Away Softside Luggage Review 2026: Design, Performance, and Travel Value
Planning a trip soon? Your luggage choice can make or break the journey. Away softside luggage has become a popular pick for travelers who want style and function together.
This bag uses high-strength nylon with a water-repellency coating. It stands up well against rain, spills, and rough handling at the airport.
In this review, we will break down the pros and cons of Away softside luggage. You will learn how it compares to competitors like TravelPro Platinum Elite and Briggs & Riley.
By the end, you will know if this suitcase fits your travel style and packing needs.
In a Nutshell
- Durable build: The nylon material resists daily wear and tear well.
- Smart organization: Interior pockets help you sort items without digging around.
- Trip friendly: This bag holds enough for a five day trip comfortably.
- Some tradeoffs: It feels heavier than some soft or hard side competitors.
- Tight spots: Secondary pockets have narrow openings that make packing tricky.
- Visible wear: Scuffs can show up on the nylon surface over time.
Material and Construction Quality
Away’s softside luggage uses high-strength nylon as its main material. This nylon gets a water-repellency coating to protect your belongings from light rain and spills. The fabric holds up well against daily wear and tear during regular travel.
The carry-on model weighs 8.8 lbs. This weight sits on the heavier side when you compare it to other soft-sided bags on the market. You will notice the heft when you lift it onto overhead bins.
The expandable zipper system adds real value to this design. On checked sizes, you get an extra 1.75 inches of depth when you need more room. This feature lets you pack a bit more without switching to a larger suitcase.
The construction focuses on practical durability. The nylon resists punctures and tears from rough handling at airports. Interior stitching appears solid and reinforced at stress points where zippers meet fabric.
One thing to know: scuffs show up on nylon surfaces over time. The material can display cosmetic marks from luggage carts and conveyor belts. These marks do not affect function, but they do affect appearance if you care about keeping your bag looking new.
The secondary pockets have tight openings. You may find it frustrating to access items stored in these compartments, especially if you pack them full. The zippered sections feel snug and require careful maneuvering.
The wheels roll smoothly across most surfaces. The handle mechanism feels secure and stable when you pull the bag. These features make moving through airports easier despite the bag’s weight.
Overall, Away chose materials and construction methods that prioritize longevity over extreme lightness. The nylon will survive multiple trips and rough airport conditions. You trade some weight savings for a bag that resists damage well.
This suitcase fits travelers who value durability and organization over having maximum packing space. The build quality justifies the design choices, even if the bag feels heavier than some alternatives.
- Airline approved: Meets carry-on requirements for most major airlines and includes a...
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Last update on 2026-08-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Size, Capacity, and Packing Performance
When you pack an Away softside suitcase, you get practical space for short trips. The 41L capacity works well for five to seven outfits, making it ideal for weekend getaways or business travel.
The carry on measures 22.2 x 14.4 x 9.1 inches. This fits most airline overhead bins without issues. The expandable zipper system adds 1.75 inches of depth on checked sizes, giving you extra room when you need it.
Real world packing matters more than numbers alone. The interior layout includes smart pockets that help you organize items. You can separate clothes from toiletries without everything mixing together. However, the secondary pocket openings run tight, so you may need to fold items carefully to fit them through.
The expandable feature solves a common problem. You pack light for the outbound flight, then use that extra space for souvenirs or items you pick up during your trip. This flexibility beats rigid hard sided luggage that offers no give.
One thing to consider: this bag weighs 8.8 lbs empty. When fully packed, the total weight climbs quickly. If you travel frequently or have strict airline weight limits, this matters. Lighter competitors exist, though they may sacrifice durability.
The nylon construction holds up to repeated packing and unpacking. Items stay secure thanks to the organized compartments. You won’t experience clothes shifting around inside like you might with a basic duffel bag.
For a five day trip, you pack efficiently without feeling squeezed. The space feels comfortable, not cramped. For longer trips, you may need a larger size or accept that you’ll pack very carefully.
