooth. We found the Maxlite 5’s high-performance ball-bearing wheels to be a revelation. They rolled almost silently across polished terminal floors and, more importantly, handled cracked sidewalks, thick carpeting, and cobblestone-style pavers without missing a beat. There’s a feeling of rugged stability here that many spinners lack; you pull it confidently behind you rather than nervously escorting it alongside.
This sentiment was echoed by a user who specifically chose the two-wheel design for its durability on rough European streets. The PowerScope Lite handle, with its two height options, made finding a comfortable pulling position easy for both myself (at 6’1″) and my shorter travel companion. The handle feels solid and transfers your inputs directly to the wheels, giving you a great sense of control. Lifting the fully packed bag into the overhead bin of a 737 was no problem, thanks to the well-padded top and side handles, and the low-profile bottom handle provided an extra grip point for pulling it out. We had zero issues with fitting it into the overhead bin on multiple flights, confirming its compliance with most domestic airline sizer requirements. You can check the latest price and color options online to see which fits your style.
Built to Last or Destined to Fail? A Hard Look at Durability
This is the most complex aspect of our review. The Travelpro brand is built on a reputation for durability, favored by airline crews who abuse their bags more in a month than most of us do in five years. And in many respects, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 22-Inch Expandable Carry On honors that legacy. The polyester fabric is tough, the corner guards are robust, and the zippers inspire confidence. One of the most compelling pieces of feedback we found came from a flight attendant who stated, “4 years and 1200 flights later, it’s still in good shape, works well, and still looks good.” This is a powerful testament to the bag’s core construction and its ability to withstand constant, heavy use.
However, no product is perfect, and our research uncovered a consistent and concerning pattern of complaints regarding the front plastic standing feet. These two small legs allow the bag to stand upright when stationary. Multiple users reported that one or both of these feet broke or tore away from the suitcase, sometimes after only a few trips. One user, upon inspecting the damage, was shocked to find what they described as “basic cheap shipping foam and zip ties” inside. Another noted that the legs seemed to be glued on one side and only screwed in on the other. While our test model’s feet have held up perfectly, the volume of these reports points to a potential design or manufacturing flaw in this specific area. It seems that while the wheels, handles, and fabric are built for the long haul, the standing feet are a vulnerable point that could fail under the stress of being thrown or dropped. It’s a significant mark against an otherwise stellar durability record, something to consider before you commit to making your purchase.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from dozens of users reveals a largely positive consensus with a few notable exceptions. The overwhelming majority praise the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 22-Inch Expandable Carry On for its incredibly light weight and cavernous packing capacity. One user summed it up perfectly: “First Off, love the case – it fits a phenomenal amount of items. It’s light, maneuvers really well.” Another, a self-proclaimed over-packer, was thrilled to fit enough for an 11-day trip. The testimony from airline professionals who choose this bag for their demanding schedules is perhaps the highest praise it can receive.
On the negative side, the theme of questionable build quality in specific areas is impossible to ignore. The most frequently cited major issue is the failure of the plastic front feet. As one frustrated owner wrote, “Each of The legs are only glued on one side… I took only one trip and I carried on the bag and the leg is already broken.” Beyond the feet, a smaller number of users have experienced issues with zippers, including one who reported the teeth separating after the first packing and another who received a new bag with a broken zipper pull. These quality control issues, while not widespread, are significant enough to give a potential buyer pause and temper the bag’s otherwise excellent reputation.
How Does the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Compare to the Alternatives?
To give you a complete picture, it’s essential to see how the Travelpro Maxlite 5 stacks up against other popular luggage options, even those in different categories. Each serves a different type of traveler, highlighting the specific strengths of the Maxlite 5.
1. DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero Expandable Checked Luggage
- Lightweight and durable polycarbonate shell that is extremely resilient to cracking or breaking; manufactured with an eye catching deep metallic finish
- Four double spinner wheels assuring a stable base with multi-directional rolling with zero weight on your hand for easy travel
The DELSEY Helium Aero is a hardside spinner in a large, checked-bag size. Its primary advantages are maximum protection and sheer volume. The polycarbonate shell can withstand impacts that might tear a softside bag, making it ideal for protecting fragile items. However, it’s a completely different class of luggage. It’s significantly heavier, must be checked, and its spinner wheels, while smooth on flat surfaces, are less robust than the Travelpro’s two-wheel system on rough terrain. You’d choose the DELSEY for a long vacation where you need to pack everything, while the Travelpro is the clear winner for short trips and carry-on convenience.
2. mixi 20-Inch Carry On Luggage with Cup Holder and Charger
- 【High-end Quality】The suitcase is made of THREE-LAYER Covestro PC which is extremely scratch-resistant, it goes through insanely strict producing...
- 【One-Piece Side Opening Design】The design is different from the traditional way of opening and closing the suitcase in half, which is more convenient...
The mixi carry-on is a modern, tech-focused hardside spinner. Its main draws are convenience features like the integrated cup and phone holder and a port for a power bank. At 20 inches, it’s smaller and designed for very short trips, targeting the minimalist, tech-savvy traveler. While these features are clever, they come at the cost of packing space and add potential points of failure. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 22-Inch Expandable Carry On offers vastly more packing capacity, greater durability in its core components (wheels and handle), and a more timeless, professional design, making it the better choice for serious or frequent travelers.
3. Amazon Basics 35-inch Large Rolling Duffle Bag
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Top crafted from 100% polyester, this large duffel bag for travel is durable, able to withstand the rigors of travel to keep your...
- EASY MOBILITY: Equipped with a telescopic handle and in-line wheels, this wheeled duffel bag offers smooth navigation through airports and busy streets
This rolling duffle from Amazon Basics prioritizes one thing above all else: massive, unstructured space. It’s essentially a giant sack on wheels, perfect for hauling sports equipment, camping gear, or the belongings of an entire family in a single bag. It offers none of the organizational features or protective structure of the Travelpro. It’s too large to be a carry-on and lacks the professional aesthetic for business travel. One might choose this for a ski trip or moving a college student into a dorm, but for any kind of typical air travel, the structured compartments, lighter weight, and carry-on compliance of the Travelpro Maxlite 5 make it an infinitely more practical and sophisticated choice.
The Final Verdict: Is the Travelpro Maxlite 5 the Right Carry-On for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 22-Inch Expandable Carry On is an exceptional piece of luggage that gets almost everything right. Its combination of ultra-lightweight design, massive packing capacity, and smooth, durable two-wheel system makes it a top-tier choice for frequent flyers, business travelers, and dedicated weekend warriors. It is a purpose-built tool designed to make travel easier, and for the most part, it succeeds brilliantly.
Its primary weakness—the questionable durability of its plastic standing feet—is a notable flaw that prevents a perfect score. However, when weighed against its numerous strengths, including the testimony of airline professionals who rely on it daily, it remains a highly recommended product. If you value packing space over 360-degree maneuverability and demand a lightweight bag that can swallow a surprising amount of gear without complaint, this is one of the best options on the market. For the savvy traveler looking to maximize their carry-on potential, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 is a smart and reliable investment. You can find the best price and see its full feature set here.
Last update on 2025-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API