Away Vs. Solgaard Luggage: An In-Depth Feature Comparison

So you’re in the market for new luggage. You’ve probably come across two popular brands – Away and Solgaard. Both make sleek, modern suitcases packed with features. But which one is right for your next trip?

I’ve researched both brands in depth to highlight the key differences. Below is a overview comparison, followed by a more detailed pros and cons breakdown of each. There’s also a FAQ at the end to cover some common questions.

Let’s dive in!

At A Glance Comparison Table

Feature	Away	Solgaard
Materials	Polycarbonate shell + leather detailing	Aluminum shell + nylon fabric
Capacity	Carry-on: 47L, Medium: 68L, Large: 80L	Carry-on: 42L, Medium: 67L
Dimensions	Carry-on meets most airlines regulations	Carry-on meets most airlines regulations
Wheels + Handle	360° spinner wheels, T-shape handle extends to 42.5 inches	4 multi-directional wheels, Single “monotube” handle
Charging	Yes, removable battery in carry-on size	No built-in charging
TSA Approved Lock	Yes	Yes
Warranty	Limited lifetime on shells + handles 2 years on other parts	10 year worldwide warranty

An Overview of Away Luggage

Founded in 2015 by two former Warby Parker employees, Away transformed the luggage sector with sleekly designed suitcases enhanced by innovative features.

Their slogan “Travel Better” encapsulates their mission to overhaul typical luggage woes with smartly engineered products.

Away took the world by storm with their debut release of the Aluminum Edition carry-on.

The ingenious built-in battery for charging devices proved a game changer for digital nomads and jet setters. Elite frequent flyers sung its praises.

The Carry-On also garnered fans for its lightweight yet durable hard side design, smooth rolling 360° wheels, TSA-approved lock, and trendy color options. Constructed from premium German-made components, it felt familiar yet radically improved.

Away then expanded their offerings to include bigger checked suitcases, additional colors and limited edition collections. Special collabs with celebrities like Rashida Jones and Serena Williams made their luggage even hotter property.

Their products now range from the standard Carry-On all the way up to the large Flex suitcase for longer trips. Prices run from $225 to $325 depending on size.

Quick specs on Away luggage:

• Made from impact-resistant polycarbonate shells with water resistant canvas fabric detailing
• Hinomoto wheels and T-handle imported from Japan for smooth gliding
• Zipperless patented compression system keeps contents secure
• Removable lithium ion battery in Carry-On powers USB charging port
• Limited lifetime warranty covers shells and handles from manufacturer defects
• Carry-sizes meet international airline dimension regulations

Let’s explore why Away luggage wins such die-hard fans around the globe…

• Away Luggage Materials and Durability

Away construct their luggage using only top-tier components from tested supply chains. This ensures consistent quality and longevity through years of travel.

The outer shells utilize 100% polycarbonate – a lightweight yet robust thermoplastic material. Its high impact resistance handles the inevitable bumps and drops from airport conveyor belts and cargo holds. The shells resist scratches, fading, corrosion and temperature extremes maintaining their polished look.

Away reinforces stress points like corners with metal edge guards to prevent cracking. The durable Hinomoto wheels undergo extreme stress testing including 500 passes down stairs while carrying 100kg (220lbs). Their timeless silhouettes and color options keep them looking fresh season after season.

Many owners praise their Away cases still appearing brand new after multiple trips abroad. They put special care into sourcing reliable materials suited for heavy duty use.

• Weight and Capacity

When designing their proprietary luggage, Away paid special attention to eliminating excess weight without sacrificing interior capacity.

Luggage weight limits imposed by airlines make every pound precious real estate for packing necessities.

Constructed mainly from featherlight polycarbonate, their hard side carry-on weighs just 7.6 pounds including the ejectable battery.

The medium and larger sizes clock in at a respectable 8.2 pounds and 9.6 pounds respectively.

Despite slim silhouettes, Away cases offer substantial interior capacity thanks to intelligent compartmentalization. The carry-on size provides a standard 47 liters space that can accommodate up to 5 days of clothing and gear. The daily backpack adds an extra 16 liters when needed.

The checked sizes provide even more roominess with 68 liters for the medium and 80 liters for the large. Compression pads cinch everything down securely while hidden pockets organize smaller essentials. Thoughtful dimensions maximize what you can pack without hitting airline weight limits.

• Interior Storage and Organization

One standout advantage is Away’s signature interior setup. The cases open like books to reveal two separate compartments, each with plenty of pockets and secured with compression straps.

The lidded side houses a water resistant laundry bag for separating dirty clothes, plus a tiny hidden pocket for tiny trinkets. The opposite side features a wall of open top mesh pockets for stashing rolled items upright. It allows personalized configurations trip to trip.

