Welcome to Talking Points, a series that looks at what makes certain products worth talking about, brought to you by Gear Patrol Studios.
Even if you didn’t know it at the time, you’ve likely seen countless Away suitcases rolling through security and being hoisted into overhead bins. You know the ones: sleek, hardsided carry-ons that look more like art than roll-y bags. Away’s now-iconic silhouette is unmistakable thanks in part to the brand’s fresh approach to design. But also because the bags are really, really good — and, as a result, they’re everywhere. Now, Away has launched its next generation of luggage, marking another huge leap forward for discerning travelers.
AwayThe Backstory
Away: The Suitcase That Made Luggage Cool
Suitcases used to be so … boring. That was before Away lifted off in 2015, and upended the travel industry with a wholly new approach to luggage. Instead of drab, bulky and cumbersome, Away suitcases elevated the look and experience of what a travel bag could be: stylish, functional, and fun. And now, the bag that started it all — The Bigger Carry-On — has gotten an update. How, exactly, do you even improve upon a GOAT-status wheeled suitcase?
The Gist
How to Make the Best Better? Ask Your Customers.
To re-design a bag that travelers were already raving about, Away delivered on their reputation of being customer-obsessed by going through tens of thousands of interviews, reviews and feedback.
The team fine tuned every element of its aesthetically pleasing polycarbonate luggage and focused on each detail, starting by redesigning the handles by adding a wider opening with rounded edges to make them easier to grip, and easier to grab from the overhead bin. They refreshed the spinner winners for a smoother roll, and took a second look at the zipper pulls to ensure they swivel easily and lay seamlessly against the bag.
Next the team reimagined the bag’s interior, adding new color-matching for better organization. For the serial over-packers, Away also revamped its compression system to include wider and stronger straps so you can squeeze in another outfit (or two).
To update the bag’s trusted trolly system, the brand prioritized a more comfortable build that’s further incorporated into the shell for a cleaner, more streamlined appearance and added stability.
And to top it off, Away finished the bag with a new refreshed luggage tag made with 50 percent recycled leather (color matched to the exterior shell) to deliver a slimmer profile and reduced hardware.
Still not enough? Well, don’t worry, Away has you covered. The brand also doubled-down with a new collection of high-shine Gloss suitcases, all available in the team’s updated color palette — plus a handful of limited edition colorways.
Our POV
Away Is the Only Way to Travel
The best part about Away is that instead of stopping after creating a widely beloved suitcase, the brand approached its best-selling bag with a different attitude: how can we make a great thing even better? With thoughtful upgrades and a dedication to customer feedback, Away continues to make the suitcase of every modern traveler’s dreams.
If you’re looking for a sign to upgrade to luggage that truly meets — and exceeds — your needs, this is it.
Price: $335