Travel Loot

Finally. A Good-Looking Carry-On That Won't Break the Bank

by Berit Baugher
Away

The Away Carry-On. Photo by Nate Poekert.

We've been waiting for this launch for a few months: a new, affordable carry-on suitcase that comes with all the bells and whistles of a luxury line. And we finally got to take it out for a (literal) spin.

Your suitcase is arguably the most important tool in your travel arsenal. It helps transport your stuff from point A to point B while ensuring a safe arrival for all your personal items. Though they're generally thought of as long-term, big-ticket purchases — you spend big bucks to guarantee a lengthy life span and features like a lightweight exterior — bags from trusted brands like Rimowa, Tumi, and Hartman aren't affordable for everyone.

Away is a refreshing, new entrant in the luggage category that is poised to change that. The brand has a similar ethos to Warby Parker (founders Jen Rubio and Steph Korey both worked there) and recently introduced a sleek carry-on made from top-notch materials in the same factories as those favorite luxury brands for the palatable price of $225. The suitcase comes in a range of colors and features a polycarbonate exterior, water-resistant zippers, and a built-in TSA-approved lock.

On a recent trip to Shanghai, I was blown away by the virtually silent Japanese Hinomoto spinner wheels. They're better than you could possibly imagine, which makes sense because this is the first time they've been used on a suitcase that costs less than $1,000. The extras — a removable laundry bag, a compression divider, a built-in smart phone charger — made me feel like the savviest person at the airport.

Away Carry-On Suitcase

Away Carry-On Suitcase Interior

Away Carry-On Suitcase Lock and Charger


BUY IT

Available online at AwayTravel.com for $225.

We make every effort to ensure the information in our articles is accurate at the time of publication. But the world moves fast, and even we double-check important details before hitting the road.