Away Weekender Bag Review: Is It Worth It?

You should buy the Away Weekender bag if you are a frequent traveler who values a “complete” luggage system, as its built-in trolley sleeve and water-repellent nylon make it a seamless partner for your carry-on suitcase.

It is the ultimate choice for those who need a spacious, 38-liter duffel that can navigate cobblestone streets and crowded airport terminals with a professional, minimalist aesthetic.

However, you should look elsewhere if you are on a strict budget or require a bag with highly structured, rigid sides for fragile items.

I find this to be a masterful balance of utility and style.

My Firsthand Experience with the Away Weekender Bag

I remember the first time I packed for a four-day trip to Europe; I was terrified that a simple duffel wouldn’t handle the logistics of international transit. 

I am usually a die-hard roller-bag fan, but after hearing about the versatility of the Away Weekender, I decided to leave the wheels behind to avoid the headache of dragging luggage over old-world cobblestones. 

I noticed right away that the “Coast Blue” nylon has a surprisingly premium sheen that looks much more expensive in person than it does on a screen. 

I started by packing three changes of clothes, a bulky sweater, and an extra pair of boots into the main compartment, and I found that the wraparound zipper made it incredibly easy to see everything at once without digging.

I have now used this bag for over a dozen trips, and I must say the durability is what keeps me coming back. I noticed that even after being shoved into several cramped overhead bins and resting on dusty train floors, the material wipes clean with just a damp cloth. 

I am an analytical packer, so I spent a lot of time testing the internal mesh pockets; I found that they are perfect for keeping my chargers and passport secure, though I did find myself wishing for just one more small external pocket for my phone. 

I noticed that when I paired it with my Away Carry-On suitcase, the trolley sleeve was so secure that I could literally run through the terminal without the bag wobbling or sliding off the top.

I think it is vital for you to know that while this bag is “roomy,” it can get heavy if you overpack it to its full 38-liter capacity. 

I eventually realized that the padded shoulder strap is essential for those long walks through security, as it distributes the weight much better than the leather handles alone. 

I noticed that on a particularly small regional jet, the bag actually fit under the seat in front of me, which saved me from having to gate-check it when the overhead bins were full. 

I finished my most recent business trip feeling that this bag has essentially replaced my need for a backpack, giving me a more polished and professional look while providing twice the storage space.

Maintenance Tips for the Away Weekender Bag

• Spot Clean with Mild Soap and Water: You should realize that the nylon shell is designed to be low-maintenance but shouldn’t go in a washing machine. Using a soft cloth with a tiny bit of Dawn dish soap is the best maintenance tip for removing scuffs, which I found keeps the bag looking brand new even after years of use.
• Air Dry Completely After Wet Trips: You should notice that while the exterior is water-repellent, the zippers and seams can still hold moisture. Leaving the bag wide open in a well-ventilated room is the best maintenance tip for preventing mildew smells, which results in a fresh-smelling interior for your next trip.
• Avoid Overstuffing the Zippers: You should realize that the wraparound zipper is a high-stress point. Closing the bag by pulling the sides together rather than forcing the zipper teeth is the best maintenance tip for preventing “zipper creep” or track failure, which I found extends the life of the bag significantly.
• Use Packing Cubes for Internal Structure: You should notice that the bag is very open and unstructured. Using a set of Away’s Insider Packing Cubes is the best maintenance tip for giving the bag a consistent shape, which provides a more balanced carrying experience and prevents the nylon from sagging.
• Condition the Leather Accents Annually: You should realize that the handles and trim are made of genuine leather. Applying a small amount of leather conditioner is the best maintenance tip for preventing the leather from cracking or drying out, which I found keeps the touchpoints feeling soft and luxurious.
• Store Flat or Stuffed with Paper: You should notice that if you fold the bag tightly for long periods, the nylon can develop permanent creases. Storing the bag either flat under a bed or lightly stuffed with tissue paper is the best maintenance tip for maintaining its professional silhouette, which results in a bag that always looks “ready for a flight.”

