We got our hands on the recently launched Away soft-sided luggage, and it's made for overpackers.
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Away Soft-Sided Luggage Just Launched, and We Tested the Overpacker-Approved Suitcases
Updated Sep. 12, 2024
Many travelers, myself included, favor soft-sided luggage for its flexibility and ease. When comparing hard vs. soft luggage, soft-sided options make packing more efficient due to their flexible fabric, unlike rigid plastic shells. This kind also expands, accommodating those of us prone to overpacking. While hard-sided luggage offers superior durability and protection, soft-sided bags are lighter and minor blemishes are less noticeable.
Since Away launched its signature hard luggage in 2015, it has become a stylish staple in many people’s luggage arsenal. In July 2024, Away debuted soft-sided luggage. Like Away’s signature hard luggage, the soft-sided luggage has many consistent features, including smooth-rolling wheels and an interior compression system. If possible, I strive not to check a bag, as it’s time-consuming during travel. Since this is ideal for soft luggage, I got my hands a couple pieces and put them to the traveling test in this Away soft-sided luggage review.
What is Away soft-sided luggage?
For years, Away has produced beloved hard shell luggage. Away’s new Softside Luggage collection comes in four sizes: carry-on, bigger carry-on, medium and large. You can shop it in five colors: jet black, navy blue, coastal blue, cloud gray and clay pink.
The carry-on measures 21.9 inches by 15 inches by 9.1 inches, weighs 9.2 pounds and holds 32.2 liters (37.2 liters when expanded). The bigger carry-on measures 23 inches by 15.7 inches by 9.1 inches, weighs 9.8 pounds and holds 38.3 liters (44.3 liters when expanded). The medium measures 26 inches by 18.9 inches by 10.6 inches, weighs 12.6 pounds and holds 69 liters (76 liters when expanded). The large measures 28.7 inches by 21.5 inches by 11.8 inches, weighs 14.8 pounds and holds 101.3 liters (111.5 liters when expanded).
DARIA SMITH/RD.COM
I Tried It
Away Softside Suitcases
Away's new soft-sided luggage is available in four sizes: carry-on, bigger carry-on, medium and large.
Away soft-sided luggage features
Away’s designs capitalize on modernity and luxury. Like Away’s hard luggage, the soft-sided luggage features a structured, rectangular shape and elegant lines on the front, complying with the brand’s signature clean aesthetic. The Away Softside Luggage collection is crafted from durable, water-resistant nylon, and the exterior is soft and flexible, but protects against the elements and resists abrasions.
Away luggage veterans love the bag’s central compartment, which features a compression system to optimize space. Other handy features include a drawstring laundry bag that separates clean and dirty clothes, an ergonomic handle with two adjustable height settings and four 360-degree wheels.
Away is well-known for its expansion features. When the zipper expansion is activated in its soft-sided luggage, bag capacity increases by 15%. As a chronic overpacker, I’ve always valued this feature. Plus, the suitcases come with a luggage tag (personalize it for an extra $10!) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-approved lock. When storing, Away suitcases nest inside each other and save space.
Away’s warranty and return policy is astounding. Unused items can be returned or exchanged within 100 days if not personalized. Additionally, a limited lifetime warranty covers damages to key functional components, such as the shell, wheels, handles and zippers, along with many other elements of the luggage.
How I tested it
I tested Away’s soft-sided bigger carry-on and soft-sided large in coast blue at five airports: Charleston, Atlanta, Dallas, Birmingham and Waco. The luggage arrived safely packaged, each piece in its respective box and covered in a plastic sleeve for protection.
The bigger carry-on measures 23 inches by 15.7 inches by 9.1 inches, and I worried it would exceed some domestic airlines’ carry-on restrictions. For example, United Airlines’ guidelines follow 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. I flew on Delta and American Airlines and didn’t encounter any issues. Luckily, it fit safely into the overhead bin (I didn’t place it in the bag sizer before boarding the plane).
In a traveling blunder, I spilled coffee all over my luggage, which wiped away right off the weatherproof nylon. It also rained throughout my time in Alabama, and my luggage contents remained dry and protected. I traversed several terrains with Away’s luggage, including gravel and uneven sidewalks. I sprinted through the airport to make my flight—and the bags followed me with ease.
