A longtime soft-sided Samsonite carry-on proved durable over a decade. A modern Away Bigger Carry-On offers adequate internal organization, impressive compression, smooth wheels, but mediocre zippers and a wobbly trolley handle. The biggest drawback of many modern hard-shell carry-ons is lack of external pockets, reducing quick-access storage for chargers, deodorant, passports, and wallets. The move toward lighter polycarbonate shells may sacrifice simple convenience and questionable durability. Searching for carry-ons that combine external storage with modern features is underway, and some brands are beginning to offer such options.
On a recent trip with my family, my wife and daughters claimed all of our newer, fancier luggage, and I was left with an old soft-sided Samsonite carry-on - a perfectly fine suitcase that served me well for the better part of a decade, even if its form factor has fallen somewhat out of favor over the past few years, replaced by the now-ubiquitous polycarbonate options from brands like Away.
On a solo work trip last week, I opted for one of the aforementioned Away suitcases - the Bigger Carry-On in a handsome Coast Blue colorway. It performs just fine. Its internal organization is adequate, and its compression system is fairly impressive. Its wheels glide smoothly and satisfyingly. I don't love the zippers, and the extendable trolley handle is wobbly enough to feel kinda cheap.
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