Because it debuted in 2015, Away has develop into a preferred baggage firm with luggage which are usually straightforward to identify in each nook of an airport, from airline lounges to baggage carousels. It is virtually just like the iPhone of carry-on luggage — easy, trendy and priced in a manner that walks that line of exclusivity whereas concurrently feeling inexpensive sufficient for a lot of frequent vacationers. It probably would not harm Away’s reputation — and visibility — that just a few occasions a 12 months it unveils seasonally refreshed colours for its luggage, too.
Personally, I’ve bought three Away luggage: two child-size luggage (which are not out there) and one grownup carry-on dimension from a limited-edition assortment impressed by the northern lights. A lot to my shock, my northern lights Away bag, which was stunning when it first arrived at my door, hasn’t held up very properly.
Nonetheless, I used to be in any other case impressed with my buy. Pondering my difficulty is perhaps a results of a quirk tied to the particular plastic coating of the northern lights bag as an alternative of a bigger design flaw, I wished to offer Away one other shot. So, through the previous few months, I made a decision to check out The Greater Carry-On within the coast shade, which Away supplied for product testing. Now that I’ve had a while with the bag, here is what I’ve realized about this Away carry-on choice — and what I’ve to say about whether or not the model’s luggage are price shopping for.
Away luggage limited-time sale: Till Nov. 28, 2022, get $50 off while you purchase two Away suitcases or $100 off should you purchase three.
What it’s best to search for in a carry-on bag
One of the best carry-on luggage have just a few issues in widespread. Notably, they’ve a sturdy deal with and are straightforward to roll, not solely on clean airport surfaces but additionally on some barely imperfect surfaces. Generally taking that practice to the town middle and strolling the remainder of the way in which to the lodge whereas pulling your bag is the very best plan of action — and your bag wants to have the ability to deal with that journey.
Ideally, carry-on baggage has some compartments to assist preserve your belongings separated and make the act of bodily closing and opening the bag a bit simpler. Nobody needs all of the gadgets that have been so rigorously packed exploding all over the place due to gravity through the zipping and unzipping course of.
One of the best carry-on luggage do not waste a ton of weight on the bag itself and slot in airline overhead bins, pushing proper as much as that most restrict allowed so you might have as a lot packing area as doable. They’re additionally constructed to carry as much as the cruel realities of steadily flying with out changing into the ugly ducking on the baggage carousel shortly after shopping for them.
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Why we like Away’s The Greater Carry-On
Spoiler alert: After just a few months of utilizing this Away carry-on, I am a fan.
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Whereas I nonetheless love my Rimowa carry-on luggage that I’ve used for nearly a decade, there is no such thing as a query that the Away bag is extra purposeful in just a few methods — which is why it’s now closely in my rotation.
The mesh, zippered laundry compartment on one facet of the bag is one among my favourite parts, as it’s so helpful for preserving issues organized and in place. The opposite facet of the bag can then be used for packing cubes and the like, making it straightforward to pack, unpack and preserve every thing collectively.
Buy hyperlink: Away The Greater Carry-On
The zippers themselves are sturdy and straightforward to maneuver, even when you will have barely overpacked and are leaning on the suitcase to get it to shut when you zip it up.
The 360-degree spinner wheels have made shifting by way of the airport, alongside sidewalks and extra mainly a dream, too.
A few of this perceived rolling enchancment over what I have been utilizing could be the operate of the Away bag I am testing being just some months outdated versus the various years and miles I’ve logged on my Rimowa, however there is no query the Away bag is straightforward to maneuver.
As somebody who would somewhat drink cup after cup of yucky airplane espresso than examine a bag, I am notably keen on the marginally bigger dimension of Away’s commonplace carry-on bag. The Greater Carry-On permits you to add in an additional set or two of garments or another pair of sneakers with out having to float into that “should examine a bag” scenario. We’ll get extra into the precise dimensions in a bit, however this little further room makes a noticeable distinction when packing.
