Away Baggage Evaluate: Hype or Price It?

Away Baggage was essentially the most disruptive baggage model in the marketplace after they first launched in 2016. They have been providing fantastically designed, high-quality, sturdy suitcases that got here with the most effective warranties provided by any baggage model on the market.

They gained immense reputation via their robust social media presence, with a myriad of influencers and celebrities selling the model on social media platforms.

However has Away Baggage maintained their model positioning and high quality through the years?

On this Away Baggage evaluation, I put their most up-to-date merchandise to the check to find out whether or not they’re nonetheless worthy of the hype.

Away Baggage First Impressions

I first realized about Away in my Instagram feed years in the past. Their advertising has at all times been undeniably nice! They’re notoriously generally known as the suitcase model that took over Instagram. The web is plagued by photographs of fashionable people wheeling a glossy Away Carry-On bag on the way in which to some dream trip.

I used to be drawn to their merchandise even earlier than I knew a lot concerning the model. They do an excellent job of speaking their imaginative and prescient of considerate journey and the way in which their suitcases may also help you reside out that imaginative and prescient. They appeared so wonderful on the display screen, and I used to be excited to test one out in actual life.

After I lastly obtained certainly one of their circumstances (the Away Carry-On), the very first thing that stood out to me was how good it appeared in particular person. The styling may be very trendy and the colours look nice. The one detractor was that I don’t love the feel on the hardshell: it’s a bit tough (virtually pebbly) and simply appears a bit low cost and overdone to me. I consider the rationale for it’s to cover scratches, however I nonetheless don’t like the way it feels and appears up shut. They in all probability might have gotten away with one thing a bit extra refined that additionally seems to be higher.

Past seems to be, it feels pretty well-made, but it surely doesn’t fairly stand as much as another suitcases I’ve tried. The polycarbonate shell appears robust sufficient, however I might get it to flex fairly a bit by pushing on the edges. The telescopic deal with feels sturdy (method higher than a budget rattley ones I’ve used) but it surely’s nothing out of the odd. The wheels rolled easy and quiet round my kitchen, however they do really feel a bit mild and plasticky. I’m positive they’ll maintain up nicely on easy concrete, however rougher surfaces could be a distinct story. I used to be fairly glad with the wheels on my light-weight Away Carry-On bag, however I’d fear about their energy with a fully-loaded checked bag.

Lastly, after I opened up my Away Carry-On, the quantity of group options made me smile. I’d been utilizing a less expensive suitcase for some time that had one mesh pocket and some flimsy straps to carry issues in place. The Away Carry-On (like all Away circumstances) was loaded with dividers, pockets, and a beefy compression system that works superior at retaining every part neat. There’s even an included laundry bag to maintain your soiled garments separate!

Away Baggage Execs and Cons

Away baggage has so much going for it. It’s lovely, sturdy, and full of options. Away was one of many first startup direct-to-customer manufacturers that aimed to promote luxury-level polycarbonate suitcases at extra inexpensive worth than manufacturers like RIMOWA.

On the similar time, nonetheless, Away may not be for everybody. Extra manufacturers have stepped into the scene and are providing very related hardside suitcases at even higher costs. I like my Away Carry-On bag, however I feel there are higher choices on the market.

The reality is, whereas Away baggage is trendy, practical, and sturdy, different baggage firms like Monos and July have stepped in to supply higher merchandise at the same or cheaper worth level.

Who’s Away Baggage?

The corporate was based in New York Metropolis by two ladies, Jen Rubio and Steph Korey—previously executives at Warby Parker. In truth, Away is likely one of the highest-funded female-backed startups to this point.

After Rubio had a suitcase fail catastrophically in a Swiss airport, she began looking for extra dependable baggage. When she couldn’t discover something that met her expectations, Rubio teamed up with Korey to develop a hard-shell suitcase that’s each lovely and sturdy: Baggage for the fashionable traveler.

