8.1
/10
BEST FOR STYLISH TECH CARRY
8.1
/10
BEST FOR STYLISH TECH CARRY
Last Updated:
Jun 29, 2025
Best for Stylish Tech Carry – Away Bigger Carry-On w/ Pocket
Maximum Space Meets Tech Convenience (Check Size Limits!)
Love the large capacity of Away's Bigger Carry-On but need easy laptop access? This model adds a front pocket, seemingly offering the best of both worlds. But user feedback reveals crucial trade-offs regarding size compliance and actual usable space.
🎨
Style
8.5
Sleek Away aesthetic with the added convenience of a front tech pocket.
💻
Features
8.5
Front pocket allows easy laptop access; optional battery adds charging capability.
✈️
Handling
8.5
Smooth spinner wheels provide easy rolling; grab handles facilitate lifting.
📦
Capacity
7
Pocket significantly reduces usable internal volume; overall size risks non-compliance.
Perfect For
🎨
Stylish Travelers
💻
Tech Access
📦
Max Capacity
✈️
Weekend Trips
💼
Urban Professionals
Quality & Comfort
Handling mirrors the standard Away models: generally smooth-rolling spinner wheels make navigating airports easy, and the telescoping handle operates reliably. "It rolls and turns smoothly and the three grab handles make it easy to lift," confirms one user. The build quality feels solid. However, the primary quality consideration highlighted by users isn't handling, but the consequence of the front pocket design on the interior space and overall usability, which significantly affects the perceived quality for many.
Durability
Durability aligns with other Away polycarbonate models – the shell provides good impact protection but is prone to visible scratches and scuffs. "After a year... functions perfectly but looks quite scratched up," is a typical comment. The zippers and wheels generally hold up well to normal use. The added complexity of the front pocket mechanism introduces another potential point of wear or failure, though widespread issues aren't commonly reported. The biggest durability concern for users is often the cosmetic appearance degrading quickly.
Packability
Packability is the most contentious aspect. While advertised as 'Bigger,' the internal space is significantly compromised by the front pocket's structure. "Upon opening the bag, there was 3 fingers worth of space being taken up... with the pocket part. It makes the bag way smaller," detailed one surprised owner. This intrusion creates awkward internal shapes and reduces usable volume compared to the standard Bigger Carry-On. Furthermore, the 'Bigger' dimensions frequently exceed carry-on limits, especially on international or budget airlines, forcing users to check the bag unexpectedly. "Had to check it once," admitted a Reddit user.
Functionality
Functionally, the front pocket delivers on its promise of easy laptop access, a genuine convenience for many travelers. The interior compression system works well. However, the core function is undermined by two major issues reported by users: the significant loss of internal packing space due to the pocket design, and the high risk of the bag being deemed oversized by airlines. "It also leaves for awkward areas of extra space right outside of the pocket area," noted one user, highlighting the inefficient use of space. These functional trade-offs make it less practical than anticipated for many.
Value
Priced higher than the standard Bigger Carry-On (around $315 vs. $295), the value proposition is questionable for many users. The added cost comes with a significant reduction in usable packing space and an increased risk of exceeding carry-on size limits. "Please be aware when you buy this that you are losing substantial interior space for the exterior pocket," advises one owner. Unless the convenience of the front pocket is absolutely paramount and outweighs the packing limitations and size risks, most users seem to feel the standard Away models offer better overall value.
Love the look and having the front pocket! Just wish it wasn't quite so big, had to check it once.
Reddit User
Did You Know?
Away's "Bigger Carry-On" is deliberately designed to be slightly larger than most airline size restrictions, taking advantage of the fact that many carriers don't strictly enforce size limits—but adding the pocket feature makes it even more likely to be flagged as oversized on airlines with strict enforcement.
Quick Verdict
✕
Performance Scores
Capacity
7
Handling
8.5
Features
9
Style
9
Style
8.5
Features
8.5
Handling
8.5
Capacity
7
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
Performance Analysis
Pros and Cons
Pros
✓
Convenient front tech pocket
✓
Generous external dimensions & compression
✓
Sleek minimalist design
✓
100% waterproof knit (no coating)
Cons
x
Shell scratches easily
x
SIZE EXCEEDS LIMITS MANY AIRLINES (esp. international/budget)
x
Front pocket significantly reduces usable internal volume
x
Battery feature less relevant/adds weight
Final Verdict
8.1
Risky
Stylish tech access, but beware the size and space trade-offs.
The Away Bigger Carry-On with Pocket combines the brand's popular larger size with a convenient front compartment for easy laptop access. Its sleek design and smooth handling appeal to style-conscious tech carriers.
