The MGB Hardside Carry-On Luggage is one of those suitcases that sounds too good to be true. Weighing in at only 7.8 pounds, it’s designed to offer travelers spacious packing ability without lugging around a heavy suitcase from the moment you start your journey. This ultra-light carry on is available for less than $150, and features a relatively lightweight hard shell, 360 degree spinner wheels, TSA-approved lock, interior organization and claims to hold up to 46L.
The reason why the MGB is so unique is because of its size. Carrying-on luggage these days tends to be tall and thin. In fact the MGB proportions are off at about 21.9″ x 13.8″ x 9.6″ when measured with the wheels included. That wide of a profile allows for tons of packing space that can be great for folded clothes, packing cubes, shoes and everything else you may need on shorter trips.
Reviewed based on the specs and user reviews with verified-purchase, the MGB is best suited for any travelers looking to squeeze every ounce of usable space out of a lightweight carry-on while still avoiding pricing you’d find on high-end luggage. With that being said, there are definitely a couple caveats you should know about before making a purchase. Primarily if you fly often on airlines with stringent carry-on size requirements.
MGB Hardshell Carry on Luggage with Front Compartment, 20″- Charcoal Grey
MGB Hardside Carry-On at a Glance
Best for: Weekend trips, cruises, road trips and travelers wanting a lightweight hard-shell carry-on
Weight: 7.8 lbs
Dimensions: Approximately 21.9″ x 13.8″ x 9.6″ including wheels
Capacity: Up to 46L
Luggage type: Hardside carry-on spinner
Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels
Security: Integrated TSA-approved lock
Interior: Peach-skin fabric lining, organizational pockets and cross straps
Is the MGB Hardside Carry-On Worth Buying?
Low empty weight along with roomy interior capacity and easy maneuverability make the MGB a nice combination of features for those who value practicality when traveling.
Especially appealing is its featherlight 7.8 pound empty weight. Each pound your bag weighs before you pack typically means one less pound of clothes and accessories you can bring and still be under your airline’s weight limit.
The MGB even comes with some features on which budget travelers often have to compromise: a TSA lock, spinner wheels, a telescoping handle, reinforced zipper construction and a fully lined interior.
While its overall dimensions are fairly modest, some airlines implement restrictions of approximately 22 x 14 x 9 inches. So when you’re shopping for an airline-approved carry-on bag, don’t assume that it will automatically meet each airline’s specifications just because it’s advertised as such.
Be sure to check the suitcase’s specific dimensions with your airline’s allowable dimensions before you fly.
Lightweight Construction Is One of Its Biggest Advantages
The MGB’s featherweight 7.8 pounds when empty may be its biggest selling point.
Bags with hardcases can get heavy surprisingly fast. Shoes, toiletries, electronics, and a few days worth of clothes can turn a hefty suitcase into one that’s flirting with your airline’s weight restrictions.
With the MGB, you have more room to play.
That’s helpful if you tend to max out your allotment on luggage weight or you just hate lugging around heavy bags into the airplane’s overhead compartment.
One reviewer noted precisely that benefit, saying “I always pack to the max and this bag felt super light. And it feels durable too!” Another user echoed those comments about how light it is.
There’s a handle on top and on the side as well. This may help you lift it into place instead of relying on just the telescoping handle.
Interior Organization Is Better Than a Basic Empty Shell
The contents of a budget suitcase don’t have to fill dozens of compartments. But decent organization inside can still help immensely with even a brief journey.
The MGB features a peach-skin fabric lining with a soft-touch finish. The company also says it meets the OEKO-TEX standard.
Even more importantly for day-to-day use, there are plenty of storage pockets and criss-crossing straps. The straps keep your clothes from shifting around when the bag’s upright, and smaller pockets provide dedicated spaces for accessories, underwear, chargers or anything else that would normally get lost in your suitcase’s main compartment.
That organization comes in especially handy with a relatively roomy suitcase like this. Without compression straps or dividers, your belongings would have ample space to shuffle around during travel. Packing cubes would work well here.
360-Degree Spinner Wheels Make Airport Navigation Easier
The MGB’s four wheels spin in all directions, allowing 360-degree rotation.
