It seems like almost every week comes with a fresh addition to the luggage market, spanning from ski and snowboard bags to anti-theft bags. Notably, many of these innovations hail from Away, showcasing their stunning aluminum carry-on and ever-evolving array of colors in their permanent collection.
My existing Away bags could accommodate my toiletries, charging cables, loads of clothing in packing cubes and other travel must-haves, but they (and no other brand of similarly-sized checked or carry-on luggage) could accommodate larger or bulkier items.
The Trunk suitcase by Away is the newest and largest in their luggage line, and it’s one of the biggest bags on the market. I had to have it. Not only is it the perfect option for extended trips like the 14-day Viking River Cruise I recently took to Europe with my sister, but I’ve brought it on several domestic trips when I wanted to transport large and bulky items.
Here’s a closer look at some of our favorite features of The Away Trunk Suitcase and why you might love it as much as we do.
The Away Trunk Suitcase offers ample space and a unique design tailored to accommodate large and awkwardly shaped items, making it ideal for extended trips or those requiring bulky gear like ski equipment or formal wear. Its taller and narrower frame enhances maneuverability, and the lightweight construction ensures ease of handling.
What we liked about it
A big, beautiful bag with a redesign that accommodates large, awkward stuff
The Trunk boasts a spacious 107-liter capacity, making it the largest suitcase in their lineup and one of the biggest available. What sets it apart, however, is not just its size, but its innovative design featuring a 30/70 split construction.
This unique layout offers a significantly larger compartment on one side, allowing large and cumbersome items that wouldn’t fit in a traditional 50-50 split suitcase.
From transporting delicate dresses to bulky gear like tents and snowshoes, the Trunk proves to be versatile for various travel needs, whether it’s for extended trips requiring ample clothing or adventures involving bulky equipment such as ski gear or formal wear.
A slim design that is easy to travel with
Initially concerned about potential oversized luggage fees, I was relieved to find that despite its larger dimensions (31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches), the Trunk meets standard checked luggage requirements, allowing for extra packing space without extra charges.
This expanded capacity is primarily achieved through increased height, enhancing maneuverability with 360° smooth-gliding wheels and facilitating easier nesting of other Away carry-on suitcases.
Moreover, the Trunk’s vertical design offers practical benefits such as easier storage in confined spaces. That’s particularly valuable during travel, including on a recent Viking River Cruise where space was limited. The inclusion of multiple grab handles further enhances convenience during transit, while the lightweight polycarbonate shell, lighter than the aluminum variants, ensures effortless lifting, particularly beneficial when navigating public transportation in urban settings like New York City.
It has all the usual Away features
Those familiar with Away suitcases appreciate their array of standard features not commonly found in other brands. These include a telescoping trolley handle with two settings for varying heights, a water-resistant laundry bag, a TSA-approved combination lock, an included luggage tag and exceptionally smooth-gliding wheels. Additionally, the suitcase boasts a double-buckle compression pad, facilitating efficient packing by compressing clothes to maximize available space.
What we didn’t like about it
The zippers are a little goofy
In contrast to my experience with other Away suitcases featuring slow-open latches akin to briefcase locks, this particular model utilizes swiveling zippers for closure. While I’ve grown more accustomed to this mechanism over time, I initially found it less intuitive and struggled to master the swivel-locking process.
Despite the TSA-approved lock and Away’s description of the zippers as “ergonomic,” I found them somewhat cumbersome to operate, especially given the unfamiliarity with this style of closure. Clear and concise instructions, perhaps in the form of a small sticker, would be beneficial for users encountering this novel zipper-locking system for the first time.
It may be too tall for short travelers
I’m 5’9,” and I appreciate the bag’s tall stature. However, shorter travelers may find it challenging to maneuver as when the telescoping handle is at its lowest setting, my arm and elbow form a 90-degree angle. While I find this comfortable, individuals who are 5’1” might find it uncomfortably tall to push. This observation isn’t a critique of the suitcase’s design, as a very short handle on a tall bag could also pose challenges. Instead, it’s an important consideration for travelers of shorter stature.
Limited colors
Currently, Away offers The Trunk suitcase in six color options: black, navy blue, coast blue, olive green, sorbet orange and salt white. Personally, none of these colors caught my eye, especially since the orange and white shades were not available when I acquired the suitcase, limiting my selection to just four colors. While this lack of vibrant options isn’t a deal-breaker, it diverges from Away’s usual offering of bright, fun and distinctive colors and patterns in their luggage collection.
How it compares
| Colors | 6 |
7 |
2 |
11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key specs | 31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches |
29 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches (+1.75 inches in depth when expanded) |
32.5 x 16.5 x 15.5 inches |
28.35 x 16.34 x 14.5 inches |
| Capacity | 107 liters |
107 liters |
123 liters |
95 liters |
| Weight | 12.1 pounds |
12.25 pounds |
10.34 pounds |
13.2 pounds |
| Key features | 30/70 split, swivel zippers, taller and more narrow design |
50/50 split, swivel zippers, ability to add 1.75 inches of additional space |
80/20 split, swivel zippers, custom monogram |
80/20 split, two integrated one-click TSA latch locks, zipperless access with rivetless anodized aluminium frame |
| Price | $435 | $425 | $729 | $545 |
Bottom line
The Away Trunk Suitcase stands out as the ultimate checked luggage because of its impressive large capacity and unique design that can accommodate awkward and bulky items. Whether you’re going on a cruise, a ski trip or a month-long trip abroad, this big and beautiful bag has you covered.
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