I got rid of all of my clam shell luggage and replaced them with top open. I love it so much more, especially when it comes to opening it up in a hotel room. I have the Lojel Cubo small and Cubo fit. I find the key to packing a top open is to use packing cubes and place them in the luggage on their side instead of flat. Think of it like putting books on a bookshelf. You can easily grab the packing cube you need and you don’t have to dig to the bottom of the suitcase for anything. I don’t see myself ever going back to the clam shell style after having traveled with the Lojel Cubo.
@@joycemain me too! I love my Lojel because it’s top opening. I wish I can get rid of my clam shell Away Luggage but it’s expensive and I do like the color. American Tourister is another that offers Hardsided with top lid opening. I’m planning to get a big one to replace my old Samsonite Clamshell.
@@GOJ739 I’ve got the American Tourister Frontec in medium and large. I love them! They also have an expansion zip, even though they are hardshell. I did a trip through Europe for 5 weeks with my medium and having the top opening was a game changer in the small hotel rooms. 👍🏻🇦🇺
How do you like the durability of the lojel suitcases and how many outfits can you fit in each the small and fit ? I’ve been eyeing them after having clamshell away suitcases for years.
As someone who is 5’3, I’ve had to switch to under seat bags to stave off my reach/lift anxiety, and shifted my gear as much as possible to ultralight gear [toiletry bag, linen clothes, powder shampoo portioned instead of liquids, etc.]. Still hard on my back, but no awkward fumbles. Thanks for the honest review! I’ve tried so much gear based on reviews that don’t consider some of the things you talked about!
I prefer the trunk style vs the clamshell. When fully opened, the clamshell suitcase has a huge footprint making it harder to work from in small room spaces. The trunk case fits squarely on a luggage rack making it easy to work from. I am 5’1”. 70 yrs ago old. I pack my overhead trunk style case with light items and I pack my heavy stuff in my personal bag that goes under my seat. It works well for me.
I started using a hard-shell, clam-style opening luggage back in 2010 when it wasn't very common in North America. After seven years, I decided to switch back to soft-shell luggage. The bucket-style opening offers more flexibility for packing bulkier items and is convenient to use in boutique hotels in cities like Tokyo. Besides, in general, soft-sided luggage is lighter, eliminating unnecessary weight on the luggage. I would still use my hard-shell luggage if I'm traveling to places where it'll rain or snow.
I have purchased several different soft sided carryons over the years. This year, I purchased the smallest Monos bag. It is the lightest I’ve ever owned and I fit waaay more into it than any other one I’ve owned. I will not go back to a soft sided bag again - great review!
Oh poor you… Trouble is once you’ve hurt your back…it keeps “popping” out when you least expect it…. We always use to have soft cases/ bags…but now only have the hard shell one….we find they stack better when storing and are more safer going to and from destinations… Great review…..👍🇬🇧
I just checked the dimensions on their website and it looks like the reason you couldn’t get everything in was because it actually has a smaller capacity.
Thank you for this video! I love side-by-sides! I bought the Biaggi carry on and was amazed by the advert videos but thought something was wrong with me when it didn’t hold my minimal items.. definitely sticking to the hard side clam shells!
Interesting. My son has an Away soft-sided carryon bag that is 4 years old. It looks exactly like this one on the outside, but is a clamshell design. He loves the bag. His job requires monthly international travel and the bag has been all over the world, including several third world countries and it still looks brand new. I wish my 1 year old Away hard-sided carryon looked that good. 🥴
I’ve had my Away hard sided for over 6 years and it looks great! I do clean it with the Mr Clean Magic Eraser to get rid of scuffs but aside from that. I’m glad he’s happy with his bag!
So sorry to hear about your back. Recover quickly. Thank you for this review as I was curious as I have not been a convert to the clamshell style. I have used a Delsey “bucket” style bag for 15 years and love it. So I will just stick with it as I was thinking of trying this new bag. Also I love the separate locks. I just keep on my bag always and have never lost one. I was once in a luggage repair shop and the built in lock jammed on the person with all her stuff inside. It was not a great outcome so,at least with an external lock you just get it clipped if need be. Now may not be easy to find a locksmith in a pinch to do it but at least your bag doesn’t get ruined.
I love my soft-sided suitcase, the Briggs & Riley Essential 22-inch carry-on. I have had the bag for years; it's sturdy and holds a ton. Jen, please take it easy, and I hope your back recovers soon.
@@dianacopeland1981 I have the Briggs and Riley Baseline carry on expandable spinner and love it. They have a unique expansion mechanism where you can expand it for packing and then compress it back down once it is closed but most times I don’t have to use it.
That’s such a bummer that you had to cancel your trip - I hope your injury heals quickly! I only buy soft-sided bags anymore because I can’t stand clam-shell suitcases (and unfortunately, hard-sided suitcases don’t come in the “bucket”-style). I find the “bucket” style bags much more flexible to pack and I can always fit more in them compared to clam-shell. Clam-shell divides your space in half, which cuts down your packing placement drastically (it’s like playing Tetris into two small rectangles rather than one large one - there are just a lot fewer options). Also, clamshell suitcases take up twice as much space at your destination (since you need to open it all the way and lay it flat). I’ve never had a problem with mine bulging in the middle, it might be a matter of how you pack. If you’ve spent years optimizing your packing system for clamshell hard-sided bags, it makes sense that you wouldn’t be an expert in a different packing system after one attempt. As for the expansion feature - the bag is designed to fit carry-on dimensions when it’s not expanded, so of course it won’t fit carry-on when it is expanded. The purpose of the expansion is so that you can use the same bag but carry more when you’re not flying carry-on (ex. car travel, or checking it one-way). I’m not sure it’s fair to call the extra weight from your laptop a negative for this particular bag - any bag (hard or soft, clamshell or bucket) would weigh 6lbs more if you choose to put your laptop in it. The real difference in weight was only 2lbs. That said, being slightly heavier IS a downside to soft-sided bags, but for me, 2lbs is worth it to have a bucket-style bag. I haven’t used this Away bag so I can’t speak to it specifically (my current carry on is Briggs and Riley ZDX), but I hope you don’t let this scare you away from bucket-style bags forever! If you actually traveled with it, didn’t carry your laptop in it, and optimized your packing for a bucket-style bag, you might have a much better experience!
LOVE that you took the time to do this review Jen! (also wishing you a speedy recovery from your injury!) When I first saw this style, I wasn't really sure I even liked the look of it, but the front pocket reminded me of a style Away offered a few years back, that being the standard Away clamshell with a pocket on the front. I never bought one, since I had just purchased the Bigger Carry On shortly before, but later on, just before the Daily with the pocket was discontinued, I did pick one of those up. Ironically, the pocket is really the only thing about the daily I liked about that product, and wished in hindsight I did get the carry on with the pocket... I was hoping this would offer something similar, but after seeing the way it packs, I don't think its for me - thank you for saving me the time, and keep up the great work putting out wonderful content!
This is such a good video. I was curious about this new carry-on soft side bag. I have the large carry-on soft side from when they first came out with soft side bags. It's a clamshell style and I absolutely love it. This doesn't work. It doesn't hold as much and there's something about the clam shell feature. They need to bring those back. Not sure why they don't sell them anymore. Very good review, thank you.👌🏽
I have a 6yo Away carry on that I am considering replacing with this bag in black. I’m intrigued about the soft side hiding the wear and tear better. I use it for work trips, typically 1-2 nights. If anything, I may order both and decide… My wife and kids all have the hard side carry ons that reflect the redesign from earlier this year.
