The Best Away Luggage We Tested, Including Carry-Ons, Suitcases, and Pet Carriers

Mar. 15, 2025

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Packing can be a hassle. Luckily, travel companies like Away have gone above and beyond to make luggage that helps offset the burden of travel unknowns and hiccups along the way.Experts Say“Travelers should look for durable luggage that makes the travel experience easier,” Delta Air Lines flight attendantKatie Trebendistells PEOPLE. “Features like weight indicators, spinner wheels, and padded handles can enhance your travel experience.”Whether you’ve been planning a trip abroad, preparing for a honeymoon, or getting ready for any other adventure that awaits, having reliable luggage will only add to the wonder of your destination. Away has a huge inventory of suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, and more that can let you explore the world while keeping the things that matter close.Read on for the best Away luggage of 2024, including some we tested ourselves.Our Top PicksAway The Carry-On at Awaytravel.com$275Jump to ReviewAway The Bigger Carry-On at Awaytravel.com$295Jump to ReviewAway The Carry-On Flex at Awaytravel.com$325Jump to ReviewAway The Softside Medium at Awaytravel.com$295Jump to ReviewAway The Medium at Awaytravel.com$345Jump to ReviewAway The Medium Flex at Awaytravel.com$395Jump to ReviewAway The Large at Awaytravel.com$395Jump to ReviewAway The Large Flex at Awaytravel.com$425Jump to ReviewAway The Everywhere Bag at Awaytravel.com$195Jump to ReviewAway The Everywhere Zip Backpack at Awaytravel.com$195Jump to Review

Packing can be a hassle. Luckily, travel companies like Away have gone above and beyond to make luggage that helps offset the burden of travel unknowns and hiccups along the way.

Experts Say“Travelers should look for durable luggage that makes the travel experience easier,” Delta Air Lines flight attendantKatie Trebendistells PEOPLE. “Features like weight indicators, spinner wheels, and padded handles can enhance your travel experience.”

Experts Say

“Travelers should look for durable luggage that makes the travel experience easier,” Delta Air Lines flight attendantKatie Trebendistells PEOPLE. “Features like weight indicators, spinner wheels, and padded handles can enhance your travel experience.”

Whether you’ve been planning a trip abroad, preparing for a honeymoon, or getting ready for any other adventure that awaits, having reliable luggage will only add to the wonder of your destination. Away has a huge inventory of suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, and more that can let you explore the world while keeping the things that matter close.

Read on for the best Away luggage of 2024, including some we tested ourselves.

Our Top PicksAway The Carry-On at Awaytravel.com$275Jump to ReviewAway The Bigger Carry-On at Awaytravel.com$295Jump to ReviewAway The Carry-On Flex at Awaytravel.com$325Jump to ReviewAway The Softside Medium at Awaytravel.com$295Jump to ReviewAway The Medium at Awaytravel.com$345Jump to ReviewAway The Medium Flex at Awaytravel.com$395Jump to ReviewAway The Large at Awaytravel.com$395Jump to ReviewAway The Large Flex at Awaytravel.com$425Jump to ReviewAway The Everywhere Bag at Awaytravel.com$195Jump to ReviewAway The Everywhere Zip Backpack at Awaytravel.com$195Jump to Review

Away The Carry-On at Awaytravel.com$275Jump to ReviewAway The Bigger Carry-On at Awaytravel.com$295Jump to ReviewAway The Carry-On Flex at Awaytravel.com$325Jump to ReviewAway The Softside Medium at Awaytravel.com$295Jump to ReviewAway The Medium at Awaytravel.com$345Jump to ReviewAway The Medium Flex at Awaytravel.com$395Jump to ReviewAway The Large at Awaytravel.com$395Jump to ReviewAway The Large Flex at Awaytravel.com$425Jump to ReviewAway The Everywhere Bag at Awaytravel.com$195Jump to ReviewAway The Everywhere Zip Backpack at Awaytravel.com$195Jump to Review

Away The Carry-On at Awaytravel.com$275Jump to Review

Away The Carry-On at Awaytravel.com$275

Away The Bigger Carry-On at Awaytravel.com$295Jump to Review

Away The Bigger Carry-On at Awaytravel.com$295

Away The Carry-On Flex at Awaytravel.com$325Jump to Review

Away The Carry-On Flex at Awaytravel.com$325

Away The Softside Medium at Awaytravel.com$295Jump to Review

Away The Softside Medium at Awaytravel.com$295

Away The Medium at Awaytravel.com$345Jump to Review

Away The Medium at Awaytravel.com$345

Away The Medium Flex at Awaytravel.com$395Jump to Review

Away The Medium Flex at Awaytravel.com$395

Away The Large at Awaytravel.com$395Jump to Review

Away The Large at Awaytravel.com$395

Away The Large Flex at Awaytravel.com$425Jump to Review

Away The Large Flex at Awaytravel.com$425

Away The Everywhere Bag at Awaytravel.com$195Jump to Review

Away The Everywhere Bag at Awaytravel.com$195

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack at Awaytravel.com$195Jump to Review

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack at Awaytravel.com$195

Away The Carry-OnPHOTO: Away$275 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Carry-On

PHOTO: Away

Away The Carry-On

$275 at Awaytravel.com

Astandard carry-onis a great choice to bring with you on all of your adventures. This durable hard shell carry-on provides stability to keep your belongings safe while fitting perfectly in the overhead bin of all major airlines.

