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About Away
Away is dedicated to making “journeys more seamless.” Its collection of durable suitcases, travel-friendly bags, and functional accessories makes heading off on your next trip a lot easier.
It all started with Steph Korey and Jen Rubio, two colleagues at Warby Parker, who agreed on one thing—traditional luggage needed a major upgrade.
They founded Away in 2011, centering their mission on the need for functional luggage that looks as good as it performs but doesn’t cost more than a vacation.
Doing more than making traveling easier, this brand is also committed to making the world a better place. Away partners with non-profit organizations like Global Glimpse and is a member of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association.
Today, the brand operates from its headquarters in New York City, NY, and manufactures its line in the US, too. Away ships to the US, Canada, and most of Europe, though it hopes to expand to the rest of the world soon.
Find something you love in this company’s collection? Before you hit ‘add to cart,’ let this Away vs Rimowa review introduce you to the competitor. It’s important to have options, so I’ll help you decide which travel-focused brand is for you.
About Rimowa
When it comes to high-quality classics, Rimowa has you covered. The brand was founded in 1898 (you read that right—over 120 years ago) and has “always looked for ways to make travel better.”
The company began as a family-run business and was founded by Paul Morszeck. With the belief that “expert travellers need expert solutions,” the brand first offered lightweight structured suitcases. Since then, Rimowa has continued to combine innovative features with traditional styles.
The brand’s travel essentials are made in Germany, but you can purchase them all over the world. Its suitcases have been spotted being pulled by celebrities like Jessica Alba and Kanye West.
If you’re ready to take flight with some high-quality suitcases under your wing, keep reading this Away vs Rimowa review. I’ll cover all you need to know about the two brands, from bestsellers to customer testimonials, to help you decide which one is right for your travels.
What To Consider
Product Range
Both Away and Rimowa are luggage-focused brands, so you’ll find suitcases and bags of all different sizes as well as travel accessories in their collections.
Both lines are filled with innovative features that prioritize organization, safety, and comfort—you’ll be able to find luggage that fits your unique travel needs.
As the older company, Rimowa’s line has greater variety. Away’s collection is currently more streamlined.
Target Audience
If you’ve got a little wanderlust and a lot to pack, chances are you need some high-quality luggage to keep your items in check. Whether or not you travel lightly, both brands offer luggage in multiple sizes for weekend road trips or week-long getaways.
Design and Durability
Away and Rimowa are committed to using durable materials and creating functional designs. Both brands offer are well-known for their hard-shell suitcases that are resistant to dents, scratches, and marks.
These companies are committed to keeping your belongings safe and organized, so you’ll find other helpful features like locks and multipurpose pockets. I’ll dive into more detail later in this Away vs Rimowa review.
Sustainability
When looking for luggage, it’s important to find long-lasting pieces. But that’s not just for your wallet, it’s for the world too. Both Away and Rimowa are committed to this concept and design with the world in mind, limiting waste and maintaining transparent practices.
Accessibility
Another important thing to consider is how accessible either brand is. Both lines are sold at stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Rimowa ships worldwide, while Away is available in the US, Canada, and some parts of Europe. The prices are both high compared to other more affordable brands, but both are worth it considering the quality and craftsmanship.
Ready to learn a little more about which brand may work best for you? Down below in this Away vs Rimowa review, I will cover some of the bestsellers.
Away The Carry-On vs Rimowa Original Cabin Review:
Whether you’re heading on a solo weekend trip or to Disney with the whole family, a carry-on is a must-have. Away and Rimowa both offer hard-shell suitcases that fit most airlines’ carry-on size limits to fit in overhead bins.
There are other similarities, too. Top handles make navigating around the airport a breeze, while side handles make tossing it in the overhead bins easier. Zipper locks also keep your belongings secure should you need to check one of these bags.
