The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page. This is a famous quote from Saint Augustine and I couldn’t agree more. However, we’re too busy worrying about necessary documents, cash, and accommodation, that we often forget about the importance of a proper suitcase.
I remember going away for a few months with a huge duffel bag without wheels. That wasn’t a memory I like to recall often. Thankfully, today there are amazing luggage brands and two of them I’m about to compare and review – Solgaard and Away.
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Solgaard vs Away – Luggage Comparison
Let’s have a look at what makes the two brands different at glance.
| Solgaard vs Away: Which Luggage Is Better For Traveling |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Free Shipping | Yes, on orders over $100 | Yes, on all orders |
| Return policy | 30-day free trial | 100-day free trial |
| Luggage warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Product | Carry-On Closet | The Carry-On |
| Dimensions | 20”x13.5”x8” (Medium) | 21.7″ x 13.7″ x 9″ (there is a larger option) |
| Features | Patented Six-Shelf Shelving System USB Charging Port Frictionless Wheels TSA Approved Lock Polycarbonate Shell And Aluminum Frame Soft Grip Handle For Maximum Comfort Saves 229 Plastic Bottles from the Ocean | Polycarbonate hard shell Leather details, including a black leather luggage tag TSA-approved lock 360° spinner wheels Interior compression system Hidden laundry bag |
| Website: |
About Solgaard
Solgaard was founded in 2016 by Adrian Solgaard. Everything started when his friend’s backpack got stolen. He started asking questions on how to make a nearly perfect backpack so such things wouldn’t happen again.
In 2016, he started Solgaard and their first backpack was called Lifepack – a solar-powered and anti-theft backpack. The world accepted it with open arms. From that moment on, the company expanded its collection and now they make all kinds of luggage and travel accessories.
Besides making super practical luggage, Solgaard cares about the environment as well. And they care a lot. For every product made, they save 229 bottles from oceans around the world. The company teamed up with various organizations worldwide and so far they’ve saved 45,994,708 plastic bottles.
Impressive!
PROS
- High-quality luggage
- Lifepack Backpack was recognized by Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas
- Built-in shelving system
- Solar-powered, anti-theft backpack
- Free Shipping
- Lifetime warranty
- Sustainable brand
CONS
- Only 30-day trial
About Away
Away was founded in 2015 by Jen Rubio and Steph Korey. Just like Solgaard, Away was founded out of necessity. Jen and Steph realized that luggage brands make either super-expensive suitcases or low-quality ones. They decided to find the golden mean.
They started Away with one mission in mind – to bring high-quality and travel-friendly luggage at affordable prices. Their suitcases are made from polycarbonate and aluminum to water-resistant nylon and they are not only sleek and lightweight but practical and durable.
Away cares about people as well. The company partners with Global Glimpse – a nonprofit organization that provides travel and leadership programs to high school students. Together they fight to help students get their first passport. In 2022 and 2023, Away will cover the cost of passports for every student in need of one.
PROS
- Travel-friendly luggage
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Wide range of luggage options and styles
- 100-day free trial
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- The lighter colored bags will show scuff and wear over time
Solgaard Luggage
Solgaard offers suitcases, backpacks, and accessories. Each type is unique, practical, and has a positive impact on the environment.
This Award-winning Carry-On Closet features Solgaard’s signature built-in shelving system. It’s made of an indestructible polycarbonate shell that is combined with an aluminum frame. The shell is scratch-resistant and waterproof. Furthermore, the carry-on comes with an integrated USB charging port.
Speaking of the patent, (the built-in shelving system) it has six shelves that act as compression cubes to help you save space. This incredible invention was recognized by TIME Magazine as the Best Travel Invention of the year.
Besides the six-shelf shelving system and an easily accessible USB charging port, the carry-on features frictionless wheels that barely make a sound, a TSA-approved lock, and a soft-grip handle for maximum comfort.
The carry-on is available in 5 colors – Baltic Black, Balearic Blue, Granada Green, Venetian Red, and Provence Purple.
There are two Carry-On Closet options available – Medium and Large. The medium one is smaller and accepted by all international airlines including European budget carriers. Large is bigger and accepted by all US airlines.
Here’s the size comparison
| Carry-On | Carry-On Closet Large | Carry-On Closet Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22” | 20” |
| Width | 14.7” | 13.5” |
| Depth | 9” | 8” |
| Capacity | 46L | 39L |
| Outfit count | 6-9 outfits (7+ days) | 5-7 outfits (3-6 days) |
Lifepack Backpack Review
Lifepack Backpack is Solgaard’s flagship product. This solar-powered, anti-theft backpack is designed to follow you wherever you go – hiking in the woods, relaxing on the beach, or traveling around the globe. The backpack is made with Solgaard’s signature fabric Shore-Tex. Shore-Tex is made of upcycled ocean plastic.