Spinner wheels make this bag easy to tote around — whether in a car trunk on a road trip or pulling it behind you down some cobblestone street abroad. And you get the added benefit of a suitcase’s worth of storage space. As with all Away bags, it’s simple, compact, and sophisticated in design, and comes in a few whimsical colors like forest green.

We tested this bag in our lab and loved its spacious interior, easy navigation, maneuverability, and overall durability — our team pushed it off a counter three times and hit it with a baseball bat, and it didn’t scratch or scuff.

People/Jhett Thompson

Away Carry On

Away The Bigger Carry-OnPHOTO: Away$295 at Awaytravel.comFor times when you want a little extra room, but don’t want to check your bag, in steps this larger carry-on.Fitting about 20 percent more than the standard carry-on, this bag has all the same features with an extra inch on all sides (internally and externally). Our tests confirmed this difference — it fit every item we laid out to pack with room to spare. We also found it exceptionally easy to maneuver.Experts Say“Away’s best-selling suitcase, The Bigger Carry-On, is the perfect suitcase for any trip: it’s functional, it’s stylish, and it will never let you down,”Cuan Hanly, Away’s chief design officer, tells PEOPLE.With two compartments to help you organize yourtravel clothesand accessories, this suitcase keeps everything zipped and in place so it doesn’t shift while you’re on the go. There’s even a mesh compression panel to push everything down and a laundry bag. This bag is an ideal size for about a week-long jaunt, and despite its larger size, it doesn’t feel heavy.Exterior Size:22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches |Interior Size:21 x 14.5 inches |Capacity:47.9 liters |Colors:9 |Material:Polycarbonate |Features:Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree spinner wheelsPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Away The Bigger Carry-OnPHOTO: Away$295 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Away The Bigger Carry-on

$295 at Awaytravel.com

For times when you want a little extra room, but don’t want to check your bag, in steps this larger carry-on.

Fitting about 20 percent more than the standard carry-on, this bag has all the same features with an extra inch on all sides (internally and externally). Our tests confirmed this difference — it fit every item we laid out to pack with room to spare. We also found it exceptionally easy to maneuver.

Experts Say“Away’s best-selling suitcase, The Bigger Carry-On, is the perfect suitcase for any trip: it’s functional, it’s stylish, and it will never let you down,”Cuan Hanly, Away’s chief design officer, tells PEOPLE.

“Away’s best-selling suitcase, The Bigger Carry-On, is the perfect suitcase for any trip: it’s functional, it’s stylish, and it will never let you down,”Cuan Hanly, Away’s chief design officer, tells PEOPLE.

With two compartments to help you organize yourtravel clothesand accessories, this suitcase keeps everything zipped and in place so it doesn’t shift while you’re on the go. There’s even a mesh compression panel to push everything down and a laundry bag. This bag is an ideal size for about a week-long jaunt, and despite its larger size, it doesn’t feel heavy.

PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Away The Bigger Carry-on Flex displayed in front of a white cabinet

Person pulling Away The Bigger Carry-on Flex through colorful cones

Hands packing the Away The Bigger Carry-on Flex

Away The Bigger Carry-on Flex displayed in front of a white cabinet

Person pulling Away The Bigger Carry-on Flex through colorful cones

Hands packing the Away The Bigger Carry-on Flex

Away The Carry-On FlexPHOTO: Away$325 at Awaytravel.comShould you need just a little more space than a standard carry-on, we recommend The Carry-On Flex. Hanly also likes the bigger version of this model. “Travelers can unzip and expand the exterior seam unlocking an additional 2.25 inches of space for souvenirs, clothes, or whatever else you may need," he says.Our team tested this bag in our lab and liked how easily it maneuvered around. The compartments were handy for packing a lot of different clothing items, and the compression panels helped condense everything. During our durability tests, the suitcase did sustain some scratches, but those could be buffed out with the included cleaning sponge, and it didn’t suffer any dings or dents.Exterior Size:21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches |Interior Size:20 x 13.5 inches |Capacity:46.7 liters |Colors:5 |Material:Polycarbonate |Features:Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree spinner wheelsPeople/Jhett Thompson

Away The Carry-On FlexPHOTO: Away$325 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Carry-On Flex

The Carry-on Flex

$325 at Awaytravel.com

Should you need just a little more space than a standard carry-on, we recommend The Carry-On Flex. Hanly also likes the bigger version of this model. “Travelers can unzip and expand the exterior seam unlocking an additional 2.25 inches of space for souvenirs, clothes, or whatever else you may need," he says.

