Are you a frequent jet-setter searching for the perfect travel companion? Look no further than Away and Rimowa – two of the most popular and prestigious luggage brands on the market. Both offer high-quality, stylish, and innovative suitcases and travel accessories designed to elevate your journeys. But with a higher price point than your average Samsonite, you may be wondering: is Away or Rimowa really worth the investment?
As your trusted luggage expert and unabashed travel fanatic, I‘ve thoroughly tested and compared Away and Rimowa‘s bestselling products to help you decide which brand deserves that coveted spot in your overhead compartment. Let‘s dive into an in-depth Away vs Rimowa review, covering everything from brand history to product performance to customer feedback. By the end, you‘ll be ready to confidently choose the ideal luggage for your travel style and budget.
Brand Overviews: Away and Rimowa‘s Luxurious Luggage Legacies
Away‘s Millennial-Friendly Travel Revolution
Founded by Warby Parker alums Steph Korey and Jen Rubio in 2015, Away is a relatively new player in the premium luggage game – but don‘t let its youth fool you. This innovative brand has quickly made a name for itself with its minimalist-chic designs, smart features, customizable options, and strong social media presence that‘s captured the hearts of stylish millennial travelers.
Away‘s mission is simple: to create "first class luggage at a coach price." By cutting out the middleman and selling directly to consumers online, Away offers significantly more affordable prices than luxury competitors without sacrificing quality. The brand‘s mainstay is its sleek, thoughtfully-designed hard-shell suitcases made of durable polycarbonate. Available in a range of limited-edition colors and even personalization options, Away aims to make luggage feel personal and "built for the way you actually travel."
Headquartered in New York, Away maintains a strong commitment to sustainability – its factories minimize material waste and incorporate recycled materials. The brand also partners with various non-profit organizations like Peace Direct, the International Rescue Committee, and Global Glimpse to support travel-related causes around the world. With its finger on the pulse of how the modern traveler wants to explore the world, Away has earned a devoted fan base and shows no signs of slowing down its trendy travel takeover.
Rimowa‘s Century-Old German Engineering
On the other end of the spectrum, we have Rimowa – a veteran German manufacturer that‘s been perfecting the art of luggage since 1898. Founded in Cologne by Paul Morszeck, Rimowa (named after founder Richard Morszeck and the German word for suitcase, "wagen") is best known for its distinctive grooved aluminum suitcases that have become a status symbol for discerning travelers.
Rimowa‘s iconic design dates back to the 1930s, when Richard Morszeck crafted the first aluminum steamer trunk. In the 1950s, Rimowa debuted its first aluminum suitcase, which revolutionized the industry with its lightweight yet protective hard-shell and luxurious leather handles. Since then, Rimowa has stayed at the forefront of luggage innovation, incorporating high-tech materials like polycarbonate and "aircraft grade" aluminum-magnesium alloy into its premium suitcases.
Rimowa is one of the only manufacturers that still produces its suitcases in Germany, with each case going through over 200 individual stages of construction under the expert supervision of engineers and craftspeople. This hands-on production process allows Rimowa to maintain its exceptional quality standards and create truly unique, personalized pieces for its customers.
In addition to its signature metal grooves, Rimowa is known for its patented Multiwheel system, TSA-approved locks, and ultra-precise, durable construction. Rimowa cases are built to last a lifetime and handle the rigors of frequent travel – which is why you‘ll often see them rolling alongside celebrities, business moguls, and the global elite. Now owned by the LVMH Group, Rimowa is an enduring symbol of functional luxury.
Product Showdown: Away vs Rimowa Best-Sellers Reviewed
While both Away and Rimowa offer a wide array of luggage and travel accessories, I‘ll be focusing on comparing their most popular and analogous products: the Away Carry-On vs Rimowa Original Cabin, Away Backpack vs Rimowa Never Still Backpack, and Away Packing Cubes vs Rimowa Packing Cubes. I personally tested each item on multiple trips to assess quality, durability, style, and functionality. Here‘s how they measured up:
Away Carry-On vs Rimowa Original Cabin
The Away Carry-On and Rimowa Original Cabin are both designed to be the ultimate hard-shell suitcase for short trips. Both are carry-on compliant for most airlines, feature a roomy interior with dual compartments, and include TSA-approved locks for added security.