Besides an integrated USB port for easy charging, it features deluxe drop-proof laptop storage, a water-resistant bottom, four secret passports and/or card pockets, and plush shoulder straps with back support.
The backpack comes in 5 colors – Baltic Black, Atlantic Blue, Charcoal, Granada Green Camo, and Granada Green. Lifepack dimensions are 11.6 x 18.5 x 7 in (29.5 x 47 x 17.8 cm).
When purchasing Lifepack, you have a few options available:
- Lifepack with Juicepack (Powerbank + Solar/Wireless charging)
- Lifepack with Solarbank Boombox (Powerbank + Bluetooth speaker Solar/Wireless charging)
- Lifepack without Solarbank (Choose this one if you have a Solarbank. Solar window cover is included)
Away Luggage
Lightweight and durable, designed in colors that match your style, Away suitcases are addressing real-life travel problems in an elegant way.
Away The Carry-On Review
The Carry-On is one of the most popular Away carry-ons. This lightweight suitcase is built to last. Made from a durable polycarbonate hard shell, it’s sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines. It features 360° spinner wheels for a smooth ride, a TSA-approved lock, a waterproof laundry bag, and compression straps.
If you want, you can add a built-in USB charger for an additional $20. Also, you can personalize your suitcase for $50 by adding up to three letters on it. You can personalize a suitcase tag as well for $10.
The Carry-On is 21.7″ x 13.7″ x 9″ and it is available in 8 colors – Black, Navy, Coast, Asphalt, White, Sand, Petal, and Green.
The Everywhere Zip Backpack Review
This versatile backpack is made with water-resistant nylon and it comes with a breathable mesh back panel for extra comfort. It features a padded 15″ laptop pocket, trolley sleeve, and padded shoulder straps for extra comfort. The interior of the backpack is equipped with zipper and slip pockets, a water bottle pocket, and a detachable key clip.
Just like with all Away suitcases, you can personalize this backpack as well. For $35 you can put up to three letters on the front or back of your backpack.
The Everywhere Zip Backpack is available in 4 colors – Black, Navy, Coast, and Asphalt. The backpack is 12″ x 5.9″ x 17.7″ and it has a capacity of 20L.
Head to Head – Solgaard vs Away
Luggage
Both Away and Sogaard have impressive suitcases. Solgaard Carry-On closet features a signature built-in shelf technology and that is something that sets Solgaard apart, no doubt. On the other hand, Away has The Carry-On – a durable and lightweight carry-on that can withstand any journey.
Speaking of backpacks, I’d go with Solgaard. Their Lifepack was the start of everything and it wasn’t recognized by Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas just like that. The backpack is solar-powered and it is specifically designed to protect your belonging from thieves. Also, it comes with a power bank and a Bluetooth speaker (optional).
Shipping and Returns
Solgaard offers free shipping via UPS to the contiguous US on orders over $100. At this moment the company ships to the US, Canada, and Mexico. If you’re unhappy with your Solgaard suitcase or backpack, you can return it within 30 days of the purchase but return shipping is not free. Needless to mention, items need to be returned in a like-new condition.
Away offers free shipping on all orders to the contiguous US. The company currently ships to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Speaking of their return and exchange policies, if you’re not happy with your Away products, you may return them within 100 days of the purchase. IMPORTANT: Bear in mind that if you decided to personalize your suitcase or backpack, a 100-day trial does not apply and such items can not be returned. Return shipping is not free.
Warranty
Both Solgaard and Away suitcases are covered by a lifetime warranty! So if anything breaks, they will fix or replace it for you. Forever! Solgaard’s transatlantic watches are covered with a lifetime warranty as well.
Speaking of backpacks, Solgaard provides a limited 2-year warranty while Away offers a limited 1-year warranty.
The Verdict: Which One Is For You?
Solgaard and Away did a great job designing and constructing suitcases. Honestly, if you’re looking for a backpack that will follow your every step, I’d go for Solgaard. Lifepack Backpack is the best one I’ve seen so far. It’s super convenient and you won’t have to worry about being robbed while sleeping or looking for an information stand.
Also, the suitcases are quite amazing! The built-in shelving system is a genius invention! It keeps you organized anywhere, and the shelves act as compression cubes to help you save space.
This doesn’t mean that Away suitcases suck, on the contrary. They are incredibly durable and lightweight. They might not have advanced anti-theft features and solar-powered power banks, but they do have innovative interior features that help you pack more. Also, Away offers an optional built-in USB charger.
Whether you decide to go for Solgaard or Away, keep in mind that you have 30 days (Solgaard) and 100 days (Away) to test the bags. After that, a lifetime warranty applies.
Sound like a risk-free experience to me.
Buckle up!
READ ALSO: Away Vs Monos: Which Suitcase Is Better?