Away’s method to baggage design is influenced by their real-world experiences as vacationers. They purpose to know the wants of recent vacationers and create merchandise that cater to those wants. Away carry-on baggage and checked baggage

Away Baggage Evaluate

Supplies

Away carry-on baggage and checked suitcases are primarily provided in two high-quality supplies: polycarbonate and aluminum.

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that’s extremely proof against influence and scratches. It’s a light-weight materials that can also be versatile, which suggests it could take up the shock of bumps and knocks throughout journey.

Polycarbonate suitcases are light-weight and extremely sturdy, making them best for frequent vacationers who desire a dependable suitcase that’s simple to hold. That’s why polycarbonate is the fabric of selection for hardside luggage nowadays. My normal Carry-On is polycarbonate, and I positively assume it’s the most effective materials to decide on.

Aluminum is a light-weight steel that’s extremely resistant to wreck and put on. It’s heavier than polycarbonate, but it surely offers a degree of safety that’s unmatched by different supplies.

Away’s aluminum shell suitcases are heavier and really costly, however they supply extra safety and a extra premium look. I don’t advocate shopping for an aluminum suitcase except you actually will need to have essentially the most luxurious and complicated suitcase to your travels. Aluminum’s added weight additionally makes it lower than best for carry-on baggage.

Away finishes of their materials selections with an ultra-soft stain-resistant inner lining material, high-quality YKK zippers, and real leather-based trim, together with a black leather-based baggage tag. These little particulars actually spherical out the general high-end feel and look.

Aesthetic

Away baggage are identified for his or her trendy and trendy look. The model has grow to be a preferred selection for anybody who needs baggage that’s each practical and aesthetically pleasing.

There are 9 normal colours to select from—navy, petal, and asphalt are my favourite. With all of the choices it’s fairly simple to discover a shade that matches your private fashion. I beloved having choices after I picked out my Away Carry-On bag. Plus, you possibly can choose a singular shade that makes it simpler to search out your suitcase on the baggage declare.

The model’s signature suitcases have a hard-shell exterior, with a minimalist design and a easy, ribbed end that offers them a classy look.

I do assume there are different manufacturers which have a extra minimal, dialed-in aesthetic, although. In my view, Monos checked and carry-on baggage seems to be much less cluttered and clunky and has a extra glossy look total than my Away Carry-On.

Group

Away carry-on and checked circumstances are designed with a considerate group system meant to make packing and touring extra environment friendly. It’s not essentially the most revolutionary and misses just a few options that different manufacturers ship, but it surely works fairly nicely.

The suitcases are designed with quite a lot of inner compartments and pockets, which you should utilize to maintain every part organized and accessible.

The inside of the suitcase incorporates a zippered compartment, which you should utilize to retailer smaller objects akin to toiletries, socks, and underwear.

There’s a mesh panel on the inside of the suitcase to separate objects and stop them from shifting throughout journey.

I actually want to see extra pockets on the within, although, particularly within the Away Carry-On. There’s sufficient right here that can assist you keep a bit extra organized, but it surely’s nonetheless fairly minimal. Pockets, please!

Away baggage additionally consists of compression straps. That is nice for maximizing area in your suitcase. Nothing fancy, but it surely works.

Along with the inside compartments and compression straps, some Away carry-on baggage (just like the Carry-On with Pocket) even have an exterior pocket, which you should utilize to retailer objects that must be simply accessible, akin to passports, boarding passes, or electronics.

Sturdiness

In my view, probably the most essential factors to cowl in a baggage evaluation is sturdiness. A suitcase could be glossy, trendy, and feature-packed, but when it falls aside after just a few journeys, it isn’t value shopping for.

Up to now few years, Away baggage has constructed a status for its sturdiness and high-quality development, along with its design.

My expertise with the Away carry-on baggage, particularly their authentic Away Carry-On, exceeded my expectations. After over a yr of use, my Away Carry-On bag nonetheless seems to be good total. I’ve positively put some scratches and dents in my Away bag although from stuffing it into the overhead bin and dragging it off the luggage carousel. That is fairly regular put on, but it surely’s good to know that Away carry-on baggage aren’t bomb-proof.

