"With so many airlines charging if your checked luggage is over 50 pounds, you'll want to make sure that any of the new luggage that you purchase is lightweight," said Kathleen Huddy, textiles director, Good Housekeeping Institute. "We tested a variety of lightweight luggage. We looked for durability, the ability to with stand the drop test, ability of the handle to withstand jerking, and of course, most important, packing, and how much the bag weighed overall once it was packed to the max. We also had consumers evaluate the bags for ease of use."

Weighing in at under 8.5 lbs, the Eagle Creek Hovercraft 25 was the lightweight champion. "It easily held clothes for a five day trip, and our testers found it easy to maneuver and very stable," said Huddy.

The Victorinox E-Motion Collapsible Trunk was the only duffel Good Housekeeping recommends. "It's got a lot of room, but best of all, it's collapsible for under-the-bed storage, or storage somewhere in the closet, and it only weighs eight and a half pounds," said Huddy.

The sturdy Briggs & Riley Upright was the only bag to earn perfect scores in Good Housekeeping’s water-resistance and abrasion tests.

Most pieces of luggage weigh eight to 13 pounds empty. So take that into consideration when you’re packing for a long trip and need to stay under the 50-pound weight limit. To learn more, check out the July issue of Good Housekeeping or visit www.goodhousekeeping.com.