I enjoyed this video. My husband and I disagree about how much clamshell versus soft luggage holds. I think he overstuffs then oversizes his bag. I have the Monos luggage which I love so a review of that would be nice to see. I think when I bought it there was something in the reviews that caused me to choose the Monos over the Away brand. Also, we generally check our larger bags (even carry on) as we find that less burdensome and I bought a Travelpro rolling under the seat bag which has been wonderful to use as I have reached the stage of life when carrying a large bag around an airport on layovers is problematic (especially when you have to walk fast). Enjoy all your videos and comments.
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Love my Monos pro - as it solves the laptop problem you have, while still being similar in design and quality as the Away bag. Also that sucker will take off down the gangway if you're not carefull, it rolls so easily. Got my hubby a very specific Samsonite that is very similar and not as expensive. Also rolls incredibly easily.
We just received our Bigger Carry On today! My husband and I each got one for our upcoming trip to Disney World in September. So far I absolutely love them!
I thought for sure it would hold more because it’s soft! Thanks for doing the review so we don’t have to find out the hard way! And 2 lbs heavier is insane! Lighter is better (as you know! ;)
In Australia, we are only allowed one 7 k bag as a carry-on on most international airlines. Can be a personal item or a carryon so both away bags are too heavy for me. My July case weighs 1.8 kilos. This leaves me 5.2 kilos for clothes and other things.
Just used the Away Bigger carryon for a 2 1/2 week trip to Europe. No intention on this trip to actually carry on, so no idea how it would’ve fit on British Airways or United. I just wanted a small enough/big enough bag to lift myself, get around the Tube/Metro etc. It did great. Brought a fold up duffle for the way home, absolutely necessary, glad my husband was there tho! Happy to know I didn’t miss anything re the soft sided bag, enough trouble packing “light” for hot/cold/rainy weather, night theater in London, days in the mountains in Czechia, etc. Should’ve spent a month planning 😂 Worked out fine in the end, loved the Away bigger bag. Honestly, at 61, just thrilled to have the Away bag & the Everywhere bag that match. First time I’ve owned matching luggage, super fun🤗 So sorry about your back Jen! My husband put his back out working in the garden right after we got back. Big tip, do stretches etc after a long flight, take it a little easy for a few days, don’t just think everything is all normal!
Awwww, I gasped when I heard you missed your trip. I'm so very sorry. I absolutely love cirque du soleil. I hope you get to go another time! I just have a random mishmosh of cheap luggage (don't travel very much on airplanes) but for our cruise and large family I tried a mix of both. I actually really like having a mix with a bunch of us and still can't decide if I like clam shell or soft side better!
Love the comparison. I have always gone soft shell mostly because easier to get things in a pinch and got it from family. This breaks the idea of it always being comparatively lighter. Also love the weatherproofing of hard shell if I am forced to check in if flight is overbook. Wishing you a speedy recovery
Hope your back is better soon! I think with top open luggage it’s better to squish things in from side to side instead of the more common top to bottom. I just went on a trip and had both types of suitcases for me and my companion, I think there are pros and cons to both.
Probably totally user error but even if it had all fit the weight would be a deal breaker. I have another one on the way to my house that’s lighter so stay tuned! I’m going to try again!
Had a soft side I got back from the airline with every piece of clothing soaking wet one time so switched to hard side. Hasn’t happened since! Love my Away hard side
Thanks for the review. I was curious about their new suitcase. While I do prefer this design over clam style opening, I love my away hard shell. The temptation to shove more in a soft shell is really an issue. BTDT for years. I do fit 4-5 days of clothing in my clam shell. Plus 1 pair of shoes plus flip flops. Plus swimsuit. Plus PJs. And I not a small girl. I am 5’2”. I need a light and compact carryon to put in the overhead indeed. I could tell right away that the soft shell was heavier when you moved then around to start packing. Plus airlines are getting stricter not just on size but weight which is usually ignored by passengers with carryon.
I bought the new hardshell carry-on in the navy after watching your video and LOVE it!! I can pack a full week of clothes in it, it's durable, and I really like all the packing organizers! I thought about getting the softside but probably will not now. We live in a small city so we have to gate check our bags and this would probably crush my suitcase.
I am so sorry you were injured during the making of this video. How is that for demonstrating how important it is to make sure your bags aren’t too heavy!! Great review as always.
Great review! I travel every month with my husband for his job. I’ve been using the Level 8 hard clamshell for two years, and LOVE it. Smoothest wheels and zipper…and more budget friendly. I also have a Samantha Brown soft side, but I find myself using the Level 8 most often. Curious… have you tried luggage “clothes”? I use them for protection against scuffs. Amazon has quality spandex options…love them!
I went from soft sided luggage to hard sided luggage. I will not be going back to soft sided. I see others don't like the clam shell. I personally don't see a problem with the clam shell style. I like the separation of both sides. Can put dirty clothes on one side and keep it separate from the clean. My go-to when traveling is my 20 in hard sided carry-on and my underseater.
Ouch! On to luggage .... I recently bought a TravelPro Max Lite 5 22" 2 wheeled carry-on primarily because of its light weight. It's 2 pounds lighter than my old soft sided 4 wheel suitcase with the same exterior dimentions. I just don't like a clam shell. My trips usually involve multiple stops of 1 to 3 nights and I do not unpack. I open the top, remove what I need, close it up again, and it fits on the luggage rack. 🧳 I leave in September for 3 weeks in Europe and I hope we're both up for the challenge.
I bought the 19" TravelPro Maxlite soft side 5 four wheel for 3 weeks in Europe in September. I'm 5 ft tall and already practicing to see how minimally I can pack. Every trip to Europe I get a bit better at it!
@@DC-pr2bq I have the 4 wheel version of that bag as well as the 19" one and love both! I was able to pack for 11 days in Europe in the 19" one and I think either would fit in the luggage racks. And great videos Jen!
Jen, I’ve been a Briggs and Riley fan for years and have several different models. Lightweight, durable, attractive and no extra compartments that actually add weight. Most models have the compression contraption which you use after the bag is closed. Both hardshell and soft side are wonderful. 9:38
Your videos are always the best!! Question for you, how do you manage to pack so much in a carryon within the weight limit? The past two times I have traveled, one time in the US the other in Italy, I was told my carryon was too heavy and I had empty it like a lunatic on line. Not fun!! Any advice you can would be sooo appreciated!
Great review as always Jen - I too much prefer a hard shell case and have always found I can fit way more in vs a soft case. I have to say though, I am shocked that you’re not wearing ‘the most expensive shorts ever’ in this video 😂 I thought they were going to be a regular going forward! But it all seriousness, much like investing in good luggage, investing in a good pair of shorts is always worth it 👍 I hope your back gets better soon. I once threw my back out by placing a glass on a table. I barely even leaned forward. I was 23. My body betrayed me ….
I have been a huge Away fan and have loved all their products so far - until I ordered the Everywhere Zip Backpack which is just awful. The straps on the back constantly loosen themselves and require readjustment throughout the day. It's a major design flaw that they need to acknowledge as the straps are too small for the buckle they chose. Unfortunately I didn't realize it until I was outside the return window. Now I have an almost $300 backpack collecting dust. Glad to see you giving a 100% honest review as always.
