The Best Away Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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Away is one of the best brands in the business, so we tried more than 20 pieces to see why.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

If you look around any airport, you'll likely see at least one Away suitcase in the crowd of travelers hustling to catch their flight. Our team of travel editors is often asked if Away luggage is worth it, so we tested various pieces of Away luggage in our Travel + Leisure lab and on our travels to find out if it's worth the hype.

We packed each suitcase and bag, wheeled them through obstacle courses, threw them off of tabletops, and hit each bag with a baseball bat. We also recreated an airplane in our lab to lift carry-ons into overhead bins and place personal items underneath seats. After we completed our rigorous testing, it was clear which bags stood out and which fell flat, and we will continue testing each bag for a period of six months to make sure our favorites hold up. From carry-ons and checked bags to duffels and backpacks, here is the best Away luggage, according to testing.

The bag is compact, but it can fit a surprising number of items.

It's not expandable, so you have to be intentional about what you pack.

Away has several different carry-on options, but nothing is as good as the original. The brand's iconic carry-on bag blew us away in testing due to its inconspicuously large interior that fit everything on our packing list with room to spare. We were able to neatly organize and pack enough clothing, shoes, and accessories for a week-long trip. The clamshell-style suitcase has two spacious compartments with a compression flap on one side and a large mesh pocket on the other flap. Measuring 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches, this carry-on is more compact than others on the market, but the tough polycarbonate exterior has plenty of give to pack it full, despite not having expandable zippers. The lightweight suitcase rolls like a dream with 360-degree spinning wheels, and the handles on the top, side, and bottom make it a breeze the lift the bag in the most convenient way. If you're in search of a carry-on, this champion bag is worth every penny in our opinion.

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

The expandable zipper adds extra space when needed.

It scuffed a bit during testing.

While Away has several sizes for checked bags, we are obsessed with the Medium Flex after it proved to have superior versatility compared to other sizes. It's small enough to not feel cumbersome to roll or lift, but the expandable zipper adds tons of space if needed for a longer trip. We had no issues packing the bag with enough clothing for up to two weeks of traveling with the help of the expanding zipper and compression flap on one side of the clamshell suitcase. When the bag was packed full, the 360-degree spinner wheels rolled effortlessly across smooth and rough surfaces, and the adjustable handle was sturdy enough to push and pull the packed bag with ease. The polycarbonate exterior sustained a few minor scuffs in testing, but luckily, the suitcase comes with a sponge to buff out scuffs, so we still applauded the durability of the bag.

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

The unique 30/70 design makes it easy to pack bulky items in the deeper section of the bag.

With a 107-liter capacity, it's easy to overpack the bag with more than 50 pounds.

Don't let the unique shape of Away's trunk prevent you from giving it a try because once you start using it, you might not want to go back to a regular checked bag (trust us, we know from experience). The 30/70 split design means one side is much deeper, which is helpful for packing bulky items like jeans, shoes, and jackets, or filling it with packing cubes. The tall, narrow shape makes the bag impressively easy to maneuver between obstacles, and it's much easier to store in a storage closet since it takes up less room. Best of all, it has a whopping 107-liter capacity for storing enough items for a two- to three-week trip. However, you'll want to keep an eye on the baggage weight as you pack since it can be easy to go over the 50-pound limit with the massive capacity.

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

This carry-on has plenty of packing space and looks surprisingly chic for a softside bag.

It's pretty large and heavy for a carry-on, so you'll need to be mindful when packing to avoid extra fees.

After testing every bag in Away's new softside collection, we determined the Softside Bigger Carry-on was our favorite. We actually prefer it to Away's softside checked bags because it's lighter and rolls more smoothly but can still hold a lot. It would probably push some carry-on size limits, especially when stuffed full, so we recommend keeping that in mind when using the expansion zipper. Inside, this bag has a top flap and one main expandable compartment, along with a compression pad that can tighten everything down. There is also a small pocket on the front of the carry-on that could fit a phone, passport, or similarly sized items.

We particularly loved the design of the bag, which looked surprisingly chic thanks to the puffy padding on the front. It also stood up well to our durability tests, showing no signs of damage after we threw it, hit it with a baseball bat, and even stomped on it. "This felt like a heavier fabric than other softsides, which made me think it will be durable even if you have to check it," says T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker. The lightweight yet sturdy design, impressive size, and maneuverability makes this an excellent carry-on and our favorite softside bag from Away.

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

The aluminum material is protective and effortlessly stylish.

Aluminum is prone to denting and quite heavy.