Let’s take a look at the other features that make these cases stand out from the crowd:
- Eleven unique and bold color options with a matte finish
- Made with a strong polycarbonate hard shell
- Black leather luggage tag
- USB charging port (removable battery)
- TSA approved combination lock
- 360° spinning wheels
- Compression system and laundry bag
- Four neutral color options with a shiny finish
- Crafted from durable anodized aluminum
- Leather luggage tag and sticker set
- Flex divider to protect belongings
- TSA approved lock
- Multiwheel system
These bags have a lot in common, but a handful of features might sway your decision. If you love neutrals and are packing some priceless goods, Rimowa’s Original Cabin has the safety features and shades you’re looking for.
But, do you want an easily recognizable color, want to charge your devices on the go, and/or love to stay organized with handy inclusions like the compression system and laundry bag? Then Away’s The Carry-On has your name written all over it.
Away The Backpack vs Rimowa Never Still Backpack Review:
Some adventures just call for a trusty backpack. When you’re making your way through the streets of Vienna or running to catch the subway in NYC, a stylish yet comfortable backpack that keeps all of your essentials easily accessible (and safe!) is a must.
Down below, you’ll find exactly what I love about the Away The Backpack and the Rimowa Never Still Backpack.
- Crafted from water-resistant nylon
- Black or grey
- 13” cushioned laptop sleeve
- Mesh back panel for breathability
- Wraparound zipper
- Water bottle pocket
- Zipper front pocket
- Trolley sleeve
- Made from canvas and full-grain leather
- Black or navy
- 13” cushioned laptop sleeve
- Stylish grooved pockets
- Travel strap for attaching to your suitcase handle
- Leather address tag
These bags come in classic colors and offer plenty of space with lots of compartments. Plus, the adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit, which is important when you’re on the go—the last thing you want to worry about is your straps digging in. Large zipper pockets make it easy to access your necessities, too.
My verdict? Away’s The Backpack is more practical for outdoor activities since it’s waterproof and has a water bottle sleeve. Rimowa’s Never Still Backpack is super sleek, though.
Away The Shoe Cube vs Rimowa Packing Cube S Review:
If you’ve got a weeklong trip ahead of you and a collection of socks, makeup, bulky sweaters, PJs, and extra undies (okay, you get it, an ongoing list of essentials), right in front of you, you might be starting to panic.
De-stress and make packing so much easier with Away’s The Shoe Cube or Rimowa’s Packing Cubes. When you’re done, you’ll discover that you’ve still got room to spare.
Away’s The Shoe Cube is made from water-resistant nylon and zips closed. It’s ideal for storing shoes because of the collapsable dividers.
When it’s not in use, hang it up from the handle or fold it flat. It comes in small (7.9″ x 4.7″ x 11.4″) and large (8.66″ x 5.1″ x 13.8″) sizes and four different colorways.
Rimowa’s Packing Cubes are also made from recycled water-repellent nylon and zip closed. They pack flat when empty, making storing them when not in use a breeze.
They come in small (3.5” x 9.4” x 4.7”), medium (3.5” x 9.4” x 9.4”), and large (3.5” x 14.1” x 9.4”) sizes and three color options.
Though Away designed its cubes with shoes in mind, you can use them for other items, too. If you want to pack multiple options in the cubes, I think they’re a great option because of the dividers. Alternatively, Rimowa’s cubes are offered in more sizes.
Away vs Rimowa: Quality
When it comes down to it, the durability of your luggage is the most important thing. Considering what checked bags are put through and all that you need to stuff into your cabin cases, high-quality materials and design play a role in how long they last.
Plus, you don’t want a wheel busting off your suitcase when you’re on the run to catch your plane. So, what did I find for this Away vs Rimowa review? Let’s get into it.
Away focuses on “premium materials chosen to be resilient and beautiful.” Made in the US, the polycarbonate and aluminum exteriors are durable and guaranteed for life (I’ll talk more about that later).
On top of that, its material suppliers limit waste, which is pretty in tune with the brand’s focus on making the world a better place.
Away’s luggage also comes with features designed to make travel easier. I’m talking interior compression systems that make smushing your suitcase down by sitting on it a thing of the past. You’ll also find compartments, zipper pockets, laundry bags, and more.