Hi Jen I love your videos. Sorry for your bad experience With soft side luggage. I live in Europe and use Samsonite exclusively. For short trips, I use a two-wheeler Samsonite D'Lite (2 kilos empty - that's about 4.4 lbs) The problem in Europe is that the airlines here don't allow above a certain size and weight as carryon- so many of the pieces of luggage you show would end up being gate-checked. Most clamshell luggage is heavier than the soft side - at least by Samsonite. I once used a clamshell medium size for a trip to the States and was disheartened - so inconvenient to live out of it - took up way too much real estate when opened. Your videos are a great inspiration to pack less and enjoy the trip more - I always share them with friends and family coming over to visit.
Yes, I threw out my back just throwing some trash out. It can happen that easily. I hAVE TO DO these exercises to take care of the inflammation "knot" where it happened. Exercises (if your doctor says to do: do) I know it may sound silly, but it really makes a difference.
I'm super shocked at the weight difference with the hard-side?! I guess it must be like a thick neoprene to absorb external impact. I have the Bigger Carry-On and adore it! It's been with me to many countries, always fits in the overhead, and I never worry when I have had to check it. I was very curious about the new soft-side line, but I think I'll stick with my clam-shells. Thanks!
Thanks for the review. Hope you’re feeling better. Is the soft side material the same used for the everywhere bag? Does it seem like it would be easy to get dirty or hard to clean? I am interested in the cloud grey. Thank you.
This is a great comparison. I am wondering if you had used compression cubes and placed those on the top of the pile, whether that would have made a difference. It does seem like you're able to get better compression with the clamshell style. I wonder if it's because you're only compressing the clothing in the clamshell, whereas in the bucket you're trying to compress everything.
i got this bag too for the laptop sleeve. i haven't tried packing it so it was very helpful to see your experience with it. as you were explaining, i had the thought that maybe putting soft things in first, compressing, then everything else going on top might help? i understand why you're returning, but thanks for making the video because now i at least have that in my head to try the next time i travel.
Hi! I’m sorry you got hurt demonstrating the bag for us! I appreciate you for comparing the 2 suitcases, my daughter is looking to upgrade her current other brand clamshell, and your videos help a lot. Wish you a speed recovery. 😊
I’m not sure this is relevant in your laptop carry on search, but Monos has a carry on pro hard shell case that has a front section for laptops and things! But might also be too heavy as well! I’ve been converted to hard shell suitcases since following you and have never looked back! This review helped me feel good about my decisions 🎉
For someone who travels carry-on only, the extra 2 pounds makes this a no for me. This design is perfect, though, if you fold everything Marie Kondo style and all of your clothes stand up. The Monos packing cubes are best for this because they're so deep. Thank you for your review. I hope your back heals quickly.
Yeah somebody else mentioned that and I think I might have been able to figure out how to fit it better? But the weight makes it a no deal. And I was going to try one more time but after the incident I was just mad at the whole thing
I'm so sorry you injured your back. As a physical therapist, I hope you are able to get therapy to help you rehab and prevent further injury. As to the luggage question at hand, I would love a comparison to the travel pro maxlite.
I used to have a magnificent rolling duffle bag - lost it in house fire. I replaced it with a clamshell style suitcase, and while having 4 wheels not 2 is great, I hate travelling with it when I can't just unpack! the "bucket" style design is so much easier to travel with when you're living out of the case, takes up half the space in hotel room, easier to open and close... I think it's very subjective, but I miss my duffle bag! I see Away do have a large rolling duffle bag.... hmmm....
Thanks so much for this review! I was curious if you put the compressible items in first and compress them and then put the hard items on top of that and close it would that work? This video was very insightful and saved me from making a purchase just to test. Especially considering it's heavier!
That extra weight is a no go for me. Looking for something lighter than the away hard shell. I Like my Travelpro platinum soft side carry on when I want soft side that has expansion ability and outside pockets to stuff more stuff! Lighter than my Away larger carry on, and holds more. Check out Level 8 Hegent clamshell no zipper model.its definitely heavier than this soft side due to aluminum frame, but seems more secure without the zippers to use for valuables in Europe later this year. Will take it on Turkish air half empty due to weight restrictions, but coming home on United should not be an issue….if I can lift it☺️
I really doubt you could have gotten your laptop in the outside pocket when you had the bag that stuffed. I love our Away clamshell. Especially as we use packing cubes and don't have to empty the whole suitcase to find an outfit. We travel in Europe with Tauck and spend two nights in each hotel and the cubes make moving so often so easy.
I actually DID put it in there with it that stuffed so it does fit but it's just too heavy. And yes I agree when you're changing hotels packing cubes are THE BEST.
I thought one of the selling points of soft-sided luggage was that they weigh less? It's a really pretty piece of luggage, but pretty and not functional ain't it, especially at that price point.
In Australia on domestic flights we are weight restricted. 7 kg in total carry on. You can pay more to top up to 10 kg.If you made your carry on too heavy it would have to be checked.
I believe when you switch to fitting your items in the soft side suitcase, you need to also change the types of smaller cases and cubes that you use and then it would all fit no problem as you figure out the Tetris pattern to fit best … and be sure to wisely use the spaces between the retractable handle (for any suitcase). It’s really not an apples to apples situation. With that said, as much I like the bucket style for how it opens with a smaller footprint at your destination, I much prefer the hard shell bags which are definitely lighter weight depending on what they are made of; I think the hard shell looks more modern and classy, your belongings won’t get wet in bad weather, and you can clean them well after each trip. Heal Quickly and Happy Travels! 🧳🏝✈️🌍
I have a hard sided carry on that has the front compartment on the outside for the laptop. It is this space that takes away from the rest of the suitcase of my clamshell. One side of the clamshell is about 1” smaller because of the outside pocket for a laptop. What I’ve eventually done since I don’t carry a laptop is use one of those envelope folders to house a few items that I don’t want wrinkled like a white linen button up shirt. I have another slightly smaller clamshell that does not have the laptop zippered compartment on the outside and I feel that having both sides that are almost equal in size works better than the one I have with that outside laptop pocket.
I think I wanted to be able to fit my laptop in theory, but it really is too heavy. My laptop is GIANT and if I had a smaller one might work? Thanks for the comment!
Goodness, I am so sorry you got injured and had to miss your flight! This does not sound like it was well-designed at all - especially from a user perspective. Would you be open to testing one of the TravelPro Platinum Elite soft-sided cases? They are considered to be the one of the best-rated, and come with a lifetime guarantee, too. I would be very interested to see how it would measure up!
Thank you for this review! I just bought the clamshell hard case regular away carryon, and cannot wait to use it! I also found your Wish cruise review so helpful! Thank you!
Sometimes packing differently might help. Next time try stacking the packing cubes vertically from the bottom up, instead of trying to lay each one down into it horizontally.
Also hope you feel better soon and Im sorry you missed your trip. My biggest issue with the ones that open in the middle is that I tend to keep things in my bag so it is ease to just close the “lid” or just leave like that, but the ones that are 2 halves you have to keep open or remove thing from one side at least. Do you have that issue at all in hotels and places?
I would LOOOOVE❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ to see a comparison with the Travelpro Maxlite 5 softside expandable checked 29”. Just ordered it for a trip to Spain,thinking one deeper side would be better for European travel.😊
IMO any bag you can over stuff so the dimensions for fitting in overheads are a bad idea as unlike you I am not a light packer so would definitely end up having to put my bag in the hold! Good review though ❤
Thanks for the review. But it is heavier to carry the laptop on you backpack/personal item, at least there you only carry it once to the overhead compartment. I feel like i can always fit more in the softs and the belly can always be pushed into the overhead compartment, the big issue is the frame/wheals that make it not fit. I need a new carry on my 15yr samsonite is barely spinning anymore, but I feel new ones look very small.