If you're looking to travel in style, this stunning aluminum carry-on is the perfect balance of polished and protective. In testing, we found that the bag could fit everything in our packing list for a week's worth of traveling, and while it is spacious, you cannot overpack it because it has latches instead of zippers, so it doesn't have any expandability. This suitcase also has impressive features like a charging port (USB charger included) to charge your portable devices and slow-release handles. Despite the heavier weight of the aluminum bag, the spinner wheels handle the extra bulk with ease, and the suitcase rolls just as smoothly. When we hit the suitcase with a metal baseball bat to test durability, the shell dented fairly easily. However, since that is the nature of aluminum, we didn't shave off any points in that category because the material is also the most reliable and protective, so we deemed it a fair trade-off.

The Details: 22.7 x 14.5 x 9.6 inches | 10.6 pounds | 40.9-liter capacity | Aluminum | 4 dual spinner wheels

The bag is sleek, stylish, and lightweight enough to carry through a busy airport.

The 20-liter capacity might not be big enough for more than a weekend away, but it also comes in a larger size.

Whether you use this bag as a personal item or overnighter, this duffel boasts the brand's minimalist and sleek aesthetic. Ideal for a night or two away from home, the 20-liter bag has a long zipper that extends down the sides, which makes it easy to see what you're placing inside the main compartment. The weekender has various pockets for staying organized, including a padded laptop pocket up to 16 inches wide, a key leash, and several slip pockets for earbuds or pens. Made with a lightweight but durable nylon material, this bag is extremely lightweight and comfortable to carry with the top tote handles or slung over the shoulder with the longer, removable strap. We included the 20-liter Everywhere Bag in this list, but it also comes in two larger sizes so you can choose the size that is best for you.

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

The recycled materials are designed to weather harsh conditions.

You will need to check this bag as it's too large to be a carry-on.

Away's F.A.R line — the acronym stands for "For All Routes" — offers excellent durability for use outside of leisurely traveling. Ideal for more rugged use like camping or safaris, the fully recycled polyester material boasts both water- and abrasion-resistant abilities to keep your belongings safe no matter what Mother Nature (or baggage handlers) throws your way. In the lab, we loved that the 70-liter bag could fit tons of clothing items for a lengthy trip, and the various pockets and internal compression straps helped pack items down. Due to the large size of the bag, we think using packing cubes would help travelers stay more organized. One of our favorite aspects of this duffel is that it's extremely lightweight — weighing just 3 pounds — but if it ever feels too heavy to carry with the tote straps, it comes with a trolley sleeve and removable backpack straps to effortlessly convert the duffel to a backpack as needed. One thing to note is that this duffel is larger than the standard carry-on size, and you will need to check it.

The Details: 5.7 x 27.5 x 11.8 inches | 3 pounds | 70-liter capacity | Recycled polyester

The backpack has a wrap-around zipper to open it up clamshell-style.

It could have a bit more padding for comfort.

Simple, sleek, and functional, this backpack features nearly everything we look for in a high-quality backpack. In testing, we appreciated the various pockets on the interior for staying organized — a feature particularly helpful for commuting or air travel. The designated laptop pocket can store tablets up to 16 inches wide, and the interior boasts a water bottle-specific pocket and numerous other pockets for smaller items. The best part of this backpack is the wrap-around zipper to open up the bag like a clamshell suitcase for packing the main compartment with ease. During our durability tests, the water- and abrasion-resistant nylon showed zero signs of damage after we tossed it off a table several times. While the back panel and straps could use a bit more padding, the backpack was still comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

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

It's the perfect backpack for carrying your belongings with ease.

It felt a bit bulky to carry when packed full.

If your future travels include multiple legs or moving accommodations frequently, then this convertible bag should go in your cart ASAP. The 45-liter pack is basically a mini suitcase with superior portability since you can toss it on your back for hands-free travel thanks to the hidden backpack straps. In testing, we loved that the straps can easily be tucked away without hanging out so you can choose to carry it as a tote or duffel bag with a removable shoulder strap. We fit clothing, shoes, and accessories from a week-long packing list and there was even room left for a few extra items, so don't be fooled by the seemingly small look of the bag. Best of all, after we tossed the backpack on the ground many times, the laptop (dummy, of course) didn't get physically damaged, so the ample padding is helpful for both protection and comfort.

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

The bag has tons of packing space while remaining remarkably light.

We wish the wheels rotated 360 degrees for easier maneuverability.