Pros of the Away Weekender Bag

Pros of the Away Weekender Bag

• Spacious 38-Liter Capacity: It is sized perfectly for a 3-to-4-day trip: I found that I could easily fit four full outfits and a toiletry kit: this provides a great alternative to a bulky suitcase: I noticed it remains surprisingly lightweight at only 3.8 pounds when empty.
• Wraparound Zip Opening: This allows the bag to open almost flat like a suitcase: I found it eliminates the “black hole” effect of traditional duffels: this results in faster packing and unpacking: I noticed I could reach items at the very bottom without disturbing the rest of my gear.
• Dedicated 15-Inch Laptop Sleeve: It features a padded exterior pocket for your tech: I found it keeps my laptop safe while making it easy to slide out at TSA checkpoints: this provides peace of mind for business travelers: I noticed the zipper is weather-resistant to protect against light rain.
• Integrated Trolley Sleeve: The back of the bag features a wide band that slides over suitcase handles: I found this to be the most useful feature for airport navigation: this results in a “hands-free” feel when moving through terminals: I noticed it stays perfectly centered even during sharp turns.
• Water-Repellent Nylon Construction: The material is tough and resists staining: I found that spills just bead up and roll off the surface: this provides long-term durability for rugged travel: I noticed the bottom of the bag is reinforced to prevent wear and tear when placed on rough surfaces.

Away Weekender Bag Cons: The trade-offs of a premium travel duffel:

• High Price Point for a Non-Leather Bag: because it is a premium lifestyle brand: I found that the price tag can be hard to swallow for a nylon bag: this results in a significant investment compared to standard sports duffels: I noticed that while the quality is high: you are definitely paying for the “Away” aesthetic.
• Lack of Structure When Empty: because the nylon is flexible and soft: I found that the bag can look a bit “floppy” if it isn’t fully packed: this results in the sides sagging inward: I noticed this makes it slightly harder to zip up when you only have a few items inside.
• Weight Distribution Issues When Fully Loaded: because it lacks a backpack-style harness: I found that carrying 38 liters of gear on one shoulder can lead to back strain: this results in discomfort during long walks: I noticed that the padded strap helps: but it is still fundamentally a heavy one-sided load.
• Limited External Organization Pockets: because of the minimalist design: I found there are very few places to tuck small items like keys or coins on the outside: this results in having to open the main compartment frequently: I noticed that one extra small “quick-access” pocket would have been a huge improvement.
• Potential for Over-Sizing at Gate Check: because the bag is quite large for a “personal item”: I found that if it is stuffed to the brim: some budget airlines might insist you pay a carry-on fee: this results in a bit of stress during boarding: I noticed you have to be strategic about how much you pack if you want it to stay under the seat.

Comparison with Others

• Away Weekender Vs. Samsonite Encompass Duffel

I found that the Samsonite version is often priced lower and offers a more traditional “corporate” look. 

I noticed that while Samsonite has more internal pockets for pens and business cards, the Away Weekender feels much more modern and “Instagram-ready.” 

You should realize that the Away trolley sleeve is significantly wider and more stable than the one found on most Samsonite duffels. 

I found that the Away’s full wraparound zipper makes it much easier to pack bulky items like sweaters compared to Samsonite’s standard top-zip.

• Away Weekender Vs. Tumi Alpha Bravo Buckley

I think it is important to note that Tumi is the “luxury” choice, often costing twice as much as the Away bag. 

I noticed that Tumi uses ballistic nylon, which is arguably even tougher than Away’s standard nylon, but it also makes the bag much heavier to carry. 

You should realize that for the average weekend traveler, the Away Weekender provides 90% of the luxury experience for 50% of the price. 

I found that the Away Weekender is the more analytical choice for someone who wants style without the “status symbol” price tag.

• Away Weekender Vs. Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe

I found that the Lo & Sons bag has a dedicated shoe compartment at the bottom, which is a feature the Away Weekender lacks. 

I noticed that the Away bag is much more streamlined and fits better into professional environments than the somewhat bulky Lo & Sons design. 

You should realize that the Away Weekender is easier to store when not in use because it can be compressed much flatter. 

I found that if you don’t need a separate spot for dirty gym shoes, the Away Weekender is the more elegant and versatile travel companion.

Also Read: My Experience With Lovevook Backpack 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

You should buy the Away Weekender if you want a bag that makes you feel organized and sophisticated every time you head to the airport.

I have found that the ease of sliding this bag onto my suitcase handle has removed 50% of the stress from my travel days.

However, you should stick to a basic backpack if you prefer to travel “ultra-light” and don’t need the extra 38 liters of space.

I believe this bag is a true modern classic that lives up to the hype.

You are just one “Away” trip away from a much more organized life.