While simple in layout, it functions better than cavernous single compartments where items sink to the bottom. The compression straps also neatly contain everything in place when shut. Additional organizational pouches help further.

• Mobility and Handling

Anyone who travels frequently knows that schlepping luggage through gigantic airports is no mean feat.

Awaylightens the load with their smooth gliding multi-directional wheels and adjustable handles.

The dual spinner wheels engineered by Japanese company Hinomoto perform remarkably over diverse terrain.

Their patented double ball bearing design needs minimal force to start spinning then keeps rolling fluidly. Testing on rough ground showed no loss of spin or performance.

The ergonomic telescoping handle offers plenty of height adjustment to accommodate users of all statures. At its max 42.5 inch extension, users don’t need to hunch down uncomfortably while maneuvering their bags. The wide handle also better distributes weight on hands for long walks.

Together, the superior maneuverability provided by Hinomoto’s wheels and handles makes Awaycases breeze to transport on your journeys.

• Styles, Sizes, Colors and Special Editions

A major reason for Away’s immense popularity lies in their irresistibly gorgeous luggage. They reinvented the style of the humble suitcase into coveted carry-on compartment.

The signature hard side shell patterns, leather accents and gold hardware give Away an undeniably luxe feel without the mega price tags. They exude understated elegance and quietly stylish design.

Frequent travelers love expressing individuality through vibrant luggage colors that stand out on the baggage carousel. Away offers their four sizes (the Carry-On, Bigger Carry-On, Medium, Large) in vibrant solid hues like rich green, dreamy pink, cobalt and fiery red.

Special edition collections let customers get creative, like gold lettering or creative collaborations with brands like Dwyane Wade, Serena Williams, Saint Laurent and more. Limited runs ensure exclusivity.

No matter your personal tastes or destination, Away offers a suitcase suited to both personality and purpose.

• Charging On The Move

The quintessential feature setting Away luggage apart is its integrated USB charger system.

Frequent travelers know the pain of depleted phone batteries in transit, losing precious entertainment and communication.

Away solved this nuisance by building a powerful removable lithium-ion battery into a hidden compartment on the side of their carry-on sizes.

The slim battery easily slides out whenever you need a power boost for smartphones, tablets or other USB charged electronics.

Fully juiced, it holds enough capacity to charge the average mobile phone 5+ times. LED lights indicate remaining battery levels so you’ll never get caught off guard. It saves hunting for spare wall outlets in airports or inflight.

While Solgaard doesn’t offer integrated batteries in their luggage, Away’s power packs hugely benefit long haul travelers needing extra charging insurance.

• Warranty and Customer Service

Given the hefty investment on higher end luggage, buyers rightly demand strong assurance of product quality and after-sales support.

Away provides outstanding coverage through their limited lifetime guarantees against manufacturing defects on the shell and handles across their entire catalog. It highlights immense confidence in their materials durability over decades of use.

The zippers, wheels and other components have a standard two year guarantee – still generous by industry standards. If any faults arise from regular use, Away happily repairs or replaces your items free of charge.

Their customer service also wins widespread applause for responsiveness and going above and beyond resolving issues. It’s always stressful dealing with loss or damages far from home. But Away ensure as smooth a process as possible getting you back on your trip in no time.

Introducing Solgaard Luggage

While Away brought luggage into the modern lifestyle age, Solgaard reinvented luggage fundamentals through an sustainability lens.

They believe in creating exquisitely functional products built fairly to last generations without disposability.

This forward-thinking brand launched onto the scene in 2018 with their debut Carry-On Closet suitcase – and promptly took home Best Of Travel ‘Best New Luggage’ title.

Frequent flyers instantly took note of its deceptively cavernous packing capacity and featherlight mobility.

They expanded on early success to offer a full lineup of Closet suitcases from cabin sizes up to large capacity check-in models.

Available colors include classic black, comet gray and navy blue. Prices range from $465 up to $495.

Key specs of Solgaard luggage:

• Shells made from durable recycled aluminum with ballistic nylon fabric
• Patented monotube handle for one-handed adjusting to any height
• FlexZone provides extra capacity when needed
• Vegan leather details and waterproof zippers
• Customizable modular storage with removable shelving
• Industry leading 10 year warranty on ALL components

While pricier than many brands, Solgaard wins praise for outstanding quality that shows across user reviews. Let’s examine what sets them apart…

• Materials and Durability

As pioneers in ethical production, Solgaard builds their luggage to last ages using recycled and sustainably sourced materials. They believe in creating products that endure years of adventures rather than tossing in landfills shortly after purchase.

The company substitutes plastic shells for ultra durable anodized aluminum constructing the protective outer layer. The anodization treatment reinforces the alloy for supreme scratch and corrosion resistance. Airlines can drag these cases through hell and back while keeping dignified.