At a whopping 85 liters, this rolling duffel has a huge capacity for those who need it. It's a great bag for packing bulky gear, since the majority of the capacity comes from the single main cavity, with just a few zippered pockets for organization. During testing, we had no issue fitting everything on our list and had plenty of room to spare. If the bag is packed full, you can tighten the top and sides by using the straps on the outside. Although this bag is massive, it's surprisingly light, which will be helpful when trying to stay within airline weight limits. The bag is quite maneuverable considering how large it is, although the wheels don't rotate 360 degrees, which makes it a little trickier to navigate than some other bags. Overall, the bag is light, durable, and large, making it a good option for travelers who want to pack or store bulky gear.

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

Here are some other notable options from Away that we tested.

Away The Carry-on Flex: We love that this suitcase has expandable zippers to add extra space, but the wheels didn't roll as smoothly as other suitcases going over rough surfaces like carpet.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Away The Bigger Carry-On: This is a seriously spacious carry-on bag, so it's perfect for a longer vacation, but you'll want to check with airlines on carry-on restrictions since it could be too large.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Away The Large: This massive bag was surprisingly easy to maneuver through obstacles and over rough surfaces, but we thought the medium size was a little more manageable to stay under airline weight limits. One thing to note is that the glossy finish of this suitcase scuffed and scratched more easily during our tests when compared to the matte style, but it's available in both.

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Away The Softside Medium: This is one of the checked versions of Away's softside collection, and we like that it's spacious with plenty of organizational features inside. That being said, we felt like it was a bit heavy and ultimately preferred the Softside Bigger Carry-on over this one.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

While we've tried plenty of Away luggage between dozens of tests for suitcases and travel accessories, we performed a test specifically for Away luggage in our New York City lab. After trying 24 pieces of Away luggage, we were able to compare and contrast the older and newer luggage collections to update this article accordingly.

We packed each bag full of items from designated packing lists and wheeled the bags through various obstacle courses and over different floor textures to make sure the wheels and handles worked smoothly. We tossed the bags off of tabletops and hit each one with a baseball to check the durability.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

We lifted carry-ons into overhead bins on our airplane set to get a feel for how heavy or light they felt and to try out special features like Away's underside grab handles. From carry-ons and checked bags to backpacks and duffels, the highest-scoring Away luggage earned spots in our list for the very best Away luggage to shop, according to our thorough testing.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Picking the right size suitcase for your intended travels can be the most difficult part of luggage shopping — take it from our travel editors who are quite picky about their favorite luggage. For those who fly airlines with relatively strict regulations, you may want to opt for the Carry-on, Convertible F.A.R Backpack, or the small Everywhere Bag since those are smaller pieces of luggage. For a bit more versatility, consider getting the Carry-on Flex or Medium Flex suitcases that boast expandable zippers for adding more space when needed. And of course, overpackers or those embarking on a longer trip should opt for the medium, large, or trunk to get the most room in a suitcase.

Most of the Away suitcases have an extremely similar layout when it comes to organization. Only one side has a compression flap with a pocket or two and the other has a zipper closure with a pocket. The only exception to this is the aluminum collection that boasts a dual compression system. In general, the duffel bags have several pockets for storage, but you may want to get packing cubes to stay extra organized. We found that the weekender bags and backpacks offered excellent organization for commuting and traveling.

Before buying an Away suitcase, be sure to browse the various collections the brand offers. The Classic collection includes Away's original suitcase designs with two sizes of carry-ons, a medium checked, a large checked, and the trunk. The Flex collection is most notable for featuring expandable zippers on every size of the Classic suitcases except the trunk. The new Softside collection is available in four sizes, all featuring outer pockets and nylon material. And of course, the stunning Aluminum collection features two sizes of carry-ons — a medium and a large — with latch closures.

Away luggage is only sold by Away, either online or in one of its brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S. and in Toronto, Canada. You can find the list of in-person stores here.

Start by deciding between carry-on and checked bags — which are you more likely to use? Overall, we think it's a great idea to have one of each. (Plus, the carry-ons nest inside the checked bags, so you don't need to worry about finding extra storage space at home for a second bag.) Also, be sure to check your preferred airline's restrictions on sizes to get a better idea of which suitcase would be best if you're between the carry-on or checked bag sizes offered by Away.

Anna Popp is an associate editor at T+L where she writes most of the team's tested content. She has tested dozens of suitcases and personally owns an Away trunk, medium checked suitcase, a backpack, and a crossbody bag. Anna tested multiple Away suitcases and bags in then T+L lab and combed through testing notes to compile this list of the very best Away luggage.

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