I might consider this bag as I want to get my laptop out of my personal item bag. I always worry with it under the seat and someone spilling something on it. I have a huge one at 17 inches. Do you think it would fit? Thank you for your review. And, I'm so sorry about your back. My theory is the laptop area takes up space. On the website is says the hardsided plus carry on is 47.9 liters while the softsided is 38.3 liters. So a huge difference in size capacity
Different bags require different packing strategies. I think if you had rolled some of your loose items and split up the one huge packing cube into 2 medium ones, you would have had a lot more leeway in packing and getting things to fit. Compass Rose makes long, slender packing cubes that are perfect for fitting vertically, book style in this style of bag. The Amazon slim packing cubes are very similar. I don’t think Away has gotten their soft side bag quite right (why make the capacity less than their hard side?!), but I don’t think it’s as useless as you’re making it out to be. All suitcases were bucket when I was growing up, and we are close in age. I’m not sure where all the “what do I do with a bag that’s not clamshell” angst comes from.
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge they are definitely an investment, but I will say I got my checked bag from them in 2007 when I was traveling weekly for work and am still using it today. It looks perfect in terms of condition and it has been to many countries and on lots of flights. I have a Monos carryon, but always like seeing your Away reviews as well.
That means a lot to me! I really try to make reviews that will help people make a good decision with their money (the kind of reviews I always want and can’t find) so THANK YOU!!
I own multiple luggage types, and I find that not only does the two-sided pack more for me, I also find that a one-sided roll-aboard does not allow me to organize as I would like because everything is all on one side. I have to dig through the one side to get anything. Maybe it depends on the luggage brand. I don‘t know, but my experience does not align with the one-sided luggage. (I am also a hard-shell vs soft-side luggage person, which may play a role in my preference.)
I don’t understand why they didn’t do the same style of compression with it. TBH though, I love my hard shell Away too much to go back to soft sided anyway.
That luggage is heavy. It's nice looking, some airlines will make you check it in. They say it doesn't fit up too. Mind you I have the bigger carry on. Like I said. The luggage itself is too heavy when it's empty
The bag weight comparison isn’t valid if you are adding the weight of the laptop. It is 2lbs heavier…not 8 heavier. That is a huge difference since you don’t have your laptop in the clamshell. I wouldn’t want a suitcase, however, that is heavier with or without the laptop. I do much prefer the soft side style of opening on the top. I find the clamshell is hard to open and work out of in a hotel or cruise room. I have used both styles and much prefer the soft sided style.
First, boooo on hurting your back and having to cancel your trip. Hope that heals fast. Second, before watching this I would have sworn a soft side would hold more and, more importantly, be lighter. Back when we were scuba diving all the time, we had both hard side and soft side. We took scales with us to the store and weighed everything (scuba gear is heavy) and the Samsonite soft side was much lighter than the hard side. It always depended on the weight limits of the airlines we were flying as to which we used. The hard side protected our gear much better, especially since we had to use the largest size and check them but when weight was an issue we used the soft side. I could get the same amount in each type but I don't use packing cubes so can squeeze and squish and mold smaller items in all the little nooks and crannies. I think it really might depend on brands and maybe hard side in one brand and soft side in another.
I ordered this in the Bigger Carry on size and I have to say I love it so much better then the clam shell, when I wait I normally take the clam shell and a large Goyard tote to fill my other things, this soft-shell one I didn't need the Goyard bag. everything fit with extra space!! I literally was thinking should I try adding more outfits and realized maybe leave the extra room for gifts, or fold my Goyard St Louis tote inside the luggage and bring It out when I need it. I would say the laptop section is great but I wouldn't use it even if it was a hardshell. not looking to crack my MacBook screen. im ready to use this on my next flight and I hope it stands up. I also feel like it being extended it will still fit, due to the face its put on the sides.
I love the fact that the publicity on the web page shows a same sex couple traveling together for this bag ❤❤❤
Oh of course I LOVE THAT very much as I do so many things about the company!! As the mom of a gay son the representation matters!
I got rid of all of my clam shell luggage and replaced them with top open. I love it so much more, especially when it comes to opening it up in a hotel room. I have the Lojel Cubo small and Cubo fit. I find the key to packing a top open is to use packing cubes and place them in the luggage on their side instead of flat. Think of it like putting books on a bookshelf. You can easily grab the packing cube you need and you don’t have to dig to the bottom of the suitcase for anything. I don’t see myself ever going back to the clam shell style after having traveled with the Lojel Cubo.
@@joycemain me too! I love my Lojel because it’s top opening. I wish I can get rid of my clam shell Away Luggage but it’s expensive and I do like the color. American Tourister is another that offers Hardsided with top lid opening. I’m planning to get a big one to replace my old Samsonite Clamshell.
Great tip! Thanks about to pack a top open bag today!
@@GOJ739 I’ve got the American Tourister Frontec in medium and large. I love them! They also have an expansion zip, even though they are hardshell. I did a trip through Europe for 5 weeks with my medium and having the top opening was a game changer in the small hotel rooms. 👍🏻🇦🇺
Yes! There’s no comparison, imo. Top-opening is much more efficient than clamshell. I use Briggs and Riley ZDX.
How do you like the durability of the lojel suitcases and how many outfits can you fit in each the small and fit ? I’ve been eyeing them after having clamshell away suitcases for years.
As someone who is 5’3, I’ve had to switch to under seat bags to stave off my reach/lift anxiety, and shifted my gear as much as possible to ultralight gear [toiletry bag, linen clothes, powder shampoo portioned instead of liquids, etc.]. Still hard on my back, but no awkward fumbles. Thanks for the honest review! I’ve tried so much gear based on reviews that don’t consider some of the things you talked about!
It's why you have to actually pack the bag and mess with it, I think? Thank you for your kind words!
I prefer the trunk style vs the clamshell. When fully opened, the clamshell suitcase has a huge footprint making it harder to work from in small room spaces. The trunk case fits squarely on a luggage rack making it easy to work from. I am 5’1”. 70 yrs ago old. I pack my overhead trunk style case with light items and I pack my heavy stuff in my personal bag that goes under my seat. It works well for me.
I started using a hard-shell, clam-style opening luggage back in 2010 when it wasn't very common in North America. After seven years, I decided to switch back to soft-shell luggage. The bucket-style opening offers more flexibility for packing bulkier items and is convenient to use in boutique hotels in cities like Tokyo. Besides, in general, soft-sided luggage is lighter, eliminating unnecessary weight on the luggage. I would still use my hard-shell luggage if I'm traveling to places where it'll rain or snow.
I have purchased several different soft sided carryons over the years. This year, I purchased the smallest Monos bag. It is the lightest I’ve ever owned and I fit waaay more into it than any other one I’ve owned. I will not go back to a soft sided bag again - great review!
Oh poor you…
Trouble is once you’ve hurt your back…it keeps “popping” out when you least expect it….
We always use to have soft cases/ bags…but now only have the hard shell one….we find they stack better when storing and are more safer going to and from destinations…
Great review…..👍🇬🇧
Thank you for the comparison. I have been curious about this new design, and now I know I’ll be sticking with my hard-sided Away luggage.
