Away Baggage Overview: Hype or Value It?

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

They gained immense recognition by way of 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 assessment, 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 all the time been undeniably nice! They’re notoriously generally known as the suitcase model that took over Instagram. The web is affected by pictures of trendy of us wheeling a smooth 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 important job of speaking their imaginative and prescient of considerate journey and the way in which their suitcases might help you reside out that imaginative and prescient. They appeared so superb on the display, and I used to be excited to verify one out in actual life.

After I lastly acquired one in every of their instances (the Away Carry-On), the very first thing that stood out to me was how good it seemed in individual. The styling could be very fashionable 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 imagine the rationale for it’s to cover scratches, however I nonetheless don’t like the way it feels and appears up shut. They most likely might have gotten away with one thing a bit extra delicate that additionally appears to be like higher.

Past appears to be like, it feels pretty well-made, nevertheless it 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 (manner higher than a budget rattley ones I’ve used) nevertheless it’s nothing out of the peculiar. The wheels rolled clean and quiet round my kitchen, however they do really feel a bit mild and plasticky. I’m positive they’ll maintain up properly on clean concrete, however rougher surfaces may be a distinct story. I used to be fairly happy with the wheels on my light-weight Away Carry-On bag, however I’d fear about their power 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 instances) was loaded with dividers, pockets, and a beefy compression system that works superior at protecting every thing 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 stunning, 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 reasonably priced worth than manufacturers like RIMOWA.

On the similar time, nevertheless, Away won’t 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 believe there are higher choices on the market.

The reality is, whereas Away baggage is fashionable, useful, and sturdy, different baggage corporations 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 girls, Jen Rubio and Steph Korey—previously executives at Warby Parker. Actually, Away is likely one of the highest-funded female-backed startups so far.

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 stunning and sturdy: Baggage for the trendy traveler.

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

Away Baggage Overview

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 be versatile, which implies it could soak up the shock of bumps and knocks throughout journey.

Polycarbonate suitcases are light-weight and extremely sturdy, making them supreme 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 as of late. My normal Carry-On is polycarbonate, and I positively suppose it’s the very best materials to decide on.

Aluminum is a light-weight steel that’s extremely resistant to break and put on. It’s heavier than polycarbonate, nevertheless it gives a stage 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 suggest shopping for an aluminum suitcase until you actually will need to have probably the most luxurious and complicated suitcase to your travels. Aluminum’s added weight additionally makes it lower than supreme 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 appear and feel.

Aesthetic

Away baggage are recognized for his or her fashionable and fashionable look. The model has turn into a preferred selection for anybody who desires baggage that’s each useful 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 colour that matches your private type. I beloved having choices after I picked out my Away Carry-On bag. Plus, you possibly can choose a novel colour that makes it simpler to seek out your suitcase on the baggage declare.

The model’s signature suitcases have a hard-shell exterior, with a minimalist design and a clean, ribbed end that provides them a complicated look.

I do suppose there are different manufacturers which have a extra minimal, dialed-in aesthetic, although. For my part, Monos checked and carry-on baggage appears to be like much less cluttered and clunky and has a extra smooth look total than my Away Carry-On.

Group

Away carry-on and checked instances are designed with a considerate group system supposed to make packing and touring extra environment friendly. It’s not probably the most progressive and misses just a few options that different manufacturers ship, nevertheless it works fairly properly.

The suitcases are designed with quite a lot of inner compartments and pockets, which you need to use to maintain every thing organized and accessible.

The inside of the suitcase incorporates a zippered compartment, which you need to use to retailer smaller gadgets comparable to toiletries, socks, and underwear.

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

I actually wish 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, nevertheless it’s nonetheless fairly minimal. Pockets, please!

Away baggage additionally consists of compression straps. That is nice for maximizing area in your suitcase. Nothing fancy, nevertheless it 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 need to use to retailer gadgets that have to be simply accessible, comparable to passports, boarding passes, or electronics.

