I’ve been traveling with AWAY luggage for several years, and over time, I’ve built a pretty solid collection. Between domestic trips, international travel, blog-related photoshoots, and family vacations, I’ve had the chance to test most of their key pieces—suitcases, backpacks, totes, and packing cubes included.
What I love most is the sleek, minimal aesthetic and all the thoughtful details. These bags seem to hold more than other options in the same size category, and everything is designed to work together. Whether I’m packing light for a short trip or checking multiple bags for a longer one, the pieces coordinate seamlessly. Today I’m breaking down what I own, how I use each piece, and what I recommend based on your travel style and needs.
Why I Chose AWAY Luggage
Over the years, I’ve tested a handful of popular luggage brands—Delsey, Calpak, Travelpro, Samsonite, and more—but I kept coming back to AWAY. Their luggage hits the sweet spot between form and function: it looks sleek and polished, but it’s also thoughtfully designed and built to last. Every piece I’ve tried—from their carry-ons to their travel bags—feels well-made, durable, and practical.
What really won me over, though, is how everything works together as a system. The sizing is consistent, the bags stack easily, and the thoughtful features—like compression panels, hidden laundry bags, and smooth spinner wheels—just make packing and travel days easier. Each suitcase also comes with a few nice extras: a coordinating leather luggage tag and even a magic eraser to help clean off scuffs (especially helpful if you opt for one of the lighter colors).
In addition to their suitcases, AWAY has a collection of totes and backpacks that coordinate perfectly as personal items—so everything looks cohesive when you’re on the move. They’re thoughtfully designed with smart compartments and organizational features that make it easy to keep everything in its place.
Suffice it to say, at this point, AWAY luggage is my go-to for just about every trip. Here’s how it breaks down:
AWAY Carry-On Suitcases
Over the years, we’ve accumulated almost all of the AWAY carry-on sizes, and we actually use them all—it just depends on the trip and how much space we need.
AWAY The Carry-On
The Carry-On is the most compact option and works well for short trips or flights on smaller planes with tighter overhead bins. It’s reliable and efficient, but for most trips, I usually find myself wishing for just a bit more space.
AWAY The Carry-On in Salt White // Goyard tote (option) // Michael Stars top // Pistola Lennon (29) // similar sandals
This photo is from a quick overnight trip I took last summer. I used a tote as my personal item rather than another AWAY piece—which I do sometimes, depending on the trip.
AWAY The Bigger Carry-On
I added The Bigger Carry-On to my lineup last fall, and it was a total game changer. It holds so much more than you’d expect, and it still fits in standard overhead bins.
AWAY The Everywhere Bag in Sand // AWAY The Bigger Carry-On in Jet Black // similar jacket // MOTHER Roller (29) // similar Veronica Beard boots in Espresso
This photo is from a trip I took to Nashville last fall to meet up with some of my fellow influencer friends. I went a day early to spend time with my daughter at Belmont University. We had a lot of fun plans—and I wanted options! I never would’ve imagined doing a trip like that carry-on only, but the Bigger Carry-On made it possible. I didn’t feel like I had to sacrifice anything.
Thanks to this bag (and the success of that trip), I now do everything I can to travel carry-on only—even for longer getaways.
AWAY The Bigger Carry-On Flex
The Bigger Carry-On Flex is my newest addition, and it’s the one I brought with me to England! It starts out the same size as the regular Bigger Carry-On but has a hidden expansion zipper that gives you a few extra inches of space when you need it.
AWAY The Bigger Carry-On Flex in Jet Black // AWAY Large Featherlight Backpack in Jet Black // similar tank // SPANX AirEssentials Half Zip Sweatshirt in Very Black (S) // SPANX AirEssentials Wide Leg Pants in Very Black (M) // New Balance 327 (9)
I was able to carry it on for the flight over, and if I do any shopping while I’m here, I can expand it and check it on the way home. For most of my stateside travel, I still prefer the non-flex version—it’s lighter and more streamlined—but it’s really nice to have the flexibility (pun intended!) of a bag that can do both.
Checked Luggage
These days, I do my best to avoid checking bags, but sometimes a bigger suitcase is a necessity, and AWAY has a great option for that too. It was actually a checked bag that started me down the AWAY luggage path! After seeing how well it performed (and how sharp it looked rolling through the airport), I wanted to try more. That bag ended up being the first piece in what has become a full AWAY travel system.
AWAY The Medium
When I need to check a bag, AWAY’s The Medium is the one I reach for. It’s lightweight for its size, holds a ton, and pairs seamlessly with my other AWAY pieces. I can pack it full—including toiletries, styling tools, and even my Dyson hair dryer—and it still never goes over the 50-lb airline weight limit. It’s definitely a beast when fully packed, but it’s manageable.