Yup. I really don’t see any advantage for most people.
So sorry to hear you hurt your back & have to postpone your vacation! Thanks for another great video. Thinking of you - take it easy & feel better! ❤
I just checked the dimensions on their website and it looks like the reason you couldn’t get everything in was because it actually has a smaller capacity.
Thank you for this video! I love side-by-sides! I bought the Biaggi carry on and was amazed by the advert videos but thought something was wrong with me when it didn’t hold my minimal items.. definitely sticking to the hard side clam shells!
Interesting. My son has an Away soft-sided carryon bag that is 4 years old. It looks exactly like this one on the outside, but is a clamshell design. He loves the bag. His job requires monthly international travel and the bag has been all over the world, including several third world countries and it still looks brand new. I wish my 1 year old Away hard-sided carryon looked that good. 🥴
I’ve had my Away hard sided for over 6 years and it looks great! I do clean it with the Mr Clean Magic Eraser to get rid of scuffs but aside from that. I’m glad he’s happy with his bag!
I have this same bag from 2020 and love it! I like the style, fabric and clam shell style! They don’t make this style anymore!
@@charlarios4383 yeah I kind of wish I had gotten that bag as I do really like the look of this bag just not the way it opens or the weight.
So sorry to hear about your back. Recover quickly. Thank you for this review as I was curious as I have not been a convert to the clamshell style. I have used a Delsey “bucket” style bag for 15 years and love it. So I will just stick with it as I was thinking of trying this new bag. Also I love the separate locks. I just keep on my bag always and have never lost one. I was once in a luggage repair shop and the built in lock jammed on the person with all her stuff inside. It was not a great outcome so,at least with an external lock you just get it clipped if need be. Now may not be easy to find a locksmith in a pinch to do it but at least your bag doesn’t get ruined.
I love my soft-sided suitcase, the Briggs & Riley Essential 22-inch carry-on. I have had the bag for years; it's sturdy and holds a ton. Jen, please take it easy, and I hope your back recovers soon.
Diana, I've thought about Briggs and Riley for YEARS.They may have to go on my list to review. And thank you! So much better today (FINALLY).
@@dianacopeland1981 I have the Briggs and Riley Baseline carry on expandable spinner and love it. They have a unique expansion mechanism where you can expand it for packing and then compress it back down once it is closed but most times I don’t have to use it.
That’s such a bummer that you had to cancel your trip - I hope your injury heals quickly! I only buy soft-sided bags anymore because I can’t stand clam-shell suitcases (and unfortunately, hard-sided suitcases don’t come in the “bucket”-style). I find the “bucket” style bags much more flexible to pack and I can always fit more in them compared to clam-shell. Clam-shell divides your space in half, which cuts down your packing placement drastically (it’s like playing Tetris into two small rectangles rather than one large one - there are just a lot fewer options). Also, clamshell suitcases take up twice as much space at your destination (since you need to open it all the way and lay it flat). I’ve never had a problem with mine bulging in the middle, it might be a matter of how you pack. If you’ve spent years optimizing your packing system for clamshell hard-sided bags, it makes sense that you wouldn’t be an expert in a different packing system after one attempt. As for the expansion feature - the bag is designed to fit carry-on dimensions when it’s not expanded, so of course it won’t fit carry-on when it is expanded. The purpose of the expansion is so that you can use the same bag but carry more when you’re not flying carry-on (ex. car travel, or checking it one-way). I’m not sure it’s fair to call the extra weight from your laptop a negative for this particular bag - any bag (hard or soft, clamshell or bucket) would weigh 6lbs more if you choose to put your laptop in it. The real difference in weight was only 2lbs. That said, being slightly heavier IS a downside to soft-sided bags, but for me, 2lbs is worth it to have a bucket-style bag. I haven’t used this Away bag so I can’t speak to it specifically (my current carry on is Briggs and Riley ZDX), but I hope you don’t let this scare you away from bucket-style bags forever! If you actually traveled with it, didn’t carry your laptop in it, and optimized your packing for a bucket-style bag, you might have a much better experience!
I have the older version I got it during the pandemic. Mine open in the middle instead of front. The new version is helpful for small hotel rooms.
LOVE that you took the time to do this review Jen! (also wishing you a speedy recovery from your injury!) When I first saw this style, I wasn't really sure I even liked the look of it, but the front pocket reminded me of a style Away offered a few years back, that being the standard Away clamshell with a pocket on the front. I never bought one, since I had just purchased the Bigger Carry On shortly before, but later on, just before the Daily with the pocket was discontinued, I did pick one of those up. Ironically, the pocket is really the only thing about the daily I liked about that product, and wished in hindsight I did get the carry on with the pocket... I was hoping this would offer something similar, but after seeing the way it packs, I don't think its for me - thank you for saving me the time, and keep up the great work putting out wonderful content!
Of course and situations like yours is exactly why I did it! So glad you found it helpful.
This is such a good video. I was curious about this new carry-on soft side bag. I have the large carry-on soft side from when they first came out with soft side bags. It's a clamshell style and I absolutely love it. This doesn't work. It doesn't hold as much and there's something about the clam shell feature. They need to bring those back. Not sure why they don't sell them anymore. Very good review, thank you.👌🏽
I never had their old version soft side but you’re the second comment that’s said that was a great design! Thanks for the kind words!!
I have a 6yo Away carry on that I am considering replacing with this bag in black. I’m intrigued about the soft side hiding the wear and tear better. I use it for work trips, typically 1-2 nights. If anything, I may order both and decide… My wife and kids all have the hard side carry ons that reflect the redesign from earlier this year.
I enjoyed this video. My husband and I disagree about how much clamshell versus soft luggage holds. I think he overstuffs then oversizes his bag. I have the Monos luggage which I love so a review of that would be nice to see. I think when I bought it there was something in the reviews that caused me to choose the Monos over the Away brand. Also, we generally check our larger bags (even carry on) as we find that less burdensome and I bought a Travelpro rolling under the seat bag which has been wonderful to use as I have reached the stage of life when carrying a large bag around an airport on layovers is problematic (especially when you have to walk fast). Enjoy all your videos and comments.
YES Monos has definitely been on my radar for awhile. Thanks for watching! Happy Travels!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Love my Monos pro - as it solves the laptop problem you have, while still being similar in design and quality as the Away bag. Also that sucker will take off down the gangway if you're not carefull, it rolls so easily. Got my hubby a very specific Samsonite that is very similar and not as expensive. Also rolls incredibly easily.
We just received our Bigger Carry On today! My husband and I each got one for our upcoming trip to Disney World in September. So far I absolutely love them!
I’m so glad!!!
I thought for sure it would hold more because it’s soft! Thanks for doing the review so we don’t have to find out the hard way! And 2 lbs heavier is insane! Lighter is better (as you know! ;)
I thought the same thing! Crazy!
In Australia, we are only allowed one 7 k bag as a carry-on on most international airlines. Can be a personal item or a carryon so both away bags are too heavy for me. My July case weighs 1.8 kilos. This leaves me 5.2 kilos for clothes and other things.
Just used the Away Bigger carryon for a 2 1/2 week trip to Europe. No intention on this trip to actually carry on, so no idea how it would’ve fit on British Airways or United. I just wanted a small enough/big enough bag to lift myself, get around the Tube/Metro etc. It did great. Brought a fold up duffle for the way home, absolutely necessary, glad my husband was there tho!