Solgaard reinforces the lightweight metal framework with hardy ballistic nylon fabric surrounds. Its dense weave construction and water resistant coating prevents ripping or staining. Large YKK zippers glide like butter after thousands of uses.

Discerning travelers praise Solgaard luggage holding up beautifully even after excessive packing trips and baggage handler abuse. Thoughtfully designed and well constructed carry a premium price tag.

• Weight and Capacity

Creating the perfect balance between nimble lightness and voluminous carrying capacity posed Solgaard’s greatest challenge.

Excess weight limits packing essentials yet skimpy proportions cramp your style on longer excursions.

Through obsessive design experimentation, they nailed the optimal formula with featherlight yet flexible builds.

The Carry-On model tips scales at just 7.7 pounds for hassle-free mobility.

Despite compact dimensions meeting airline regulations, an ingenious expanding system offers cavernous volume.

Pressing the FLEX button provides 25% more depth while integrated shelving organizes contents vertically. This yields an impressive 42 liter storage capacity hauling 1-2 weeks travel wardrobe. Compression boards allow cinching bulky items down securely. Lots of wiggle room remains before hitting weight limits for planes, trains or automobiles.

• Interior Storage and Organization

Frequent packers loathe luggage where everything sinks to the bottom into a jumbled mess. Then arrives the fun game of excavating urgently needed items under the pile.

Solgaard designed their patented CLOSET system to keep contents organized just like at home. Removable shelving units, hangers and customizable pouches provide specialized storage so you can compartmentalize everything neatly.

The Carry-On features two shelving units separating folded garments vertically to minimize wrinkling. A separate divider creates a wet/dry pocket to isolate damp swimwear or toiletries. Two pouches stash smaller items like socks and underwear. It mimics a closet rather than black hole of lost belongings.

Those needing to accommodate bulkier items like sweaters and pants can remove shelves converting space into a wide open compartment. Adjust and pack to your unique needs each trip.

• Mobility + Handling

Ask any world wanderer about most critical luggage features, and they’ll unanimously vote maneuverability. Hauling baggage over ancient cobblestone streets or up subway stairs proves challenging enough without stubborn wheels.

That’s why Solgaard engineers tested dozens of wheel and handle combinations to find the ultimate setup gliding seamlessly on all terrain.

They custom designed super slick double spinner wheels with 360° rotation for responsive directional changes. The dual module splits weight evenly while resisting jamming from gravel or dirt. It only takes a feather touch nudging to send your suitcase sailing smoothly along.

But the real game changer lies in Solgaard’s patented Monotube handle for one-handed height adjustments anywhere between 3 settings. Just squeeze the side lever up or down until reaching your preferred level. No irritating stop points make it perfect for accommodating youngsters to tall adults.

Together, the intelligent wheel and handle combo helps luggage feel nearly weightless when transporting during trips.

• Styles, Sizes and Colors

Today’s design-driven adventurers demand luggage passing style checks as much providing travel utility. Solgaard bridges the gap beautifully with sophisticated aesthetics merging minimalist Scandanavian sensibilities with functionality.

Currently they offer two sizes: the Carry-On measuring 22 x 14 x 9 inches able to house 24hangars and shelving units plus expansion zipper, and the Medium Check-In with double capacity.

Both models come with a TSA approved combination lock for security. Their boxy yet sleek silhouettes finished in anodized metals, leather and waterproof canvas suit business trips or backpacking Europe.

For color choices, customers can select between 3 options: classic black, sophisticated dark gray, or midnight blue. Each works well retaining a polished appearance despite heavy usage while coordinating any outfit ensemble. Their muted colorways appeal more to understated travelers rather than neon fashionistas.

While not as trendy flashy as Away designs, Solgaard infuses luxury subtlety into timeless classics built for endurance over fast fashion.

• Sustainability

An increasing number of eco-conscious jet setters consider environmental impact along with functionality when purchasing travel gear. They prefer brands embracing stewardship of resources and ethical production standards.

That’s why Solgaard takes immense pride designing suitcases sustainably from conception to delivery. They adamantly avoid exploiting labor in developing countries or maximizing profit over sustainability.

From reusable aluminum alloy and recycled nylon fabric shells down to minimal single use plastic in packaging, Solgaard strives minimizing ecological footprint without sacrificing quality or performance.

The durability of materials also means less replacement and waste long term. It brings hope that better solutions exist fulfilling both conscience and convenience. Solgaard sets admirable example more companies should follow.

Also Read: Comparison of Arlo Skye And Monos Luggage.

• Warranty & Customer Service

Given their premium pricing, discerning customers expect exceptional product guarantees and after-sales service from Solgaard. Assurances your investment enjoys protective coverage offers necessary peace of mind absorbing initial sticker shock.

