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The Ultimate Guide to Away Travel Luggage: Find Your Perfect Away Luggage for Your Next Trip

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If you’ve spent any time in an airport recently, you’ve likely spotted the distinctive, minimalist design of Away luggage. Known for their stylish aesthetics and wide array of colors, Away suitcases have become a popular choice for travelers. At familycircletravel.net, our content creators are frequently asked: Is Away Travel Luggage truly worth the investment? To answer this, we put a range of Away luggage pieces to the test, both in our dedicated lab and on real-world trips, to determine if they live up to the hype and to recommend the best options for your travel needs.

Our rigorous testing process involved packing each suitcase and bag to capacity, navigating them through obstacle courses mimicking airport environments, and assessing their durability with drop tests and even simulated rough handling. We even recreated an airplane cabin setup to evaluate how easily carry-ons fit into overhead compartments and personal items slide under seats. Following these controlled lab tests, we took our top picks on actual journeys to ensure they performed well over time and in diverse travel scenarios. What stood out consistently was the exceptional smoothness of the wheels and the robust, durable exteriors, making travel noticeably easier.

From carry-on suitcases and spacious checked bags to versatile duffels and practical backpacks, we’ve compiled a guide to the best Away travel luggage, based on our comprehensive testing and expert evaluation. Whether you are looking for the perfect carry-on to navigate airports or a reliable checked bag for longer adventures, our guide will help you choose the ideal away travel luggage.

Our Top Picks for Away Travel Luggage

Best Away Carry-on Luggage

Away The Carry-On

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PHOTO: Away

$275 at Away Travel

Why We Love It: This carry-on luggage is surprisingly spacious despite its compact size, efficiently holding a significant amount of travel essentials.

What to Consider: It lacks expandability, requiring thoughtful packing and potentially limiting space for souvenirs or extra items.

Away offers a variety of carry-on options, but the original Carry-On remains a top performer. In our tests, this iconic piece of away travel luggage impressed us with its seemingly small exterior that belies a remarkably roomy interior. We were able to neatly pack clothing, shoes, and accessories for a week-long trip with ease and organized efficiency. The clamshell design features two main compartments, one with a compression flap and the other with a large mesh pocket. Measuring 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches, it’s more compact than many carry-ons, yet the durable polycarbonate shell offers some flexibility to maximize packing without expandable zippers. This lightweight suitcase moves effortlessly with its 360-degree spinner wheels, and convenient handles on the top, side, and bottom make lifting and maneuvering a breeze. For travelers seeking a reliable and efficient carry-on, this model is an excellent investment. (For those needing more space, The Bigger Carry-on is available, but be aware of potential gate-checking on smaller flights.)

The Details: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | 7.5 pounds | 39.8-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Away Checked Bag

Away The Medium Flex

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PHOTO: Away

$395 at Away Travel

Why We Love It: The expandable zipper feature provides valuable extra packing space when needed, offering flexibility for longer trips or extra items.

What to Consider: The exterior showed minor scuff marks during our durability testing, although these are generally buffable.

While Away offers several checked bag sizes, the Medium Flex stood out in our tests for its exceptional versatility. This piece of away travel luggage is perfectly sized – large enough for extended trips yet manageable to maneuver. The expandable zipper provides significant extra space, making it ideal for trips lasting up to two weeks. Combined with the internal compression flap, packing efficiently is straightforward. Even when fully packed, the 360-degree spinner wheels rolled smoothly across various surfaces, and the adjustable handle proved sturdy and comfortable for pulling and pushing. Although the polycarbonate exterior did pick up a few minor scuffs during testing, Away includes a sponge for buffing these out, affirming the overall durability. For those needing even more room, the Trunk model is reviewed further below.

The Details: 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches | 10.8 pounds | 68.8-liter capacity (75.7-liter expanded) | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Away Trunk Luggage

Away The Trunk

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PHOTO: Away

$435 at Away Travel

Why We Love It: The unique 30/70 split design simplifies packing larger, bulkier items in the deeper compartment, maximizing space and organization.

What to Consider: Its substantial 107-liter capacity makes it easy to overpack, potentially exceeding airline weight limits if you’re not careful.