Happy to know I didn’t miss anything re the soft sided bag, enough trouble packing “light” for hot/cold/rainy weather, night theater in London, days in the mountains in Czechia, etc. Should’ve spent a month planning 😂 Worked out fine in the end, loved the Away bigger bag.
Honestly, at 61, just thrilled to have the Away bag & the Everywhere bag that match. First time I’ve owned matching luggage, super fun🤗
So sorry about your back Jen! My husband put his back out working in the garden right after we got back. Big tip, do stretches etc after a long flight, take it a little easy for a few days, don’t just think everything is all normal!
Matching luggage is so amazing and I’m with you - we deserve it!!!!
The only time I use my expansion zipper on my soft sided carryon is when I plan to check it.
Awwww, I gasped when I heard you missed your trip. I'm so very sorry. I absolutely love cirque du soleil. I hope you get to go another time! I just have a random mishmosh of cheap luggage (don't travel very much on airplanes) but for our cruise and large family I tried a mix of both. I actually really like having a mix with a bunch of us and still can't decide if I like clam shell or soft side better!
You're so kind! I am very lucky to have lots of great trips coming up and I will definitely reschedule.
TWO POUNDS HEAVIER?! Deal breaker right there!!!
Yeah I was quite surprised by that, too!
Love the comparison. I have always gone soft shell mostly because easier to get things in a pinch and got it from family. This breaks the idea of it always being comparatively lighter. Also love the weatherproofing of hard shell if I am forced to check in if flight is overbook. Wishing you a speedy recovery
Hope your back is better soon! I think with top open luggage it’s better to squish things in from side to side instead of the more common top to bottom. I just went on a trip and had both types of suitcases for me and my companion, I think there are pros and cons to both.
Probably totally user error but even if it had all fit the weight would be a deal breaker. I have another one on the way to my house that’s lighter so stay tuned! I’m going to try again!
Had a soft side I got back from the airline with every piece of clothing soaking wet one time so switched to hard side. Hasn’t happened since! Love my Away hard side
Thanks for the review. I was curious about their new suitcase. While I do prefer this design over clam style opening, I love my away hard shell. The temptation to shove more in a soft shell is really an issue. BTDT for years. I do fit 4-5 days of clothing in my clam shell. Plus 1 pair of shoes plus flip flops. Plus swimsuit. Plus PJs. And I not a small girl. I am 5’2”. I need a light and compact carryon to put in the overhead indeed. I could tell right away that the soft shell was heavier when you moved then around to start packing. Plus airlines are getting stricter not just on size but weight which is usually ignored by passengers with carryon.
I bought the new hardshell carry-on in the navy after watching your video and LOVE it!! I can pack a full week of clothes in it, it's durable, and I really like all the packing organizers! I thought about getting the softside but probably will not now. We live in a small city so we have to gate check our bags and this would probably crush my suitcase.
I have to say even reviewing this bag I felt like I was cheating on my new fave bag EVER 🤣. So glad you’re happy with it too!!
I am so sorry you were injured during the making of this video. How is that for demonstrating how important it is to make sure your bags aren’t too heavy!! Great review as always.
Seriously - I took one for the team I guess? Yikes. Thanks, Lisa!
Great review! I travel every month with my husband for his job. I’ve been using the Level 8 hard clamshell for two years, and LOVE it. Smoothest wheels and zipper…and more budget friendly. I also have a Samantha Brown soft side, but I find myself using the Level 8 most often. Curious… have you tried luggage “clothes”? I use them for protection against scuffs. Amazon has quality spandex options…love them!
I went from soft sided luggage to hard sided luggage. I will not be going back to soft sided. I see others don't like the clam shell. I personally don't see a problem with the clam shell style. I like the separation of both sides. Can put dirty clothes on one side and keep it separate from the clean. My go-to when traveling is my 20 in hard sided carry-on and my underseater.
Ouch! On to luggage .... I recently bought a TravelPro Max Lite 5 22" 2 wheeled carry-on primarily because of its light weight. It's 2 pounds lighter than my old soft sided 4 wheel suitcase with the same exterior dimentions. I just don't like a clam shell. My trips usually involve multiple stops of 1 to 3 nights and I do not unpack. I open the top, remove what I need, close it up again, and it fits on the luggage rack. 🧳 I leave in September for 3 weeks in Europe and I hope we're both up for the challenge.
Oh my goodness have fun on your adventure!
I bought the 19" TravelPro Maxlite soft side 5 four wheel for 3 weeks in Europe in September. I'm 5 ft tall and already practicing to see how minimally I can pack. Every trip to Europe I get a bit better at it!
@@DC-pr2bq I have the 4 wheel version of that bag as well as the 19" one and love both! I was able to pack for 11 days in Europe in the 19" one and I think either would fit in the luggage racks. And great videos Jen!
Jen, I’ve been a Briggs and Riley fan for years and have several different models. Lightweight, durable, attractive and no extra compartments that actually add weight. Most models have the compression contraption which you use after the bag is closed. Both hardshell and soft side are wonderful. 9:38
But it's so expensive! And I LOVE IT and am so intrigued . . .hmmm . . .
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge well worth it!
Your videos are always the best!! Question for you, how do you manage to pack so much in a carryon within the weight limit? The past two times I have traveled, one time in the US the other in Italy, I was told my carryon was too heavy and I had empty it like a lunatic on line. Not fun!! Any advice you can would be sooo appreciated!
Easy - none of the carriers I fly weigh our carry ons! That’s actually very rare in the US
Great review as always Jen - I too much prefer a hard shell case and have always found I can fit way more in vs a soft case.
I have to say though, I am shocked that you’re not wearing ‘the most expensive shorts ever’ in this video 😂 I thought they were going to be a regular going forward!
But it all seriousness, much like investing in good luggage, investing in a good pair of shorts is always worth it 👍
I hope your back gets better soon. I once threw my back out by placing a glass on a table. I barely even leaned forward. I was 23. My body betrayed me ….
Ok so I totally had them on but the way I was sitting in the first take my legs were looking not great so I changed 😆
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 😂 understandable but I bet they went straight back on after!
@@lilyellensoh 100%
I have been a huge Away fan and have loved all their products so far - until I ordered the Everywhere Zip Backpack which is just awful. The straps on the back constantly loosen themselves and require readjustment throughout the day. It's a major design flaw that they need to acknowledge as the straps are too small for the buckle they chose. Unfortunately I didn't realize it until I was outside the return window. Now I have an almost $300 backpack collecting dust. Glad to see you giving a 100% honest review as always.
Oh I’m so sorry and I agree that shouldn’t happen!
Hi Jen I love your videos. Sorry for your bad experience With soft side luggage.
I live in Europe and use Samsonite exclusively. For short trips, I use a two-wheeler Samsonite D'Lite (2 kilos empty - that's about 4.4 lbs) The problem in Europe is that the airlines here don't allow above a certain size and weight as carryon- so many of the pieces of luggage you show would end up being gate-checked. Most clamshell luggage is heavier than the soft side - at least by Samsonite. I once used a clamshell medium size for a trip to the States and was disheartened - so inconvenient to live out of it - took up way too much real estate when opened.
Your videos are a great inspiration to pack less and enjoy the trip more - I always share them with friends and family coming over to visit.
Thank you for your kind words! And yes we are very lucky in the US that they don’t weight our bags.