Impressively, they provide an industry-leading 10 year worldwide warranty encompassing ALL components of their luggage for defects. That includes covers for hardware, fabric, wheels, handles plus functional elements like expansion zippers and locks.

The 1 decade coverage outpaces nearly all competitor warranties especially at their reasonable tier. Only rare high end brands offer similar. It exemplifies tremendous faith in Solgaard’s engineering standards and production quality.

Their acclaimed customer care further assists clients with all luggage inquiries and issues promptly. Many share stories of wonderful service facilitating speedy repairs or replacements without hassle. Solgaard refuses to let their fans down.

Comparing Key Differences of Away And Solgaard Luggage

Now that we’ve reviewed Both Away and Solgaard’s luggage collections more closely, let’s directly compare few key metrics that differentiate the two brands.

Materials

• Away cases feature glossy polycarbonate shells plus leather and water resistant canvas fabric accents.
• Solgaard uses anodized aluminum shells coupled with Ballistic nylon fabric surrouds.

Weight (for carry-ons)

• Away: 7.6 lbs
• Solgaard: 7.7 lbs

Dimensions

• Both companies carry-ons meet all size regulations from major airlines for approved personal items and carry-on luggage. No issues fitting these in overhead bins.

Warranties

• Away provides limited lifetime warranty on shells and handles plus 2 years on functional components like wheels, locks etc.
• Solgaard offers impressive 10 year worldwide coverage on ALL parts of their luggage including fabric, trim and extendable handles.

Carry-On Capacity

• Away: 47 liters
• Solgaard: 42 liters unexpanded, FlexZone approved by airlines expands depth by 25% when needed

Customization

• Away allows customization via diverse color and print selections, collaborations and occasional accessories like luggage tags. Most functionality remains uniform.
• Solgaard enables adjustable modular interior configurations with removable shelving, compartments and more. Less style focused but more variable uses.

Charging

• Away Carry-On only includes handy ejectable battery pack for charging USB devices inflight without outlet access. Checked sizes lack this feature.
• Solgaard has no integrated battery charging so you must pack your own external powerbank separately.

Also Read: Comparison of Samsonite And Olympia Luggage.

Which Brand Is Better For You?

By now we’ve conducted a thorough examination of both Away and Solgaard luggage. But which reigns the victor in a head-to-head matchup?

The answer depends largely on your packing habits, priorities and budget. Let’s compare factors favoring each brand:

Choose Away If You Want…

• Vibrant colors and prints to customize look
• Latest tech features like USB battery charger
• Light hardside protection against impacts
• Range of sizes from carry-on up to large checked
• Strong company reputation and client service
• Reasonable mid-tier price point

Away excels serving stylish travelers wanting hip looking luggage with practical amenities like device charging.

Their polycarbonate shells resist damage while gliding smoothly during transit.

For middle income flyers seeking quality cases with flashy colors, Away delivers.

Choose Solgaard If You Want…

• Featherlight but indestructible protection
• Maximum packing capacity that airport allows
• Convenient customization organizing interiors
• Market leading 10 year warranty on everything
• High end materials made ethically to last decades
• Luxe investment piece with timeless style

Solgaard proves perfect for frequent flyers hauling substantial wardrobes needing indestructible protection across countless mileage. Despite compact airline approved sizing, exceptional engineering extracts every inch of volume possible from ingenious expanding and storage systems.

Paying a premium nets you best-in-class quality guaranteed for 10 whole years – take that baggage handlers! For globetrotting professionals who can afford it, Solgaard endures the long haul.

Both premium luggage makers churn out impressive products that make traveling significantly more smooth and stylish. While Away dazzles more regarding aesthetics and tech, Solgaard surpasses on customization and durability.

Ultimately either brand serves frequent flyers exceptionally over generic luggage. Your personal priorities and budget steer you towards the ideal selection to start jetsetting stress-free!

Also Read: Comparison of Samsonite And Bugatti Luggage.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

The Final Verdict

We’ve now covered several in depth comparisons between Away and Solgaard showcasing where they intersect and diverge for travelers needing new luggage.

Both companies make exceptionally engineered luggage focusing on mobility, protection, amenities and sustainability for life on the move. Prices sit on the higher end but quality materials and construction justify costs providing years of service.

At the end of the day between Away vs Solgaard suitcases:

Away = Trendier Looks + Charging

Solgaard = Ultimate Durability + Customization

Matching your unique priorities to their strengths determine the victor for YOUR perfect luggage!

No matter which you choose for yourself or gifts, drastically elevates any packing experience over basic department store sets. Travel forth in style and comfort!

Let me know if any other questions arise during your buying research!