Because of this, you can roll the bag behind you or to the side, right alongside your hip. That’s a nice convenience if you want to push it through an airport instead of pulling it.
Spinner wheels have become one of the most popular features for modern carry-ons—especially when you’re navigating airports, hotel lobbies and cruise ship terminals. Most of these areas have smooth flooring that makes wheels really shine.
Customer reviews seem to back this up again. One happy customer noted that this bag was “easy to wheel through the airport.” Another traveler even recommended this as a great option for your next cruise.
The company claims these wheels are “silent” as well. I’d take that as “buzzword” rather than “completely quiet” however. For instance, any type of wheel will have vastly different performances on different surfaces.
Tile at the airport? Not a problem. Cobblestones? Cracked sidewalks? Bumpy asphalt? Not so much.
The Telescoping Handle Adds Everyday Convenience
The suitcase features a multi-position telescoping handle allowing passengers of varying heights to raise and lower the handle to a comfortable height.
Don’t let that last sentence sound trivial. It’s miserable to sit at an airport transfer gate for hours on end, schlepping luggage with a handle that’s placed several inches too low for your height.
Height adjustable handles let you keep your arm and shoulder closer to their natural angle.
Paired with spinner wheels, this should make the MGB a breeze to roll around airports, train stations, and cruise ship terminals.
As is the case with most budget luggage, however, I wouldn’t recommend picking up a fully loaded suitcase by the telescoping handle. Favor the MGB’s dedicated top or side carry handles whenever possible, as telescoping handles aren’t made to support much weight beyond what’s needed for maneuvering and dragging.
Built-In TSA Lock Is a Welcome Addition
The integrated TSA-approved combination lock is another nice feature.
The TSA can open locks that are approved by them with special inspection tools. This means there is a smaller chance your lock will be cut if it gets inspected.
On a carry on bag a lock really isn’t as important as it is on a checked bag. This is because your suitcase should always be relatively close to you.
However, it is nice to use on hotels, trains, cruise or if your bag will be out of your sight temporarily.
You also do not have to worry about losing a separate padlock since it is integrated.
Scratch-Resistant Textured Exterior
Scratches happen. Eventually. Carry-ons get loaded onto conveyor belts, stuffed into overhead bins, slammed around in trunks and tossed onto luggage racks.
Glossy shells don’t fair so well with that kind of treatment.
MGB’s got that covered with a textured, scratch-resistant finish designed to hide abrasions.
Reinforced Zipper Construction
Here’s another small thing to note: reverse-coil zipper that’s reinforced.
Zipper failure is one of the most frequent breakdowns on luggage – mainly due to people overstuffing their bags and then struggling to zip the case closed.
MGB claims the zipper is reinforced and “explosion-proof,” the latter of which isn’t an official test or durability rating that I know of.
The real-world implication is that the zipper is less likely to unzip itself when you’re pulling hard on it.
However, that still doesn’t mean I’d purposefully overstuff the bag. Pulling too much pressure on the zipper repeatedly will wear out nearly any rolling luggage with zippers.
How Much Can You Pack in the MGB Carry-On?
Boasting up to 46 liters of space, the MGB is on the spacious side of the small carry-on market.
Whether you’re going away for three or four nights, a reasonable packing list would include:
- 3-4 shirts/tops
- 2 pairs of pants/shorts
- Undergarments and socks
- Sleepwear
- Personal care items
- An additional pair of shoes
- Light jacket
- Adapters, chargers and other tech accessories
If you’re traveling in the summer you’ll obviously be able to pack more than you would during winter months.
The generous interior also lends the MBG well for cruise vacations, as vacationers often pack casual wear, dress clothes, bathing suits and flip-flops in the same bag.
Is the MGB Really Airline Approved?
Dimensions for the MGB are listed at about 21.9″ x 13.8″ x 9.6″ (including wheels).
For instance, the standard found on many U. S. airlines is near 22 x 14 x 9. Carry-on policies vary by carrier & may change, so don’t take my word for it….
I wouldn’t purchase this bag just because it says “airline approved!”.