Don’t be deterred by the distinctive shape of Away’s Trunk; this away travel luggage offers a unique packing experience that many users, including our testers, have come to prefer over traditional checked bags. The 30/70 split creates a significantly deeper side, perfect for accommodating bulky items like shoes, jackets, and jeans, or for utilizing packing cubes for optimal organization. The tall, narrow profile enhances maneuverability through crowded spaces and simplifies storage in closets or smaller areas. With an impressive 107-liter capacity, it comfortably holds items for two to three-week trips. However, its large size necessitates careful attention to baggage weight to avoid exceeding 50-pound limits.

The Details: 31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches | 12.3 pounds | 107-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

[Read more about the best travel trunks we tested and reviewed.] (https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-travel-trunks-7968426)

Best Away Softside Luggage

Away The Softside Bigger Carry-On

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PHOTO: Away

$245 at Away Travel

Why We Love It: This carry-on provides ample packing capacity and maintains a surprisingly stylish appearance for a softside bag, blending functionality with aesthetics.

What to Consider: It’s relatively large and heavy for a carry-on, requiring careful packing to avoid overweight fees and potentially exceeding carry-on size restrictions.

After thoroughly testing Away’s new softside collection, the Softside Bigger Carry-on emerged as our top choice. This away travel luggage is preferred over Away’s softside checked bags due to its lighter weight and smoother rolling, while still offering substantial packing space. Although it might push carry-on size limits, especially when expanded, it’s an excellent option if you prefer softside luggage. The interior includes a top flap, a main expandable compartment, and a compression pad. A small front pocket provides quick access to essentials like phones or passports.

We were particularly impressed with the design, which has a chic, quilted look. It also performed exceptionally well in durability tests, showing no damage after being thrown, hit with a bat, and stomped on. The fabric feels heavier and more durable than typical softside luggage, suggesting it could withstand being checked if needed. Its combination of lightweight yet sturdy construction, generous size, and easy maneuverability makes it a top carry-on and our favorite softside option from Away.

The Details: 23 x 15.7 x 9.1 inches | 9.8 pounds | 38.3-liter capacity (44.3-liter expanded) | Expandable | Water-resistant nylon | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Away Front Pocket Luggage

Away The Front Pocket Bigger Carry-On

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PHOTO: Away

$325 at Away Travel

Why We Love It: The integrated front pocket provides convenient and easy access to a 14-inch laptop and other essential travel documents, streamlining airport navigation.

What to Consider: The overall packing capacity is slightly less than other Away carry-on suitcases due to the space occupied by the front pocket.

The Front Pocket Carry-On is a standout option as more brands incorporate front pockets into hardside suitcases. While it’s among Away’s smaller carry-ons, it’s perfect for flights with limited overhead space and offers a padded front pocket for quick access to laptops, passports, and small necessities. This front pocket includes four slip pockets and one zippered pocket for organization. The main compartment layout is similar to other Away bags, featuring a compression panel and a large zippered pocket, along with smaller zippered pockets to maximize space. The compression panel effectively secures clothing to optimize every inch. Though a bit heavier for a carry-on, it rolls and turns smoothly, and the three grab handles enhance lifting convenience. This away travel luggage is an excellent choice for those who value a front pocket in a stylish, durable suitcase.

The Details: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | 9 pounds | 31-liter capacity | Polycarbonate shell; nylon pocket | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Away Weekender Bag

Away The Everywhere Bag

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PHOTO: Away

$195 at Away Travel

Why We Love It: This weekender bag is stylish, sleek, and notably lightweight, making it easy to carry through busy airports and travel environments.

What to Consider: The 20-liter capacity might be limiting for trips longer than a weekend, although larger sizes are available for extended travel needs.

Whether used as a personal item or for short trips, The Everywhere Bag embodies Away’s minimalist aesthetic. Ideal for overnight or weekend getaways, this 20-liter bag features a long zipper that extends down the sides, offering wide access and visibility into the main compartment. This away travel luggage includes various pockets for organized packing, such as a padded laptop sleeve (up to 16 inches), a key leash, and slip pockets for smaller items. Constructed from lightweight yet durable nylon, it’s comfortable to carry using the tote handles or the removable shoulder strap. While we tested the 20-liter version, it’s also available in larger sizes to suit different travel durations.

The Details: 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches | 2.75 pounds (with shoulder strap) | 20-liter capacity | Nylon, leather | 16-inch laptop pocket

Best Away Duffel Bag

Away F.A.R. Duffle 70L

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PHOTO: Away

$190 at Away Travel

Why We Love It: Constructed from recycled materials, this duffel is designed to withstand harsh conditions, offering both environmental consciousness and rugged durability.