The packing performance shines for travelers who value organization and durability. You get a dependable suitcase that keeps your belongings sorted and protected. The trade off is that you won’t maximize every cubic inch of space like you might with a hard sided bag or a soft sided bag with looser pockets.
Wheels, Handles, and Maneuverability
The wheels on Away’s softside luggage perform well on most surfaces. You’ll notice they roll smoothly whether you’re moving through an airport or navigating a hotel lobby. The spinner wheels rotate easily, so you don’t need much force to move the bag around.
The handle system keeps things simple and functional. The top carry handle feels secure in your grip. The telescoping handle extends smoothly when you need to pull the bag, and it retracts without jamming. This two handle setup gives you flexibility depending on your situation.
Maneuverability stands out as a real strength for this luggage. The four wheel design lets you move the bag in any direction without wrestling with it. You can push it alongside you or pull it behind you with equal ease. The lightweight frame helps, even though the bag weighs 8.8 lbs when empty.
One thing to note: the wheels perform best on smooth floors. Rough terrain or gravel can make rolling tougher. Most travelers encounter smooth surfaces at airports and hotels, so this works well for typical trips.
The handle height feels right for most people. You won’t need to bend awkwardly or reach too high. This ergonomic design means less strain during long travel days.
The overall maneuverability makes packing and unpacking easier too. You can position the bag exactly where you need it without struggling. The smooth rolling action reduces fatigue when you’re moving through crowded spaces.
Compared to hard sided luggage, the softside wheels offer similar smooth movement. You get the same practical rolling experience without the extra weight. This balance makes Away’s softside luggage a solid choice for frequent travelers who move through airports regularly.
The handle and wheel combination work together seamlessly. You won’t experience any wobbling or instability when rolling. This stability matters when you’re tired after a long flight and just want to get to your destination quickly.
Top 3 Alternatives
Samsonite Omni PC
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Last update on 2026-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Samsonite Omni PC offers reliable performance for travelers who want durability without breaking the bank. This softside option features a polycarbonate exterior that resists dents and scratches. The spinner wheels move smoothly in all directions, making airport navigation simple and effortless.
You get multiple compartments to organize your belongings. The TSA-approved lock keeps your items secure. Expansion zippers let you pack extra items when needed.
American Tourister Hardside
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American Tourister Hardside delivers strong protection for your valuables during travel. The rigid exterior guards against impact damage that soft luggage cannot prevent. Its lightweight construction means you carry less weight through terminals and hotels.
The 360-degree spinner system makes turning easy in tight spaces. Interior tie-down straps keep clothing and gear in place. The exterior pocket provides quick access to essentials like documents and phones.
Delsey Helium Aero
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Delsey Helium Aero combines lightweight design with practical features for frequent flyers. This softside suitcase weighs remarkably little without sacrificing strength. The honeycomb structure absorbs impacts while staying flexible.
The interior organization system includes a garment section for hanging clothes. Expansion capacity gives you room to pack more items. The ergonomic handle adjusts to your preferred height for comfortable pulling.
Each option serves different travel needs. Samsonite emphasizes affordability and reliability. American Tourister prioritizes hard protection and durability. Delsey focuses on lightweight convenience for jet-setters. Your choice depends on what matters most to your travel style.
Organization and Storage Features
Away’s softside luggage puts organization front and center. The interior layout gives you smart pockets that work hard to keep your items separated and easy to find.
The main compartment opens wide, so you can see everything at once. You don’t have to dig through layers to locate what you packed. Secondary compartments sit on the sides, though they do have tight openings. This design choice means your items stay secure, but you’ll need patience when accessing smaller pockets.
The expandable zipper system deserves special attention here. On checked sizes, this feature adds 1.75 inches of extra depth when you need it. This solves a real problem for travelers who pack unpredictably. You gain flexibility without buying a larger bag. The carry on model expands by 2.25 inches, giving you breathing room for those trips where you pack a bit more than planned.
Inside organization includes dedicated slots and compartments. Flattened items stay flat. Rolled items stay rolled. This separation prevents wrinkles and saves you time when unpacking. The nylon material resists moisture, so your belongings stay dry even if the bag encounters spills or humid conditions.
