It’s no secret that travel has become much more difficult in the last several years, but that doesn’t mean those with a deep wanderlust should stay home. Travel companies like Away have gone above and beyond to make luggage that helps offset the burden of travel unknowns and hiccups along the way.

“While style is important, travelers should look for durable luggage that makes the travel experience easier,” Delta Air Lines flight attendant Katie Trebendis tells PEOPLE. “Features like weight indicators, spinner wheels, and padded handles can enhance your travel experience and make it more seamless.”

Whether you’ve been planning that trip to Greece, preparing for a honeymoon, or any other adventure that awaits, having reliable luggage will only add to the wonder of your destination. Away has a huge inventory of suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, and more that can let you explore the world while keeping the things that matter close.

Read on for the best Away luggage of 2024, including some we tested ourselves.

Away The Carry-On

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

Anyone heading out on a short trip who wants a reliable and compact bag.

Who It’s Not Good For

Those traveling for longer than two weeks that need more space for clothing.

After dogs, a carry-on might take runner-up as man’s best friend because it’s with you on all of your adventures — big and small. This durable hard shell case provides stability to keep your belongings safe, while designed to perfectly fit in the overhead bin of all major airlines (and most others too!). Trebendis says for Delta that “your carry-on luggage must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches” but that you can always check the requirements for your airline at your gate (or online).

The spinner wheels make this bag easy to tote around — whether storing in a car trunk on your next roadtrip, or pulling it behind you down some cobblestone street abroad. And you get the added benefit of a suitcase’s worth of storage space. As with all Away bags, it’s simple, compact, and sophisticated in design, letting you play with a few whimsical colors like forest green.

We tested this bag in our lab and loved its spacious interior, easy navigation and maneuverability, and overall durability — our team pushed it off a counter three times and hit it with a baseball bat and it didn’t scratch or scuff.

Away Bigger Carry-on

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

Travelers who want a carry-on suitcase, but with a little extra capacity (a.k.a. overpackers).

Who It’s Not Good For

If you’re just going for a short weekend trip, a duffel or regular carry-on might be a better choice.

For times when you want a little extra room, but don’t want to check your bag — in steps the bigger carry-on. “Away’s best-selling suitcase, The Bigger Carry-On, is the perfect suitcase for any trip: it’s functional, it’s stylish, and it will never let you down,” Away’s Chief Design Officer Cuan Hanly tells.

Fitting about 20 percent more than the standard carry-on, this bag has all the same features with an extra inch on all sides (internally and externally). Our tests confirmed this difference — it fit every item we had laid out to pack with room to spare. We also found it exceptionally easy to maneuver.

With two compartments to help you organize your clothes and accessories, this suitcase keeps everything zipped and in place so it doesn’t shift while you’re on the go. There’s even a mesh compression panel to really push everything down. It also comes with a handy laundry bag so you can keep used clothes separate throughout your travels. This bag is an ideal size for about a week-long jaunt, and our tester said despite its larger size, the suitcase doesn’t feel heavy.

Away The Carry-on Flex

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

Anyone traveling with just a carry-on who needs a little extra packing space.

Who It’s Not Good For

Those with tight restrictions for luggage size.

Should you need just a little more space than a standard carry-on, we recommend the Carry-on Flex. Hanly also likes the bigger version of this model. “Travelers can unzip and expand the exterior seam unlocking an additional 2.25 inches of space for souvenirs, clothes, or whatever else you may need while away,” he says.

Our team tested this bag in our lab and liked how easily it maneuvered around. The compartments were handy for packing a lot of different clothing items, and the compression panels helped condense everything. During our durability tests, the suitcase did sustain some scratches, but those could be buffed out with the included cleaning sponge, and it didn’t have any dings or dents.

Away The Medium

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

This is a good in-between bag if you’re bringing a checked bag, but don’t want a super large one — perhaps for a week-long trip.

Who It’s Not Good For

It’s not as large as the full-size suitcase, so if you are packing bulkier items like big coats or traveling for two or more weeks, you might want the large suitcase instead.

When it comes to checked luggage, you’ll want a bag you know is secure and durable, and this bag will keep your belongings safe. With a TSA-approved lock, you can feel good having that extra layer of security to protect your valuables — say that new Dyson Airwrap you just bought — not to mention the hard polycarbonate shell that won’t get torn up in transit between the plane and baggage claim.

