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We tested bags from both brands and found a lot to love
You’ve likely seen Away and July suitcases all over social media and wondered if these bags are really worth the hype. To find out, the BestReviews Testing Lab spent several weeks digging into all the details that set the brands apart to help you make the best choice for your travels. We tested and researched carry-ons and a checked bag from each brand, including the July Checked Trunk and the Away Bigger-Carry-On, and compared their durability, design, customer service experience and much more.
After putting them through a battery of tests (including pushing the bags down a flight of concrete stairs to simulate real-world baggage handling), we concluded that both July and Away are equal when it comes to a suitcase’s two most important elements: durability and ease of maneuvering. Their main differences? July bags tend to be lighter, and their carry-ons provide a battery for charging your device on the go, while Away bags are a bit more affordable. At the end of the day, it comes down to your needs and how much you’re willing to spend.
July vs. Away: What they do well
Both Away and July construct their bags with polycarbonate, which is a strong, lightweight material that resists crushing.
Featuring irresistible modern designs, suitcases from July and Away are great choices when it comes to durability and ease of travel.
July benefits
- Polycarbonate shell: July bags are made from super strong 100% aerospace-grade German polycarbonate. After we dropped the July Checked Trunk from a height of 3 feet, threw it down a flight of concrete stairs and dragged it over rough surfaces, we didn’t notice any dents in the material.
- Ease of travel: Moving through crowded and tight spaces and over various surfaces was a breeze thanks to July’s silent double wheels. A multi-stop trolley handle that’s soft and easy to hold adjusts to a height that’s comfortable for you.
- Customer service that cares: July designed their bags based on thousands of reviews, and the company continuously takes current reviews into account. The bags come with a “July customer happiness team” card that lets you know you can reach out to them for help on Instagram or contact them through their website.
- July Y-Strap compression system: To help squeeze everything in, July bags feature the brand’s signature Y-Strap compression system, which is a heavy-duty strap that you pull down before shutting the bag. We found the strap made it much easier to close the bag without any struggle.
- Ejectable battery with USB-C dock: The July Carry-On and the July Carry-On Pro come equipped with an ejectable battery with USB-C docks that can charge both your phone and laptop. Both are approved for any flight in the world.
Away benefits
- Polycarbonate shell: Away bags are lightweight and durable, made with a 100% polycarbonate shell. Our testers dropped the Away Carry-On and the Away Bigger Carry-On and only observed a few minor scratches on the exterior. Otherwise, the suitcases remained in perfect working order.
- Ease of travel: All Away bags have 360-degree spinner wheels that allow them to easily move forward and backward. We filled the Away Carry-On and Away Bigger Carry-On with 20 pounds of clothing, shoes and accessories, and it glided effortlessly over multiple surfaces, including cobblestone streets. Away bags also feature an underside handle, which we found makes them easier to retrieve at baggage claim.
- TSA-approved lock: Away suitcases all have a TSA-approved lock that allows you to secure your belongings while traveling. This means the Transportation Security Administration can easily open your bag during a security check without damaging the lock or the bag.
- Interior compression: Away luggage features the brand’s patented interior compression system, which allowed us to squeeze two weeks’ worth of cold-weather clothes inside the Bigger Carry-On during testing.
What they could improve
Away and July are both solid picks, but there are a few minor issues to consider when investing in either bag. Ultimately, the Away bag’s textured shell more effectively hid the scuffs that appeared from drop tests.
July drawbacks
- “Magic” eraser doesn’t really work: After our drop tests on the July Checked Trunk, we noticed some paint marks and scuffs that were challenging to remove. The included “magic” eraser didn’t seem to do much when we tried to scrub them away; however, it did work well on fingerprints.
- Price: July designs premium luggage, so the price tag is on the higher end. However, when comparing it to high-end competitors like Tumi and RIMOWA, July offers the same exceptional quality at a more accessible price point.
Away drawbacks
- Scratches easily: Similar to July, Away bags scratch easily if not handled with care. Our testers noted that the included “magic” eraser was helpful for removing fingerprints but not scuffs.
- Battery feature removed: The newer Away bags no longer include the removable battery, which was a valuable feature for travelers who relied on their luggage to charge devices on the go.
- Adjustable handle only has two settings: The Away bags’ handle only adjusts to two height settings, which is fewer than on bags offered by competitors.
Top July models
July suitcases are unique and stylish. They offer extensive personalization options, so travelers can customize their luggage with a variety of colors in a gloss or matte finish to make it really stand out on the baggage carousel. For an additional $50, they offer custom monogramming.
We tested the July Checked Trunk and researched the July Carry-On and the July Carry-On Pro to see how they stack up.
July Checked Trunk
The testing team found the latch locks on the July Checked Trunk to be very secure.