Our team tested this bag in our lab and liked how easily it maneuvered around. The compartments were handy for packing a lot of different clothing items, and the compression panels helped condense everything. During our durability tests, the suitcase did sustain some scratches, but those could be buffed out with the included cleaning sponge, and it didn’t suffer any dings or dents.

Away Carry-On Flex

Away The Softside MediumAway Softside Medium suitcase in blue .$295 at Awaytravel.comAway’snew Softside luggage lineperfectly meshes the size and structure of a hardside bag with the flexibility of a soft bag. The exterior is made from padded nylon that feels soft to the touch, almost as though the bag is wearing its ownpuffer jacket. The “medium” size feels exceedingly spacious, with more than enough room for a week-long getaway (in fact, we think we could fit two weeks' worth of clothing in it with ease).PEOPLE shopping writerCai Cramertested the bag on her recent week-long trip to Costa Rica and praised the bag’s large front-opening compartment that provided ample room for two pairs of pants, two sweatshirts, six t-shirts, four bathing suits, and three pairs of shoes. In fact, she says that she had so much room left after packing the essentials that she was able to slide in three extra books and a hair dryer.While we love how the flexible nylon exterior allows us to fit the suitcase in tighter places and pack more inside, PEOPLE shopping directorLaura Gurfein(who also tried this luggage) noticed that the coastal blue color scuffed a little during her first use of the bag. But if you’re worried about scuffing, we suggest opting for the black color option.Exterior Size:26 x 18.9 x 10.6 inches |Interior Size:21.3 x 18.1 inches |Capacity:69 liters |Colors:4 |Material:Nylon |Features:Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree spinner wheelsPHOTO:People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO:People / Laura Gurfein

Away The Softside MediumAway Softside Medium suitcase in blue .$295 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Softside Medium

Away Softside Medium suitcase in blue .

Away Softside Coast Medium

Away’snew Softside luggage lineperfectly meshes the size and structure of a hardside bag with the flexibility of a soft bag. The exterior is made from padded nylon that feels soft to the touch, almost as though the bag is wearing its ownpuffer jacket. The “medium” size feels exceedingly spacious, with more than enough room for a week-long getaway (in fact, we think we could fit two weeks' worth of clothing in it with ease).

PEOPLE shopping writerCai Cramertested the bag on her recent week-long trip to Costa Rica and praised the bag’s large front-opening compartment that provided ample room for two pairs of pants, two sweatshirts, six t-shirts, four bathing suits, and three pairs of shoes. In fact, she says that she had so much room left after packing the essentials that she was able to slide in three extra books and a hair dryer.

While we love how the flexible nylon exterior allows us to fit the suitcase in tighter places and pack more inside, PEOPLE shopping directorLaura Gurfein(who also tried this luggage) noticed that the coastal blue color scuffed a little during her first use of the bag. But if you’re worried about scuffing, we suggest opting for the black color option.

PHOTO:People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO:People / Laura Gurfein

A dog near the Away Softside Medium

The Away Softside Medium filled with items

People / Laura Gurfein

Away The MediumPHOTO: Away$345 at Awaytravel.comWhen it comes to checked luggage, you’ll want a bag you know is secure and durable, and this bag will keep your belongings safe. With a TSA-approved lock, you’ll have an extra layer of security to protect your valuables — not to mention the hard polycarbonate shell that won’t get torn up in transit between the plane and baggage claim. The Medium also compresses your clothes with savvy section dividers.Expert Tip“Luggage that comes with packing cubes, storage compartments, or anything to compress clothes will allow you to pack more and help you organize your items — so I always recommend looking for these features,” Trebendis says.There’s no shortage of capacity in The Medium: We couldn’t imagine needing more space for clothes or anything else. This suitcase gives you more space than the carry-on, with easy nesting to conserve storage — it fits snugly inside Away’s large checked bag.Despite being a full-size checked bag, The Medium feels light in weight and can be easily toted around with 360-degree spinner wheels. Based on our tests, we can confirm the bag has extensive organization sections, sleek wheels, and a durable exterior (minus a few scuffs).Exterior Size:26 x 18.5 x 11 inches |Interior Size:24 x 17.5 inches |Capacity:68.8 liters |Colors:8 |Material:Polycarbonate |Features:Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree wheelsPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Away The MediumPHOTO: Away$345 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Medium

$345 at Awaytravel.com

When it comes to checked luggage, you’ll want a bag you know is secure and durable, and this bag will keep your belongings safe. With a TSA-approved lock, you’ll have an extra layer of security to protect your valuables — not to mention the hard polycarbonate shell that won’t get torn up in transit between the plane and baggage claim. The Medium also compresses your clothes with savvy section dividers.

Expert Tip“Luggage that comes with packing cubes, storage compartments, or anything to compress clothes will allow you to pack more and help you organize your items — so I always recommend looking for these features,” Trebendis says.

