Away vs Beis: Comparing High-End Luggage Brands

Choosing the right suitcase is crucial for any traveler. Whether heading on a long trip or a quick getaway, the luggage you select can impact your travel experience significantly. Two popular brands, Away and Beis, have caught the attention of many due to their appeal on social media. Both brands offer hardshell suitcases in different sizes, suitable for either checked or carry-on luggage.

Overview

Away bags are generally larger and more expensive than Beis bags. Despite the similarities between their aesthetics and color palettes, there are noticeable differences that make choosing between these brands challenging. The BestReviews Testing Lab examined carry-on bags from Away and Beis, assessing their performance and characteristics.

Away vs. Beis Features

Both Away and Beis provide reliable, premium luggage with unique features that set them apart.

Away’s Advantages

• Polycarbonate Shell: Highly durable, resisting damage while remaining lightweight. During testing, only minor scratches were found after the Away Bigger Carry-On accidently tumbled down an escalator.
• Airline Compatibility: Fits most major airline carry-on restrictions, with some models offering expansion options.
• Interior Compression: Patented system allows maximizing space within the bags, fitting extensive clothing inside the Bigger Carry-On.
• Spinner Wheels: 360-degree wheels provide effortless movement, even with packed items.
• TSA Lock: Built-in locks ensure safety while allowing TSA inspection without damage.

Beis’s Advantages

• Polycarbonate Shell: 100% virgin shell offers excellent durability, minimizing external damage.
• Organizational Layout: Includes various compartments and pockets, simplifying the organization of belongings.
• Compression Technology: Features multi-point compression with detachable straps to enhance packing efficiency.
• Spinner Wheels: Easy movement over diverse surfaces, similar to Away.
• TSA Lock & Weight Indicator: Locks for safety with a handle indicator for weight monitoring.

Considerations for Improvement

Despite their high-quality status, both brands have minor issues worth noting.

Away Drawbacks

• Price: Considered pricey, surpassing Beis in cost without offering significantly more features.
• Organization: Lacks specialty compartments, complicating organization within the bag.

Beis Drawbacks

• Exterior Damage: Displays scuff marks more frequently than Away, affecting visual aesthetics.

Top Models Tested

Away Bigger Carry-On

The Bigger Carry-On impressed with its versatility and rugged durability. Despite its size, it fits in overhead bins and maneuvers smoothly over varied surfaces, including cobblestones.

• Specifications: 15.4″ W x 9.6” D x 22.7” H, 47.9 L capacity, 7.9 lbs.
• Not Expandable: Offers more than 8 liters additional space compared to standard carry-ons.

Away Carry-On

Smaller than the Bigger Carry-On, ideal for shorter trips, maintaining ease of movement and organization with color-coordinated design elements.

• Specifications: 14.4″ W x 9” D x 21.7” H, 39.8 L capacity, 7.5 lbs.
• Not Expandable: Comes with an extra-large laundry bag for sorting clothes.

Beis Carry-On Roller

Known for its intricate compartmental design and compactness, providing exceptional organization, lightweight handling, and cushioned pull handle comfort.

• Specifications: 13.5″ W x 9” D x 21.5″ H, 47 L capacity, 8.6 lbs.
• Not Expandable: Features a weight-limit indicator for avoiding overpacking.

Functionality Comparison

Durability and Build Quality

Both brands use polycarbonate shells, contributing to robust build quality that withstands wear and tear effectively. Away proved resilient even during a fall, with minor scratches.

Limited lifetime warranties assert confidence in enduring quality, with the Away having a slight advantage in avoiding scuffs better.

Design and Organization

While sharing similar aesthetics, Away bags are lighter, suitable for heavy packers. Beis bags bring additional organization features, including pockets for toiletries and easy access.

Maneuverability and Travel Convenience

Both brands incorporate spinner wheels for seamless movement. Away’s performance on cobblestones stood out, while Beis offered cushioned handle comfort.

Pricing and Value

Away bags are premium, reflecting their price but justifying it for regular travelers seeking durability. The Beis is less costly, providing ample features for occasional travelers.

Overall, both brands offer excellent, high-quality luggage suitable for diverse travel needs, balancing price with offered conveniences.