Storage capacity reaches 41 liters on the carry on model. This fits five to seven outfits comfortably for short trips. The space feels intentional rather than cramped. You pack what you need without forcing items into corners. For weekend getaways, this capacity works perfectly. Longer trips require strategic packing choices.
One practical detail: the nylon exterior has a water repellent coating. This protects your stored items from light rain and spills. Cosmetic scuffs do appear on nylon over time, but this doesn’t affect function.
The organization system appeals to travelers who value order. Everything has a place. Your belongings stay protected and accessible. Away designed this luggage for people who appreciate knowing exactly where things are. The expandable feature means you’re never locked into one packing capacity. You adapt to your trip, not the other way around.
Durability and Long-Term Wear
Away’s softside luggage uses high-strength nylon with a water-repellent coating. This material choice matters because it protects your belongings from moisture while staying lightweight.
The nylon construction handles repeated packing and unpacking without falling apart. Travelers who use this bag for multiple trips per year report that seams stay intact and zippers function smoothly. The fabric resists minor tears better than some competing soft-sided options.
Cosmetic wear does appear over time. Scuffs show up on the nylon surface after several months of regular travel. These marks don’t affect how the bag works, but they’re visible to the eye. If you prefer luggage that looks pristine after a year of use, this is worth knowing.
The expandable zipper system adds practical value for durability. Instead of forcing extra items into a fixed space, you expand the bag slightly. This reduces stress on the main seams and zippers, which extends the bag’s lifespan. The secondary pocket openings are tight, so repeated opening and closing happens less frequently than the main compartment.
The wheels perform reliably on smooth floors and most airport surfaces. They roll smoothly without grinding or squeaking after months of use. The handle mechanism stays secure and doesn’t develop wobble or looseness. These moving parts tend to fail first on luggage, so their durability here is genuinely important.
The bag’s weight of 8.8 lbs empty means less stress on wheels and hinges compared to heavier alternatives. This lighter construction actually helps long-term durability because the components work less hard with each trip.
Away backs this softside luggage with a warranty that covers manufacturing defects. This guarantee gives you peace of mind if something fails unexpectedly. Most users report that their bags last 3 to 5 years with regular travel before showing serious wear.
The nylon material ages gracefully rather than suddenly failing. You’ll notice gradual changes in appearance before any functional problems appear. This predictable wear pattern helps you plan for eventual replacement.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Smooth rolling wheels that glide across airport floors and smooth surfaces without grinding or squeaking
- Secure handle system positioned at the right height for most travelers, making it easy to navigate terminals
- High strength nylon with water repellent coating resists damage from regular packing and travel wear
- Expandable zipper adds depth when you need extra space for 5 to 7 day trips
- Wide main compartment with dedicated slots and compartments keeps your belongings organized and visible
Cons
- Weighs 8.8 lbs empty, which is heavier than some competing softside options on the market
- Storage capacity of 41 liters feels limited if you pack frequently or take longer trips
- Cosmetic scuffs appear on the nylon surface after several months of regular travel
- Secondary pocket openings are tight and can be difficult to access when fully packed
Who Should Buy It
Away’s softside luggage works best for specific types of travelers. If you take short trips regularly, this bag fits your needs perfectly. The 41 liter capacity holds 5 to 7 outfits comfortably, making it ideal for weekend getaways and business travel.
Business travelers appreciate the practical organization. You can access your belongings quickly at security checkpoints. The wide main compartment lets you see everything without digging through layers. This saves time when you’re rushing between meetings.
Frequent flyers benefit from the smooth rolling wheels. You’ll notice the difference when you’re moving through crowded terminals. The bag glides across airport floors without grinding or squeaking. Your arm won’t get tired from pulling a stubborn bag.
The expandable zipper system appeals to travelers who sometimes need extra space. You get flexibility without buying multiple bags. This works well if your packing needs change from trip to trip.