Construction-wise, the Away is made of lightweight yet strong polycarbonate while the Rimowa boasts that iconic grooved aluminum-magnesium alloy shell. The Away has a sportier look with its curvy corners and comes in an array of limited-edition matte colors, while the Rimowa exudes that signature industrial-luxe aesthetic with its brilliant metallic finish.
When it comes to rolling performance, the Away‘s 360-degree spinner wheels and the Rimowa‘s Multiwheel system are both incredibly smooth and sturdy. I had no problems maneuvering either suitcase, even on bumpy sidewalks and thick carpets.
But the Away pulls ahead with a few extra features: a hidden (and removable) lithium battery for charging your devices on the go, a built-in compression system to maximize space, and a handy nylon laundry bag for keeping dirty clothes separate. The Rimowa, on the other hand, offers a more customized experience with elegant leather luggage tags and stickers.
Overall, both carry-ons deliver outstanding quality and convenience for frequent fliers. The Away Carry-On is the more affordable and practical choice at $225-$245, while the Rimowa Original Cabin is the ultimate splurge at $1150 if you‘re looking to invest in a truly iconic piece of German-engineered luggage.
Away Backpack vs Rimowa Never Still Backpack
Next up, we have two sleek and minimalist backpacks designed to be your stylish carry-on or daypack. The Away Backpack and Rimowa Never Still Backpack share some core features: a padded laptop sleeve, multiple interior and exterior pockets, a luggage handle sleeve, and comfortable padded straps.
Material-wise, they differ: the Away is made of durable, water-resistant nylon while the Rimowa is crafted from a luxurious canvas and full-grain leather. The Away comes in versatile black and navy colors, while the Rimowa only offers classic black.
Organizationally, the Away wins points for its thoughtful details like the key clip strap, umbrella pocket, and easy access pockets for your passport and phone. The Rimowa‘s pockets are a bit more streamlined but still functional.
Comfort-wise, both backpacks are lightweight and distribute weight evenly. I‘d give a slight edge to the Away for its mesh back panel that allows ventilation and prevents sweating.
Price-wise, the Away rings in at an affordable $175 while the Rimowa costs a luxe $1150. Ultimately, the Away Backpack is the best overall value for most travelers, while the Rimowa is the designer splurge for those who want some serious leather luxury.
Away Packing Cubes vs Rimowa Packing Cubes
If you‘re looking to maximize suitcase space and keep your belongings organized, you can‘t go wrong with Away or Rimowa‘s expertly-designed packing cubes. Both are made of lightweight yet durable water-resistant nylon, feature strong zippers, and pack down flat when not in use.
The main difference lies in the sizing and colors. Away‘s set includes one small and one large packing cube and comes in limited-edition shades that complement the brand‘s suitcases. Rimowa offers the widest array of size options (small, medium, large) in a sophisticated range of navy, grey, and black.
When it comes to performance, both brands‘ packing cubes deliver. I was able to easily fit a week‘s worth of clothing into Away‘s large cube, while Rimowa‘s assortment of sizes made it easy to play suitcase Tetris and keep my various items separated.
Regarding value, Away‘s $45 set ($25 for a small, $35 for a large) is the clear winner over Rimowa‘s $90 small, $100 medium, and $110 large cubes. But if you have a Rimowa suitcase and want a perfect match, the premium price may be worth it.
Quality & Durability: Which Brand Lasts Longer?
When you‘re shelling out hundreds of dollars for a suitcase, you want to make sure it can withstand the wear and tear of frequent travel. In my experience, both Away and Rimowa deliver exceptional quality and durability that justify their premium price tags.
Away‘s polycarbonate suitcases are surprisingly lightweight yet seriously resilient. I‘ve put my Away Carry-On through the ringer on numerous trips – from being jostled in overhead bins to rolled over bumpy cobblestone streets – and it still looks great, with nary a crack or broken zipper. The interior is equally well-made, with a sturdy compression system and water-resistant laundry bag.
Rimowa‘s grooved metal suitcases are the gold standard for durability. The "aircraft grade" aluminum-magnesium alloy shell is not only fire-retardant but resistant to dents and dings. It‘s a bit heavier than the Away, but that‘s the price you pay for such indestructible construction. The Multiwheel system is also impressively durable and rolls like a dream, even after years of use.
