Understanding My Packing Challenges

If there’s one thing I know about packing for vacation, it’s that I’m pretty terrible at it. I’m a serial overpacker, often ending up sitting on top of my luggage while my husband zips it, only to arrive at the airport and discover I’ve exceeded the 50-pound check-in weight limit. This situation invariably leaves me scrambling to shift things around between bags. On the other hand, my husband consistently commits to a carry-on suitcase for both long weekend trips and extended vacations, and has been gently trying to change my mindset.

The Bigger Carry-On Suitcase Overview

Recently, I traveled to Florida for 10 days, providing me with the perfect opportunity to take a hint and test Away’s The Bigger Carry-On suitcase. Packing for South Florida at the end of August required little more than breezy shorts, tanks, slides, swimsuits, and other daily essentials.

Practical Features of The Bigger Carry-On

I unzipped the upgraded lined suitcase made with a split construction design and was immediately drawn to its unique organizational features — most notably the numerous pockets. As someone who prefers to section off my food on my dinner plate, I appreciated the ability to arrange my belongings in separate compartments and pockets within the bag’s interior.

I began packing bulkier items like my sweatshirt, jeans, and daily outfits in the larger compartment lacking a mesh zip liner. Instead, this section utilizes Away’s signature compression detail that pushes clothing down, allowing for greater packing efficiency. The compression pad even contains two mesh zip compartments for smaller items such as chargers or tablets.

After filling that side, I moved to the compartment with mesh lining, where I stored slides, sneakers, and toiletries. The interior features a hanging pocket for the smallest items, along with a water-resistant laundry bag that kept my dirty clothes hidden and stored my damp swimsuit from my return flight.

The 22.7-inch bag’s exterior offers just as much convenience as the interior. It’s noticeably lightweight and features 360-degree swivel wheels that glide smoothly. The hardside suitcase is constructed from an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell and comes with a cleaning sponge to maintain its appearance. It has both a top handle and a side handle for easy placement in overhead compartments, as well as an ergonomic trolley handle. Worrying about the zippers accidentally opening during transit is a non-issue, thanks to the TSA-approved locking system, complemented by a color-coordinating luggage tag for added security.

Customer Reviews and Experiences

The Bigger Carry-On has received glowing reviews from travelers. One individual described it as “perfect” for their “10 days in Italy,” where they managed to pack everything they needed including dresses, jeans, shoes, and loungewear. Another reviewer commented that the compression feature allowed for packing that extra sweater. A flight attendant shared that the bag “never lets [them] down,” highlighting its capacity to pack everything necessary for a week away and noting the ease of maneuvering through the airport.

Maximizing Space with Packing Cubes

Looking ahead, I have a week-long trip to Costa Rica, and to maximize space in the Away Bigger Carry-On, I’m considering using the Insider Packing Cubes, available in sets of four or six. One shopper remarked that using the cubes made packing for a two-week trip to Europe with just a carry-on much easier.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Efficient Packing

I have officially become a carry-on convert after using Away’s The Bigger Carry-On, even for extended vacations. This suitcase not only makes for a smoother travel experience but also has available fall-ready colors, including limited-edition options that are already selling out quickly.