Expert Tip

“Luggage that comes with packing cubes, storage compartments, or anything to compress clothes will allow you to pack more and help you organize your items — so I always recommend looking for these features,” Trebendis says.

There’s no shortage of capacity in The Medium: We couldn’t imagine needing more space for clothes or anything else. This suitcase gives you more space than the carry-on, with easy nesting to conserve storage — it fits snugly inside Away’s large checked bag.

Despite being a full-size checked bag, The Medium feels light in weight and can be easily toted around with 360-degree spinner wheels. Based on our tests, we can confirm the bag has extensive organization sections, sleek wheels, and a durable exterior (minus a few scuffs).

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

A person packs items in the Away The Medium

A person locks the Away The Medium

A person packs items in the Away The Medium

A person locks the Away The Medium

Away The Medium FlexPHOTO: Away$395 at Awaytravel.comWith most of the same qualities as The Medium, The Medium Flex just offers a little extra space. It basically has a zippered expander that creates around seven extra liters of capacity (an extra inch all the way around). We loved its huge compartments, divider, lightweight feel, and highly mobile 360-spinner wheels.The suitcase ran smoothly over most floor types — it only slightly stuck when transferring from hard floors to carpet. Made with the same polycarbonate as the other suitcases, this bag was barely scuffed despite rough handling (being thrown off a counter).Exterior Size:26 x 18.5 x 11 inches |Interior Size:24 x 17.5 inches |Capacity:75.7 L |Colors:8 |Material:Polycarbonate |Features:Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree wheelsPeople/Jhett Thompson

Away The Medium FlexPHOTO: Away$395 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Medium Flex

$395 at Awaytravel.com

With most of the same qualities as The Medium, The Medium Flex just offers a little extra space. It basically has a zippered expander that creates around seven extra liters of capacity (an extra inch all the way around). We loved its huge compartments, divider, lightweight feel, and highly mobile 360-spinner wheels.

The suitcase ran smoothly over most floor types — it only slightly stuck when transferring from hard floors to carpet. Made with the same polycarbonate as the other suitcases, this bag was barely scuffed despite rough handling (being thrown off a counter).

Away The Medium Flex

Away The LargePHOTO: Away$395 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Large

If you’re going on a longer adventure, this large suitcase has just enough space to keep two (ish!) weeks’ worth of clothes. We found this bag massive and only filled half of it with a huge amount of clothes and cosmetics. With all the same features as its counterparts, this suitcase is durable, well-designed for ease of use, and can be personalized on the luggage or the tag with your initials.

Although it’s spacious, this suitcase isn’t heavy (weighing in at just 11 pounds) so it’s not burdensome to drag around on your next trip. Our test showed that it’s actually very mobile despite its size. It’s a suitcase that will give you years of use with minimal signs of wear. It barely scratched despite our team throwing it off a counter three times. Should it scratch in transit, you can simply buff it out with the sponge that’s included with every suitcase.

“I’ve had the Large Away bag for a little over two years. I’m a chronic over-packer and the bag’s spacious capacity lets that side of me flourish. Plus, there’s room for souvenirs!"—Madison Yauger, shopping editor

We have tested this bag in real-world travel scenarios and found it to be extremely durable and effective. It moves next to you with ease as you maneuver through airports and it’s easy to buff out any nicks that occur during transport.

Away The Large

Away The Large FlexPHOTO: Away$425 at Awaytravel.comSimilar to The Medium Flex, The Large Flex suitcase is a doppelgänger of its original model but with a little more capacity. Our tests found it to be super spacious thanks to the expander, which offered two extra inches of room. Should you be traveling with bulky items likea puffer jacket, there are compression straps to make sure everything fits snugly. Despite its large size, this suitcase is surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver. Whether rolling the suitcase upright or at a 45-degree angle, we found it moved effortlessly.Exterior Size:29 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches |Interior Size:27 x 19.5 inches |Capacity:107.8 liters |Colors:5 |Material:Polycarbonate |Features:Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree wheelsPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Vicky WasikPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Away The Large FlexPHOTO: Away$425 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Large Flex

The Large Flex

$425 at Awaytravel.com

Similar to The Medium Flex, The Large Flex suitcase is a doppelgänger of its original model but with a little more capacity. Our tests found it to be super spacious thanks to the expander, which offered two extra inches of room. Should you be traveling with bulky items likea puffer jacket, there are compression straps to make sure everything fits snugly. Despite its large size, this suitcase is surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver. Whether rolling the suitcase upright or at a 45-degree angle, we found it moved effortlessly.

