Maria Adelmann/NYT Wirecutter

Our travel experts have long recommended soft-sided luggage over hard-sided, because soft luggage withstands the bumps and knocks of travel for longer. But one downside? Soft-sided luggage is not particularly known for its style.

So when Away—maker of very trendy and worth-the-hype hard suitcases—came out with a handsome soft-sided carry-on, we were curious and hopeful. Staff writer and travel expert Maria Adelmann took it for a spin for a five-day trip and a multipart move to see if Away could strike gold twice.

We wanted to love it, but … →

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Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter

To find the absolute best luggage, we’ve spent a decade handling, testing, and traveling with 67 bags from more than 35 brands. After all those airport dashes and overhead stashes, we came away with a few favorites, including a roomy suitcase with smooth-rolling wheels and a tough-yet-flexible exterior that’ll serve you well year after year.

Breeze through the terminal→

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