Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Away Carry-On
Best Mid-RangeRimowa Original
Best Premium HardshellPrice
$275-$375
$700-$1,500
Summary
The most popular mid-range luggage brand for a reason — clean design, solid polycarbonate shell, and a lifetime warranty. Most WIRED staffers own one.
The most recognizable hardshell on the market with a cult following among frequent flyers. Aluminum construction survives brutal baggage handling and looks better with age.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects
- Clean, minimal aesthetic available in wide range of colors
- Polycarbonate shell is lightweight yet durable
- Built-in TSA-approved combination lock
- Iconic aluminum or polycarbonate construction handles extreme baggage handler abuse
- Develops character over time — scratches and dents tell travel stories
- Lifetime guarantee and global repair network
- Compact enough for carry-on with serious interior organization
Cons
- More expensive than Samsonite at similar quality tier
- Battery-equipped versions banned on some airlines
- Not as durable long-term as Briggs & Riley or Travelpro per frequent flyer communities
- Very expensive ($700-$1,500+)
- Aluminum version is heavy compared to polycarbonate competitors
- Scratches and dents are inevitable — some find this distressing rather than charming
Our take
Away hit a sweet spot that no one else had found: genuinely good luggage at a price that doesn't require a second mortgage. It's not the absolute best, but it's the best for most people.
Rimowa is the one piece of luggage people keep for decades and brag about. If you want something that signals serious traveler and actually backs it up with durability, this is it.
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