The model’s signature hard-shell checked and carry-on suitcases are comprised of high-quality polycarbonate and are designed to face up to the damage and tear of journey. It’s light-weight but robust. Away additionally created a customized scratch-resistant texture on their shells, which may also help the suitcase preserve its look even after frequent use.

The graceful-rolling 360-degree spinner wheels are designed to face as much as impacts and long-term use. Nonetheless, my Away bag is unquestionably not my first choose if I’ll be touring over cobblestone streets in Europe. The wheels simply really feel a bit too mild and low cost to be used on actually tough surfaces.

Each Away bag does include a reasonably strong restricted lifetime guarantee, which is a testomony to their confidence within the sturdiness and longevity of their merchandise. It’s good to know that in case your suitcase exhibits up on the baggage declare broken, Away will cowl repairs.

Worth

When you’re looking for new baggage, worth goes to be an essential think about your choice. You need to be sure to get a suitcase that delivers the most effective bang to your buck.

Away was particularly began to supply the identical high quality and options you see in luxury-level baggage, simply at a extra attainable worth. Firms like RIMOWA and Briggs & Riley have been providing polycarbonate suitcases because the early 2000’s, however you need to pay an arm and leg for them. Away baggage makes use of the identical materials, similar manufacturing strategies, and related options, however their baggage is half the associated fee.

Till just lately, I’d say that Away was the best choice for a high-value trendy suitcase, however now different manufacturers have stepped into the market.

Monos is one other model that began just a few years later than Away and makes a really related product. The whole lot between these two manufacturers may be very comparable (Monos even has some benefits in group and high quality testing), however Monos is considerably cheaper. For instance, the Monos Carry-On Professional (which has an exterior pocket) is cheaper than the extra fundamental Away Carry-On.

So, does Away provide good worth? Sure, but it surely isn’t the most effective anymore.

When you don’t want the best possible baggage and need to avoid wasting extra money, you possibly can take a look at our record of the best affordable luggage.

Away Baggage Dimensions & Specs

Away’s core assortment is accessible in 5 completely different sizes. This consists of The Daily Carry-On, The Carry-On, The Bigger Carry-On, The Medium, and The Large. 

To get technical, right here’s the precise comparability of fashions primarily based on their dimensions:

A number of of the fashions are additionally out there in a “flex” dimension. For instance, you should purchase The Away Carry-On Flex. Because of this the suitcase could be expanded utilizing an exterior zipper to accommodate extra objects when wanted. This can be a nice function that provides loads of versatility in the event you want larger carry-on baggage for some journeys however not others. I usually want I had gotten the Away Carry-On Flex relatively than my normal Away Carry-On baggage.

I like that Away provides a number of sizes for his or her carry-on suitcases. One factor to pay attention to with the Away Greater Carry-On is that this bigger carry-on baggage is outsized for worldwide dimension restrictions and should not match within the overhead bin on some world flights. That is solely a great carry-on choice for home flights within the US.

The Away Each day Carry-On might be certainly one of my favourite Away suitcase choices. It is likely one of the solely hardside personal-item-sized rolling suitcases in the marketplace, and it packs in a ton of nice options. Designed to slot in overhead bins or below the seat in entrance of you, this little case is ideal for brief, minimal journeys or simply retaining your necessities helpful.

Away Baggage Options

When doing a baggage evaluation, I need to discover parts that improve using the bags. These could possibly be distinctive storage or packing methods, completely different handles, and straps, or any inventive options the producer provides to the product.

Clean-Rolling Wheels

Away’s 360-degree spinner wheels are a key function of the model’s checked and carry-on baggage. They’re designed to supply a easy and quiet rolling expertise, and might rotate in any course. 

When you’re coming from extra fundamental baggage manufacturers, you’ll instantly discover the distinction with the Away suitcase wheels. They really feel very premium in comparison with the flimsy plastic wheels you’ll discover on cheaper baggage and ship a easy journey. Nonetheless, in the event you’ve tried different high-end suitcases, you might be a bit dissatisfied. These wheels simply aren’t as quiet and easy as some opponents, they usually don’t really feel practically as sturdy.