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Vicky WasikPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

The Away The Large Flex next to a bed

Away The Large Flex

A person packs the Away The Large Flex

Away The Large Flex

The Away The Large Flex next to a bed

Away The Large Flex

A person packs the Away The Large Flex

Away The Large Flex

Away The Everywhere BagPHOTO: Away$195 at Awaytravel.comThis reliable bag is made with water-resistant nylon and sleek leather trim, The Everywhere Bag will look good on your arm in any outfit, weather, or locale. It’s the perfect bag for overnights and short trips, with the capacity for several outfits and essentials. It even comes with a laptop pocket and small sections to keep your “everything” organized. With standard straps, an over-the-shoulder strap, and a trolley sleeve to slide over your suitcase handle, you can wear and carry it in several ways.Experts Say“With the full wraparound zip opening, there’s no question why this is Away’s best-selling personal item,” Hanly says.We appreciated the extensive organization of this bag, which would work as a weekender or a duffel bag. It fits enough clothes for four to five days of travel, has a comfortable shoulder strap (though not padded), and it weathered various durability tests without any scratches. With its simple and sophisticated design and useful features, this bag is a must.Exterior Size:16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches|Interior Size:Not listed |Capacity:20 liters |Colors:5 |Material:Water-resistant nylon, leather trim |Features:Removable strap, interior organization system, laptop pocketPeople/Nick Kova

Away The Everywhere BagPHOTO: Away$195 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Everywhere Bag

$195 at Awaytravel.com

This reliable bag is made with water-resistant nylon and sleek leather trim, The Everywhere Bag will look good on your arm in any outfit, weather, or locale. It’s the perfect bag for overnights and short trips, with the capacity for several outfits and essentials. It even comes with a laptop pocket and small sections to keep your “everything” organized. With standard straps, an over-the-shoulder strap, and a trolley sleeve to slide over your suitcase handle, you can wear and carry it in several ways.

Experts Say“With the full wraparound zip opening, there’s no question why this is Away’s best-selling personal item,” Hanly says.

“With the full wraparound zip opening, there’s no question why this is Away’s best-selling personal item,” Hanly says.

We appreciated the extensive organization of this bag, which would work as a weekender or a duffel bag. It fits enough clothes for four to five days of travel, has a comfortable shoulder strap (though not padded), and it weathered various durability tests without any scratches. With its simple and sophisticated design and useful features, this bag is a must.Exterior Size:16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches|Interior Size:Not listed |Capacity:20 liters |Colors:5 |Material:Water-resistant nylon, leather trim |Features:Removable strap, interior organization system, laptop pocket

People/Nick Kova

Away The Everywhere Bag

Away The Everywhere Zip BackpackPHOTO: Away$195 at Awaytravel.comBackpacks are one of the easiest bags to carry thanks to the double shoulder straps that help offset the weight. This stylish option is sleek on the outside and nuanced within, featuring an array of pockets and small sections for organizing — including a laptop pouch that can fit up to a 15-inch screen. We appreciated how much the inner compartments could fit, and we thought the straps were comfortable despite not being padded. The material also seemed quite durable.Experts Say“If you plan to carry on a personal item along with your luggage, I always look for bags with a trolley sleeve to make the walk through the airport easier,” Trebendis says.It’s lightweight so you can carry it for small adventures like hiking or visiting tourist attractions, or for longer trips. This backpack even has a trolley sleeve so you can slide it over your suitcase handle to transport it if you overpacked slightly (been there, done that!). Plus, the strap on top doubles as a handle or a place to affix your luggage tag.Exterior Size:12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches |Interior Size:Not listed |Capacity:20 liters |Colors:4 |Material:Water-resistant nylon, leather, mesh |Features:Internal sections, laptop pocket, hidden pockets, trolley sleevePHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Conor Ralph

Away The Everywhere Zip BackpackPHOTO: Away$195 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

Backpacks are one of the easiest bags to carry thanks to the double shoulder straps that help offset the weight. This stylish option is sleek on the outside and nuanced within, featuring an array of pockets and small sections for organizing — including a laptop pouch that can fit up to a 15-inch screen. We appreciated how much the inner compartments could fit, and we thought the straps were comfortable despite not being padded. The material also seemed quite durable.

Experts Say“If you plan to carry on a personal item along with your luggage, I always look for bags with a trolley sleeve to make the walk through the airport easier,” Trebendis says.

“If you plan to carry on a personal item along with your luggage, I always look for bags with a trolley sleeve to make the walk through the airport easier,” Trebendis says.

It’s lightweight so you can carry it for small adventures like hiking or visiting tourist attractions, or for longer trips. This backpack even has a trolley sleeve so you can slide it over your suitcase handle to transport it if you overpacked slightly (been there, done that!). Plus, the strap on top doubles as a handle or a place to affix your luggage tag.Exterior Size:12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches |Interior Size:Not listed |Capacity:20 liters |Colors:4 |Material:Water-resistant nylon, leather, mesh |Features:Internal sections, laptop pocket, hidden pockets, trolley sleeve

PHOTO: People / Conor RalphPHOTO: People / Conor Ralph

Person lifting Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack hung on their shoulder while standing in front of plants and a laptop

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack hung on the back of a desk chair

Person lifting Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack hung on their shoulder while standing in front of plants and a laptop

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack hung on the back of a desk chair

Away The Pet CarrierPHOTO: Away$225 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Pet Carrier

$225 at Awaytravel.com

There’s plenty of ventilation with three mesh panels on different sides of the carrier, as well as a retractable privacy screen. You can easily access your pet through a two-way zipper top opening and two side openings. Plus, there’s plenty of storage for accessories and pet gear, such as a side zipper pocket with sleeves and even a side pocket with drainage holes.

