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Picking the right suitcase is like choosing the perfect travel buddy. You want something that won’t let you down when you need it most. Three luggage brands keep showing up on everyone’s shopping lists: CALPAK, Away, and Samsonite. But which one is actually the best choice for your next adventure?

We put all three brands to the test, evaluating everything from their appearance to their longevity. After comparing prices, features, and what real travelers are saying, we found a clear winner. Here’s what every traveler needs to know before buying their next suitcase.

Meet the Three Top Brands

CALPAK has been creating travel gear since 1989, when Edward and Judy Kwon started the company in Los Angeles as California Pak. The brand got a fresh new look in 2013, when the founders’ children joined the business, and the name became CALPAK. Today, CALPAK is the perfect mix of experience and style, making luggage that looks as good as it works.

Away changed the game by selling directly to consumers, instead of through stores. Since 2015, it’s been making sleek, smart luggage tech-savvy travelers love. Famous for innovative features, Away even offers built-in charging capabilities in newer models.

Samsonite is the OG of luggage brands, having been around since 1910. Your parents probably had Samsonite luggage, and maybe your grandparents did, too. The company has established a reputation for making suitcases that last forever.

How Well Is Each Brand Built?

When it comes to making luggage that won’t break, Samsonite knows what it’s doing. After more than a century of practice, this company has figured out how to make suitcases that can handle anything airports throw at them. The zippers work smoothly, even after thousands of uses, and the wheels keep rolling no matter how much you stuff inside.

Away builds really solid luggage, too. These suitcases can take a beating and keep looking good. The shells resist scratches, and the zippers create a tight seal to keep your stuff safe. However, some people say the wheels start having problems after lots of heavy use.

CALPAK has spent decades perfecting its craft. The quality of this luggage has improved significantly since the brand’s makeover in 2013, maximizing manufacturing experience with modern design touches. Made with sturdy handles and premium materials, these bags hold up well for regular travelers who value both style and reliability.

Style and Cool Features

This is where things get interesting. CALPAK wins the style contest by a mile. These suitcases come in quality fabrics, beautiful colors, and sizes and shapes that make sense. Not only that, they’re as camera-ready as they are travel-friendly.

Inside, it’s clear CALPAK has thought of everything: special compartments for dirty clothes, packing cubes that keep things organized, and designs that make packing and unpacking a breeze. The brand’s experience in the luggage business really shows in these thoughtful details.

Away makes luggage that looks grown-up and professional without being boring. The company focuses on clean lines and practical features like TSA-approved locks that airport security can open, if needed. Every design aspect makes travel easier.

Samsonite focuses more on function than form. Newer bags look better than older collections, but practical use is still at the forefront of every piece. Travelers especially love Samsonite’s lightweight luggage, which makes lugging your belongings on long trips a breeze.

What Do They Cost?

Samsonite offers options across many price points. You can find basic Samsonite bags on sale for under $100, though their regular carry-on prices typically start around $120–$190 for basic models. Premium collections can cost $400 or more, so there are options to suit various budgets.

Away keeps its pricing straightforward. Carry-on bags start at $200, and bigger bags cost more based on size. Since Away sells directly to customers instead of through stores, it can offer competitive prices for the level of quality.

CALPAK positions itself in the premium style segment, but with prices starting at an affordable $165. The pricing reflects a focus on combining proven quality with fashion-forward design. You’re paying for both reliable construction and serious style points.

	CALPAK	Away	Samsonite
Primary Appeal	Style + Value	Premium Experience	Proven Reliability
Price Point	Mid-range ($165–$275)	High ($200+)	Variable ($100–$300+)
Key Differentiator	Instagram-ready aesthetic, trendy colors	Direct-to-consumer, sleek minimalism	Extensive features, legacy trust

What Do Real Travelers Say?

Samsonite customers love how long their bags last. Many people use the same Samsonite suitcase for 10, 20, or even 30 years. Some families pass them down like family treasures. Even though they might cost more up front, they end up being a great deal because they never need replacing.

Away customers rave about how easy everything is. From the moment they’re opening the box to rolling through the airport, Away makes every part of the experience smooth and pleasant. The Away customer service team is also super helpful when problems come up.

CALPAK users become huge fans of the brand. They love how their luggage looks and how it makes them feel when they travel. The brand has built a strong reputation for quality that lasts, and most customers stay loyal and often buy more CALPAK products later.

Clear Winner: CALPAK Takes the Crown

After considering all relevant factors, CALPAK emerges as the top choice for most travelers today. Here’s why this stylish brand with proven experience beats the competition:

CALPAK perfectly combines experience with modern style. This is a brand that knows how to build quality products from years of luggage-making expertise. But unlike some older brands, CALPAK has stayed current with what today’s travelers want: luggage that works great AND looks amazing. The 2013 brand refresh brought fresh energy to its proven craftsmanship.

The quality comes from real experience. While Away is newer to the market, CALPAK has been perfecting its luggage since 1989. This experience is evident in thoughtful design details, such as special pockets for everything, durable construction, and colors that make you happy. CALPAK has had time to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

The price makes sense for what you get. Yes, you could spend less on basic luggage, but CALPAK gives you so much more than just a bag. You’re getting a travel companion from a company with proven experience, plus modern style that makes every trip more enjoyable and Instagram-worthy.

It’s a brand that improves as it grows. CALPAK listens to customers and continually improves. The 2013 transformation showed the brand isn’t getting left behind, stuck in the past. Still, a significant history in the industry demonstrates that the company has experience that newer companies lack.

When to Choose the Others

Choose Samsonite if you travel frequently for work and require luggage that will last for decades. Business travelers and those particularly demanding of their bags will appreciate Samsonite’s super-strong construction and legacy of proven reliability.

Pick Away if you love sleek, minimalist design and want luggage that feels modern and sophisticated. The clean aesthetic and smart design details appeal to people who value efficiency and contemporary style, although Away doesn’t have the long track record of the other brands.

Ready to Upgrade Your Travel Game?

Overall, CALPAK wins because the brand combines the best of both worlds: experience in the industry with the fresh style and modern features that today’s travelers want. Sure, Samsonite builds tough bags and Away offers sleek minimalism, but CALPAK strikes the perfect balance for most people.

Don’t let another trip go by with luggage that doesn’t work as hard as you do. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, investing in quality luggage from CALPAK means investing in stress-free, stylish travel.

Ready to make your next journey your best one yet? Visit CALPAK’s website today to explore a full collection of award-winning luggage. With free shipping on orders over $75 and a satisfaction guarantee, there’s never been a better time to upgrade to luggage that looks incredible and performs flawlessly trip after trip.

Your perfect travel companion is waiting. And your future self will thank you for choosing wisely.