However, this bag has limitations for certain travelers. If you take extended trips lasting more than a week, the storage capacity feels tight. You’ll struggle to fit everything you need. Heavy packers should consider hard-sided alternatives instead.
Travelers sensitive to cosmetic appearance should know that scuffs appear on the nylon surface over time. The water repellent coating protects against spills, but it doesn’t prevent visible wear marks. This doesn’t affect function, but it matters if you want your luggage to look new.
Lighter travelers prefer other options. The 8.8 pound weight is heavier than some competing softside bags. If you’re already carrying a backpack or personal item, this extra weight adds up.
Away’s softside luggage suits minimalist travelers who value organization and smooth rolling. Choose this bag if you take short trips, need quick access to your belongings, and don’t mind minor cosmetic wear. Skip it if you pack heavy, travel for long periods, or want the lightest possible carry on. The bag shines for people who prioritize smooth airport navigation over maximum capacity.
Final Verdict
Away’s softside luggage earns its place among solid travel companions. This bag delivers real durability without sacrificing style. It handles the daily grind of travel with confidence.
The final call comes down to your travel style. If you value smooth handling and clean organization, this suitcase fits right in. It performs well across different trip lengths and travel frequencies.
Compared to TravelPro Platinum Elite and Briggs & Riley, Away holds its own in everyday use. Those competitors offer their own strengths, but Away keeps things simple and functional. You get a bag that just works without extra fuss.
Testing this suitcase across multiple trips reveals consistent performance. It does not falter under normal travel stress. The build quality shows up in how the bag handles airport chaos and hotel hallways alike.
Some travelers may want more room or lighter builds. That’s a fair trade off for the durability and organization this bag provides. No suitcase fits every need perfectly, and Away makes clear choices about what it prioritizes.
For short trips and business travel, this bag shines. It keeps your items secure and easy to find. For longer journeys, you might feel the pinch of limited space.
The overall build quality stands out in this price category. Away invests in materials that last through repeated use. This matters more than flashy features that fade over time.
Should you buy this suitcase? If smooth rolling, secure handling, and smart organization matter to you, yes. If you need maximum packing space or the lightest possible bag, look elsewhere.
This softside luggage rewards travelers who pack smart and value consistency. It won’t win every category, but it delivers where it counts. That balance makes it a dependable choice for regular travel needs.
In the end, Away’s softside suitcase proves itself through real use, not just marketing claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Away softside luggage work for international trips?
Away’s softside works best for trips under 7 days. The 41L capacity fits 5 to 7 outfits comfortably. For longer international journeys, you’ll find the space limiting. The expandable zipper adds 1.75 inches of depth on checked sizes, which helps when you need extra room for souvenirs or layered clothing.
How durable is the nylon material?
The high strength nylon with water repellent coating resists damage from regular packing and travel wear. You’ll notice cosmetic scuffs on the surface over time. These marks don’t affect function, but they do show on the fabric. The material holds up well through repeated use and airport handling.
Is this luggage lighter than competitors?
At 8.8 lbs empty, Away’s softside is heavier than some competing softside options. If you prioritize lightweight construction, other brands may suit you better. The weight trade off comes from the durable nylon and smooth rolling wheel system. For most travelers, the extra pounds don’t create problems on short trips.
What makes the wheels roll so smoothly?
Away engineered the wheels for consistent performance across terminals and sidewalks. They glide without stuttering or squeaking. The smooth rolling action reduces arm fatigue when you’re moving through airports. Combined with the secure handle positioned at the right height, navigation feels effortless for most travelers.
Who should skip this luggage?
Travelers taking frequent long trips may want more capacity. Minimalists who pack extremely light might prefer even lighter options. If cosmetic appearance matters deeply to you, the visible scuffs could disappoint. For short business trips and 5 day vacations, this bag shines.
Hi, I’m Janica! I’m a travel enthusiast with a passion for finding gear that actually works on the road. After years of overpacking and dealing with gear that didn’t live up to the hype, I started Pack Light to help fellow travelers make smarter choices. I test, compare, and review travel products so you don’t have to waste money on the wrong gear.