What to Consider: Due to its large size, this duffel exceeds carry-on dimensions and will need to be checked when flying.

Away’s F.A.R. (For All Routes) line is designed for durability beyond typical travel scenarios. Ideal for outdoor adventures like camping or safaris, the recycled polyester material is water and abrasion-resistant, protecting belongings from weather and rough handling. In our lab tests, the 70-liter duffel easily accommodated a large volume of clothing, and internal compression straps and pockets aided in efficient packing. For optimal organization with such a large bag, packing cubes are recommended. A standout feature is its incredibly light weight—just 3 pounds—and its versatility: tote straps, a trolley sleeve, and removable backpack straps offer multiple carrying options. Note that this duffel is larger than standard carry-on sizes and is intended as checked away travel luggage.

The Details: 15.7 x 27.5 x 11.8 inches | 3 pounds | 70-liter capacity | Recycled polyester

[Explore the top-rated duffel bags of 2025 according to our tests.] (https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags/best-duffel-bags)

Best Away Backpack for Travel

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

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PHOTO: Away

$195 at Away Travel

Why We Love It: The wrap-around zipper design allows the backpack to open fully like a clamshell, simplifying packing and access to all contents.

What to Consider: Padding in the back panel and straps could be enhanced for greater carrying comfort during extended use.

This backpack is simple, sleek, and highly functional, incorporating nearly all desired features for a quality travel backpack. We appreciated its numerous internal pockets for organization, particularly useful for commuting or air travel. It includes a dedicated padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 16 inches, a water bottle pocket, and various smaller pockets. The standout feature is the wrap-around zipper that opens the backpack like a suitcase for easy packing. Durability tests showed the water and abrasion-resistant nylon held up perfectly after multiple drops from a table. While additional padding in the back and straps would improve comfort, it remains comfortable for extended wear. This away travel luggage is a great option for organized travelers.

The Details: 12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches | 2.45 pounds | 20-liter capacity | Nylon, leather | 16-inch laptop pocket

Best Away Convertible Bag

Away The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L

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PHOTO: Away

$220 at Away Travel

Why We Love It: This convertible backpack is exceptionally convenient for carrying belongings with ease and versatility in various travel situations.

What to Consider: When fully packed, it can feel somewhat bulky to carry, especially on longer treks or through crowded areas.

For travelers frequently changing locations or accommodations, this convertible bag is invaluable. The 45-liter pack functions as a mini suitcase with backpack portability thanks to hidden straps. We appreciated how easily straps tuck away, allowing it to be carried as a tote or duffel with a shoulder strap. It held a week’s worth of clothing, shoes, and accessories with room to spare, defying its compact appearance. During drop tests, a dummy laptop inside remained undamaged, highlighting effective padding for protection and comfort. This away travel luggage is perfect for dynamic travel itineraries.

The Details: 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | 3.32 pounds | 45-liter capacity | Recycled polyester | 16-inch laptop pocket

Best Away Rolling Duffel Bag

Away The Outdoor Rolling Duffel

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PHOTO: Away

$395 at Away Travel

Why We Love It: This rolling duffel offers significant packing space while remaining remarkably lightweight, making it ideal for bulky gear without adding extra weight.

What to Consider: The two fixed wheels, rather than 360-degree spinners, reduce maneuverability compared to other Away rolling luggage options.

With an impressive 85-liter capacity, this rolling duffel is perfect for those needing to pack a large volume. It’s excellent for bulky gear, featuring a spacious main compartment with minimal organizational pockets. In testing, we easily packed our entire list with extra room. External straps allow for tightening when fully packed. Despite its size, it remains surprisingly light, aiding in staying within airline weight limits. Maneuverability is good for its size, though the lack of 360-degree wheels makes it less agile than some other bags. Overall, this away travel luggage is light, durable, and large, suitable for travelers needing to transport or store bulky equipment.

The Details: 30.5 x 16.1 x 11 inches | 7.96 pounds | 85-liter capacity | Polycarbonate back shell; polyester duffel body; recycled webbing, mesh, and drawcord | 2 fixed wheels

Other Away Luggage Options We Liked

Here are additional noteworthy Away travel luggage options that we tested and considered:

Away The Carry-on Flex: The expandable zippers for extra space are a great feature; however, the wheels were not as smooth on rough surfaces compared to other models.

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Travel + Leisure – Away Carry-on Flex being placed in overhead bin.

Away The Bigger Carry-On: This is a very spacious carry-on, ideal for longer trips, but its size may exceed some airline carry-on restrictions, requiring gate checking.