Sturdiness

For my part, one of the crucial necessary factors to cowl in a baggage assessment is sturdiness. A suitcase may be smooth, fashionable, and feature-packed, but when it falls aside after just a few journeys, it isn’t price 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 unique Away Carry-On, exceeded my expectations. After over a yr of use, my Away Carry-On bag nonetheless appears to be like 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, nevertheless it’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 wear and tear and tear of journey. It’s light-weight but robust. Away additionally created a customized scratch-resistant texture on their shells, which might help the suitcase keep 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. Nevertheless, my Away bag is certainly 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 stable 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 reveals up on the baggage declare broken, Away will cowl repairs.

Worth

In case you’re looking for new baggage, worth goes to be an necessary consider your choice. You need to be sure you get a suitcase that delivers the very best 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. Corporations 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 lately, I’d say that Away was the most suitable choice for a high-value fashionable 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. Every little thing between these two manufacturers could 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 inexpensive than the extra fundamental Away Carry-On.

So, does Away supply good worth? Sure, nevertheless it isn’t the very best anymore.

In case you don’t want the best possible baggage and need to avoid wasting more cash, you possibly can take a look at our listing of the best affordable luggage.

Away Baggage Dimensions & Specs

Away’s core assortment is out there 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 based mostly on their dimensions:

A number of of the fashions are additionally obtainable in a “flex” measurement. For instance, you should buy The Away Carry-On Flex. Because of this the suitcase may be expanded utilizing an exterior zipper to accommodate extra gadgets when wanted. This can be a nice characteristic that provides quite a lot of versatility in the event you want greater 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 presents 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 measurement restrictions and will not match within the overhead bin on some international flights. That is solely a very good carry-on possibility for home flights within the US.

The Away Each day Carry-On might be one in every of my favourite Away suitcase choices. It is likely one of the solely hardside personal-item-sized rolling suitcases available on the market, 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 protecting your necessities helpful.

Away Baggage Options

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

Easy-Rolling Wheels

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

In case 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 clean journey. Nevertheless, in the event you’ve tried different high-end suitcases, you could be a bit disenchanted. These wheels simply aren’t as quiet and clean as some opponents, and so they don’t really feel practically as sturdy.

Will they do the job? Completely. Nevertheless, I’d be a bit hesitant taking my Away Carry-On bag wherever 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 gadgets, this method holds them securely in place and helps create more room in your suitcase, permitting you to pack extra effectively. This was particularly useful after I was packing cumbersome gadgets like sweaters or jackets, which are likely to take up quite a lot of room.

I discovered the Away compression straps in my carry-on bag very simple to make use of. I merely packed my gadgets 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, nevertheless it works.

Detachable Laundry Bag

The Away detachable laundry bag is a particular characteristic 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 gadgets.

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

Constructed-In Battery

The built-in detachable battery pack might be my favourite characteristic of the Away Carry-On baggage. The battery pack is constructed immediately into the Away Carry-On and may be accessed by way of a handy exterior USB port.

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

It’s price noting that this characteristic is out there 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 possibly can take it with you in your travels with none considerations about safety or restrictions.

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

Exterior Pocket

In case you’re searching for 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 further space for storing for anybody who wants fast entry to important gadgets throughout their journey. The pocket is situated 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 this can be a large win in my e-book. Sadly, you do need to 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 measurement. This pocket is lined with a tender, protecting materials that helps to maintain your gadget secure and safe throughout transit. Remember that the exterior pocket doesn’t have a protecting exhausting 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 variety of smaller compartments for storing gadgets like telephones, chargers, passports, boarding passes, and different journey necessities.

Away Baggage Equipment

In case you’re considering 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 enhance any Away suitcase:

Packing Cubes

One in all 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 necessary 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 establish the contents inside with out having to unpack or open every thing. That is nice for while you’re in a rush or don’t need to disrupt the remainder of your packed gadgets.

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 good space-saving characteristic.

Though packing cubes will not be essential for everybody, they positively make the packing course of extra handy and fewer hectic for me. 