Yes, I threw out my back just throwing some trash out. It can happen that easily. I hAVE TO DO these exercises to take care of the inflammation "knot" where it happened. Exercises (if your doctor says to do: do) I know it may sound silly, but it really makes a difference.
Jen, I would like to see a comparison video of you packing for a 4-day trip vs your Husband’s 4-day trip in his “crew” bag.
I'm super shocked at the weight difference with the hard-side?! I guess it must be like a thick neoprene to absorb external impact. I have the Bigger Carry-On and adore it! It's been with me to many countries, always fits in the overhead, and I never worry when I have had to check it. I was very curious about the new soft-side line, but I think I'll stick with my clam-shells. Thanks!
Thanks for the review. Hope you’re feeling better. Is the soft side material the same used for the everywhere bag? Does it seem like it would be easy to get dirty or hard to clean? I am interested in the cloud grey. Thank you.
I'm so sorry you had to cancel your trip. Speedy recovery ❤
This is a great comparison. I am wondering if you had used compression cubes and placed those on the top of the pile, whether that would have made a difference. It does seem like you're able to get better compression with the clamshell style. I wonder if it's because you're only compressing the clothing in the clamshell, whereas in the bucket you're trying to compress everything.
i got this bag too for the laptop sleeve. i haven't tried packing it so it was very helpful to see your experience with it. as you were explaining, i had the thought that maybe putting soft things in first, compressing, then everything else going on top might help? i understand why you're returning, but thanks for making the video because now i at least have that in my head to try the next time i travel.
Definitely get it and play with it - I did try that and still couldn’t fit everything but it might help?
So sorry about your trip but appreciate the review. I have an Away clamshell bag on my Christmas list.
Thanks - I get to travel more than most so I don't feel right complaining but I was disappointed for sure.
Hi! I’m sorry you got hurt demonstrating the bag for us! I appreciate you for comparing the 2 suitcases, my daughter is looking to upgrade her current other brand clamshell, and your videos help a lot. Wish you a speed recovery. 😊
I’m so glad you found it helpful! I’m a little passionate about luggage 😂🥰
Would love a review on the Monos bag! They have a laptop sleeve on the front
I’ve had that request a lot I will consider it!!
I’m not sure this is relevant in your laptop carry on search, but Monos has a carry on pro hard shell case that has a front section for laptops and things! But might also be too heavy as well!
I’ve been converted to hard shell suitcases since following you and have never looked back! This review helped me feel good about my decisions 🎉
They really are better for me and I’m glad you found something that works for you too!
For someone who travels carry-on only, the extra 2 pounds makes this a no for me. This design is perfect, though, if you fold everything Marie Kondo style and all of your clothes stand up. The Monos packing cubes are best for this because they're so deep.
Thank you for your review. I hope your back heals quickly.
Yeah somebody else mentioned that and I think I might have been able to figure out how to fit it better? But the weight makes it a no deal. And I was going to try one more time but after the incident I was just mad at the whole thing
I'm so sorry you injured your back. As a physical therapist, I hope you are able to get therapy to help you rehab and prevent further injury. As to the luggage question at hand, I would love a comparison to the travel pro maxlite.
I have a physical therapist and I believe STRONGLY in what you do!!!!
Take care, and thanks for your review 💐
I used to have a magnificent rolling duffle bag - lost it in house fire. I replaced it with a clamshell style suitcase, and while having 4 wheels not 2 is great, I hate travelling with it when I can't just unpack! the "bucket" style design is so much easier to travel with when you're living out of the case, takes up half the space in hotel room, easier to open and close... I think it's very subjective, but I miss my duffle bag!
I see Away do have a large rolling duffle bag.... hmmm....
They do! I hope you find your perfect bag again - I get this feeling deeply!
Hey Jen! What are your thoughts on Delsey luggage?
Thanks so much for this review! I was curious if you put the compressible items in first and compress them and then put the hard items on top of that and close it would that work?
This video was very insightful and saved me from making a purchase just to test. Especially considering it's heavier!
I did and still couldn’t get it all to fit! And yeah even if it held the name the weight issue makes it a no go for me (and my back evidently;)
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge got it! Thanks so much for confirming. Hope your back gets better soon! 🙏🏾
That extra weight is a no go for me. Looking for something lighter than the away hard shell. I Like my Travelpro platinum soft side carry on when I want soft side that has expansion ability and outside pockets to stuff more stuff! Lighter than my Away larger carry on, and holds more.
Check out Level 8 Hegent clamshell no zipper model.its definitely heavier than this soft side due to aluminum frame, but seems more secure without the zippers to use for valuables in Europe later this year. Will take it on Turkish air half empty due to weight restrictions, but coming home on United should not be an issue….if I can lift it☺️
I really doubt you could have gotten your laptop in the outside pocket when you had the bag that stuffed. I love our Away clamshell. Especially as we use packing cubes and don't have to empty the whole suitcase to find an outfit. We travel in Europe with Tauck and spend two nights in each hotel and the cubes make moving so often so easy.
I actually DID put it in there with it that stuffed so it does fit but it's just too heavy. And yes I agree when you're changing hotels packing cubes are THE BEST.
I thought one of the selling points of soft-sided luggage was that they weigh less? It's a really pretty piece of luggage, but pretty and not functional ain't it, especially at that price point.
I thought that as well and YES EXACTLY!
In Australia on domestic flights we are weight restricted. 7 kg in total carry on. You can pay more to top up to 10 kg.If you made your carry on too heavy it would have to be checked.
Yeah it’s that way everywhere BUT the US.
I hope you feel better soon.
I believe when you switch to fitting your items in the soft side suitcase, you need to also change the types of smaller cases and cubes that you use and then it would all fit no problem as you figure out the Tetris pattern to fit best … and be sure to wisely use the spaces between the retractable handle (for any suitcase). It’s really not an apples to apples situation. With that said, as much I like the bucket style for how it opens with a smaller footprint at your destination, I much prefer the hard shell bags which are definitely lighter weight depending on what they are made of; I think the hard shell looks more modern and classy, your belongings won’t get wet in bad weather, and you can clean them well after each trip. Heal Quickly and Happy Travels! 🧳🏝✈️🌍
I have a hard sided carry on that has the front compartment on the outside for the laptop. It is this space that takes away from the rest of the suitcase of my clamshell. One side of the clamshell is about 1” smaller because of the outside pocket for a laptop. What I’ve eventually done since I don’t carry a laptop is use one of those envelope folders to house a few items that I don’t want wrinkled like a white linen button up shirt. I have another slightly smaller clamshell that does not have the laptop zippered compartment on the outside and I feel that having both sides that are almost equal in size works better than the one I have with that outside laptop pocket.
I think I wanted to be able to fit my laptop in theory, but it really is too heavy. My laptop is GIANT and if I had a smaller one might work? Thanks for the comment!
Goodness, I am so sorry you got injured and had to miss your flight! This does not sound like it was well-designed at all - especially from a user perspective.
Would you be open to testing one of the TravelPro Platinum Elite soft-sided cases? They are considered to be the one of the best-rated, and come with a lifetime guarantee, too. I would be very interested to see how it would measure up!
I’ve ordered one!! Thank you for suggesting it!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Oh, wonderful! I'm excited to see your review!!
Thank you for this review! I just bought the clamshell hard case regular away carryon, and cannot wait to use it! I also found your Wish cruise review so helpful! Thank you!
Sometimes packing differently might help. Next time try stacking the packing cubes vertically from the bottom up, instead of trying to lay each one down into it horizontally.