AWAY The Medium in Sand // AWAY The Everywhere Bag in Sand // similar tank // similar EVEREVE utility jacket (M) // Athleta cargo pants in Aspen Olive (6) // On Cloud sneakers (9)
This picture is from my recent trip to Florida with Paul. We were gone for 10 days, and it was a direct flight, so I went ahead and packed my larger suitcase so I could bring all the options.
I’ve never even considered getting the The Large. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to lift it off the baggage carousel if it were packed to capacity—and I know it would go over the 50-lb weight limit almost every time. Instead, I prefer to check The Medium and pair it with The Bigger Carry-On when I need extra space. Not only is it easier to manage two smaller suitcases than one oversized one, but I also like keeping a carry-on with me to support my personal item and to be sure I have my essentials if my checked bag gets delayed.
AWAY also makes a few other checked bags, including The Medium Flex, The Large Flex, and The Trunk, each with slightly different capacities and layouts. You can compare all of their checked luggage here if you’re curious about those options.
Travel Bags & Backpacks
Okay, so let’s talk personal bags! AWAY makes a wide variety of travel bags, backpacks, and even diaper bags—all with their signature sleek design and thoughtfully designed interiors.
AWAY The Everywhere Bag
The Everywhere Bag is the one I’ve had the longest and used the most. It’s compact, chic, and keeps everything neatly contained, but it does have a few drawbacks… we’ll get to that in a sec.
AWAY The Bigger Carry-On in Jet Black // AWAY The Everywhere Bag in Sand // similar trench // stripe sweater // Pistola Kinsley Flare (29) // Paul Green Hadley (8)
Inside, it has a few organizational pockets and a padded laptop sleeve that fits even my 16″ MacBook Pro (though I usually travel with my lighter MacBook Air these days). I love that it slides securely over a suitcase handle thanks to the trolley sleeve, and the exterior zip pocket is perfect for quick-access essentials like my ID and phone when I’m going through security.
Here’s what I typically fit inside:
shop my go-to travel essentials
As for the drawbacks… one side tends to slouch when the bag isn’t packed full, which makes the exterior pocket a little harder to access. The lack of structure can be frustrating—especially when I’m trying to grab something quickly. Also, the top handles often flop over the zipper, so I usually have to hold them out of the way to get into the bag. These are minor annoyances, but worth pointing out for a brand that usually nails the details.
Because of that, I was especially interested in trying out a couple of their backpack options to compare…
AWAY The Everywhere Zip Backpack
The Everywhere Zip Backpack was the one I was most interested in trying, as it came highly recommended by several of you. It has the same sleek, sophisticated look as the Everywhere Bag, and it’s made from the same water-repellent nylon with leather trim. It’s very streamlined, and unlike the Everywhere Bag, this backpack stands up easily on its own—no slouching!
AWAY The Everywhere Zip Backpack in Jet Black // AWAY The Bigger Carry-On Flex in Jet Black // similar tank // SPANX AirEssentials Half Zip Sweatshirt in Very Black (S) // SPANX AirEssentials Wide Leg Pants in Very Black (M) // New Balance 327 (9)
It also features a full wraparound zip opening for easy access to the interior, a separate padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 16″ laptop, a trolley sleeve, and a simple exterior zip pocket that’s perfect for a smartphone or card case.
My only caveat here is that the straps are rather stiff, and when I prop it on top of my suitcase, they either rest over the handle (which looks nicer, but makes it harder to hold onto) or they sit off to the side and stick out awkwardly on each side.
Even though it feels a little heavy when packed, it’s still manageable to wear on my back. I’d usually use the trolley sleeve and attach it to my carry-on, but the backpack option would be nice to have if I ever want to check the Medium and skip bringing a second carry-on suitcase. (Sorry, I totally forgot to get a picture wearing it on my back!)
AWAY Large Featherweight Backpack
I also ordered the Large Featherweight Backpack at the same time as the Everywhere Zip Backpack, planning to choose one and return the other but to be honest, I wasn’t expecting to like it.
From a style perspective, I wasn’t drawn to this one at all. It looks more like something I’d buy my son for high school or college than a polished, travel-ready member of the AWAY luggage lineup. It’s very plain, with no trim or leather detailing, and the bulky front pocket makes it feel more like a school backpack than a stylish travel bag… am I right?
But then… it totally won me over.
The fabric on this backpack is soft and flexible, but it still feels substantial and high quality. And the exterior pockets—the very thing that detracts from the minimalist aesthetic—ended up being my favorite part. They’re super functional, with a perfectly sized passport pocket, two slip pockets for a phone and card holder, and an extra zip pocket to corral smaller items.
I was able to stash my eye mask, compression socks, portable charger, and EarPods—all the little things I need during an overnight flight—right in the front pockets, without even opening the main compartment.
