You’re about to explore a detailed review of the AWAY Softside Carry-On luggage, brought to you by Nik and Allie from Away Together. This piece aims to provide an in-depth look into whether this popular carry-on lives up to its hype. You’ll find a thorough breakdown of its dimensions, weight, and unique features, ensuring you have all the information you need to decide if it’s the right fit for your travel needs. With so many options in the luggage world, this review will help you see where this bag stands out and if it’s worth your investment.
In the video, you’ll journey through every nook and cranny of the bag, from its stylish exterior to its internal organization capabilities. Alongside detailed measurements, you’ll hear about the practical user experiences, including how it holds up against other well-known luggage brands. This unsponsored review promises an honest opinion, arming you with insights on its sturdiness, functionality, and overall practicality. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, this review aims to guide you in making a well-informed choice.
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Overview of AWAY Softside Luggage
Brief introduction to the brand
AWAY has become an influential name in the travel world, especially known for its innovative luggage solutions. The brand gained significant recognition for its hard-sided cases and has confidently stepped into the softside luggage market. With a strong presence, often touted by popular media and collaborations with major influencers, AWAY is synonymous with modern, stylish travel gear. Their marketing strategies and overwhelmingly positive reviews contribute to their standing as a respected choice among travelers worldwide.
Purpose of this review
This review aims to provide you with an in-depth analysis of the new AWAY Softside Carry-On Luggage. As the brand ventures into the competitive softside luggage segment, our mission is to determine if this product lives up to the hype and is truly worth your investment. We’ll cover everything from the design and functionality to practical use and value for money, helping you to make an informed decision.
Disclosure of unbiased opinion
In keeping with integrity, we disclose that this review of AWAY’s Softside Luggage is completely unbiased. There is no sponsorship or promotional influence from AWAY in our analysis. Our goal is to offer an honest, upfront account of the luggage’s strengths and weaknesses, aiming to ensure that you receive a genuine perspective on its performance and value.
Design and Aesthetics
Analysis of color and style options
AWAY’s Softside Luggage offers a sleek, modern design that doesn’t shy away from making a style statement. Available in a palette of sophisticated colors — including Clay Pink, Cloud Gray, Coast Blue, and Jet Black — these monochromatic options allow you to choose a bag that fits your personal style. Whether you prefer a classic black or a pastel hue, AWAY’s design caters to diverse tastes and ensures you travel with elegance.
Material quality and texture
The bag’s exterior is crafted from high-strength nylon with a water-repellent coating, ensuring durability while maintaining a sophisticated look. It combines a soft feel with a robust, rugged structure, providing a balanced mixture of flexibility and strength. The quality of the material speaks volumes about its long-term use, giving it an edge in texture and support compared to many other brands.
Comparison to competitor designs
When pitted against competitors, AWAY’s design stands out due to its upscale aesthetics and thoughtful details, such as color-matched zippers and a sleek, minimalist look. Many competing brands focus primarily on functionality, often sacrificing style, but AWAY manages to marry both, appealing to travelers who value appearance without compromising utility.
Dimensions and Weight
Size specifications with and without expansion
The AWAY Softside Carry-On is designed to fit into most overhead compartments, measuring 21.9 inches in height, 15 inches in width, and 9.1 inches in depth, including the wheels and handles. Its expandable feature promises almost an extra 2 inches of space, increasing your packing capability by around 5 liters, which is perfect for those last-minute items or souvenirs.
Weight assessment
One downside is its weight. At over 9 pounds when empty, it’s heavier than you might prefer in a carry-on. This heft results from its robust construction, designed to withstand travel’s rigors. However, travelers looking for ultra-lightweight options may need to consider this aspect when deciding.
Comparability with other carry-ons
While the size is competitive with other market options, the weight puts it in the heavier category. Compared to alternatives like the Samsonite Max Lite 5 or Travel Pro Platinum Elite, AWAY’s solution may appeal more to those who prioritize durability and premium build over weight concerns.
External Features
Durability and water resistance
AWAY has ensured their softside luggage offers commendable durability. The water-repellent nylon exterior offers peace of mind in variable weather conditions, ensuring essentials remain protected. It’s a testament to its quality, catering to travelers frequently caught in unexpected downpours.
Wheel and handle functionality
Equipped with 360° spinning wheels, the AWAY Softside glides smoothly, giving you a hassle-free navigation through crowded airports or bustling city streets. The telescoping handles, albeit with only two height settings, are crafted for comfort and grip, reinforcing the luggage’s sturdy feel.
