Is the Away carry-on luggage worth the hype? Read my review of the Away carry-on suitcase and comparison with the Muji 36L hard shell suitcase, which retails for almost $90 cheaper. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

It’s November, which means this is the time of year I’m considering bigger purchases and also planning for travel for next year’s spring. We actually just bought tickets to Japan for April, and I’m very excited! Over the past couple years we decided to invest in some quality carry-on bags and now own and have traveled with both the Away and Muji suitcases. So here’s my overview of the two so you can decide for yourself which one to purchase.

Away vs. Muji Carry-on: Sizing, Weight, and Appearance

First off: size. Both suitcases are nearly the same in their dimensions (the 36L is a carry-on size at Muji whereas they also offer 63L, 75L, 88L, and 105L for checked bags. Away also sells a bigger carry-on, but I’m comparing the smaller one for reference). The Away luggage is about half an inch taller, but the Muji suitcase is about half an inch deeper. Both suitcases come in a wide range of colors and have a similar appearance. Both boast a durable, lightweight, polycarbonate shell with a matte texture, horizontal stripe design. Neither has an exterior pocket, which is kind of annoying for me, but I can live with it. I’ve used both on American airlines (we usually fly Alaska), and they’ve fit in overhead bins easily. In terms of how much you can fit inside, I’ve found they’re about the same.

Muji

Difference in Handle Height and Weight

The two major differences I’ve found in terms of their general appearance and sizing is the handle and weight. The Muji handle extends to a maximum height of 35.8″ from the ground, but the Away handle can extend much further! I’m only 5’2″, so I don’t really mind the short handle, but if you’re very tall or have very disproportionally short arms, you may want to consider the Away instead.

Likewise, the Away suitcase is about a pound heavier than the Muji, at 7.5 lbs vs. 6.4 lbs. That one pound may not seem like a lot, but for a small, unathletic person as myself (and considering that you’ll be stuffing your suitcases and increasing the overall weight by a lot), I really appreciate how lightweight the Muji shell is. For the weight issue alone, I tend to prefer the Muji.

Away vs. Muji Features (Wheel Lock!)

In terms of features, again, both suitcases are again very similar. Both have 360 degree wheels that glide easily, TSA-approved locks, and an interior mesh pocket. The Away bag does have an additional insert that’s meant to be a “compression system” for squeezing additional items into your bag. I don’t find it to make a huge difference, but I actually do appreciate that it feels like the Away compartments are a little easier to organize because of the extra insert.

Away interior
Muji interior

One feature that actually makes a difference for me is the wheel lock! The Muji carry-on bag comes with a braking system. When you push the button near the base of the handle, the wheels lock. After having my six year old push this suitcase around various airports and almost losing control of the luggage going down an incline and after taking this luggage on very crowded trains, the wheel lock has come in very handy.

Muji wheel lock

Update: Bringing Luggage to Japan

I just wanted to hop on and give an update – I brought both carry-ons to Japan on a recent trip and the Muji one with its wheel lock was SO HELPFUL. 100% recommend getting the Muji one if you will be taking trains during travel. Plus, if you go to Japan, it’s cheaper to buy there. We actually bought the largest size of check-in luggage from Muji on our trip.

Away vs. Muji General Quality

Overall, I would say that the Away carry-on bag does feel like slightly better quality overall. From the ease of the zippers to the gliding of the wheels, it just feels a little sturdier. But that could possibly be because of the extra pound in the Away luggage making it feel heavier and less likely to break. If it makes a difference, the Away has a limited lifetime warranty whereas the Muji one has a two-year warranty. However, we’ve had both suitcases for over two years now and have not had any issues, besides a few scuff marks.

Away vs. Muji Price

Here’s the kicker: The Away bag retails for $275 while the Muji is sold for $189 in America. Right now in Japan, the same 36L carry-on sells for 19900 yen, which, with today’s exchange rate in late 2024, is about $130! So if you’re traveling to Japan in the very near future, it may be worthwhile just to buy it there. Note that in Japan, they also sell a 20L size.

In the US, I’ve seen the Muji one go on sale for 10% off during Black Friday or other sales. With my referral link, you may be able to get 15% off your first order. Meanwhile, I’ve seen the Away one go on sale for 20% off, which is still $220 in the end. The Away does come with a luggage tag and laundry bag, but that definitely doesn’t make up for the $100 difference.

Overall Thoughts: Which Would I Recommend?

Overall, I think if you want the best value for your money, absolutely buy a Muji suitcase, especially if you’re going to be traveling to Japan and can manage to bring some extra luggage home with you.

If the wheel lock is a dealbreaker for you, you’ll need to get the Muji as well.

For overall best quality (e.g. how sturdy it feels) or if you are worried about the handle not being long enough, you’ll need the Away. For me, those things don’t matter as much so I’m a bigger fan of the Muji overall.

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