It also has two external water bottle holders, which makes it ideal for sightseeing or using as a daytime bag once I arrive. (I wish I’d brought one along as a prop for these photos… and yes, I forgot to put it on my back for a picture—but I think you can visualize that!)
Beyond all of that—it holds more than either the Everywhere Bag or the Everywhere Backpack.
A packing test sealed the deal.
I started by packing everything I wanted to bring for my England trip into the Everywhere Bag. It all fit, but just barely. I moved everything into the Everywhere Zip Backpack—same story. It worked, but there wasn’t much wiggle room. Then I packed everything into the Featherweight Backpack… and it fit with room to spare. I could even roll up a change of clothes and tuck it into the bottom!
AWAY The Bigger Carry-On Flex in Jet Black // AWAY Large Featherlight Backpack in Jet Black // similar tank // SPANX AirEssentials Half Zip Sweatshirt in Very Black (S) // SPANX AirEssentials Wide Leg Pants in Very Black (M) // New Balance 327 (9)
It’s also noticeably more comfortable to wear on the back than the Everywhere Zip Backpack. Plus, the straps are softer and don’t stick out awkwardly when the bag is sitting on top of my suitcase.
All that to say, the AWAY Large Featherweight Backpack may not be the most stylish option, but it’s incredibly functional, roomy, and comfortable. I’m so glad I gave it a try.
AWAY The Insider Packing Cubes
I know this post is getting long, but I want to be sure to mention the AWAY Packing Cubes! I used to struggle with packing cubes—mainly because I never quite figured out how to make them fit together efficiently in my suitcase. That changed once I tried The Insider Packing Cubes. They’re specifically designed to fit into AWAY luggage, which takes the guesswork out of how to arrange everything. Once I saw how they were intended to work (shoutout to the demo videos on AWAY’s website), it finally clicked.
These aren’t compression cubes—they’re more about organization than space-saving. But because the suitcases themselves have a built-in compression system, I don’t feel like I’m missing anything. The cubes are sleek, well-made, and easy to fill. I have two sets now, and I use different combinations depending on the trip. I like being able to separate my clothes by type—tops in one, pajamas in another, etc.—and it makes unpacking so much easier when I reach my destination. I just pull them out and place them directly in the hotel drawer. Done.
At this point, I never travel without them. They’re one of those little upgrades that ends up making a big difference in how smoothly everything goes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering investing in AWAY luggage, I can confidently say—it’s been worth it for me. The pieces are thoughtfully designed, durable, and easy to use, and I love how well they work together. From the compression panels and interior compartments to the little extras (like the hidden laundry bag, matching luggage tag, and included magic eraser), the attention to detail really shows.
One practical tip: AWAY luggage is everywhere these days, so if you want to spot yours easily at baggage claim, go with a fun or less common color.
If you’re just getting started, I recommend beginning with The Bigger Carry-On or The Medium, depending on your packing habits—and definitely grab the packing cubes. They’ve become a must-have for keeping things organized and maximizing space.
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28 Responses
I love my Away Luggage!
I have the medium, bigger carry-on and the everywhere bag. The everywhere bag is not my favorite. I find the exterior pocket difficult to access and it can be hard to slip it over the handle of my suitcase. I’ve recently been using a backpack too (Tumi).
Away’s warranty is beyond excellent! On my last trip I checked my carry-on when heading home and it arrived with a relatively small dent in the corner. I used their online warranty form, attached a picture and they replaced the bag at no cost! Plus I kept the dented bag. Wow!
That’s amazing!
I’ve been wanting the bigger carry-on for a while now, and your review convinced me. I went on the site and saw it’s now in yellow! . It’s on its way to me. Have a great trip.
You’ll love it!
Thank you for this review! I’m curious how you would compare Away to Calpak, which is also stylish but much cheaper. I need to get luggage for my son who is going to college next year. Personally, I travel all the time but typically travel light & use Lipault carry on bags because they are lightweight
I had a Calpak suitcase, and it felt kind of flimsy to me compared to the Away, but they’re still fine suitcases, especially for a college student.
Your new purse is lovely! Probably out of my budget. That said, we are headed to London in September-what would be a neat item such as purse that’s reasonably priced to purchase OR a clothing item? Thanks and have a wonderful trip! Look forward to all of your updates and what you will be wearing.
What’s your budget ?
I would say $275 and below for a purse and OR clothing item. Thanks so much!!
We’ve been fans of Away luggage for years after my husband discovered them. We started with the Away Medium (we only have the flex versions – they’re game changers!), then added the Bigger Carry On Flex – one of myself, one for my husband and then a few Christmas’s ago we got one for each of our sons. We also use the everywhere bag. My husband has been eyeing the backpacks – I think the Featherweight one might be a good fit for him and the perfect Father’s Day Gift!
