I’ve used the Away Bigger Carry On, Travelpro Platinum Elite, and Briggs & Riley across multiple trips in the U.S. and here’s my experience
Away Bigger Carry On
I took this one on a weekend trip along the Pacific Coast Highway in California and a short flight to Austin, TX. I loved the sleek design and built in laundry bag, it packs efficiently. The hard shell is light and stylish, but after rolling it through the cobblestone streets of Charleston and the uneven ramps at smaller airports, I noticed the handle felt a bit wobbly and the wheels weren’t as smooth as I expected. It also scuffs easily on rough surfaces. It’s fine for city travel or short flights, but not ideal if you’re bouncing between airports and trailheads.
Travelpro Platinum Elite
I’ve used this on a road trip from Denver to Moab, Utah, and on flights to Portland, Maine. The telescoping handle is rock solid and the spinner wheels glide smoothly even on the gravel parking lots near trailheads for Acadia National Park hikes. The interior layout is smart with plenty of compartments and a dedicated garment section that kept my shirts wrinkle free. The fabric feels durable but not bulky, perfect for both flights and quick weekend hiking trips. Honestly, it’s made for people who actually travel a lot.
Briggs & Riley
This one has been with me on a cross country trip from New York to San Francisco, plus a mix of urban exploration in Chicago and weekend hikes around Rocky Mountain National Park. The build quality feels tank like, the handle solid, wheels buttery smooth, and materials high end. The warranty is unbeatable, it even covers airline damage which gives peace of mind. It’s a bit heavier, but you feel that weight as quality not bulk. I never worried about any part breaking down, and the interior is easy to organize for longer trips. Definitely worth it if you travel frequently and need something that lasts years.
Final take
- Best style and short trips: Away Bigger Carry On
- Best all around practical choice: Travelpro Platinum Elite
- Best long term heavy use investment: Briggs & Riley