Did I mention some bags even come with built-in phone chargers and combination locks for your security and airport comfort? Oh, and the 360° wheels make turning swiftly around airport corners a breeze.
Rimowa follows a similar rule, with luggage made from aluminum or polycarbonate, which are lightweight materials (perfect for over-packers) while still durable and robust. Plus, with over 120 years of expertise, it’s pretty easy to see why customers stand by this brand.
Rimowa cases all come with personalized leather luggage tags for a custom touch. You’ll also find locks, a multi-wheel system, and dividers to make travel easier.
You’ll also find multiple compartments, zippered pockets, and, depending on the style, maybe even a padded laptop sleeve.
It’s good to know that products you’ll be traveling the world with do good for the world too. Since both brands design their luggage to last, there should ultimately be less material waste and fewer bags ending up in landfills.
All that said, it’s pretty evident that the quality is there for both brands. If you’re looking for some nifty features and tend to have a dead phone when you’re waiting at the airport, you might give Away a try.
If you’re looking for something more personalized with a long-standing reputation, Rimowa is calling your name.
But I’m not done yet. I still have more to cover in this Away vs Rimowa review before you make your decision.
Away vs Rimowa: Price & Value
It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for in this Away vs Rimowa review: how do pricing and value compare for the two brands? Well, I’ve covered the fact that quality is a no-brainer since you’ll find nothing but the best with either option.
But, the important thing to consider here is which company’s collection is most valuable to you and your needs. Let’s start by breaking down some costs for each brand.
Away:
- Carry-on: $225-$245
- Backpack: $175
- Packing cube: $25-$35
- Carry-on: $1150
- Backpack: $1090
- Packing cube: $90
Away offers great products at affordable prices. The proof is in the details, as its products come with features like laundry compartments, hidden USB charging ports, hard protective shells, and TSA-approved locks.
The sleek styles are ideal for any traveler, whether for business or pleasure. Plus, there are plenty of funky color options that’ll make your luggage easy to spot on the carousel. The brand even offers a lifetime warranty and a 100-day trial period to help customers find their perfect luggage.
Rimowa is the more expensive option, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the buy. The brand has been around for over 120 years, so it’s safe to say it has perfected its craft.
The company uses high-quality materials, from genuine leather bags to durable high-quality aluminum cases. Rimowa’s products are carefully sewn together in Germany to create robust, waterproof products that are designed to last a lifetime.
Speaking of, the brand offers a 5-year guarantee which demonstrates its faith in its product. To make investing in fantastic luggage easier, Rimowa offers Klarna, through which you can pay in four installments.
There’s a lot to unpack here, but here’s the gist: Away is an affordable option that is ideal for any traveler, and it offers plenty of perks.
The same goes for Rimowa, though the prices are higher because of its historical quality and an endless list of features, which includes trademarked designs.
Away vs Rimowa: What Do Customers Think?
I’ve covered a lot in my Away vs Rimowa review, but now it’s time to hear from customers.
Below, you’ll find ratings and comments sourced from around the web that reveal more about the durability and functionality of both brands’ collections, as well as their policies and practices.
Let’s start with TrustPilot: Away earned 3.7/5 stars from 523 reviews, while Rimowa earned 4/5 stars from 118 reviews.
With those scores in mind, I’ve pooled together comments from the companies’ websites and Reddit. Here are the highlights:
Away:
- Sleek and durable
- Simple designs with features travelers need
- Large and useful compartments
- Able to pack a lot of items and close easily
- Handy phone charger
On the brand’s website, one shopper reviews the highly-rated (4.9/5 stars out of 1,879 reviews) carry-on and has nothing but good things to say. Take this excerpt:
“I’ve used my suitcase 4 times since I got it 1 month ago and I can’t recommend it enough! Wheels are super smooth, portable charger always comes in handy,I can fit all my clothes and it’s the perfect carry on size! If you travel often (or even once or twice a year) invest in this suitcase, is really worth it!”