Measure ALL THREE exterior dimensions (including wheels and handles) against the aircraft carrier you will be flying.
This is especially true if you frequently travel on the “discount” airlines. Their baggage policies are typically more restrictive and enforcement is less friendly.
Trailering to the beach, cruising or larger airlines with more liberal dimensions? No problem.
What Real Buyers Say About the MGB Carry-On
The verified-purchase reviews I was provided for this write-up are overwhelmingly positive. Some patterns emerge.
Light Weight: This was by far the most popular praise I came across. Consumers like that the bag doesn’t feel like it weighs a ton prior to stuffing.
Easy to roll: Consumers have mentioned that this bag was easy to navigate through airports.
Sturdy: Consumers have described the luggage as rugged and well made.
Ideal for short trips: One user said this was perfect for three-four day trips. Another user mentioned they took it on a cruise and were very happy with the bag.
Looks Cool: Subjectively, I think the carry on is nice looking. One consumer said that strangers have asked him where he got his luggage. The jet black color may not stand out like other fabrics and designs.
Like any review, take each comment for what it’s worth. Every piece of luggage will have a different lifespan depending on how much you pack, how often you travel, where you roll your bag and how airport workers handle your belongings.
MGB Hardside Carry-On Pros and Cons
Pros
- Light ~7.8 lbs.
- Spacious with 46L claim
- Functional squared-off packing shape
- 360-degree spinner-style wheels (x4)
- Built in TSA-approved lock
- Interior pockets galore
- Straps across the body help keep clothes from shifting
- Matte finish hard shell resists scratches
- Top handle and side pull strap
- Nice size for weekend and short travel bags
Cons
- It might be too wide for some airlines’ carry-on dimensions, you need to verify this with the airlines you are flying with.
- Unknown brand compared to Samsonite, Travelpro, or American Tourister
- Longevity harder to determine
Who Should Buy the MGB Hardside Carry-On?
Assuming price isn’t a factor, the MGB only makes sense for those travelers who value capacity and ultralight weight above all else.
Weekend warriors, cruisers, and any traveler who frequently embarks on three- or four-day trips should find it especially appealing, as you’ll likely be able to leave your checked luggage routine at home.
It’s also a viable option if you’re a frequent packing cube user, as the roomy interior will give you some wiggle room.
Lastly, if you typically travel by car, cruise or fly with carriers that allow suitcases this wide, the dimensions won’t bother you.
Who Should Skip It?
Prospective frequent travelers should beware airline restrictions that they commonly face.
If you anticipate dragging your bag around on cobblestone, cracked sidewalks or any uneven surfaces, you may also want to consider a two wheeled roller with bigger wheels.
And lastly, if long-term durability is a major concern for you, you may wish to purchase with a well-established luggage brand, even if it costs you a little more.
Overall rating: 4.3/5
Best for: Weekend trips, cruises and travelers wanting a lightweight, high-capacity carry-on.
Looking for more luggage options?
Visit the full review library:
MGB Hardside Carry-On Review: Final Verdict
Travelers who want relatively light weight, ample packing space, spinner convenience and built-in organization may find the MGB Hardside Carry-On Luggage strikes the right balance.
Clocking in at just 7.8 lbs, the luggage leaves you plenty of room under most airlines’ weight limits for your items. Its advertised capacity of 46 liters also gives you enough space for a weekend trip or even a few days of travel.
Features like a built-in TSA lock, several handle placements, interior pockets, compression straps and a non-slip exterior also make this luggage feel more functional than your average budget bag.
Pros also comment on many of these advantages. In reviews, owners frequently praise its light weight, durability and easy maneuverability.
However, this bag does have an odd overall dimension of 21.9″ x 13.8″ x 9.6″. You’ll definitely want to make sure it qualifies under your airline’s carry-on policy before booking your trip.
Just because the packaging describes it as “airline approved” doesn’t mean it’ll work for every carrier. Be sure to verify with your airline first.
Otherwise, if you tend to fly with carriers that will accept this bag and its dimensions fit the trips you typically take, the MGB is a strong contender. It’s especially well-suited for light travelers who value packing space.