There are three names that dominate every luxury luggage conversation: Rimowa, Tumi, and the upstart that refuses to leave — Away. Between them, they cover a price range from $275 to well over $2,000 for what is, at its core, a box with wheels.
So which one actually deserves your money? We’ve spent time with all three, read hundreds of traveler reviews, and dug into what actually matters when you’re choosing luggage you’ll live with for years.
The Brands at a Glance
Rimowa is the European aristocrat. Founded in Germany in 1898 and now owned by LVMH, Rimowa has built its identity around its iconic grooved aluminum cases — luxury luggage as a status symbol.
Tumi is the American executive’s workhorse. Since 1975, Tumi has focused on function-forward design for business travelers. Their ballistic nylon is legendary for durability.
Away is the direct-to-consumer disruptor. Founded in 2015, Away proved you could build a genuinely good hardshell suitcase for a fraction of legacy brand prices.
Price: The Elephant in the Room
- Away carry-on: Starting at $275
- Tumi carry-on: Starting around $650, topping out above $1,500
- Rimowa carry-on: Starting at $700, aluminum models pushing $1,200+
You could buy two or three Away carry-ons for the price of a single Rimowa.
Build Quality & Durability
Tumi wins for sheer toughness — their ballistic nylon is nearly indestructible. Rimowa looks beautiful but has some handle and wheel reliability concerns. Away offers excellent durability-to-dollar ratio.
Features & Functionality
Tumi dominates with zippered dividers, mesh pockets, hanger brackets, and the Add-a-Bag sleeve. Away hits the sweet spot with a compression system and built-in USB charger. Rimowa takes a minimalist approach.
The Bottom Line
The gap between Away and the luxury brands is smaller than the price difference suggests. Away gets you 80% of the experience at 30% of the cost. The remaining 20% is real, but it’s a luxury premium, not a necessity premium.
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