Calpak Vs Away: Which Luggage Is Better?

With the world slowly opening up, one can say it’s a pretty good time to do some travelling before anything else happens. It’s been 2 years now since travel was restricted, and while some places were still open, majority of vacation spots were closed.

Now, things are looking brighter than ever for the world. So to take advantage of that, go on a vacation! Make sure to pack everything you need and bring the essentials with you on your carry-on luggage. But let’s say you don’t have a carry-on luggage with you. What to do?

Well, that’s when Calpak and Away steps in. Both brands offer top of the line and high-quality carry-on luggage, you’ll forget that you have other bags to bring with you.

Note: Whatbrandreview is reader-supported. When you buy through affiliate links on our website, we’ll make a small commission, without impacting your price. Thank you. Learn more.

What Do They Offer?

Away Travel In Style

To properly compare what the two brands offer, we will be selecting the best-selling carry-on luggage bag from both their respective websites. While Calpak and Away do sell other products, it would be more of a fair comparison to do carry-on luggage.

For Calpak, they have Jen Atkin Carry-On Luggage. Calpak collaborated with jet Atkin, founder of the OUAI and one of the most influential hairstylists in the world to create this piece of stylish travel bag. The bag has many features that makes it a best-selling item that will be covered later.

For Away, they offer The Carry-On. A simple name for a wonderfully luxurious product. The luggage bag is built to last, while simultaneously designed to make you look like you’re a high-end model being late for your flight. Like Calpak, there are other features that make it great, but will be discussed later on.

Table Comparison – Calpak VS Away

Now that we have both of our products from their respective brands, we’ll have to compare the two to see the difference. In order to get an accurate description of what the difference between the two is, we’ll have to utilize a table comparison.

Calpak VS Away: Luggage
ModelJen Atkin Carry-On Luggage BagThe Carry-On
FeaturesAluminum frame with zipperless access
One-click TSA approved locks
100% Polycarbonate shell
Hinomoto Silent Run™ Wheels
Includes a clear dust cover and stickers to make it your own
Durable polycarbonate hard shell
Leather details, including a black leather luggage tag
TSA-approved combination lock for extra safety
360° spinner wheels that ensure a smooth ride
Interior compression system to help pack more in
Hidden laundry bag to keep dirty clothing separate
Meets the airline requirements for most major airlines as carry-on luggage
Add-on USB Charger power source
SpecificationsWeight – 8.8 lbs
Capacity – 42L
Materials – Exterior: Polycarbonate
Interior: Polyester
Exterior Dimensions – Carry-On: 22” x 13.5” x 9.5”
Interior Dimensions – Carry-On: 20” x 13.5” x 9.5”
Weight – 7.1 lbs
Capacity – 39.8L
Exterior measurements – 21.7″ x 13.7″ x 9″
Interior measurements -20″ x 13.5″
ColorsGold, Pink, BlackBasic Colors: Black, Navy, Coast, Green, Asphalt, Blush, White, Sand, Lavender
Limited Edition Colors: Bloom, Tropic
SizesOne size onlyOne size only
Free ShippingYes, but only on orders that are $75 and aboveYes, but only within the contiguous US
Return PolicyReturn within 30 days unusedReturn within 100 days
Get A Carry-On

From the table alone, we can determine that there are some differences between the two products. However, determining which is the better brand from a table comparison alone is not advisable. Instead, we will have to individually review each product to determine which brand does it better.

Calpak Jen Atkin Carry-On Luggage Review

Fully Packed – Calpak

With the collaboration with Jet Atkin, Calpak was able to release a beautiful and luxurious looking luggage bag that swept Calpak fans. This sleek and durably designed luggage bag is the best-selling luggage bag available on Calpak’s website. In fact, sorting by Best Selling will show Jen Atkin’s Carry-On Luggage as the number one result, and for good reason.

Carry-on luggage often isn’t durable enough, as they are mostly with you throughout your flight. Calpak decided to go the extra mile in ensuring the safety of their customers belongings by making their product durable and sturdy with its 100% Polycarbonate shell.

