What's a good carry on?

I'm currently looking for a carry on for my upcoming travel. It needs to be affordable and lightweight. I have been using an old duffel bag but I'm tired of carrying it around the airport. The only problem is that I have trouble lifting things to put it in the overhead compartment, which has deferred me from purchasing a rolling carry on since I hear they often weigh more.

There's only minor difference in the weight of bags. IT IS THE STUFF you cram in that is most of the weight.
Do you want sturdy or flimsy.
Do you want hard side protection or something soft sided that gives a little to fit it in.

You have trouble lifting things. Seriously do you think a bag that weighs one pound less will be a lot easier to lift?
Soft side like a duffel is a little harder to firmly hold and lift.
A hard side case keeps it shape as you lift it from one end and push it in.
You could swallow some pride and ask for help.
Many will help you if you are nice about it.
As you mention you do not like CARRYING IT then obviously something with wheels would be a good idea.

For you it would help to have handles that help YOU lift it. Handles can be on the sides and top of a bag. Pick what works for you.

Up The Khyber. Cleopatra and Camping are considered the best.

There are many that are good. Go to a luggage store and look at some. I can't see how the extra pound or so that a hard bag might weigh compared to a duffel is going to make that much difference in being able to get it into the overhead. A rigid bag is easier to handle for that, anyway, and you can ask for help.
Two wheels is probably better than four. Four wheels stick out more and they count for measuring the size of the bag, and two wheels roll better on surfaces like sidewalks and parking lots.
I prefer to buy a carry-on bag in person, having once had one where the handle didn't extend enough for me to be able to take normal length steps without hitting the bag with my feet.

Travel Pro