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Away’s New Carry-On Comes with a Feature That Should Be Standard on Every Bag

The frustratingly rare wheel lock finally crosses into the mainstream.

Green hard-shell suitcase with black telescopic handle and built-in combination lock.Away
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Ethan Brehm

By Ethan Brehm

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Have you ever wondered why more suitcases don’t have locking wheels?

Crucial for keeping your bags from rolling away on the airport shuttle or at least slowing down any luggage thieves, the innovation is nothing new (Delsey came out with one as far back as 2016). However, real-world examples are frustratingly few and far between.

Close-up of black suitcase handle slots set in a textured blue hard shell.
Away doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but now it locks them up.
Away

Back in 2024, Aer decided enough was enough. After a decade of building some of the finest backpacks in the game, it finally debuted its first-ever carry-on suitcase.

Best of all, it was equipped with a switch under the handle that could lock the wheels in an instant. But Aer, for as legendary as it is among EDC and gear enthusiasts, is still very much a niche brand.

New York-based luggage staple Away, on the other hand, is one of the most ubiquitous names in the airport terminal. With the new Topside Collection, it finally brings the wheel lock to the mainstream, challenging everyone else to do the same.

Lock, stock and luggage

Launched in three sizes — the Carry-On (41L), Bigger Carry-On (49L) and Medium Trunk (90L) — the Topside Collection features the brand’s first built-in brake system for all four 360-degree wheels.

The StopLock is activated via a switch under the handle that looks almost identical to Aer’s, letting you know this is a function-first release.

Olive green hard-shell suitcase lying on its side showing four black spinner wheels and a recessed handle.
These lockable wheels are still as smooth-gliding as ever.
Away
Olive-green hard-shell suitcase with black handle, zipper, combination lock, and attached black luggage tag.
The Topside bags still carry that beloved Away design ethos.
Away

Visually, the hard-shell lineup sports Away’s signature aesthetic, with clean exteriors and those hallmark horizontal grooves. Each variant is available in four colorways (Jet Black, Coast Blue, Olive Green and Blush Pink).

Easier access

The wheel lock is not the only element that makes these new suitcases significant. Designed to be slimmer yet deeper, the polycarbonate bags feature a namesake opening built into the top-side lid, allowing you to reach inside without unearthing all the clothing therein.

Open teal hard-shell suitcase with black interior and packing cubes, surrounded by folded clothes, yellow sneakers, and a navy toiletry bag.
A top-loading compartment ensures you don’t have to unzip the entire suitcase to access what you need.
Away

In order to prevent the lid from falling open, a pair of drawbridge straps keep it at a 90-degree angle. The lids themselves can help with organization thanks to two very wide zippered mesh pockets. There’s also dedicated storage for a 16-inch laptop. 

Blue hard-shell suitcase open with clothes inside on a luggage rack next to a beige coat hanging.
The lids themselves are built for organization and feature an dedicated laptop sleeve.
Away
Black fabric interior of a bag with a white "AWAY" label and a white circular ring attached inside.
You still get standard Away features like this tracker pocket.
Away

Everything else here is standard for Away, like the hidden AirTag tracker pocket, a water-resistant polyester laundry bag and the patented CompressMore Packing System, which uses zippers to compress your clothing to maximize capacity.

Availability and pricing

The Topside Carry-On ($378), Bigger Carry-On ($398) and Medium Trunk ($498) are all currently up for grabs on Away’s website.

Alongside the collection, the brand also launched the Compression Closet, a foldable insert that helps you keep your clothing organized when traveling.

About the Author: Ethan Brehm is an associate editor at Gear Patrol writing about footwear, watches, spirits, EDC and more. When he’s not shopping for his next G-Shock, he spends his time watching movies and planning a future road trip with his family. He firmly believes CDs sound better than vinyl.

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