Every suitcase design is vetted by our proprietary AXT™ Performance Testing standard—subjected to over 850 hours of drops, wear, and environmental exposure—before it ever hits the road. By the time it reaches your front door, the design has already demonstrated it can handle the real-world rigors of travel.
At Away, we set uncompromising standards because we know that travel is unpredictable. Whether you're navigating a bustling terminal in Tokyo or the rain-slicked streets of Seattle, your luggage should be the last thing on your mind.
Tested beyond the expected
We don't just follow industry standards; we set our own. Every Away design goes through simulated drops, tumbles, and jolts before it hits the road. Learn more about our commitment to quality and testing.
- 80 meticulous tests: The minimum number of individual evaluations each luggage design undergoes before it's ready for departure.
- 850 hours: The total time our team spends exposing each luggage design to real-world travel conditions in our labs.
- 54,048 steps: The average distance every Away suitcase design is tested before it logs its first mile with you.
Built to stick the landing: The Freezing Drop Test
Baggage handlers aren’t always gentle, and transit environments aren’t always temperate. To ensure your belongings stay protected in any climate, we put our shell to the ultimate test.
- The Test: Our luggage is loaded up to 60 lbs and repeatedly dropped every which way at a bone-chilling 10° F.
- What it means for you: Many materials become brittle in the cold, but Away’s signature high-impact polycarbonate is engineered to maintain its integrity. We build for the 'what-ifs'—like a cold-weather drop on the tarmac—so you can check your bag without a second thought.
Wheels that never quit: The More Mileage Test
A suitcase is only as good as its glide. Before your suitcase logs its first miles with you, it’s already gone the distance.
- The Test: Every design is rolled 480 New York City blocks of simulated travel to test for long-term wear and glide.
- What it means for you: Crafted from high-performance materials, our custom 360° smooth-glide spinner wheels stay whisper-quiet over time. Whether you’re traversing European cobblestones or smooth airport linoleum, you get an effortless, "never-quit" glide.
Handles that won’t give out: The Grip Test
The handles are your primary point of connection to your bag. They need to be as strong as they are comfortable, especially when you’re rushing to catch a connection.
- The Test: Away’s contour flex top and side handles design is tested through 1,500 pulls at up to 60 lbs.
- What it means for you: When you grab, lift, or drag your bag, the hardware stays anchored. You get a premium, sturdy feel designed to withstand pressure and give you total control over your carry.
Packing has met its match: The Stress Test
Engineering to withstand intense pressure is what sets Away apart. We find the “weak spots” in the lab so they don’t become a problem on your trip.
- The Test: We place a metal plate inside your suitcase and increase the force to over 760 lbs to test the strength of the signature high-impact shell and seams.
- What it means for you: Go ahead and pack that extra pair of shoes. Our shell and seams are designed to resist "bursting," even under the pressure of a heavy luggage stack.
Strength in every detail
We also put interior details through our proprietary AXT™ Performance Testing because durability matters just as much inside as it does out.
- Interior Integrity: We rub our linings and mesh thousands of times to test that our selected fabric stays thick and strong without pills. We also test for colorfastness, so no dye will transfer onto your favorite clothes.
- Climate-Ready Hardware: Our LockStep performance zippers and clips are exposed to 122° F salt sprays to ensure they resist rust or seizing up, even in salty coastal air or extreme humidity.
- Secure Compression: Even our interior webbing is pull-tested to ensure that when you cinch down your items, the straps stay rooted to the shell.
Ready for your next adventure? Explore the collection and find the suitcase that’s been proven to go the distance.