The Away The Large offers premium luggage qualities at a reasonable price point, with reviewers praising its durable polycarbonate construction, smooth rolling performance, and innovative packing system. Tom's Hardware called it a great value for travelers who want high-end features without the premium price tag. While some users noted the lack of expandability and heavy weight as drawbacks, the bag's longevity and thoughtful design make it ideal for frequent travelers seeking reliable, stylish luggage. Those prioritizing maximum packing capacity or lighter weight should consider alternatives.
Full review
Design and Aesthetic
Away The Large presents a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that stands out in the crowded luggage market. The polycarbonate shell in Jet Black offers a sophisticated look that transitions seamlessly from business travel to resort getaways. According to Outdoorgearlab's Jason Wanlass, the bag's understated construction makes it a 'great staple piece of luggage for most travelers.' The design elements include a leather name tag, a smooth spinner wheel system, and a well-thought-out interior organization system. The bag's 99.2-liter capacity is achieved through a thoughtful combination of space-saving features, including a compression panel and a zipper-enclosed compartment. However, the aesthetic appeal comes with trade-offs, as some reviewers noted that the bag's weight and size can be problematic for certain travel scenarios.
The bag's visual appeal is further enhanced by its color options, including Jet Black, Salt White, and several other hues. The leather luggage tag adds a touch of luxury, while the overall design maintains a clean, modern profile. However, the bag's size and weight are points of contention. Outdoorgearlab noted that The Large weighs 11.6 pounds, which is among the heavier bags tested, and its 99.2-liter capacity is slightly smaller than some competitors. Despite these drawbacks, the bag's design remains consistent with Away's brand promise of combining form and function.
Build Quality and Durability
The build quality of Away The Large is a mixed bag according to various reviewers. Outdoorgearlab praised the bag's toughness and durability, noting that one tester had lugged her Away all over the US, Europe, and Asia for nearly two years with continued satisfaction. The bag's polycarbonate shell is described as robust, and the quality of construction is evident in its ability to withstand heavy use. However, Fromsqualortoballer's two-year review revealed some concerning issues. The reviewer noted that the bumpers on the side of the bag had started to come off, exposing holes in the shell that could allow dirt or moisture to get in. This suggests that while the bag may be durable in some aspects, it's not immune to wear and tear over time.
The compression system, which is a key feature of the bag, also showed signs of deterioration in long-term use. According to the same reviewer, the plastic pieces that hold the compression system to the outer shell had become disconnected, rendering the compression straps ineffective. This issue was not limited to the interior components, as the battery case also presented problems. The reviewer had to replace the battery case after FAA regulations changed, and the process required a free replacement from Away but was still an inconvenience. Despite these issues, the bag's overall construction quality remains strong, particularly in terms of its ability to handle the rigors of travel.
Packing System and Interior Features
Away The Large's packing system is one of its strongest selling points, according to multiple reviewers. Outdoorgearlab highlighted the clamshell design with a zipper-enclosed compartment on one side and a high-quality compression panel on the other. This system is described as being of 'superb quality' and comparable to higher-end luggage that costs two or three times as much. The compression system allows users to maximize packing efficiency, which is particularly valuable for extended travel. The bag also includes a removable laundry bag, which is a thoughtful addition for travelers who need to pack clothing items that require special care.
The interior organization features include two compression pad pockets and a zipper flap pocket, which provide additional storage options. However, the effectiveness of these features was questioned by some reviewers. Fromsqualortoballer noted that the compression straps were no longer functional after two years of use, as the plastic pieces holding them to the shell had become disconnected. This issue undermines the bag's ability to provide optimal packing efficiency. Despite this, the bag's interior remains well-organized, and the overall packing experience is generally positive, especially when compared to other bags in its price range.
Transportation and Mobility
The large suitcase's mobility is a significant aspect of its performance, and reviewers have noted both strengths and weaknesses. Outdoorgearlab gave it solid scores for ease of transport, citing decent double-spinner wheels, great balance, and well-placed handles. The bag's 360° spinner wheels are described as smooth and effective, making it easy to navigate through airports and city streets. However, the bag's weight of 11.6 pounds is noted as a drawback, particularly for travelers who are concerned about airline weight limits. The reviewer noted that while the bag is manageable, it's one of the heavier options in the lineup.
The trolley handle is described as sturdy, but some reviewers have noted that the handles can be tight for those with larger hands, creating a potential pinch hazard. The bag's balance is generally praised, with reviewers noting that it stays well-balanced even when packed to the gills. The bag's ability to glide smoothly through various environments, from curbs to cobblestone streets, is consistently mentioned as a positive feature. However, the lack of expansion capability means that travelers who need extra room for souvenirs or other items may find the bag limiting.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, Away The Large has several notable drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. The most significant criticism comes from its weight and size. Outdoorgearlab noted that the bag weighs 11.6 pounds, which is among the heaviest in the tested lineup, and its 99.2-liter capacity is slightly smaller than some competitors. This combination can be problematic for travelers who are concerned about airline weight limits or who need maximum packing capacity. The lack of an expansion zipper is another major issue, as it prevents users from making extra room for souvenirs or other items.
