Away Carry‑On Review: The Trip That Finally Converted Me
For years, I’ve been a loyal Mother Lode Jr girl. That backpack has been my ride‑or‑die through Europe, national parks, cruises — everywhere. I even wrote a full review of it because it’s been such a reliable workhorse.
But on my recent trip to Sequoia, something happened that made me realize it was finally time to switch.
If you want to travel more with cute luggage like this, check out my Start Here guide — it’s where I show exactly how we travel the world using points and miles.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I bought my Away Carry‑On with my own money, and all opinions are my own. I only share products I genuinely use and love.
I fell. On day one. In the forest.
And my ankle swelled up so badly I could barely walk, much less carry 20+ pounds on my back. I had been dying to try my new Away Carry‑On, but I had no idea the timing would be this perfect. Rolling a lightweight suitcase instead of hauling a backpack instantly became the best decision I could’ve made.
Not only did I look stylish limping through the airport (a win is a win), but the bag had room for all my clothes — and some of my husband’s. This trip was definitely the moment to make the change.
If you love real‑life travel gear reviews, you’ll also love my Travel Essentials Hub — it’s where I keep all the luggage, bags, and travel favorites I actually use.
✨ First Impressions: Stylish, Lightweight, and Surprisingly Spacious
My away luggage ready to go to the airport
I’ll be honest: part of the reason I wanted this bag was because it’s pretty. The red color is gorgeous, and I felt so put‑together rolling it through the airport — even while limping.
But, looks aside, the capacity shocked me.
I fit:
All of my clothes
My toiletries
And some of my husband’s clothes
This bag holds WAY more than it looks like it should.
🧳 The Combo That Made Me Feel Like an Organized Adult
I paired the carry‑on with my matching Away Overnight Bag (which I also reviewed — link here).
This combo was chef’s kiss.
The overnight bag:
Fit perfectly under the plane seat
Held everything I needed within reach
Made me feel organized instead of chaotic
Looked adorable with the matching red set
It’s the first time I’ve traveled with a coordinated luggage system and… I get it now.
This bag has fit under every plane seat I have tried (quite a few)
🎒 Packing Cubes: Cute AND Functional
I bought the matching red Away packing cubes, and they made me feel like the most organized version of myself.
If you want to save money, you can absolutely grab Amazon packing cubes instead — they work great.
But if you want the full aesthetic moment? The Away cubes are a splurge that sparks joy. Link to Away cubes
🚶♀️ Maneuverability: A Lifesaver With a Swollen Ankle
This is where the bag truly earned its spot in my lineup.
Even with my ankle throbbing, the Away Carry‑On:
Rolled smoothly
Turned easily
Didn’t tip
Didn’t feel heavy
Didn’t require me to carry anything on my back
I could glide through the airport instead of hobbling under a load. It was a night and day difference from backpack travel. I even used it as my crutch!
👨👩👧👦 Family‑Approved
My parents loved mine so much that they bought the exact same set — carry‑on + overnight bag
I can’t wait for them to use it on their next trip. I think they’re going to love it as much as I do. I had been watching my dad juggle a suitcase with a broken wheel for years - so glad he decided to upgrade.
I love the Red so much!
🧳 Shop the Set
Get the exact luggage I used on this trip — the full matching red Away setup:
Away Carry‑On — lightweight, durable, and perfect for weekend or weeklong trips
Away Overnight Bag — slides over the suitcase handle and fits under the seat
Packing Cubes — keeps everything organized (Away cubes)
⭐ Final Thoughts: This Bag Earned Its Spot
I didn’t expect to switch from my beloved Mother Lode Jr. But this trip proved something:
Sometimes the right luggage isn’t just about capacity — it’s about comfort.
The Away Carry‑On made my trip easier, lighter, and honestly… more fun. And now? I’m officially a two‑bag girl:
Backpack for Europe + adventure trips
Away Carry‑On for flights, road trips, and anything where style + ease matter
This bag is staying in my rotation.
About Julie Davis
Julie is the creator of No Point Left Behind, a travel blog helping families and retirees travel smarter using points and perks. She’s a lifelong travel hacker, cruise lover, and mom of two college‑age sons who still join her for ski trips and adventures. Julie’s parents — the blog’s “unofficial mascots” — inspire her retiree travel series. When she’s not writing, she’s planning her next off‑season ski trip or cruise deal.