Will they do the job? Completely. Nonetheless, I’d be a bit hesitant taking my Away Carry-On bag anyplace with actually tough surfaces like cobblestone or brick streets.

Compression System

Away’s inside compression system lets you pack extra effectively and with much less effort. It consists of a folding divider with a set of straps that may be tightened to compress the contents of the suitcase.

By compressing your garments and different objects, this method holds them securely in place and helps create extra space in your suitcase, permitting you to pack extra effectively. This was particularly useful after I was packing cumbersome objects like sweaters or jackets, which are inclined to take up loads of room.

I discovered the Away compression straps in my carry-on bag very simple to make use of. I merely packed my objects within the suitcase as I usually would, then coated them with the inside divider and used the straps to compress the contents.

It’s actually nothing extraordinary, but it surely works.

Detachable Laundry Bag

The Away detachable laundry bag is a particular function of Away’s bigger suitcases (checked baggage baggage). This detachable laundry bag is a handy approach to hold your damp or soiled garments separate from the remainder of your packed objects.

The laundry bag is principally a detachable pouch that attaches to the inside of the suitcase. It’s comprised of a waterproof materials to forestall any moisture or odor from spreading to different objects in your baggage. It’s good for holding any soiled or damp garments, akin to bathing fits or exercise garments.

Constructed-In Battery

The built-in detachable battery pack might be my favourite function of the Away Carry-On baggage. The battery pack is constructed instantly into the Away Carry-On and could be accessed via a handy exterior USB port.

With this function, you possibly can simply cost your telephone, pill, or different digital units whereas on the go. It has sufficient capability to totally cost a telephone a number of instances. I can’t inform you how far more handy that is than looking for an open outlet within the airport. I like with the ability to plug in my telephone regardless of the place I’m.

It’s value noting that this function is accessible solely on the Away Carry-On baggage and the Greater Carry-On baggage fashions. 

The detachable battery pack is designed to adjust to all main airline insurance policies and is TSA-approved for carry-on use. You may take it with you in your travels with none issues about safety or restrictions.

Within the case that you just determine to test your Away carry-on, the battery pack could be eliminated. The system may be very simple—it comes out by merely clicking the eject button.

Exterior Pocket

When you’re in search of a carry-on baggage mannequin that has an exterior pocket, you’ll need to go for the aptly named the Away Carry-On With Pocket.

This carry-on suitcase consists of an exterior zippered compartment to supply extra cupboard space for anybody who wants fast entry to important objects throughout their journey. The pocket is positioned on the entrance of the suitcase and is secured with a sturdy zipper. I’m an enormous fan of exterior pockets on carry-on baggage, so it is a massive win in my ebook. Sadly, you do should pay fairly a bit extra for it over the usual carry-on.

There’s a padded sleeve for a laptop computer or pill, which may maintain a tool as much as 15 inches in dimension. This pocket is lined with a smooth, protecting materials that helps to maintain your machine secure and safe throughout transit. Remember that the exterior pocket doesn’t have a protecting onerous shell, so that you’ll need to take only a bit extra care when stuffing your carry-on into tight overhead bins.

Along with the laptop computer sleeve, the Away Carry-On With Pocket additionally has a spread of smaller compartments for storing objects like telephones, chargers, passports, boarding passes, and different journey necessities.

Away Baggage Equipment

When you’re all for including extra performance and magnificence to your journey gear, Away has an assortment of equipment that may aid you optimize your journey expertise. Listed here are the highest equipment to enrich any Away suitcase:

Packing Cubes

Considered one of their hottest equipment are the Away packing cubes, which are available in units of 4 or six, and are designed to suit completely inside their carry-on and checked suitcases. 

The units embody cubes of various sizes. That is essential because you’ll need completely different choices to your pants vs. your socks. 