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Issues to find out about The Greater Carry-On from Away
Whereas this bag might be thrown out and in of a cab and dragged off a carousel with out a fear by way of performance, be ready for some scratches on the shell. (If you happen to actually wish to see the sturdiness in motion, bounce to the 3-minute mark of the “Children Away Baggage evaluation video” on the finish of this text to see how we tried to destroy that bag.)
Even with regular put on and tear, scuffs can completely be seen on the matte materials. I discovered some on my take a look at bag after 4 flights and one practice journey.
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SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Moreover, I’ve found that this coast shade is sort of widespread, as I have been in just a few conditions now the place a number of folks have had the very same bag. With out one thing clearly figuring out the bag as yours, you are risking bag mix-ups, so take into account getting some form of particular identifier (resembling a colourful baggage tag) and toss an Apple AirTag in for good measure, simply in case. Or, merely select a non-traditional shade that fewer folks can have.
Know, too, that with this bag, you will have the choice so as to add on an ejectable 37-watt lithium-ion battery positioned beneath the deal with for $20. I am not personally a fan of the function, as I am not organized sufficient with my life to recollect to cost my bag’s battery pack, so the one which got here with my take a look at bag was barely wasted on me. I might choose to make use of that further pound of weight for gadgets I am packing, so I’ve opted to pop the detachable battery out and go away it at house as an alternative of preserving it within the bag after I journey.
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How Away’s carry-on measures up
Frequently priced beginning at $295, The Greater Carry-On from Away is at present out there in 13 colours and is sized to slot in the overhead bins on most airways.
Among the Away bag’s options embody:
- Sturdy polycarbonate shell.
- Leather-based detailing, together with a black leather-based baggage tag.
- TSA-approved mixture lock for further security.
- 360-degree spinner wheels that guarantee a clean trip.
- Inside compression system.
- Hidden laundry bag to maintain soiled garments separate.
The Greater Carry-On that I have been attempting out has the next measurements:
- Exterior: 22.7 by 14.7 by 9.6 inches.
- Inside: 21 by 14.5 inches.
- Weight: 7.4 kilos.
- Capability: 47.9 liters.
For reference, Delta Air Strains, American Airways and United Airways all have posted most carry-on sizes of twenty-two by 14 by 9 inches, which is technically a hair smaller than this bag on all sides.
In follow, on most flights, a bag that may be a fraction of an inch over will nonetheless match within the sizer and within the overhead bin, however do know that there’s a chance that you could be must gate-check your bag.
Southwest Airways at present has a most carry-on dimension of 24 inches by 16 inches by 10 inches, which implies this bigger carry-on does formally adjust to that service’s baggage dimension limits.
Away The Carry-On vs. Away The Greater Carry-On
The 2 important variations between The Carry-On from Away and The Greater Carry-On from Away are value and dimension.
The usual Away carry-on bag is often about $20 cheaper than the Greater model, at $275 as an alternative of $295. Moreover, the normal Away Carry-On measures 21.7 by 13.7 by 9 inches, which means it’s smaller than the utmost carry-on dimension necessities for all main U.S. airways, not like the Greater model. Within the U.S., that distinction is not more likely to trigger points more often than not, although it could be problematic when flying carriers internationally.
As somebody who stuffs their carry-on to the brim, the extra capability in The Greater Carry-On is price it. However should you do not end up needing each sq. inch in your carry-on, then getting The Carry-On will prevent just a few {dollars} and make sure to preserve you inside the posted airline carry-on dimension limits.
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Total impression
Even with the scuff marks, this suitcase appears fairly good. The deal with is not the sturdiest factor round, however the bag rolls properly in most makes use of, and I’m loving the additional area that comes with the marginally extra voluminous Greater model. I am additionally a sucker for the zippered facet of the bag that makes organizing — particularly at the side of packing cubes — a cinch.
If you happen to’re nonetheless on the fence about shopping for the bag, know that there is a 100-day trial interval, throughout which you may make a return with no questions requested. It is perhaps simply the excuse it’s essential to take an opportunity on a brand new piece of bags and see if it is the appropriate match for you.
Learn on for extra recommendations on discovering the appropriate piece of journey gear for you:
Further reporting by Isabelle Raphael.