In total, I packed six outfits and two pairs of shoes without any spacing issues (though I could’ve used the zipper expansion if I did). Plus, my 13-inch laptop fits comfortably in the front sleeve pocket. The zippers on Away’s soft-sided luggage don’t slide as smoothly as their signature hard bags. Older Away bags featured a built-in lock. While this bag includes a TSA lock, it fastens on and off.
Pros
- Weatherproof, easy-to-clean, durable nylon
- Expansion system increases storage by 15%
- Sizes store easily and nest inside each other
- Sleek design
- Two exterior pockets
- Comes with a TSA-approved lock and luggage tag
- 360-degree smooth-gliding wheels
- Bigger carry-on fits safely in the overhead bin
- 100-day return policy
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Fragile zippers
- TSA lock isn’t built-in, but it fastens on and off
Why you should trust us
As a senior shopping editor at Trusted Media Brands, I’ve spent years testing a wide range of travel gear, from durable luggage to versatile boots that can handle any adventure. With countless road trips and flights across the Southeast, I’ve put my luggage through extensive real-world use. Over the past decade, I’ve rigorously tested products, and since 2020, I’ve specialized in writing in-depth shopping guides. My hands-on experience with travel essentials ensures that my reviews, including this one on the Away soft-sided luggage, are backed by thorough testing and firsthand insights.
FAQ
Does Away make soft-sided luggage?
Yes, Away launched soft-sided luggage in July 2024. The brand has produced hard luggage since 2015.
Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage?
Rather than the type of luggage, airlines care more about luggage weight and size. They don’t have a preference.
Are Away suitcases TSA-approved?
Yes, TSA welcomes Away suitcases with TSA-approved locks and standard luggage dimensions.
What other reviewers had to say
The Away soft-sided luggage is still pretty new, but early birds are already praising the pieces in their Away reviews.
“I’ve had the opportunity to use this both as a carry-on and as a checked bag, and I am beyond impressed at the durability,” says Elizabeth, a five-star reviewer. “I’m no stranger to the trendy hard-sided luggage and have tried most competitors out there. My #1 complaint across all of them is the unsightly scuffing after the very first use. With the Softside, that’s no longer an issue, and Away did a fabulous job designing it to maintain the trendy hardside aesthetic. I love that this is like your old soft luggage from the 90s with a facelift for 2024. It’s sturdy and has awesome compression dividers, and I had ample packing room for a five-day trip as a chronic overpacker. I think Away knocked it out of the park with this, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we start to see soft-sided luggage make a comeback.”
Another five-star reviewer, Elle, raves, “I was very impressed by the smoothness and sturdiness of this little bag. The 360-degree wheels were very smooth and never gave me a problem once; it was the most reliable bag for my two-week trip. I especially loved the pockets. This bag has two pockets on the front, a small one on top, which is great for stashing ID, etc, for quick retrieval, and a larger one for other documents or flat tech. It was roomy and still fit perfectly in the overhead bin in the plane. It also doesn’t look too large, and a flight attendant never asked me to measure it to ensure it was the right size. The monochromatic zippers and accents make the bag look very modern.”
Product comparison
Compared to Travelpro or Briggs & Riley, Away’s soft-sided luggage has a smaller capacity and a less effective compression system. However, Away bags are cheaper than these brands, so it’s a win in terms of price.
Those who know and love Away’s hard luggage often complain about how dirty the exterior gets. Aside from a minor white mark on the exterior, my soft-sided luggage is scotch-free (this mark appeared when the entire plane was forced to check bags. I tried, but failed, to scrub out the stain).
Final verdict
Away’s soft-sided luggage is a worthwhile addition to your suitcase rotation. A modern, elegant design, durable nylon build and expansion system make it my go-to when flying and not checking a bag.
Where to buy Away soft-sided luggage
DARIA SMITH/RD.COM
I Tried It
Away Softside Suitcases
You can shop this new luggage collection from Away in five colorways: jet black, navy blue, coastal blue, cloud gray and clay pink.
Away’s soft-sided luggage is only available directly on the brand’s website and costs from $225 to $325. The carry-on costs $225, the bigger carry-on is $245, the medium is $295 and the large is $325. It just might be time to cross into the Softside.
Originally Published: September 12, 2024