- Excellent and responsive customer service
- Beautiful and sturdy
- Fast delivery
- Seamless repair process
- Smooth wheels and telescope handle
On TrustPilot, a shopper described their experience with the brand’s customer service. For context, their bag needed repairing after some more-than-regular wear and tear:
“Bought a Cabin Bag, wheels broke after 100+ flights. The Bond Street store replaced the wheels the next day in the store and I was able to pick it up. All staff are pleasant and have great customer service. Well worth the original price if you can rely on the service.”
Shoppers from Away have reported a wobbly handle or sticky wheels. But worry not—that’s exactly why the brand has a lifetime warranty in place.
It’s pretty easy to replace the broken piece and have your luggage repaired so it’s in tip-top shape for your next endeavor.
With Rimowa, there were a few comments about scratches or dents on the surface of their aluminum case. While dents can’t be smoothed out, if you’re worried, opt for the polycarbonate designs for checked cases.
The reviews make one thing pretty clear: the brands are comparable when it comes to how much shoppers love them and why. The compartment systems allow travelers to keep their lives organized, which also means they’re able to pack more.
The most common consensus for Away and Rimowa is pretty simple: money well spent. These lightweight and sturdy suitcases keep travelers’ most important items safe and sound.
Away vs Rimowa: Promotions & Discounts
When you’re booking your next getaway, there are going to be a lot of costs. Chances are, if you can find a discount on your most important travel necessity, you’ll take it.
Unfortunately, while researching for this Away vs Rimowa review, I came up empty-handed when searching both websites for coupons. So where’s the silver lining? I found reports of holiday sales as well as email promos. Keep your eyes peeled.
Regardless, one verdict of this Away vs Rimowa review is that these brands are worth the buy without any sales. High-quality luggage is a must.
Away vs Rimowa: Shipping & Returns
If you’ve got an upcoming trip and you’ve just broken the zipper on your old suitcase, you’re likely looking for your new luggage to be delivered ASAP. And if you don’t love it, a good return policy is a must. So let’s check out what the two brands offer down below.
Away orders take about 1-2 business days to process and then should arrive within 1-5 business days, though personalized items may take a little longer. Shipping is free and tracked through UPS, so you can keep an eye on your new travel companion.
When it comes to returns, customers can test out their luggage for 100 days. Yes, you heard me right—100 whole days of flying, traveling, tossing, turning, testing.
If you need to go your separate ways, you can return the item for a refund or exchange it to find your match made in heaven. Did I mention returns are free, too? All you have to do is contact the brand and they’ll guide you from there.
Rimowa orders take a day to process and ground shipping (3-5 days) is free in the US for orders over $300, while express one-day shipping costs a flat fee of $50. You’ll get the tracking info once your order ships.
If your Rimowa suitcase isn’t the right fit, the brand offers 30-day returns (14 days for limited edition items).
The 5-year warranty covers functional damage, so any zipper breakages or faulty wheels will be replaced for free. To start a return, follow these simple steps:
- Contact the brand or use the online portal within the return period
- Ensure the item is unused, in original condition, with tags attached
- Print the prepaid return label and attach it to your package
- Ship from nearest UPS location
- Returns should be processed within 10-14 business days
As a side note, personalized purchases are non-returnable for either brand. So if you’re sure you’ll love it, add those sweet little touches.
All things considered, both companies offer great return policies. With Away, there’s a little more time to test out your suitcase.
But if you know exactly what you’re looking for, then either brand is a great choice—you’ll get your order quickly and can return it if needed.
Who Will You Shop With?
Have I got you dreaming of your next vacay? It’s time to start your next adventure, but before you do, let’s have one final rehashing of how the brands compare.
When browsing Away’s website, the affordable prices are appealing, alongside the high-tech functional designs and durable materials. Plus, shipping is fast and the return policy offers plenty of time to test the product out to decide if it’s the right fit.
Rimowa is more expensive, but its luggage is crafted from high-quality materials and is extremely durable. If you travel often and find yourself repurchasing suitcases, this brand’s collection is something to invest in. It’s also backed by 120 years of expertise.
So, I have one last thing to say in this Away vs Rimowa review: which one will you choose when it’s time to take off?
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