They’re designed with a mesh panel on high, making it simple to determine the contents inside with out having to unpack or open every part. That is nice for if you’re in a rush or don’t need to disrupt the remainder of your packed objects.

The most important benefit of the packing cubes is their compatibility with Away’s carry-on and checked suitcases. The cubes are designed to fill an Away suitcase and work with their compression straps, so you possibly can actually maximize your packing area. They will also be saved flat when not in use, which is a superb space-saving function.

Though packing cubes should not obligatory for everybody, they positively make the packing course of extra handy and fewer tense for me. 

Garment Sleeve

One other accent provided by Away is the carry-on garment sleeve, which you should utilize to retailer and transport formal put on or different delicate clothes objects. 

Made with waterproof nylon, this garment sleeve is ideal for safeguarding  fits, attire, or every other hanging garments that you just need to hold wrinkle-free. When you’re touring with a go well with, it is a good addition to any men’s luggage. The fabric additionally feels sturdy and well-made, giving me confidence that my garments can be secure and guarded throughout transit.

One of many issues I recognize concerning the garment bag is its capability to clip inside The Greater Carry-On baggage. This can be a game-changer for these of us who wish to hold our baggage organized and tidy. No extra battling a number of baggage or having to hold a further garment bag. Now I simply want I had gotten the Greater Carry-On.

The organizational particulars of the bag additionally assist hold every part as an alternative, with tiered loops that may match a number of hangers and two zippered pockets for storing equipment or jewellery.

One other function I like about this garment sleeve is its inner construction. It helps to maintain garments safe and wrinkle-free throughout transit. The bag opens vertically, making it simple to pack and entry my garments with out having to dig via layers of clothes. 

The steel hook on high additionally turns out to be useful for simply hanging the bag up upon arrival.

Shoe Cube

When you’re like me, packing footwear is usually a little bit of a problem when touring. That’s why I used to be excited to check out the Away Shoe Cubes. 

Just like the packing cubes and garment bag, the shoe cubes are additionally comprised of waterproof artificial material.

One of many options I recognize concerning the shoe cubes is the collapsible divider, which lets you retailer and separate a number of pairs of footwear. This makes it simple to maintain your footwear organized, clear, and straightforward to entry if you want them. The deal with can also be a pleasant contact, making it simple to hold or dangle the cubes when wanted.

I’ve simply used a plastic bag for years, and it is a large improve total! 

The very last thing value noting is that the shoe cubes could be saved flat when not in use. Though, I discover myself utilizing the storage bag in my closet at house, even when not touring. 

Toiletry Bag

The Away Toiletry Bag is a small zippered case that displays Away’s practical design and a focus to element. It has an array of options that make it good for retaining your toiletries organized on the go.

One of many options I recognize concerning the Away Small Toiletry Bag is its exterior zip pocket. That is nice for storing grab-and-go objects, making them simply accessible throughout your travels.

The waterproof physique and coated wipeable inside make this bag simple to wash in case of any spills.

Contained in the bag, there are two separate clear and mesh inside pockets, good for retaining your merchandise organized and straightforward to entry. The clamshell opening additionally makes it simple to pack and entry your necessities shortly and effectively.

Whereas that is the small model of the toiletry bag, it nonetheless has loads of area for many of my travel-sized toiletries. It’s additionally light-weight, which is essential if you’re attempting to maintain your baggage weight down.

It’s value noting that Away additionally sells a larger version and a hanging version of this toiletry case. These are nice in the event you journey regularly or wants a bit extra space to your toiletries.

The place to Purchase Away Baggage

When you’re all for shopping for an Away bag after studying this evaluation, buying from Away’s web site is the simplest and most direct method to purchase their baggage. Their suitcases could be bought directly from their website. 

Away provides free delivery on all orders inside the US, in addition to free returns inside 100 days of buy.

Whereas Away is primarily a web-based retailer however they do have retail places in main cities across the US and UK. When you occur to be in a big metropolis like New York or London, it may be enjoyable to pop into the shop and get a really feel for the bags in particular person. You may take a look at the total record of their bodily places on their website.

