Away isn’t new to the luggage game. The innovative designs of Away luggage, its consistent product launches, and its high-end hard-sided luggage have been on the market for quite some time now. But in 2024, the brand launched its Softside Suitcase. Away has been my go-to suitcase brand since 2020, so I was shocked when I heard it released soft-sided luggage.
No, I was not shocked because the company decided to stray from its signature Hardside Suitcase. My surprise was instead linked to confusion because, well, I already have two soft-sided suitcases from Away, both of which are more than three years old. To make matters more confusing, the designs of the medium and carry-on sizes I have are completely different from what was launched in 2024. Huh?
The Away soft luggage relaunch?
After some thorough and long-winded investigating, I was thankfully able to get to the bottom of this Away luggage mystery. If there’s anyone who’s a long-time Away customer, hopefully, this can ebb some of your confusion and suspicion of a Mandela effect that has a somewhat simple answer: It was actually a relaunch of sorts.
Away already had a complete line of soft-sided luggage, which included a full range of sizes, colors, and even special collections. I managed to get my hands on a limited-edition purple carry-on in 2021, and it’s still going strong. In 2021, the brand silently discontinued all of its soft-sided luggage, leaving only hard-sided suitcases available on the site.
Of course, it’s not exactly a straight relaunch either, since the product design is different. When I got my hands on the new luggage, it was obvious there have been some innovative changes and the new style of soft-sided luggage is vastly different from the original model. The biggest one? Away’s newest version doesn’t open clamshell style, like in the past or like the hard-sided versions. Instead, the bags have one singular opening inside. Not quite trunk style; the top closing flap is extremely thin and doesn’t allow for much of anything to be packed into it (much like the design of other soft-sided luggage brands).
Notable features like the compression pad and straps are still around, as well as the handy expansion zipper that allows an inch or so of extra space when your bag is super full.
The one-compartment problem?
The previous design of the soft-sided suitcase had the same interior as the current hard-sided model, featuring a mesh zipper cover on one side and a compression pad with straps.
With five years (and counting) of full-time travel under my belt, I know a thing or two about packing and have a consistent method of getting everything I own in my suitcases hassle free. Unfortunately, everything I can fit into the old models of the Away soft-sided ones doesn’t fit as nicely or at all into the new design.
Something about having two compartments instead of one allows for better organization and a more efficient game of suitcase Tetris — for me. With just one compartment, the second I put an irregularly shaped object into my bag, I had difficulty packing everything else efficiently. Of course, those who prefer — and are used to — one compartment would likely say the same about packing a clamshell-design suitcase, so it’s all about what you’re comfortable with and used to.
Picking the right Away luggage for you
The new design of Away’s soft-sided luggage works well for cramming in things that squish and compress with ease. Trips that require more clothing than usual or maybe an extra jacket or blanket are well suited for the soft bags. Similar to the way a lot of things can be compacted into a dresser drawer, the luggage allows for you to pack in anything that’s soft enough to be squished down by the compression pad. If you like to add in compression cubes, even better.
Now, if you’re planning to pack a lot of abstract, non-compactable items (think: shoes, hat boxes, toiletry bags, souvenirs, tech equipment, etc.), the classic hard-side luggage is probably the better option. These models still have the traditional clamshell style and are an efficient packer’s dream. On the compression side, I can fit six fully packed compression cubes, a heating pad, a travel blanket, and a pair of sandals and still have room to spare. The mesh zipper side comfortably fits at least one pair of tennis shoes and an assortment of other items like my skincare dopp bag, shower bag, and more.