Long-term durability is also a concern, as evidenced by Fromsqualortoballer's two-year review. The reviewer noted that the bumpers on the side of the bag had started to come off, exposing holes in the shell that could allow dirt or moisture to get in. Additionally, the compression system's plastic pieces became disconnected, rendering the compression straps ineffective. The battery case also presented issues after FAA regulations changed, requiring a replacement that was free but still inconvenient. These issues suggest that while the bag may be durable in some respects, it's not immune to wear and tear over time.
Who It's Best For
Away The Large is best suited for travelers who value quality, durability, and a sophisticated aesthetic over maximum packing capacity or minimal weight. According to Outdoorgearlab, the bag is ideal for 'most travelers' and offers 'great value' at $375. The bag's robust construction and thoughtful features make it particularly appealing to frequent flyers who need a reliable, long-lasting suitcase. The compression system and interior organization are especially beneficial for travelers who want to maximize their packing efficiency.
However, the bag may not be ideal for those who frequently travel with large amounts of luggage or who are particularly concerned about weight. The lack of expansion capability and the bag's relatively heavy weight make it less suitable for travelers who need to pack extra items or who are subject to strict airline weight limits. Additionally, the bag's durability issues noted by Fromsqualortoballer suggest that it may not be the best choice for travelers who expect their luggage to last for many years without maintenance. The bag is also not recommended for those who prioritize portability over other features, as its size and weight can be problematic in certain travel scenarios.
Value at This Price
At $375, Away The Large is positioned as a premium product with a price point that reflects its quality and features. Outdoorgearlab gave it an overall score of 82, noting that it 'has all of the makings of pricier luggage brands, but it holds its ground at a reasonable price.' The bag's value proposition is strengthened by its durability, design, and thoughtful features, including the compression system and removable laundry bag. However, the price point is not without criticism. Some reviewers noted that the bag is not what they would consider a 'bargain bag,' and the lack of expansion capability and the weight issues may not justify the premium price for all users.
The value of the bag is also influenced by its brand reputation and the overall travel system that Away offers. Jolynneshane, who has been traveling with Away luggage for several years, noted that the brand hits the sweet spot between form and function, and that 'everything works together as a system.' This cohesive approach to product design adds value for customers who want to build a complete travel collection. However, the bag's long-term durability issues, as noted by Fromsqualortoballer, suggest that the value proposition may be diminished over time if maintenance is required.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to other checked luggage options, Away The Large holds its own in terms of quality and features, though it's not without competition. Outdoorgearlab's comparison with other bags in the lineup shows that The Large has a slightly smaller capacity than some competitors, such as the Samsonite Freeform Large (112.5 L) and Samsonite Omni PC Expandable (108 L). However, it's larger than the Rimowa Essential Check-In L (90 L) and Tumi 19 Degree Expandable (85.5 L). The bag's lack of expansion capability is a significant drawback when compared to expandable options, but its sturdiness and compression system make up for this in some scenarios.
The bag's construction quality and design are often praised, with Outdoorgearlab noting that it 'has all of the makings of pricier luggage brands.' However, some reviewers have noted that the bag's durability issues, particularly with the compression system and bumpers, are not as robust as they might be in higher-end alternatives. The bag's weight is also a point of comparison, as it's heavier than some competitors, which may be a factor for travelers who are concerned about airline weight limits. Despite these drawbacks, the bag's overall performance and aesthetic appeal make it a strong contender in the checked luggage market.
Strengths
- +Stylish design with sleek look and understated construction
- +Excellent packing system with zipper-enclosed compartment and compression panel
- +Very durable polycarbonate shell that has held up well after years of heavy use
- +Smooth rolling with quality double-spinner wheels and well-balanced design
Watch-outs
- −Does not expand, limiting extra packing space for souvenirs
- −Heavy at 11.6 pounds, which can be problematic for weight limits
- −Stubborn zipper that can be difficult to operate
How it compares
The Away The Large is more durable than the Samsonite Elevation Plus due to its polycarbonate shell, but it lacks the QuickEntry™ pocket and dual-wheel system. While the Samsonite offers more organizational features, the Away bag is lighter and better suited for those wanting a no-frills, long-lasting option.
Who this is for
At a glance: Long-term durability seekers.
Why you’d buy the Away The Large
- Stylish design with sleek look and understated construction.
- Excellent packing system with zipper-enclosed compartment and compression panel.
- Very durable polycarbonate shell that has held up well after years of heavy use.
Why you’d skip it
- Does not expand, limiting extra packing space for souvenirs.
- Heavy at 11.6 pounds, which can be problematic for weight limits.
- Stubborn zipper that can be difficult to operate.
Rating sources
“Their luggage hits the sweet spot between form and function: it looks sleek and polished, but it's also thoughtfully designed and built to last.”
Our 4.8 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
