Away Travel: Luggage Review
I have looooooads of baggage.
Even some baggage that is actual physical luggage! I'm excited to share my experience with and review of Away luggage - a review about 5 years in the making. As someone who owns not one, not two, but four of their suitcases, I can confidently say that Away has become an essential piece of my travels. So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of each suitcase and why I really love them.
Quick note: This review is based on the Original suitcases. Away just launched their new redesigned suitcases this week, great timing!
The Carry-On:
The asphalt Away Carry-On was my first purchase from the brand, probably around 5 years ago (at the least). It is sleek and simple in design, but it's the durability that truly impressed me. This suitcase has gone on countless trips, both as a carry-on and checked into the airplane cargo hold. The removable battery pack was a game-changer, always keeping my many devices charged during layovers and long waits for rides. Inside, the compartments keep my things neat and secure; when I bother packing neatly, that is. Moving through busy airports is so simple with the smooth spinner wheels. I also appreciate the lifetime warranty, which reflects the company's confidence in its product. I can confirm this is real since I had to get this exact suitcase replaced this spring after an accidental zipper-busting by a family member. I was also gifted the limited edition lavender Carry-On by a friend (Thanks, Nicole!) and I’m absolutely loving that as well.
The Bigger Carry-On:
Next, my current go-to, the Bigger Carry-On. This carry-on is perfectly sized to meet most US airline regulations and has been able to fit in a few larger European carriers as well. There’s plenty of space for a week's worth of clothing, and the compression system is a lifesaver when I need to squeeze in a little extra. The durable polycarbonate shell has withstood the test of time, though with a few blemishes, since it is white. But a quick once-over with a magic eraser fixes almost any marks! As with the Carry-On, the battery and spinner wheels are fantastic, and this has been my go-to for most trips and has never let me down.
Mine is in ‘White’, bought in 2019 and I paid more for a personalized monogram, which makes it super easy to find whenever I need to check it!
Away Medium in LE ‘Sea Green’ (2020)
The Medium:
For those longer trips - like my 9+ day trips to Scotland - I turn to my Away Medium suitcase. This spacious checked luggage holds everything I need and more. Since it’s larger, I do need to be conscious of weight, but even packed full, I’ve been able to keep under the 50lb weight limit of most of my flights. I also appreciate the built-in TSA-approved combination lock, providing that extra layer of security and peace of mind while my bag is out of my sight.
The Everywhere Bag:
Away's Everywhere Bag is the brand’s answer to day excursions and an additional carry-on. Now it comes in multiple sizes, but I bought the original a few years ago. It was a nice bag, but didn’t fit my traveling style, because I tend to pack a lot in my personal item, and it was just too heavy on one shoulder for me. I ended up returning it, thanks to Away’s generous return policy. If it fits your travel style though, it really is a great looking and great performing bag. The water-resistant nylon material is perfect for unpredictable weather or accidental spills, and it's surprisingly spacious without being bulky.
The Small Toiletry Bag
The Organizational Pouches:
I’m lumping these into one, but let’s talk about the little pieces of Away goodness: the Tech Pouch, the Toiletry Bag, and the Packing Cubes. These babies are actual lifesavers for staying even somewhat organized while I’m traveling. The Tech Pouch is meant to keep all your gadgets and cables in one place, and it does, but…… I am a photographer and tend to travel with more tech than it can really hold. For a trip where I’m packing lighter though, I really love it.
The small toiletry bag is perfect for holding my travel-sized essentials—no more worrying about leaky shampoo bottles ruining my clothes. If I’m packing carry-on only, I will pack my liquids in a separate ziplock bag until I’m through security, then I’ll put them in the bag. I tend to go through some really strict airports, so security would make me remove the liquids from my bag anyway, so why not do it proactively?
And the packing cubes? Game-changers! They turn my chaotic suitcase into a neatly arranged haven. I like that they’re so thin, that they’re not really adding any unnecessary bulk to my bag, which really helps when I’m trying to stuff the suitcase to the brim. It's so easy to find what I need without unpacking and repacking everything. Away definitely nailed it with these travel accessories.
Final Thoughts?
As a frequent traveler, the durability, functionality, and sleek design of their suitcases and other products have definitely exceeded my expectations.
While the initial investment might seem steep (because let’s be honest, it is.), the quality and thoughtful features make it worth every penny. I can't recommend Away products enough, and as a proud owner of four of their suitcases and plenty of accessories, I can confidently say they have become my go-to travel companion.
I won’t tell you to buy them, because luggage is a more personal decision than people might think at first, and the investment is something everyone needs to debate for themselves. Do you have a favorite suitcase or luggage brand? Share it in the comments, I’m curious!
If you are interested in buying an Away suitcase, you can use this link here for $20 off your first suitcase. Full transparency, if you use it, it doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it does also give me $20 credit to buy (yet another) Away bag :)
In any case (HA! I’ve been dying to say that this whole post), please stay safe, pack efficiently, and have a great day.
- Kate