PHOTO: People / Anna PoppPHOTO: People / Anna Popp

Interior of Away The Pet Carrier displayed on wood floor

Away The Pet Carrier under airplane seat

Interior of Away The Pet Carrier displayed on wood floor

Away The Pet Carrier under airplane seat

Away The Insider Packing CubesPHOTO: Away$45 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

Away The Insider Packing Cubes (Set of 4)

$45 at Awaytravel.com

Packing cubesare an organizer’s dream system to keep everything in its place while traveling. This set of four is especially useful because each cube comes in a different size to accommodate a multitude of products and clothes you might be traveling with. The best way to pack these (especially in an Away suitcase) is to put two packing cubes on each side of the luggage.

“Again, as a life-long over-packer, I would be lost without these packing cubes. I can squeeze so many clothes into these cubes, and they fit so compactly in my suitcase. They’re a wonder!"—Madison Yauger

We tested these packing cubes in our lab, and they were effective, but we wouldn’t recommend you pack liquid cosmetics in them since the mesh openings will not prevent spills from getting to your clothes. That said, the cubes themselves are made with water-resistant nylon, so if they get wet, they will dry quickly. You can fit a decent amount of clothing in these cubes, so whether you want to store socks and undergarments in one and blouses or shoes in another, there are endless ways to organize your things.Exterior Size:10 x 4.1 x 8.25 inches, 10 x 4.1 x 4.3 inches, 13 x 4.1 x 10 inches, and 13 x 4.1 x 6.9 inches |Interior Size:Not listed |Capacity:Not listed |Colors:7 |Material:Nylon |Features:Set of four in various sizes, mesh panels, water-resistant, can be stored flat

People/Vicky Wasik

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

Away The Outdoor Duffle 40LPHOTO: Away$150 at Awaytravel.comAway’s Outdoor collection “features a variety of versatile outdoor bags and accessories designed for any and all types of travel,” says Hanly. And it’s always a good idea to have a duffel in your closet so you can make a quick weekend escape. This duffel will take you far and look good while doing it. Made with 100 percent recycled materials, this bag is sturdy, spacious, and available in three bold colors.Though it has space for three to four days of clothes, it has several organization sections. And despite being wheel-less, the Outdoor Duffle is super lightweight, so carrying it on a trip shouldn’t be too daunting. We just wished there were even more compartments for organization. That said, we really appreciated its ability to transform from a duffel to a backpack depending on which straps you use to carry it.“We were excited to create something that was not only incredibly functional but also beautifully designed,” says Hanly. When you consider the sustainable materials and reasonable price (comparatively), this bag is a solid choice for a long weekend.Exterior Size:12.2 x 21.7 x 9.8 inches |Interior Size:Not listed |Capacity:40 liters |Colors:3 |Material:Recycled polyester, recycled materials for zippers, mesh, and webbing |Features:Internal pockets and sections, detachable strap

Away The Outdoor Duffle 40LPHOTO: Away$150 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Outdoor Duffle 40L

Away F.A.R Duffle 40L

$150 at Awaytravel.com

Away’s Outdoor collection “features a variety of versatile outdoor bags and accessories designed for any and all types of travel,” says Hanly. And it’s always a good idea to have a duffel in your closet so you can make a quick weekend escape. This duffel will take you far and look good while doing it. Made with 100 percent recycled materials, this bag is sturdy, spacious, and available in three bold colors.

Though it has space for three to four days of clothes, it has several organization sections. And despite being wheel-less, the Outdoor Duffle is super lightweight, so carrying it on a trip shouldn’t be too daunting. We just wished there were even more compartments for organization. That said, we really appreciated its ability to transform from a duffel to a backpack depending on which straps you use to carry it.

“We were excited to create something that was not only incredibly functional but also beautifully designed,” says Hanly. When you consider the sustainable materials and reasonable price (comparatively), this bag is a solid choice for a long weekend.Exterior Size:12.2 x 21.7 x 9.8 inches |Interior Size:Not listed |Capacity:40 liters |Colors:3 |Material:Recycled polyester, recycled materials for zippers, mesh, and webbing |Features:Internal pockets and sections, detachable strap

Away The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45LPHOTO: Away$220 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L

F.A.R. Convertible Backpack 45L

$220 at Awaytravel.com

If you’re looking for a greattravel backpack, this is a packer’s dream bag. It’s surprisingly spacious and had room left over even after we packed a huge pile of clothes. It has multiple compartments so you can keep everything organized and comes with compression straps so everything can be condensed for maximum capacity. Even when the bag was full, we felt comfortable walking around with it for a while without shoulder or back pain.