The Polycarbonate material is said to be a good electrical insulator, as well as heat resistant and flame retardant. Not only are the contents of the bag safe from being smashed, but it’s also safe from being electrified and heated.

Other notable features that make this bag amazing is Hinomoto Silent Run Wheels. You know the sound your bag makes when you wheel it around? Some people find it annoying. If you’re one of those people, then this bag is perfect for you. The wheels make zero noise, allowing you to enjoy a nice walk to the airport with no noise from your bag.

The best feature that both this bag and Away’s bag share is the TSA approved lock. No longer will your bag be have to be cut or forced open, as the TSA approved lock is just a simple one click for the TSA to conduct their search. Once they’re done, they simply lock it again and send it your way.

PROS

  • Strong materials
  • No noise when carrying the bag
  • TSA approved lock
  • Flame resistant
  • Durable

CONS

  • Less variety of colors

AWAY The Carry-On Review

Away – As Sleek As Ever

Away created the Carry-On with the sole purpose of making it durable and strong when flying. Lots of things can happen to carry-on luggage, so the Carry-On is created with only the best possible materials that are allowed.

Just like the Calpak product, Away’s Carry-On is created with the polycarbonate material, ensuring a durable and strong luggage bag, as well as a TSA approved lock to help for a more quick and smooth TSA check.

What is exclusive to the Carry-On, however, is the built-in interior compression system. For those who aren’t aware, a compression system in luggage bags help you pack more things. Just when you think you can’t fit anymore clothes inside, the compression system allows you to get a bit more space to help pack more.

If you have a certain aesthetic you’re trying to maintain, like all black or all pink, Away offers a variety of colors to choose from ranging from. Those colors are Black, Navy, Coast, Green, Asphalt, Blush, White, Sand, and Lavender. But those are just he basic colors. Away also offers two limited edition colors called Bloom and Tropic for a more unique look.

One more thing that makes this bag great is the USB Charger add-on. Yes, you read that right. The Carry-On bag has an optional add-on that installs a USB charging source for your phones and other devices. No longer will you need to find an outlet in a busy airport. All you need is your trusty Carry-On bag with you at all times.

PROS

  • Strong materials
  • TSA approved lock
  • Flame resistant
  • Durable
  • Variety of colors
  • Compression system
  • Optional USB charging source built in the bag

CONS

  • No special wheels for silent moving

Head-To-Head Comparison

It’s hard to tell which product does it best. Each offer features the other doesn’t. However, if you’re still on the rocks on what you should purchase, maybe the next part will help you decide.

READ ALSO: Away vs Monos vs Beis Luggage Comparison

Calpak VS Away – Which Is The Better Brand?

Away In Italy

There is no clear definitive winner on which is the better brand. What does help sway your decision, however, is your preference. From the carry-on luggage alone, the Away Carry-On brings more value for your money, but that doesn’t mean Away is a better brand simply because they have the better carry-on bag.

As a whole, both brands have their strengths and weakness that the other takes advantage of. Away offers great carry-on bags, but Calpak offers better suitcases. They both one up each other in different categories to the point that it’s hard to tell which brand is better, because they’re both great at creating products that cater to the need of the customers.

In the end, it doesn’t really matter which brand does it best, as both brands are great in their own ways.

The Verdict – Luggage Brands Such As Away & Calpak

The world is slowly getting back to normal. Not the normal we all knew, but a new normal. With that in mind, we should really think about going on vacations. Who knows what will happen next? Better to go now and see sights you’ve never seen, eat food you’ve never eaten, and try things you’ve never tried.

But of course, it’s essential to bring things you need, and that’s where brands like Calpak and Away come in. Both brands offer help by giving you the comfort of a strong and durable luggage bag, while giving you a sense of security with their TSA approved locks.

Not to mention the amazing colors you can choose from. You can travel in style with these puppies, and not to mention, they’re highly practical too.

READ NEXT : Eddi Hand Soap Review: Before You Buy (Pros + Cons)