Both brands are so confident in their craftsmanship that they offer generous guarantees. Away provides a lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, or anything else that functionally impairs the luggage. Rimowa offers a 5-year warranty on its suitcases.
While no suitcase is completely immune to the rigors of travel, I believe both Away and Rimowa make some of the longest-lasting luggage on the market. With proper care, an Away or Rimowa suitcase could easily last you a decade or more.
Price & Value: Is Away or Rimowa Worth It?
There‘s no denying that Away and Rimowa are pricier than your run-of-the-mill suitcases. But after extensively traveling with both brands, I firmly believe that you get what you pay for when it comes to luggage.
Away‘s direct-to-consumer business model allows the brand to offer surprisingly affordable prices for the quality. At $225 for a Carry-On and $245 for a Bigger Carry-On, Away is a fantastic value for frequent travelers who want a stylish, durable, and feature-rich suitcase without breaking the bank. The smart features like the ejectable battery, 360° spinner wheels, and built-in compression pad add major convenience points. Plus, the 100-day trial period and free lifetime warranty make the investment virtually risk-free.
On the other hand, Rimowa is a true luxury splurge with prices starting at $850 for a Cabin S and going up to $1665 for a Trunk Plus. But for some travelers, the superior durability, iconic design, and prestige of German engineering are worth the hefty price tag. Rimowa‘s suitcases are built to last a lifetime and serve as a status symbol for the jet set crowd. If you‘re looking to invest in an heirloom-quality piece that will only look better with age, Rimowa is the way to go.
Ultimately, the value of Away vs Rimowa comes down to your individual travel needs, style, and budget. But rest assured, you can‘t go wrong with either brand if you‘re willing to invest in quality luggage.
Customer Reviews: What Travelers Have to Say
Don‘t just take my word for it – both Away and Rimowa have earned rave reviews from thousands of satisfied customers around the world. Here‘s what travelers have to say about each brand:
Away
- "Away is the Apple of travel" – Wired
- "This is the best carry-on suitcase I have ever used…it‘s really thoughtful with all the little features, and it seems impossible to overpack it." – Kaitlyn, Away customer
- "I don‘t know how I traveled before my Away suitcase. It‘s stylish, spacious, and so easy to roll around the airport. The battery is also a lifesaver on long trips!" – Michael, Away customer
- 4.9/5 stars from 1,879 reviews on AwayTravel.com
Rimowa
- "If James Bond had luggage, he‘d definitely carry Rimowa." – GQ
- "Yes, Rimowa is expensive but it‘s absolutely worth the price. It‘s the most durable, stylish, and comfortable suitcase I‘ve ever owned. I‘ve had mine for 6 years now and it still looks great." – Elena, Rimowa customer
- "Rimowa is the Rolls-Royce of luggage. It‘s not just a suitcase, it‘s a work of art. I love the aluminum design and the Multiwheel system is so smooth." – Javier, Rimowa customer
- 4.5/5 stars from 567 reviews on Rimowa.com
The Final Verdict: Which Suitcase Is Right for You?
After carefully weighing the pros and cons of Away vs Rimowa, here are my recommendations for different types of travelers:
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If you‘re a frequent flier looking for an affordable yet high-quality carry-on with convenient features, go with the Away Carry-On. It offers the best balance of style, durability, and smart design at an accessible price point.
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If you‘re a fashionista who wants to make a statement at the airport, splurge on the Rimowa Original Cabin. The iconic grooved aluminum shell and luxe leather details will turn heads and prove you‘re a traveler of discerning taste.
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If you‘re a business traveler who needs a durable yet professional backpack, the Away Backpack is your best bet. With a streamlined silhouette and thoughtful organizers for your tech, it‘s the perfect minimalist companion for an off-site meeting or conference.
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If you‘re an adventurer who wants to invest in luggage that will last a lifetime, go with a Rimowa. The brand‘s suitcases are practically indestructible and worth the premium price for decades of globetrotting.
Whichever brand you choose, investing in an Away or Rimowa suitcase is sure to elevate your travel experience. These luxury luggage leaders prove that when it comes to your precious cargo, quality always trumps cost. Bon voyage!