Pocket placement and accessibility
The exterior features strategically placed pockets, designed for easy accessibility. A quick-access top pocket and a larger padded pocket for your laptop enhance functionality, though some users might find the bag’s overall rigidity a challenge when accessing these compartments.
Internal Features
Main compartment layout
Inside, the main compartment follows a standard design with ample packing space. It features an intuitive layout that maximizes capacity while keeping your items organized. The inclusion of a compression pad adds another layer of organization, allowing for more compact packing.
Compression system and pocket utility
The compression pad is supplemented with various pockets, which are useful for those smaller items that often get lost in larger spaces. However, some users may find the compression pad slightly cumbersome, as its design doesn’t facilitate easy access when the bag is opened against a wall.
Capacity and expansion capabilities
With a base capacity of 32.2 liters, expandable by an additional 5 liters, the AWAY Softside offers sufficient room for short to medium-length trips. However, remember that full expansion might require checking the bag on specific airlines due to size restrictions.
Performance in Real Situations
Usability during travel scenarios
In practice, the AWAY Softside is tailored for smooth experiences across varied trip scenarios. From bustling terminals to quick weekend jaunts, it delivers performance with its sturdy structure and stylish appeal. However, its heft may present a challenge if you’re often on smaller carriers with stringent weight policies.
Strengths and weaknesses observed
Key strengths include its robust construction, stylish design, and excellent water resistance, which every frequent traveler appreciates. However, its weight and limited handle height adjustments may be drawbacks for some.
User experience feedback
Feedback typically underscores satisfaction with the AWAY Softside’s durable, stylish design coupled with efficient mobility due to the 360° wheels. While some note the weight as a concern, for many, the quality and aesthetic appeal offset this.
Warranty and Return Policy
Details about warranty coverage
AWAY offers a limited lifetime warranty on this softside luggage. This warranty is comprehensive, covering damage to critical components such as wheels, handles, and zippers. Such extensive warranty gives customers confidence in the longevity and durability of their purchase.
Return conditions and limitations
The return policy includes a 100-day window, allowing you to assess the bag’s suitability at home. However, it’s essential to note that this does not cover trials in real travel situations. Customers are urged to review the detailed conditions to avoid misunderstandings.
Customer service experiences
Customer service experiences with AWAY are generally positive, with the brand known for responsive and helpful service. This aspect enhances user confidence, knowing they have support should any issues arise with their luggage.
Price Comparison
Pricing relative to market competition
The AWAY Softside Carry-On is priced competitively at $225, positioning it between budget options like Samsonite and premium alternatives such as Travel Pro Platinum Elite. Given its features, it occupies a middle-ground suitable for those looking for quality without stepping into the highest price tiers.
Value for money assessment
In terms of value, the AWAY Softside may justify its cost through its stylish design, durable build, and excellent warranty. If these are priorities for you, the extra expenditure compared to budget brands seems well worth it.
Impact of potential discount offers
Any potential discount offers would only enhance the attractiveness of this luggage, possibly tipping the scales for budget-conscious travelers who desire a premium brand in a more accessible price range.
Target Audience and Usage
Ideal user profiles
The AWAY Softside Carry-On is ideal for style-conscious travelers who appreciate a modern, sleek look combined with functionality. It suits urbanites, business travelers, and casual jet-setters alike.
Travel requirements compatibility
For those with frequent city-to-city trips or short getaways, this luggage offers the perfect balance of space and durability. However, if you’re subject to stringent carry-on weight limits or often take extended journeys where capacity outweighs portability, other options might be considered.
Lifestyle and travel frequency considerations
The luggage’s durability makes it attractive for frequent travelers seeking reliable gear, while its chic design appeals to those who prioritize aesthetics. Thus, lifestyle preferences will shape its suitability, especially concerning travel frequency and style priorities.
Conclusion
Overall thoughts on the product
The AWAY Softside Carry-On Luggage is an impressive foray into the softside market, successfully translating the brand’s strengths into a new design. It ticks boxes for durability, aesthetics, and functionality while presenting minor challenges like weight.
Recommendation based on findings
If you’re seeking robust, chic, and functional carry-on luggage, the AWAY Softside is a worthy contender. Its appeal lies in its stylish appearance and quality build, ideal for travelers who love both form and function.
Final verdict and buying advice
Ultimately, the AWAY Softside Carry-On is a fantastic buy for those willing to trade some carry-on weight convenience for durability and design excellence. If it aligns with your luggage priorities and falls within your budget, it’s a prudent purchase that promises to enhance your travel experiences. However, always weigh your specific travel needs and priorities before making a decision. Happy travels!