Also hope you feel better soon and Im sorry you missed your trip. My biggest issue with the ones that open in the middle is that I tend to keep things in my bag so it is ease to just close the “lid” or just leave like that, but the ones that are 2 halves you have to keep open or remove thing from one side at least. Do you have that issue at all in hotels and places?
I don’t but my husband does and prefers the kind that only open on the top. I totally get this it just doesn’t bother me.
I would LOOOOVE❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ to see a comparison with the Travelpro Maxlite 5 softside expandable checked 29”. Just ordered it for a trip to Spain,thinking one deeper side would be better for European travel.😊
I find that my travel pro platinum elite soft side holds more than my Away hard shell. I do prefer the openness over the clamshell.
I just ordered that one and am looking forward to trying it!
IMO any bag you can over stuff so the dimensions for fitting in overheads are a bad idea as unlike you I am not a light packer so would definitely end up having to put my bag in the hold! Good review though ❤
Thanks for the review. But it is heavier to carry the laptop on you backpack/personal item, at least there you only carry it once to the overhead compartment. I feel like i can always fit more in the softs and the belly can always be pushed into the overhead compartment, the big issue is the frame/wheals that make it not fit. I need a new carry on my 15yr samsonite is barely spinning anymore, but I feel new ones look very small.
That’s a great point!
Hi Jen! Does Away have a restocking fee or is it completely “hassle” free to return if it doesn’t work out?
As long as the bag hasn’t been used there is no restocking fee!
I really like your shirt. Can you provide a link?
I can't because it's like 10 years old. But thank you!
Love how cute soft side is but this is good proof of it being small. The calpak Luka soft side is cute. Not sure if it’s bigger than this away one?
I don't know but Calpak is a good brand!
I might consider this bag as I want to get my laptop out of my personal item bag. I always worry with it under the seat and someone spilling something on it. I have a huge one at 17 inches. Do you think it would fit? Thank you for your review. And, I'm so sorry about your back. My theory is the laptop area takes up space. On the website is says the hardsided plus carry on is 47.9 liters while the softsided is 38.3 liters. So a huge difference in size capacity
It might be tight but I think it would - the MacBook Pro is 16 inches and it fit but it’s also pretty thick?
Different bags require different packing strategies. I think if you had rolled some of your loose items and split up the one huge packing cube into 2 medium ones, you would have had a lot more leeway in packing and getting things to fit. Compass Rose makes long, slender packing cubes that are perfect for fitting vertically, book style in this style of bag. The Amazon slim packing cubes are very similar. I don’t think Away has gotten their soft side bag quite right (why make the capacity less than their hard side?!), but I don’t think it’s as useless as you’re making it out to be. All suitcases were bucket when I was growing up, and we are close in age. I’m not sure where all the “what do I do with a bag that’s not clamshell” angst comes from.
Thanks for watching!
Have you tried a Briggs & Riley bag?
I would love to but too steep for my budget
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge they are definitely an investment, but I will say I got my checked bag from them in 2007 when I was traveling weekly for work and am still using it today. It looks perfect in terms of condition and it has been to many countries and on lots of flights. I have a Monos carryon, but always like seeing your Away reviews as well.
Can you review the Level 8 bag? Many influencers are promoting it now. It doesn’t look as sturdy as my Away hard case bag.
I'll look into it!
I was leaning towards buying this bag just to try it out.. But thanks for taking that burden... Not buying it..
Great review..
That means a lot to me! I really try to make reviews that will help people make a good decision with their money (the kind of reviews I always want and can’t find) so THANK YOU!!
I own multiple luggage types, and I find that not only does the two-sided pack more for me, I also find that a one-sided roll-aboard does not allow me to organize as I would like because everything is all on one side. I have to dig through the one side to get anything. Maybe it depends on the luggage brand. I don‘t know, but my experience does not align with the one-sided luggage. (I am also a hard-shell vs soft-side luggage person, which may play a role in my preference.)
To be fair I only compared THIS one sided luggage - quite possible a different brand would perform very differently
I don’t understand why they didn’t do the same style of compression with it. TBH though, I love my hard shell Away too much to go back to soft sided anyway.
Honestly same.
That luggage is heavy. It's nice looking, some airlines will make you check it in. They say it doesn't fit up too. Mind you I have the bigger carry on. Like I said. The luggage itself is too heavy when it's empty
The bag weight comparison isn’t valid if you are adding the weight of the laptop. It is 2lbs heavier…not 8 heavier. That is a huge difference since you don’t have your laptop in the clamshell. I wouldn’t want a suitcase, however, that is heavier with or without the laptop. I do much prefer the soft side style of opening on the top. I find the clamshell is hard to open and work out of in a hotel or cruise room. I have used both styles and much prefer the soft sided style.
Hi! I meant 8 pounds heavier than how I usually use my Away bag (I don't put my laptop in normally). Hope that clarifies.
Thanks for the review! This product line is a fail for me.
Yeah I feel like it might be good form somebody but just not me
Very nice review!
Thank you! I try to make reviews that I would want to watch so that’s encouraging.
i hope you’re on the mend!
8 lbs is a poodle, so yeah that is quite a difference to lift up over your head! 😂 I hope you recover quickly!
😆😆😆😆THIS EXACT THING and thank you!
First, boooo on hurting your back and having to cancel your trip. Hope that heals fast. Second, before watching this I would have sworn a soft side would hold more and, more importantly, be lighter. Back when we were scuba diving all the time, we had both hard side and soft side. We took scales with us to the store and weighed everything (scuba gear is heavy) and the Samsonite soft side was much lighter than the hard side. It always depended on the weight limits of the airlines we were flying as to which we used. The hard side protected our gear much better, especially since we had to use the largest size and check them but when weight was an issue we used the soft side. I could get the same amount in each type but I don't use packing cubes so can squeeze and squish and mold smaller items in all the little nooks and crannies. I think it really might depend on brands and maybe hard side in one brand and soft side in another.
Hello! 5'0 here, can never put my bag up by myself, lol
The struggle is real even at my height! On an international flight recently I had to kind of step on the seat and hoist - not a great situation LOL
Is this the softside bigger carry-on???
Not the bigger, the regular carry-on
I ordered this in the Bigger Carry on size and I have to say I love it so much better then the clam shell, when I wait I normally take the clam shell and a large Goyard tote to fill my other things, this soft-shell one I didn't need the Goyard bag. everything fit with extra space!! I literally was thinking should I try adding more outfits and realized maybe leave the extra room for gifts, or fold my Goyard St Louis tote inside the luggage and bring It out when I need it. I would say the laptop section is great but I wouldn't use it even if it was a hardshell. not looking to crack my MacBook screen. im ready to use this on my next flight and I hope it stands up. I also feel like it being extended it will still fit, due to the face its put on the sides.
I love to hear this!
Imo, if one cannot lift 25 lbs (carry on max weight for most airlines) over their head they need to hit the gym. 25 lbs is not much
Some people need to go to the gym, some of us should work in our social media manners…we are all a work in progress! Thanks for watching!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge sorry but working out or not, 25 lbs is not a lot of weight
Hard side all the way
Yes I suddenly remembered while I was packing the soft sided one why I switched in the first place
My goodness… No way- both suitcases are much too heavy 4.4 kg …. Never…
💚🙂🌸🩵💛💕🌻
you tried very hard to fit everything into the bag. lol. Might as well post it up for sale. Looks like it's a loser.