The Medium Bag also compresses your clothes with the savvy section dividers. “Luggage that comes with packing cubes, storage compartments or anything to compress clothes will allow you to pack more and help you organize your items – so I always recommend looking for these features,” Trebendis says.

But there’s no shortage of capacity: Our tester said they couldn’t “imagine needing more space” for clothes or anything else. This suitcase gives you more space than the carry-on, with easy nesting to conserve storage — the medium fits snugly inside the large.

Despite being a full-size checked bag, the medium feels light in weight and can be easily touted around with 360-degree spinner wheels. Based on our tests, we can confirm the bag has extensive organization sections, sleek wheels, and a durable exterior (minus a few scuffs).

Away The Medium Flex

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

Those who want a little extra space for a week long getaway.

Who It’s Not Good For

It might not be necessary for those traveling for less than a week.

With most of the same qualities as The Medium suitcase, The Medium Flex just offers a little extra space. It basically has a zippered expander that creates around seven extra liters of capacity (an extra inch all the way around). Our testers loved its huge compartments, divider, lightweight feel, and highly mobile 360-spinner wheels.

The suitcase ran smoothly over most floor types (it only slightly stuck when transferring from hard floors to carpet). Made with the same polycarbonate as the other suitcases, this bag also barely scuffed despite rough handling (being thrown off the counter).

Away The Large

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

This is great for that multi-week excursion you’ve been planning with enough space for all the clothes, shoes, and accessories you could possibly need or want.

Who It’s Not Good For

For anyone going on a week or shorter trip, the size is just not necessary.

If you’re going on a longer adventure, this large suitcase has just enough space to keep two (ish!) weeks’ worth of clothes. Our tester called the bag “massive” and only filled half of it with a huge amount of clothes and cosmetics. With all the same features as its counterparts, this suitcase is durable, well-designed for ease of use, and can be personalized on the actual luggage or the tag with your initials.

“Away has always focused on the small details that make traveling more seamless rather than all the bells and whistles,” says Hanly. “All of Away’s classic polycarbonate suitcases, including The Large, feature a removable laundry bag, a compression pad to maximize how much you can fit inside, 360-degree spinner wheels that ensure a smooth ride, and are constructed with durable interior and exterior materials.”

Despite being spacious, this suitcase isn’t heavy (weighing in at just 11 lbs. by itself) so it’s not burdensome to drag around on your next trip. Our test showed that it’s actually very mobile despite its size. It’s a suitcase that will give you years of use with minimal signs of wear. It barely scratched despite our team throwing it off a counter three times. Should it scratch in transit, you can simply buff it out with the magic eraser that’s included with every suitcase.

We have tested this bag in real-world travel scenarios and found it to be an extremely durable and effective suitcase. It moves next to you with ease as you maneuver various airports, and it’s easy to buff out any knicks that occur during transport.

Away The Large Flex

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

If you are traveling for a month or longer and want to fit most items in one bag, the large flex is a solid choice.

Who It’s Not Good For

It’s not necessary for those traveling for less than a week.

Similar to The Medium Flex, The Large Flex suitcase is a doppelgänger of its original model but with a little more capacity. Our tests found it to be super spacious thanks to the expander, which offered two extra inches of room. Should you be traveling with bulky items like a puffer jacket there are compression straps to make sure everything fits snugly. Despite its large size, this suitcase is surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver. Whether rolling the suitcase upright or at a 45-degree angle, our tester called its mobility “effortless.”

Away The Everywhere Bag

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

This is a great option to use when traveling for a long weekend, a business trip, or a short vacation.

Who It’s Not Good For

It’s not big enough for a week long trip, and also might not be durable enough to use as checked baggage.

This bag is the epitome of old reliable — a staple for any self-respecting traveler. Made with a water-resistant nylon and a sleek leather trim, The Everywhere Bag will look good on your arm in any outfit, weather, or locale. It’s the perfect bag for overnights and short trips with capacity for several outfits and essentials. It even comes with a laptop pocket and small sections to keep your “everything” organized.

“With the full wraparound zip opening there’s no question why this is Away’s best-selling personal item,” says Hanly. With standard straps, an over-the-shoulder strap, and trolley sleeve to slide over your suitcase handle, you can wear and carry it several ways, giving versatility to your journey.

We tested this bag across two of our lab tests (one for weekenders and one for duffel bags), and appreciated the extensive organization. It fit enough clothes for four to five days of travel and has a comfortable shoulder strap (though not padded), and made it through our various durability tests without any scratches. Pairing all features with its simple and sophisticated design, this bag is a must.

