Samsonite Litebeam Review

Samsonite Litebeam

Available in these sizes

Features & handling

Look & design: The Samsonite Litebeam has a modern, sporty look that feels perfect for everyday use. The subtle lined pattern on the front adds structure and a distinctive touch, making the case easy to recognise. Overall, the design is deliberately understated – practical, unobtrusive, and ideal for leisure and holiday travel.

Wheels: The Samsonite Litebeam features large, rubberised double wheels on all sizes. They feel sturdy and well-made, giving a high-quality impression.

Roll performance: In real-world use, the Litebeam impresses with its excellent rolling qualities. It moves quietly, smoothly, and with great stability. Thanks to the 360° double wheels, it’s also highly manoeuvrable – a real advantage in tight spaces or busy airports. Even on longer walks, the Litebeam remains easy to pull and stays well under control.

Telescopic handle: Compared to many other suitcases, the telescopic handle is noticeably slim, which contributes to the Litebeam’s overall low weight. Despite its slender design, it feels stable and reliable. It extends smoothly, locks securely into place, and sits comfortably in the hand.

Handles: The Samsonite Litebeam features a well-padded top handle that feels comfortable in the hand and makes lifting much easier. However, there’s no side handle on any of the sizes, which can limit handling slightly. To compensate, the case is equipped with practical grab loops on the side and bottom, offering more flexibility when lifting it from shelves or baggage carousels.

Grab loops: Instead of a traditional side handle, the Litebeam comes with practical grab loops on the side and bottom. The bottom loop is especially helpful in everyday use – for example, when pulling the case out of an overhead locker or off the baggage carousel. While a classic side handle would have been a welcome addition, its absence gives the case a cleaner, more streamlined look that adds to its overall elegance.

TSA lock: The TSA lock is smoothly integrated into the side of the case and feels solid and well made. Thanks to its flush design, it’s better protected against impacts than protruding locks. A TSA lock is especially useful when travelling to the USA or Canada, as security staff can open it for inspection without damaging the case.

Name tag: There’s a pull-out name tag discreetly integrated into the back of the case. It’s a small but practical feature that shows attention to detail. The case also comes with several interchangeable stickers, making it easy to update your details when needed.

Interior layout: The Litebeam features a spacious main compartment that’s easy to pack and secured with cross-straps – a clear advantage over many hard-shell suitcases with divided interiors. Inside the front flap, there’s an additional zip pocket that’s ideal for smaller items or laundry. The layout is simple but functional, making it easier to pack in an organised way.

Verdict: The Litebeam scores points for its well-thought-out features that prove genuinely useful when travelling: large, smooth-rolling wheels, a well-padded top handle, a clear interior layout, and practical details like grab handles, a TSA lock, and an integrated name tag. What stands out most is how functional and purposeful everything is – with no unnecessary extras. A slight downside is the missing side handle, which can make lifting a bit more awkward at times. All in all, the Litebeam offers well-balanced features and easy handling.

Capacity & weight

The Samsonite Litebeam is available in 3 different sizes:

When it comes to weight, the Samsonite Litebeam is right up there – it’s one of the lightest suitcases worldwide. Its low weight frees up space for your belongings, makes it perfect for flights with strict baggage limits, and generally ensures the case is a pleasure to handle – whether you’re lifting it, stowing it away or rolling it along.

The Samsonite Litebeam also scores highly in terms of capacity across all sizes. The cabin-size version (S) offers exceptionally spacious storage for a case this small – ideal for short trips with just one piece of luggage. The M and L sizes feature an expandable gusset, making the suitcase particularly versatile and adaptable – perfect for longer journeys or return trips with extra shopping.

Material

The Samsonite Litebeam is made from polyester, a textile-based plastic fabric commonly used for softshell suitcases. The surface has a matte, lightly textured finish and appears to be well made overall.

Pros: Polyester is especially lightweight, contributing to the suitcase’s low overall weight. The material is also slightly flexible, which can be an advantage when packing – for instance, if the suitcase is a little overfilled or needs to be squeezed into tight compartments.

Cons: Compared to hardshell materials, polyester offers less protection against impacts and moisture. It also tends to attract dirt more easily. For trips with fragile contents or frequent exposure to rain, this could be a drawback.

Value for money

The Samsonite Litebeam offers excellent value for money. For a branded suitcase with this level of features – especially considering its extremely low weight and large double wheels – the price is well below that of comparable models. If you’re looking for a lightweight and functional softshell suitcase, this one delivers a lot of performance for a fair price.

My verdict on the Samsonite Litebeam

For me, the Samsonite Litebeam is one of the best softshell suitcases on the market. What impressed me most were its extremely low weight and very generous capacity – two of the most important features a good suitcase should have.

The overall design is functional and well thought out. The large, rubberised double wheels and the sturdy telescopic handle ensure smooth and stable rolling. The main compartment is easy to pack, and the additional exterior and interior pockets help keep things well organised. Handy features like the built-in TSA lock and name tag show that Samsonite has paid attention to the details.

There are some minor drawbacks: there’s no side handle on any of the sizes, which can make lifting the case a little awkward. Also, the flexible polyester shell offers limited protection against moisture or heavy impacts – typical of most softshell suitcases and something to consider depending on your travel needs.

All things considered, the Samsonite Litebeam offers a convincing all-round package for anyone looking for a lightweight, reliable and affordable suitcase. The value for money is excellent, especially compared to other similarly equipped models.

If you prefer something a little more elegant or travel frequently for business, it’s worth also checking out the Samsonite Airea. It’s just as light, offers slightly more packing space, and features a refined nylon finish and sleeker design.

Preview	Product	Price
	Samsonite Litebeam S, available in 3 sizes	£149.00 £94.50	Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2025-06-24 at 09:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet