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As part of an ongoing series, each week Insider Picks features a product or store that’s poised for big things. The subject of this week's "We're Obsessed" segment is a direct-to-consumer luggage company called Away.
Everyone should own a quality piece of luggage. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or someone who only gets away for a few short trips a year doesn’t matter. At some point, you’ll be going somewhere and in need of something to safely stow all of your stuff.
If you can afford the premium, I highly recommend giving smart luggage a try. I took long weekend trips to the Caribbean in May and Fort Collins, Colorado last weekend and tested out a carry-on suitcase from an up-and-coming company called Away for both jaunts. And it blew every other suitcase I've used out of the water. Once you go smart with your luggage, you won't want to travel any other way.
Founded by two former Warby Parker alums, the direct-to-consumer startup bills itself as "first-class luggage at a coach price." Starting at $225 for Away's hardshell carry-on size, that's hundreds of dollars cheaper than the brands I'd compare it to — high-end brands like Tumi and Rimowa whose carry-ons typically retail for $500 or more. The startups mid- and large-size cases go for $275 and $295, respectively. That's not bad at all. Especially if you want something more than halfway decent.
The reasons for Away's quick rise in the luggage industry are simple — its products rival some of the best brands in the space and house cool new "smart" features.
On top of that, customers love how durable, flexible, and ultra lightweight the suitcases are and how premium they look for the price. They're good value any way you look at it. As someone who's extremely discerning when it comes to buying everything from bed sheets to hoodies (it's my job, after all), I'm comfortable saying Away's carry-on is hands down the best suitcase I've ever used.
As for my favorite features about the carry-on suitcase:
- The carry-on's body is spacious enough for a three- or four-day weekend's worth of stuff, with a handy compartment for my MacBook Air and a laundry bag for my dirty clothes.
- It comes with a removable interior 10,000 mAh battery and two USB ports, which means charging up at the airport is more convenient than ever.
- Its exterior is water-resistant, capable of protecting my stuff from wet grass, dirty floors, and sudden summer showers. And it looks great to boot!
- Its four 360° spinner wheels make moving around the airport a breeze.
- There's also a TSA-approved combination lock built into the top of the bag — the zippers slot right in. This was added peace of mind when I ended up having to gate-check it on my way to Fort Collins, CO due to lack of overhead space on my flight.
Now, I realize a $225 suitcase won't win everyone over, but if you value style, convenience, and durability, as I do, this will be a practical travel companion for future trips.
Away's suitcases are available in four great colors and in the following sizes and bundles: carry-on ($225), medium ($275), large ($295), carry-on and medium ($450), carry-on and large ($475), all three ($695). Click here for more purchasing information.
This article was originally published on 7/19/2016.
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