Dimensions: 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches | Colors: 5 | Material: Water-resistant nylon, leather trim | Features: Removable strap, interior organization system, laptop pocket

Away F.A.R Duffle 40L

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

Those traveling for a long weekend who prioritize sustainable apparel and accessories.

Who It’s Not Good For

Though spacious, this wouldn’t have enough room for more than a week’s worth of clothes, so those traveling for longer should opt for a bigger bag.

“Our newest collection, F.A.R — For All Routes — features a variety of versatile outdoor bags and accessories designed for any and all types of travel, whether it’s a picnic in the park, a weekend cabin getaway, or a hike through a national park.” says Hanly. And it’s always a good idea to have a duffel in your closet so you can make a quick weekend escape. This duffel will take you “far” and look good while doing it. Made with 100 percent recycled materials to create the polyester, mesh, zippers, and webbing, this bag is sturdy, spacious, and available in three bold colors.

Though a larger duffel (with space for three to four days of clothes), it has several organization sections so you won’t have to rummage through your bag Mary Poppins-style. And despite being wheelless, the F.A.R Duffel is super lightweight, so the act of carrying it on a trip shouldn’t be too daunting. Our tester just wished there were more compartments for organization. That said, they really appreciated its ability to transform from a duffel to a backpack depending on which straps you use to carry it.

“Outdoor products have historically been predominantly utilitarian, valuing functionality over aesthetics, so we were incredibly excited to create something that was not only incredibly functional but also beautifully designed,” says Hanly. “We also focused heavily on sustainability throughout, working with predominantly recycled and sustainable raw materials.” When you consider the sustainable materials and reasonable price (comparatively), this bag is a solid choice for a long weekend.

Dimensions: 12.2 x 21.7 x 9.8 inches | Colors: 3 | Material: Recycled polyester, recycled materials for zippers, mesh, and webbing | Features: Internal pockets and sections, detachable strap

Away Everywhere Zip Backpack

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

Anyone who wants a comfortable backpack that you can carry with ease; best for short weekend trips, commuting for work, or as a small carry-on item to go with a larger suitcase for longer trips.

Who It’s Not Good For

If you like bright or light neutral colors, this backpack won’t work since it’s only available in dark solid colors.

Backpacks are probably one of the easiest bags to carry around thanks to the double shoulder straps that help offset the weight. This stylish option is sleek on the outside and nuanced within, featuring an array of pockets and small sections for organizing — including a laptop pouch that can fit up to a 15-inch screen. During our laptop backpacks for travel lab test, we appreciated how much the inner compartments could fit. We thought the straps were comfortable despite not being padded, and the material seemed quite durable. Plus, you can open the bag really wide so you can see everything you’re packing clearly.

It’s lightweight so you can carry it for small adventures like hiking or visiting tourist attractions, or for longer trips like taking it overseas. “The Everywhere Zip Backpack is one of my favorite bags to commute with,” says Hanly. “The breathable mesh back panel and padded shoulder straps are designed with extra comfort in mind, which I greatly appreciate when biking to the office during the week.”

It even has a trolley sleeve so you can slide it over the handle of your suitcase to transport it if you overpacked slightly (been there, done that!). “If you plan to carry on a personal item along with your luggage, I always look for bags with a trolley sleeve to make the walk through the airport easier,” says Trebendis. “Smaller pockets on the outside of those bags for things like noise-cancelling headphones, charger cables, and books allow those items to be easily accessible when you make it to your seat.” And, the strap on top doubles as a handle or a place to affix your luggage tag.

Dimensions: 12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches | Colors: 4 | Material: Water-resistant nylon, leather, mesh | Features: Internal sections, laptop pocket, hidden pockets, trolley sleeve to attach on suitcase

Away F.A.R. Convertible Backpack 45L

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

It’s an ideal backpack for hikers, campers, and backpackers due to the spacious capacity, durable materials, and lightweight feel when carrying it.

Who It’s Not Good For

It’s not as compact as the Everywhere Zip Backpack which might be better for everyday use.

packer’s dream bag. It’s surprisingly spacious, and had leftover room even after we packed a huge pile of clothes. It has multiple compartments so you can keep everything organized, and it comes with compression straps so everything can be condensed for maximum capacity. Even when the bag was full, our tester thought they could walk around with it for a while without shoulder or back pain.