Away Baggage Alternate options

Away has grow to be a preferred suitcase model lately, however there are a number of different choices out there in the event you’re in search of related merchandise. This Away Baggage evaluation wouldn’t be full with out evaluating an Away bag to different model choices.

The highest manufacturers I might advocate trying into for a substitute for an Away bag are Monos, July, and Samsonite.

Away vs. Monos

Monos provides a spread of hardside suitcases which might be very akin to Away. Whereas Away suitcases are nice, Monos outperforms them in virtually each method. Monos baggage is more durable, has higher inner group, and even prices much less throughout the board. If you wish to study extra, you possibly can learn our full Monos luggage review.

Each manufacturers’ suitcases are remarkably related within the options they provide. Each have inside group methods with folding dividers and compression straps, well-engineered spinner wheels, an built-in TSA-approved mixture lock, sturdy aluminum handles, and a restricted lifetime guarantee. Each use high-quality supplies akin to polycarbonate for the hardshell exterior of their suitcases, however Monos additionally makes use of aircraft-grade aluminum reinforcement for added energy.

All in all, I feel you’ll be significantly better off with a suitcase from Monos than an Away bag. Monos places their suitcases via some ridiculous durability testing, and the distinction actually exhibits within the high quality. If you need a suitcase that can final perpetually, Monos is a better option than Away’s carry-on suitcases.

One place the place Away stands out is with their Flex fashions. Each Monos and Away provide quite a lot of sizes together with normal or larger carry-on, however solely Away provides a full vary of suitcases with a zipper for increasing the suitcase for a bit extra packing area. If you need the best possible versatility, the Away Carry-On Flex is the way in which to go.

Learn our full comparability of Monos vs Away.

Away vs. July

By way of design, Away and July baggage have the same look however there are some refined variations between them as nicely. As an illustration, Away suitcases are ribbed whereas July suitcases are much less textured and have a easy exterior with one dividing line. Moreover, July baggage has a wider vary of shade choices out there and somewhat little bit of a sporty really feel, whereas Away provides a minimalist subdued shade pallet.

Each Away and July baggage include a number of handy options akin to built-in USB chargers and TSA-approved locks.

One function that units July aside is personalization. Once you buy a bag from July, you possibly can request a customized personalization printed in your carry-on or checked bag. This could possibly be your identify or a enjoyable phrase to be printed in your bag. The personalization will at all times make it simple to search out your bag on the luggage carousel.

With regards to price, Away’s merchandise are barely cheaper than these from July, although the Away Carry-On Flex provides some price.

I additionally like that Away has extra dimension choices than July for his or her checked and carry-on suitcases. You may select an ordinary or larger carry-on or go for expandability in any dimension.

In my eyes, there’s no clear winner on the subject of evaluating Away and July baggage – it relies on your particular person wants and preferences. 

Away vs. Samsonite

Away and Samsonite are two widespread baggage manufacturers with distinct variations in worth, design, and options. 

Samsonite is a well-established model that has been round for over 100 years, whereas Away is a more moderen model that has gained reputation lately.

Samsonite tends to be extra inexpensive than Away. Samsonite provides a variety of bags at completely different worth factors, together with budget-friendly choices. In distinction, Away’s baggage tends to be costlier, with costs beginning round $300 for his or her most elementary carry-on suitcase.

Design-wise, each manufacturers provide a spread of choices, however their aesthetics are very completely different. Samsonite’s designs are typically extra conventional and conservative, with a concentrate on sturdiness and performance.

Away’s designs are extra trendy and classy, with a concentrate on minimalism and practicality. Away’s baggage options hard-shell exteriors in a spread of colours, whereas Samsonite provides each onerous and soft-shell exteriors and is available in extra old-school types and colours.

Total, Samsonite luggage is an effective choice for these in search of inexpensive, conventional baggage with a concentrate on sturdiness. Away is an effective choice for these in search of trendy, trendy baggage with distinctive options to make journey extra handy.

Away Baggage FAQs