Product Specifications
Size: 28.35″ H x 16.34″ W x 14.5″ D | Capacity: 95 L | Weight: 13.2 lb | Material: Glazed German polycarbonate shell | Expandable: No
Weighing 13.2 pounds when empty, the July Checked Trunk has a capacity of 95 liters, which we easily filled with over 70 items for a two-week trip. The contents were well protected by the strong 100% aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shell, which did an impressive job of resisting dents during our drop tests. Even after we walked it around in the rain for at least 20 minutes, everything inside stayed perfectly dry. And unlike the Away Trunk, and other traditional checked bags, the July Checked Trunk has two latch locks that require a code to open, providing extra security.
Inside the trunk, the July Y-Strap compression system helped keep everything secure and compressed, maximizing the space. The lid has a unique 80/20 opening design, which means that, unlike traditional 50/50 clamshell openings, we were able to store bulky items like boots and heavier clothing on the deeper side and lighter items on the shallower side. We also appreciated the laundry bag, which could hold a week’s worth of rolled-up dirty clothes.
Navigating the July Checked Trunk was a breeze. The adjustable-height trolley handle was comfortable to hold, and we loved how quietly the 360-degree spinner wheels glided over various surfaces.
July Carry-On
July boasts a 100-day return policy, but it’s worth noting that it only applies to unused bags.
Product Specifications
Size: 21.5″ H x 15″ W x 8.5″ D | Capacity: 42 L | Weight: 7.4 lb | Material: Aerospace-grade, German polycarbonate shell | Expandable: No
The July Carry-On impressed us because it includes every feature you get with their checked bag plus an ejectable battery with USB and USB-C docks that can charge both your phone and laptop. This comes in handy, especially if you have a long travel day and aren’t sure when you’ll be near an outlet.
The July Carry-On and Carry-On Pro are very similar in that they can both carry enough belongings (about six to eight outfits) to last the average person between five and seven days. The July Carry-On is a pound lighter than the Carry-On Pro, but it’s the same size in dimensions.
Our favorite feature was the multi-stop handle. No matter your height, its 20 positions can adjust to where you need it to be with a simple press of a button. This stands out from most other suitcase handles that only offer two or three positions.
July Carry-On Pro
The July Carry-On Pro features a hardshell front pocket so you can stash items you need easy access to.
Product Specifications
Size: 21.5″ H x 15″ W x 18.5″ D | Capacity: 42 L | Weight: 8.6 lb | Material: Aerospace-grade German polycarbonate | Expandable: No
July’s upgraded Carry-On Pro features a hardshell front pocket, which the regular Carry-On lacks, for quick access to your laptop and essentials in transit. However, it does make the bag a pound heavier than the July Carry-On, but it still complies with major airline restrictions. And you typically won’t have to worry about its weight if you’re carrying the bag on.
Identical to the July Checked Trunk and July Carry-On, the Carry-On Pro has an integrated TSA-approved lock, laundry bag, multi-stop adjustable trolley handle, and the July-Y compression strap. As for a warranty, the July Carry-On Pro (and all other July bags) comes with a lifetime warranty, a 100-day return policy and free shipping in the United States.
Top Away models
Similar to July, Away suitcases are stylish and easy to spot at the airport. You can choose from unique Instagrammable colors, including Sea Green, Cloud Gray and Tango Red. For $50, you can engrave your initials directly onto the bag or a bag tag.
We tested the Away Carry-On and Bigger Carry-On and researched the Away Trunk.
Away Trunk
The textured shell on Away bags did a better job of hiding the scuffs caused by our drop tests.
Product Specifications
Dimensions: 31.3″ H x 17″ W x 13.7″ D | Capacity: 107 L | Weight: 12.1 lb | Material: 100% Polycarbonate | Expandable: No
The Trunk from Away is a solid checked luggage option for frequent fliers who prioritize durability, mobility and organization. Weighing 12.1 pounds, it’s a pound lighter than the July Checked Trunk and is technically bigger in dimensions.
Its durable polycarbonate shell easily prevents dents, and it features Away’s smooth-gliding 360-degree spinner wheels. Another small but important detail is the third handle beneath the wheels for easily pulling the bag out of the overhead bin or grabbing it off the baggage carousel. This nice feature is something that July bags do not offer.
The spacious interior comes with mesh pockets for organizing belongings and Away’s signature compression pad that allows you to maximize every inch of packing space.
Away Carry-On
The newer Away bags no longer include the removable battery, which was a feature travelers valued.