They were a little thrown by the fact that the zipper goes along the side because a few items fell out when the bag was opened. It did hold up to a 15-inch laptop and protected it extremely well. We shoved the bag off a counter three times and the laptop didn’t have any dings or damage. If you’re short in stature, the back might seem a little long, but it’s cushioned across your shoulders and comfortable to wear. Between the high quality and the seemingly endless capacity — this bag was dubbed the “Mary Poppins bag” during our test — the F.A.R. backpack is the perfect companion for any adventurer.

Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | Colors: 3 | Material: Water-resistant nylon, leather, mesh | Features: Internal sections, 15-inch laptop pocket, removable shoulder strap, hidden pockets

Away The Packable Carryall

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

Anyone looking to make a quick weekend getaway with a few outfits, cosmetics, and accessories.

Who It’s Not Good For

There aren’t as many pockets as other bags, so if you have a lot of small items that need to be organized, a backpack might be a better option.

While most Away bags lean toward neutral colors, this Packable Carryall makes a statement with whimsical options like bright orange, teal, and royal blue, as well as muted options like black and navy. The entire bag is made from 100 percent recycled nylon, so it’s lightweight, water-resistant, and quite durable.

“I always throw one of Away’s packable bags in my suitcase so I am prepared for any adventure that may come my way,” says Hanly. “With a large chamber, this bag can hold a weekend’s worth of clothes and shoes, and has pockets for any accessories like sunglasses, jewelry pouches, or small wallets.” This an ideal carryall for a fun weekend away — and when you’re unpacked, it folds up and can be stored in a small zippered pouch to conserve space.

Dimensions: 15 x 19.7 x 9 inches | Colors: 5 | Material: Water-resistant recycled nylon | Features: Can be folded in on itself for storage, internal organization, trolley sleeve for luggage

Away The Small Toiletry Bag

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

Ideal for those who want a way to organize their cosmetics and toiletries in a mess-free, easy-to-view system.

Who It’s Not Good For

It might be too bulky to pack in smaller bags due to the boxy shape.

Away also has a series of small organizers and accessory bags that fit perfectly in the larger travel bags — such as this toiletry bag. Available in four colors for different aesthetics, this cosmetic bag is actually designed to mimic the look and system of the Away suitcases with two side sections (one plastic, one zippered mesh) that you can organize and close up to keep everything in place.

Also made with a water-resistant nylon, this bag is super durable and easily washable should you get any makeup on it. It even comes with a cute handle on top to replicate the design of a suitcase, but mini! And there’s an exterior pocket so you can store anything flat that you might need to grab in a hurry (makeup wipes! menstrual products! medications!).

We tested the larger version of this bag during our toiletry bags lab test, and loved how roomy it is. Between the clear and mesh storage, there are various types of pockets to store and transport different types of cosmetics. The material is also waterproof which was an added benefit, especially since it will be spending a lot of time in the bathroom.

Dimensions: 8.3 x 3.15 x 5.5 inches | Colors: 4 | Material: Water-resistant nylon | Features: Mesh interior pocket

Away The Pet Carrier

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

Pet parents of small dogs or cats who want to bring their companion with them on their travels.

Who It’s Not Good For

This only works with pets under 18 lbs.

This carrier has so many thoughtful details, it could only have been designed by someone who has and loves an animal. “Away launched a variety of products throughout the pandemic to support a broader definition of travel and the varying needs of our community, one of them being The Pet Carrier, which was inspired by the increase in pet adoptions,” Hanly shares.

Seemingly simple at first glance, this bag is actually packed with features to help you and your pet when traveling. Transit can cause anxiety for many pets, so this carrier is equipped with a safety collar clip just in case they try to escape when you open it. There’s a removable sherpa bedding to provide comfort and water-resistant lining to account for accidents. It can also be strapped into a car with a seatbelt for additional safety on road trips. This bag is airplane-compliant and should fit under most airplane seats, so your travel buddy can rest comfortably at your feet.

There’s plenty of ventilation with three mesh panels on different sides of the carrier, as well as a retractable privacy screen for animals that fear too much stimulation. You can easily access your pet through a two-way zipper top opening and two side openings should they need some reassurance. Plus, there’s plenty of storage for accessories and pet gear, such as a side zipper pocket with sleeves (perfect for storing treats!) and even a side pocket with drainage holes so you can store a collapsible water bowl without getting the bag all wet. This carrier fits animals up to 18 lbs., so if you have a small dog or cat (or any other type of pet!), this is a travel essential you’re going to question why you didn’t already have.