Away The Packable CarryallPHOTO: Away$75 at Awaytravel.comWhile most Away bags lean toward neutral colors, the Packable Carryall makes a statement with whimsical options including bright orange, teal, and royal blue, as well as muted options such as black and navy. The entire bag is made from 100 percent recycled nylon, so it’s lightweight, water-resistant, and quite durable.Experts Say“With a large chamber, this bag can hold a weekend’s worth of clothes and shoes and has pockets for accessories like sunglasses, jewelry pouches, or small wallets,” Hanly says.This an ideal carryall for a fun weekend away — and when you’re unpacked, it folds up and can be stored in a small zippered pouch to conserve space.Exterior Size:15 x 19.7 x 9 inches |Interior Size:Not listed |Capacity:43 liters |Colors:5 |Material:Water-resistant recycled nylon |Features:Can be folded in on itself for storage, internal organization, trolley sleeve

Away The Packable CarryallPHOTO: Away$75 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Packable Carryall

$75 at Awaytravel.com

While most Away bags lean toward neutral colors, the Packable Carryall makes a statement with whimsical options including bright orange, teal, and royal blue, as well as muted options such as black and navy. The entire bag is made from 100 percent recycled nylon, so it’s lightweight, water-resistant, and quite durable.

Experts Say“With a large chamber, this bag can hold a weekend’s worth of clothes and shoes and has pockets for accessories like sunglasses, jewelry pouches, or small wallets,” Hanly says.

“With a large chamber, this bag can hold a weekend’s worth of clothes and shoes and has pockets for accessories like sunglasses, jewelry pouches, or small wallets,” Hanly says.

This an ideal carryall for a fun weekend away — and when you’re unpacked, it folds up and can be stored in a small zippered pouch to conserve space.Exterior Size:15 x 19.7 x 9 inches |Interior Size:Not listed |Capacity:43 liters |Colors:5 |Material:Water-resistant recycled nylon |Features:Can be folded in on itself for storage, internal organization, trolley sleeve

Away The Small Toiletry BagPHOTO: Away$55 at Awaytravel.comIf you’re looking for atoiletry bag, Away also offers small organizers and accessory bags that fit perfectly in its larger travel bags. Available in four colors for different aesthetics, this bag is actually designed to mimic the look and system of the Away suitcases with two side sections (one plastic, one zippered mesh) that you can organize and close up to keep everything in place.This bag is super durable and easily washable. It even comes with a cute handle on top to replicate the design of a suitcase, but mini! And there’s an exterior pocket so you can store anything flat that you might need to grab in a hurry (makeup wipes! menstrual products! medications!).Between the clear and mesh storage, there are various types of pockets to store and transport different types of cosmetics. The material is also waterproof which is an added benefit, especially since it will be spending a lot of time in the bathroom.Exterior Size:8.3 x 3.15 x 5.5 inches |Interior Size:Not listed |Capacity:2.3 liters |Colors:4 |Material:Water-resistant nylon |Features:Mesh interior pocket

Away The Small Toiletry BagPHOTO: Away$55 at Awaytravel.com

Away The Small Toiletry Bag

The Small Toiletry Bag

$55 at Awaytravel.com

If you’re looking for atoiletry bag, Away also offers small organizers and accessory bags that fit perfectly in its larger travel bags. Available in four colors for different aesthetics, this bag is actually designed to mimic the look and system of the Away suitcases with two side sections (one plastic, one zippered mesh) that you can organize and close up to keep everything in place.

This bag is super durable and easily washable. It even comes with a cute handle on top to replicate the design of a suitcase, but mini! And there’s an exterior pocket so you can store anything flat that you might need to grab in a hurry (makeup wipes! menstrual products! medications!).

Between the clear and mesh storage, there are various types of pockets to store and transport different types of cosmetics. The material is also waterproof which is an added benefit, especially since it will be spending a lot of time in the bathroom.Exterior Size:8.3 x 3.15 x 5.5 inches |Interior Size:Not listed |Capacity:2.3 liters |Colors:4 |Material:Water-resistant nylon |Features:Mesh interior pocket

What to Know About Away Travel Luggage

Size Counts

The size of your bag will no doubt impact your travel experience — too big and it’s bulky to carry around; too small and it might not fit everything you want to carry. And since you can’t be Goldilocks and try each one out, we’re here to help. For a week-long trip, experts might say you just need a carry-on, but that will entirely depend on what kind of packer you are.

For those of us who tend to pack a little extra, you might want achecked luggage piece. However, if you pack efficiently (re-wearing or mixing and matching different tops and bottoms), then a carry-on suitcase should provide plenty of space. For a 10-day trip, we would recommendThe Bigger Carry-Onfor those who travel light, andThe Mediumsuitcase for those who like to bring lots of clothing options.