Ugh!!! I purchased the white Delsey set you have. It’s so pretty and I get so many compliments but it doesn’t hold much. I have the carry on, medium and personal tote. Wish I bought the Away. The Away sounds more functional. I have buyers remorse!
I still have my Delsey pieces. They’re so chic! I do feel like Away is a smidge more efficient and durable but it’s a nominal difference. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either one.
I’m glad you made it safely to England. Your comment on choosing function over looks reminds me of what I learned in my women’s Bible study. We learned how to study the Bible from a Middle Eastern perspective rather than a Western perspective. One of the things we learned is the Middle Easterner looks to function first rather than looks. Westerners tend to do the opposite. It was very interesting. Have a great weekend.
At your recommendation, I have been slowly purchasing the Away suitcases – and I LOVE! Amazing recommendation and I am very grateful. I am eyeing the bigger carry-on next, but at the website it looks like a decent number of airlines do not accept this size suitcase as a carry-on, does this concern you where you are doing so much international travel now? I would hate to constrain myself to only a carry-on only to be made to check it. Thanks!!
On another note, I love your new purse! I would be great if you could do a “what’s in my purse” to see how much comfortable fits. What a great start to your London trip!
I have the same carry on question as Kristy! I would love the flex carry on but my research says it is a little too large for current requirements, especially international so I am curious if you have any issues. I have been flying with a smaller Vera Bradley carry on for years and ready for something new and a bit more space with options.
So jealous of your trip! We were in London and Birmingham in 2016 and really enjoyed it
Oh thank you Jo-Lynne….. This is exactly what I needed as we are going to order some but didn’t know which sizes etc. My daughter just mentioned that getting the medium over the large would be best as it holds a lot but never goes over the 50lb. limit. I’m an over packer and like lots of options and shoes, but she is the same and goes many days with the medium and she has the bag to top it off, not the backpack. I don’t like to dig for things in backpacks, so the bag might be best for me. I haven’t decided. You are selling me on the backpack. lol Thanks again for this review and have a great time on your trip. PS When we went to visit she was showing me her set and the name tag on her suitcase that comes with it. Her initials are BAG. lol
I got my first Away “bigger carry-on” in 2021 and my husband has one too. I agree with you that it’s the best option when traveling to Europe and doing COO. I didn’t however love the Away carry-on bag choices and instead found Lo & Sons to have exactly what want and need. (I had to laugh at your comment about the backpack looking like something your son would carry in school. That’s what I think of too when I see backpacks….maybe it’s also the teacher in me…I just can’t do it.) I think luggage comes down to personal preferences much like the clothes we wear. It looks like you have found the perfect pieces for all your ongoing travels!! You look confident and happy! 😊
***I think you’ve convinced me to try the Away packing cubes. I have tons of others I got off Amazon, but on my last trip they didn’t work out as well. I think I tried to use too many along with compression cubes.
Typo correction: I meant to say the Away PERSONAL bag choices weren’t what I wanted.
For what it’s worth…that large backpack looks extremely similar to my Bagsmart backpack from Amazon and is a fraction of the price.
I have The Everywhere bag in a lovely slate blue. I bought it to use mostly as a work bag– you know, for keeping my laptop, cords, etc. all in one place. But I traveled with it recently, too, and was very pleased. However, you’re absolutely right about it sort of slouching over when it’s not completely full, and that can be annoying.
I am really tempted by the Lightweight backpack now…
Great info, thanks for the detailed analysis! Especially over the little quirks that seem minor but can be annoying. Hope you had a relatively easy flight and are enjoying your trip!
Great newsletter! I want to do carry on only for trips but I am not good with my toiletries! lol I cannot limit what I want to bring.
Hi Jo-Lynne, This question can wait for your return stateside. I wanted to ask about Travelpro luggage – you said you liked Away better. May I ask what features or issues contributed to not liking Travelpro? What features of Away make it superior?
There are about a zillion YouTube reviews of Travelpro, Away, and Monos. It’s mind boggling! So would love your input as we’ve used none of these!
We keep reading about TravelPro’s Platinum Elite Pro fantastic wheels (which Wirecutter said are spectacular); the four stop handle; and the External USB A & C ports, and the abuse proof zipper heads.
Enjoy your travels and sojourns!
I somehow missed this comment, but I have only tried one travel pro and the zipper broke the first time I tried to use it so that immediately was off my list. I’ve seen some comparisons with the Monos that intrigued me, but it looked like they could be hard to open, so I’m just gonna stick with my AWAY.
I got the Featherlight Backpack to try on an upcoming road trip. Thanks for the info.
I love my Away bags too! I have one packed and ready to go to France today (sadly, not a carryon–I went with the Medium for this trip). And I just saw that they have come out with a garment bag that packs like a duffle. Both the black and the navy were sold out, so I’m on the waiting list for that. Looks so good!
Oh that sounds amazing! Especially for people who carry a lot of dresses.