However, user feedback highlights significant drawbacks: the front pocket mechanism consumes considerable interior packing space, and the 'Bigger' dimensions frequently exceed airline carry-on limits, risking forced checking and fees. While the pocket is functional, carefully weigh the substantial space sacrifice and size compliance risks before choosing this model over standard alternatives.
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Away The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket
Limited Lifetime Warranty
100-Day Trial
Free Shipping
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Stylish Tech Carrier
Away The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket
Maximum Space Meets Tech Convenience (Check Size Limits!)
8.1
SCORE
Stylish tech access, but beware the size and space trade-offs.
Last Updated:
Jun 29, 2025
Love the large capacity of Away's Bigger Carry-On but need easy laptop access? This model adds a front pocket, seemingly offering the best of both worlds. But user feedback reveals crucial trade-offs regarding size compliance and actual usable space.
✓
Strengths
Convenient front tech pocket
Generous external dimensions & compression
Sleek minimalist design
Smooth 360° spinner wheels
X
Consider
Shell scratches easily
SIZE EXCEEDS LIMITS MANY AIRLINES (esp. international/budget)
Front pocket significantly reduces usable internal volume
Battery feature less relevant/adds weight
View Current Price
Compare
🎨
Style
8.5
💻
Features
8.5
✈️
Handling
8.5
📦
Capacity
7
🌧️
Weather
9.2
Performance
🎨
Stylish Travelers
💻
Tech Access
📦
Max Capacity
✈️
Weekend Trips
💼
Urban Professionals
Perfect For
Quality & Comfort
Handling mirrors the standard Away models: generally smooth-rolling spinner wheels make navigating airports easy, and the telescoping handle operates reliably. "It rolls and turns smoothly and the three grab handles make it easy to lift," confirms one user. The build quality feels solid. However, the primary quality consideration highlighted by users isn't handling, but the consequence of the front pocket design on the interior space and overall usability, which significantly affects the perceived quality for many.
Durability
Durability aligns with other Away polycarbonate models – the shell provides good impact protection but is prone to visible scratches and scuffs. "After a year... functions perfectly but looks quite scratched up," is a typical comment. The zippers and wheels generally hold up well to normal use. The added complexity of the front pocket mechanism introduces another potential point of wear or failure, though widespread issues aren't commonly reported. The biggest durability concern for users is often the cosmetic appearance degrading quickly.
Packability
Packability is the most contentious aspect. While advertised as 'Bigger,' the internal space is significantly compromised by the front pocket's structure. "Upon opening the bag, there was 3 fingers worth of space being taken up... with the pocket part. It makes the bag way smaller," detailed one surprised owner. This intrusion creates awkward internal shapes and reduces usable volume compared to the standard Bigger Carry-On. Furthermore, the 'Bigger' dimensions frequently exceed carry-on limits, especially on international or budget airlines, forcing users to check the bag unexpectedly. "Had to check it once," admitted a Reddit user.
Functionality
Functionally, the front pocket delivers on its promise of easy laptop access, a genuine convenience for many travelers. The interior compression system works well. However, the core function is undermined by two major issues reported by users: the significant loss of internal packing space due to the pocket design, and the high risk of the bag being deemed oversized by airlines. "It also leaves for awkward areas of extra space right outside of the pocket area," noted one user, highlighting the inefficient use of space. These functional trade-offs make it less practical than anticipated for many.
Value
Priced higher than the standard Bigger Carry-On (around $315 vs. $295), the value proposition is questionable for many users. The added cost comes with a significant reduction in usable packing space and an increased risk of exceeding carry-on size limits. "Please be aware when you buy this that you are losing substantial interior space for the exterior pocket," advises one owner. Unless the convenience of the front pocket is absolutely paramount and outweighs the packing limitations and size risks, most users seem to feel the standard Away models offer better overall value.
Love the look and having the front pocket! Just wish it wasn't quite so big, had to check it once.
Reddit User
You Might Also Like
Risky
Stylish tech access, but beware the size and space trade-offs.
8.8
The Away Bigger Carry-On with Pocket combines the brand's popular larger size with a convenient front compartment for easy laptop access. Its sleek design and smooth handling appeal to style-conscious tech carriers.
However, user feedback highlights significant drawbacks: the front pocket mechanism consumes considerable interior packing space, and the 'Bigger' dimensions frequently exceed airline carry-on limits, risking forced checking and fees. While the pocket is functional, carefully weigh the substantial space sacrifice and size compliance risks before choosing this model over standard alternatives.
SHOP NOW
Away The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket
$149
✓
Limited Lifetime Warranty
✓
100-Day Trial
✓
Free Shipping
SHOP NOW
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you.
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited