Pack Your Bags

Soft Launch: Away Drops Soft-Sided Luggage Collection, Just in Time for Summer Getaways

Not your grandpa's suitcase

By Anamaria Glavan

Anamaria Glavan

View all posts by Anamaria Glavan

July 9, 2024

Add us as a Google Preferred Source

away-softside-luggage

Away

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Away is consistently ranked as one of the most popular luggage brands, and that status is well-deserved — the travel gear company has received high praise from Rolling Stone staffers for its durability and expandable design.

The DTC luggage brand took off in 2016 with the launch of its original carry-on; compression pockets, removable battery packs, a solid polycarbonate hard shell, and fun colorways turned it into a social media darling. The brand has continued to gain momentum with the release of products like trunk suitcases, weekender duffels, and toiletry kits. Years later, it’s officially entering a new (or, well, sort of old) era: On the heels of summer travel, Away has officially launched a soft-sided luggage collection.

Buy on AWAY

According to the brand, soft-shell products account for roughly 50 percent of luggage sales in the United States despite limited innovation in the market. (Away adjusts features based on traveler feedback, and there was a limited-edition soft-shell collection back in 2019; those learnings informed this permanent collection.) Here’s everything to know about the new Away Softside line, along with our top suitcase picks.

What Is Away’s Softside Collection?

Away’s soft-sided luggage, appropriately called the Softside line, shares the brand’s lightweight design, 360-degree wheels, underside grab handle, and signature compression system, the latter of which gives over-packers explicit permission to bring their entire wardrobe along on a trip. (We’re not judging.) 

AnaMaria Glavan / Rolling Stone

Buy on AWAY

The Softside difference, however, is a top flap opening with one spacious single compartment in lieu of two smaller ones, which is a main feature in the classic hard shell portfolio. Plus, the Softside material is a water- and abrasion-resistant nylon fabric with a whisper of flexibility (in other words: you can pack more stuff) that also champions longevity, though each luggage has a lifetime warranty in the event that something were to happen to it. 

Trending Stories

Michael Douglas Gives Update on Jack Nicholson: He's 'Well' But Has 'Disappeared'

A Timeline of Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump's Bizarre MAGA Alliance

Harry Styles Honored by Jalen Brunson at Madison Square Garden, Receives 30 Nights Banner

'SNL' Cold Open: Trump Crashes Tom Hanks' Halloween to Praise His 'Great A**'

Two exterior front pockets easily fit a laptop or other need-to-access necessities, while a matching TSA-approved padlock keeps your belongings in check. And you know how soft shell luggage tends to flop over when it’s full? Well, not this one — there’s a proprietary stabilizer to ensure it remains upright. The design is sleek, too, a departure from the traditional, dusty models stored in your family’s attic.

Away has launched its soft-sided collection in jet black, cloud gray, coast blue, and clay pink in all four original sizes: The Carry-On, The Bigger Carry-On, The Medium, and The Large. Prices start at $225 and will be available for purchase online or at one of the brand’s 17 retail locations. Plus, fast shipping makes this perfect timing for procrastinators who don’t book, pack, or prepare until the very last-minute. We’re right there with you.

Shop the Away Softside Collection

Away Launches Softside Luggage Collection: Buy Online

buy it

Away The Softside Carry-On

Shown in cloud gray

$225

Buy on Away

Specs:
• Measurements: 21.7″ x 13.7″ x 9″ (exterior) and 20” x 13.5” (interior)

• Weight: 8.15 lbs

• Capacity: 39.8 L (46.7 L when expanded)

Away Launches Softside Luggage Collection: Buy Online

buy it

Away The Softside Bigger Carry-On

Shown in coast blue

$245

Buy on away

Specs:
• Measurements: 22.7″ x 15.4″ x 9.6″ (exterior) and 20.9″ x 15″ x 7.9″ (interior)

• Weight: 7.9 lbs

• Capacity: 47.9 L


Away Launches Softside Luggage Collection: Buy Online

buy it

Away The Softside Medium

Shown in clay pink

$295

Buy on away

Specs:
• Measurements: 26″ x 18.9″ x 10.6″ (exterior)
• Weight: 12.6 lbs

• Capacity: 76 L


Away Launches Softside Luggage Collection: Buy Online

buy it

Away The Softside Large

Shown in black

$325

Buy on away

Specs:
• Measurements: 29″ x 20.5″ x 12.5″ (exterior) and 26.9″ x 19.7″ x 10.6″ (interior)

• Weight: 12.1 lbs

• Capacity: 99.2 L


In this article:

More News

Read more

Top stories newsletter

A Cultural Force That Transcends Generations

Enter your Email

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services.