Product Specifications
Dimensions: 21.7″ H x 14.4″ W x 9″ D | Capacity: 39.8 L | Weight: 7.5 lb | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No
The Away Carry-On has similar dimensions to the July Carry-On. We were impressed by how much we could fit inside the bag (five to seven outfits for a long weekend trip). The compression pad certainly helped maximize the interior space, and we liked that it had three compartments to help us organize our belongings. Plus, the extra-large laundry bag was a nice touch to keep our dirty clothes separate from everything else.
We found it effortless to pull or push it across various surfaces, even when the bag weighed as much as 20 pounds. We loved the smoothness of the trolley handle, and its design fit comfortably in our hand. The wheels never jammed, and the suitcase never tipped over, even on bumpy surfaces. The zippers could have worked more smoothly, though.
But in terms of style, the Away Carry-On can’t be beat. All the buckles, compression pad and other interior details are color coordinated for a sleek look.
Away Bigger Carry-On
The 360-degree spinner wheels made maneuvering very easy, regardless of the surface.
Product Specifications
Dimensions: 22.7″ H x 15.4″ W x 9.6″ D | Capacity: 47.9 L | Weight: 7.9 lb | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No
The capacity of the Away Bigger Carry-On is nearly 6 liters larger than July’s other carry-on options. It is also lighter by 0.7 pound. During testing, we fit two weeks’ worth of cold-weather outfits inside, and despite its larger size, we had no issues storing it in the overhead compartment. We flew Virgin Air and Delta during testing, and the bag easily fit in both airlines’ bins. If you’re unsure if the bag will fit on a certain airline, Away lists the restrictions for each on its website.
The feature that impressed us the most during testing was the Bigger Carry-On’s wheel performance and maneuverability. We used the bag for an international trip, and its wheels glided easily over various surfaces, including uneven cobblestones. We were also impressed by the bag’s overall durability: it tumbled down the longest escalator at the Los Angeles International Airport during testing but only had a few minor scratches afterward.
July vs. Away functionality
Away and July impressed us when it came to maneuverability, style and durability. Our testing helped us determine how these bags would hold up in the long run.
Durability and build quality comparison
Both Away and July passed our durability and build quality tests. Both brands construct their bags with polycarbonate, which is a strong, lightweight material that resists crushing. After bouncing and dropping the bags, we noticed minor scratches and scuffs. Both brands provide a “magic” eraser intended to help minimize the visibility of scratches, which we found useful only for fingerprints. We also found that the textured surface of Away bags helps hide the appearance of scratches.
For the Away carry-on bags, we were impressed that the wheels, handles and interior likewise held up during the testing process and during our overseas trips without any loss of functionality or structural integrity. We had some trouble with the zippers not working very smoothly on the Away Carry-On, but overall, we were incredibly impressed by the durability and quality of each brand.
Design and features comparison
Both July and Away have very similar features that keep customers coming back for more. Whichever brand you choose, each bag comes with a water-resistant laundry bag, a TSA-approved lock, unique compression system and numerous internal pockets.
July bags feature a Y-compression strap, while Away has a two-strap system; however, our testers didn’t have a preference when it came to which one was better. Both brands also offer extensive personalization options, allowing travelers to customize their luggage with a variety of colors, as well as a monogram option that costs extra.
The biggest difference between Away and July is that the carry-ons that July makes come equipped with an ejectable battery and USB-C dock. The newer Away bags no longer include a removable battery option, which was a valuable feature for travelers who relied on their luggage to charge devices on the go.
Maneuverability and travel convenience comparison
Maneuvering these bags was genuinely easy regardless of the surface thanks to the 360-degree spinner wheels. Nor did we mind traveling through crowded and tight spaces. We found that July’s wheels were slightly quieter than Away’s.
As for a handle comparison, July bags feature a multi-stop handle with 20 different positions that can adjust to a height that’s comfortable for you with the press of a button in the center of the handle. The Away bags have only two height settings. However, Away bags come with an additional underside grab handle, which makes it easier to lift the bag into an overhead bin.
Pricing
The July Checked Trunk retails for $545, the July Carry-On costs $295 and the July Carry-On Pro costs $325. All July bags can be purchased directly from the July website.
The Away Trunk retails for $435, the Away Carry-On costs $275 and the Away Bigger Carry-On costs $295. All Away bags can be purchased directly from Away.
We think the price difference is justified. The July Carry-On bags include an ejectable battery with standard USB and USB-C docs. We also prefer July’s zippers and handle over Away’s.
Bottom line
The testing team found bags from both July and Away to be durable and easy to maneuver.
While both July and Away offer suitcases with exceptional features, we prefer Away over July. Away bags are generally cheaper, lighter and equal to July when it comes to durability and maneuverability. Both brand’s have similar warranties and return policies. However, if being able to charge your devices on the go is important to you, July might be worth the extra money. It really comes down to your needs and personal preferences.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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