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Travel + Leisure – Away Bigger Carry-On being rolled in airplane.

Away The Large: Despite its large size, it was surprisingly maneuverable, but the Medium Flex is more manageable for weight limits. The glossy finish scuffed more easily than matte finishes in testing, though both are available.

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Travel + Leisure – Baseball bat test on Away Large suitcase.

Away The Softside Medium: A spacious softside checked bag with good organization, but heavier, and we preferred the Softside Bigger Carry-on overall.

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Travel + Leisure – Zipping Away Softside Medium suitcase.

Our Away Travel Luggage Testing Process

We conducted a dedicated Away luggage test in our New York City lab, evaluating 25 pieces from both older and newer collections to provide updated recommendations.

Each bag was packed with items from standardized packing lists and subjected to obstacle courses and varying floor surfaces to assess wheel and handle performance. Durability was tested through tabletop drops and baseball bat impacts.

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Travel + Leisure – Dropping clothes into Away Large Aluminum Edition.

Carry-ons were tested for overhead bin fit in our airplane simulation, evaluating weight and features like underside grab handles. Top performers across carry-ons, checked bags, backpacks, and duffels were selected for our recommendations. Post-lab testing, editors took each piece on six-month real-world travels for ongoing performance evaluation in airports and various travel environments.

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Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao – Lifting Away Front Pocket Bigger Carry-On to overhead bin.

Tips for Buying Away Travel Luggage

Consider Your Travel Style

Choosing the right suitcase size is crucial. Frequent flyers on airlines with strict size regulations may prefer compact carry-ons like the Front Pocket Carry-On or the Everywhere Bag. For greater flexibility, the Carry-on Flex or Medium Flex with expandable zippers are excellent choices. Overpackers or those on longer trips should consider medium, large, or trunk sizes for maximum space in their away travel luggage.

Evaluate Organizational Features

Most Away suitcases have similar internal layouts, with a compression flap on one side and a zippered closure on the other, each with pockets. The aluminum collection uniquely features a dual compression system. Softside suitcases and the Front Pocket Carry-on offer external pockets for quick access. Duffel bags have multiple pockets, but packing cubes can enhance organization. Weekender bags and backpacks offer exceptional organization for commuting and travel.

Explore Away’s Collections

Before purchasing, explore Away’s various collections. The Classic collection includes original designs in carry-on and checked sizes, plus the Trunk. The Flex collection adds expandable zippers to classic sizes, excluding the Trunk. The Softside collection offers nylon material and outer pockets in carry-on and checked versions. The Aluminum collection features zipperless latch closures (but can be heavier). Look out for limited-edition colors to personalize your away travel luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Away Travel Luggage

  • Where to Purchase Away Luggage?

    Away luggage is exclusively sold by Away, online and in their physical stores across the U.S. and Toronto. Find store locations here.

  • Choosing the Right Luggage Size?

    Decide between carry-on and checked bags based on your typical travel style. Consider owning both for different trip lengths. Carry-ons nest inside checked bags for easy storage. Check airline size restrictions if deciding between Away’s carry-on or checked bag sizes.

  • Away Warranty Details?

    Away offers a limited lifetime warranty on luggage and a one-year warranty on soft bags and accessories. For suitcases, it covers shell cracks, wheel/handle damage, unusable zippers, and fabric tears on front pockets. For smaller bags, it covers manufacturing defects and unusable handles, zippers, or fabric. Warranties do not cover cosmetic damage like scratches or dents and are valid only for purchases directly from Away, not third-party resellers. Full warranty details are available on Away’s website.

Why Trust Familycircletravel.net for Away Luggage Reviews

familycircletravel.net is dedicated to providing reliable and thoroughly tested travel product reviews to help families make informed decisions. Our team includes experienced travel editors and product testers who rigorously evaluate luggage and travel accessories in both lab settings and real-world travel scenarios. We prioritize accurate, unbiased testing to ensure our recommendations are trustworthy and enhance your family travel experiences. Our commitment to helpful content and expert reviews makes us a trusted source for away travel luggage advice.

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Edited by Jackie Cucco

Jackie Cucco

Jackie Cucco is a testing editor at Travel + Leisure, with extensive experience in product testing and travel-related reviews.

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Updated by Anne Taylor
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Anne Taylor

Anne Taylor is an updates writer at Travel + Leisure, focused on keeping travel articles current and relevant.

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