Garment Sleeve

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

Made with waterproof nylon, this garment sleeve is ideal for shielding  fits, attire, or some other hanging garments that you simply need to hold wrinkle-free. In case you’re touring with a swimsuit, this can be a good addition to any men’s luggage. The fabric additionally feels sturdy and well-made, giving me confidence that my garments will probably be secure and guarded throughout transit.

One of many issues I admire concerning the garment bag is its potential to clip inside The Greater Carry-On baggage. This can be a game-changer for these of us who prefer to hold our baggage organized and tidy. No extra scuffling with 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 thing as an alternative, with tiered loops that may match a number of hangers and two zippered pockets for storing equipment or jewellery.

One other characteristic 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 by way of layers of clothes. 

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

Shoe Cube

In case you’re like me, packing sneakers 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 admire concerning the shoe cubes is the collapsible divider, which lets you retailer and separate a number of pairs of sneakers. This makes it simple to maintain your sneakers organized, clear, and simple to entry while you want them. The deal with can 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 this can be a enormous improve total! 

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

Toiletry Bag

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

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

The water resistant 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 protecting your merchandise organized and simple to entry. The clamshell opening additionally makes it simple to pack and entry your necessities rapidly 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 necessary while you’re attempting to maintain your baggage weight down.

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

The place to Purchase Away Baggage

In case you’re considering shopping for an Away bag after studying this assessment, buying from Away’s web site is the best and most direct manner to purchase their baggage. Their suitcases may be bought directly from their website. 

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

Whereas Away is primarily a web based retailer however they do have retail areas in main cities across the US and UK. In case 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 baggage in individual. You possibly can take a look at the complete listing of their bodily areas on their website.

Away Baggage Options

Away has turn into a preferred suitcase model in recent times, however there are a number of different choices obtainable in the event you’re searching for related merchandise. This Away Baggage assessment wouldn’t be full with out evaluating an Away bag to different model choices.

The highest manufacturers I’d suggest wanting into for an alternative choice to an Away bag are Monos, July, and Samsonite.

Away vs. Monos

Monos presents a variety of hardside suitcases which can be very akin to Away. Whereas Away suitcases are nice, Monos outperforms them in virtually each manner. Monos baggage is harder, has higher inner group, and even prices much less throughout the board. If you wish to be taught 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 comparable to polycarbonate for the hardshell exterior of their suitcases, however Monos additionally makes use of aircraft-grade aluminum reinforcement for added power.

All in all, I believe you’ll be a lot better off with a suitcase from Monos than an Away bag. Monos places their suitcases by way of some ridiculous durability testing, and the distinction actually reveals within the high quality. If you need a suitcase that may 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 supply quite a lot of sizes together with normal or greater carry-on, however solely Away presents 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

When it comes to design, Away and July baggage have the same look however there are some delicate variations between them as properly. For example, Away suitcases are ribbed whereas July suitcases are much less textured and have a clean exterior with one dividing line. Moreover, July baggage has a wider vary of colour choices obtainable and somewhat little bit of a sporty really feel, whereas Away presents a minimalist subdued colour pallet.

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

One characteristic 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 title or a enjoyable phrase to be printed in your bag. The personalization will all the time make it simple to seek out your bag on the luggage carousel.

Relating 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 measurement choices than July for his or her checked and carry-on suitcases. You possibly can select an ordinary or greater carry-on or go for expandability in any measurement.

In my eyes, there’s no clear winner on the subject of evaluating Away and July baggage – it depends upon 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 recent model that has gained recognition in recent times.

Samsonite tends to be extra reasonably priced than Away. Samsonite presents a variety of baggage 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 simple carry-on suitcase.

Design-wise, each manufacturers supply a variety 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 fashionable and trendy, with a concentrate on minimalism and practicality. Away’s baggage options hard-shell exteriors in a variety of colours, whereas Samsonite presents each exhausting and soft-shell exteriors and is available in extra old-school types and colours.

General, Samsonite luggage is an efficient possibility for these searching for reasonably priced, conventional baggage with a concentrate on sturdiness. Away is an efficient possibility for these searching for fashionable, fashionable baggage with distinctive options to make journey extra handy.

Away Baggage FAQs