We also tested this pet carrier in a real-world setting and loved how well it fit under an airplane seat, while remaining comfortable and spacious for a small dog (a Chihuahua mix in this case) and still leaving enough legroom for us. It also has little shades that can cover the mesh sides so there’s ventilation, but it can be a little darker for anxious pets who might get scared by their surroundings.

Dimensions: 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 inches | Colors: 2 | Material: Nylon, leather | Features: Certified by Center of Pet Safety, includes removable sherpa bedding, water-resistant lining, and much more

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

AWAY

Who It’s Good For

People who like to organize their clothing and accessories within a suitcase.

Who It’s Not Good For

The mesh openings might not keep spills inside, so these aren’t as effective for cosmetics or liquids.

Packing cubes are an organizer’s dream system to keep everything in its place while traveling. This set of four is especially useful because each cube comes in a different size to accommodate a multitude of products and clothes you might be traveling with. The best way to pack these (especially in an Away suitcase) is placing two packing cubes on each side of the luggage.

We tested these packing cubes in our lab and they were effective, but we wouldn’t recommend you pack liquid cosmetics in them since the mesh openings will not prevent spills from getting to your clothes. That said, the cubes themselves are made with a water-resistant nylon so if they get wet they will dry quickly. You can fit a decent amount of clothing in these cubes, so whether you want to store socks and undergarments in one and blouses or shoes in another, there are endless ways to organize your things.

Dimensions: 10 x 4.1 x 8.25 inches, 10 x 4.1 x 4.3 inches, 13 x 4.1 x 10 inches, and 13 x 4.1 x 6.9 inches | Colors: 7 | Material: Nylon | Features: Set of four in various sizes, mesh panels, water-resistant, can be stored flat

How to Pick the Right Away Travel Luggage

Size

The size of your bag will no doubt impact your travel experience — too big and it’s bulky to carry around; too small and it might not fit everything you want to take home. And since you can’t be Goldilocks and try each one out, we’re here to help. For a week-long trip, experts might say you just need a carry-on, but that will entirely depend on what kind of packer you are.

For those of us who tend to pack a little extra, you might want a large checked luggage piece for an extended trip over a week. However, if you pack efficiently (re-wearing or mixing and matching different tops and bottoms), then a carry-on suitcase should provide plenty of space. For a 10-day trip, we would recommend The Bigger Carry-on for those who travel light, and The Medium suitcase for those who like to bring lots of clothing options.

Features

Hanly says this luggage is “thoughtfully designed to address real travelers’ concerns, from the removable laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate to the compression pad to maximize how much fits inside.” These bags have many features to make your travels easier.

If organization keeps you calm while on the go, check out The Everywhere Zip Backpack which has numerous pockets and compartments for storing your passport, cosmetics, a water bottle, and more. And if you hate carrying a heavy bag, The Carry-On comes with two sets of spinner wheels for easy maneuvering. You might also consider luggage with a TSA-lock for added security to keep your belongings safe — The Large, as well as every Away Travel suitcase, comes with one of these (and it’s super easy to lock and unlock as the user). Lastly, if you need a dog or cat carrier, The Pet Carrier comes in clutch.

Material

Away bags are designed to be quite durable for any journey you plan to take. The hard-shell suitcases are made with a strong polycarbonate (plastic) that will hold up to the wear and tear of transit. These suitcases are backed by a lifetime limited warranty, so if there are any issues with the shell cracking or breaking, or problems with the hardware, you can get the bag replaced at no additional cost. The softer bags like backpacks and duffels are made with a water-resistant nylon and mesh sections. The smaller bags have a one-year limited warranty, and you have 100 days to make returns for all Away products.

Apparel Accessories

Backpacks

Bag Accessories

Bags & Luggage

Beauty & Health

Bracelet

The Best Away Luggage of 2024, According to Experts and Our Testing

Away The Carry-On

Away Bigger Carry-on

Away The Carry-on Flex

Away The Medium

Away The Medium Flex

Away The Large

Away The Large Flex

Away The Everywhere Bag

Away F.A.R Duffle 40L

Away Everywhere Zip Backpack

Away F.A.R. Convertible Backpack 45L

Away The Packable Carryall

Away The Small Toiletry Bag

Away The Pet Carrier

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

How to Pick the Right Away Travel Luggage

Size

Features

Material

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