Features Are Aplenty

Hanly says Away luggage is “thoughtfully designed to address real travelers’ concerns, from the removable laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate to the compression pad to maximize how much fits inside.” These bags have many features to make your travels easier.

If organization keeps you calm while on the go, check outThe Everywhere Zip Backpack, which has numerous pockets and compartments for storing your passport, cosmetics, a water bottle, and more. And if you hate carrying a heavy bag,The Carry-Oncomes with two sets of spinner wheels for easy maneuvering. You might also consider luggage with a TSA-approved lock for added security to keep your belongings safe — every Away Travel suitcase comes with one of these (and it’s super easy to lock and unlock). Lastly, if you need a dog orcat carrier, The Pet Carrier comes in clutch.

Materials Affect Longevity

Away The Carry On Flex

Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, during several of our lab durability tests, Away luggage sustained minor scratches, but each suitcase comes with a cleaning sponge to buff out any marks. We have personally used it with our Away checked bag (The Large) and it works beautifully. You can also clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap for small stains.Hard-shell suitcases protect fragile items better, help you stick to packing for the exact dimensions of your bag (as opposed to expanding it to fit what you stuffed in). Away’s are designed to fit in an overhead bin (in the carry-on sizes at least). Trebendis recommends hard-shell luggage because these pieces “retain their shape and help compress clothes, meaning you can fit more items without worrying about bulging luggage not fitting in the overhead bins.”One cool function of Away luggage is you can choose to add an ejectable battery to your carry-on suitcases. At this time, lithium batteries aren’t allowed in checked bags because they can cause a fire hazard. If you choose the battery option, you’ll receive a small USB cord to charge it in the same delivery as your luggage. It takes up to eight hours to fully charge, so keep that in mind when packing before a trip. Once in use, you can charge your cell phone and any other electronic device that uses a USB cord up to four times before the battery itself will need to be recharged.“When Away was founded in 2015, there was a huge gap in the luggage market,” says Hanly. “Not only was there no travel brand that addressed both the utility and style needs of a modern-day traveler, but also there was a lack of brand loyalty across the category.” He says before Away, travelers had to choose between “price and quality,” and to have quality luggage it would cost more “than the trip you were taking it on.” Hanly adds that Away’s combination of “unmatched style, form,andfunction” has set the brand apart and “resonated with consumers from the very beginning.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, during several of our lab durability tests, Away luggage sustained minor scratches, but each suitcase comes with a cleaning sponge to buff out any marks. We have personally used it with our Away checked bag (The Large) and it works beautifully. You can also clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap for small stains.

Hard-shell suitcases protect fragile items better, help you stick to packing for the exact dimensions of your bag (as opposed to expanding it to fit what you stuffed in). Away’s are designed to fit in an overhead bin (in the carry-on sizes at least). Trebendis recommends hard-shell luggage because these pieces “retain their shape and help compress clothes, meaning you can fit more items without worrying about bulging luggage not fitting in the overhead bins.”

One cool function of Away luggage is you can choose to add an ejectable battery to your carry-on suitcases. At this time, lithium batteries aren’t allowed in checked bags because they can cause a fire hazard. If you choose the battery option, you’ll receive a small USB cord to charge it in the same delivery as your luggage. It takes up to eight hours to fully charge, so keep that in mind when packing before a trip. Once in use, you can charge your cell phone and any other electronic device that uses a USB cord up to four times before the battery itself will need to be recharged.

“When Away was founded in 2015, there was a huge gap in the luggage market,” says Hanly. “Not only was there no travel brand that addressed both the utility and style needs of a modern-day traveler, but also there was a lack of brand loyalty across the category.” He says before Away, travelers had to choose between “price and quality,” and to have quality luggage it would cost more “than the trip you were taking it on.” Hanly adds that Away’s combination of “unmatched style, form,andfunction” has set the brand apart and “resonated with consumers from the very beginning.”

To write a comprehensive guide to the best Away bags, we consulted multiple in-depth tests, which we performed in our lab while using the luggage in the real world. We took the bags on flights across the country and around the world, on trips that lasted one day and multiple weeks. Some of the qualities we tested for include:

Our Expert PanelCuan Hanlyis the chief design officer at Away. He previously was the VP of Design, Women’s and Men’s RTW and Accessories at Target.Katie Trebendisis a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines.

Our Expert Panel

Cuan Hanlyis the chief design officer at Away. He previously was the VP of Design, Women’s and Men’s RTW and Accessories at Target.Katie Trebendisis a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines.

source: people.com

The Best Away Luggage We Tested, Including Carry-Ons, Suitcases, and Pet Carriers

In This Article

Experts Say

Expert Tip

What to Know About Away Travel Luggage

Size Counts

Features Are Aplenty

Materials Affect Longevity

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Expert Panel

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