If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Like many repeaters We’re big fans of Away’s suitcases. The brand’s hard-shell polycarbonate suitcases are durable, lightweight, and beautiful to look at—especially in one of Away’s signature, vibrant colors. But there’s one downside to Away’s suitcases: their price. The trendy suitcases start at $275 and quickly climb to over $400, which is out of some of our budgets.
Luckily, we've found an affordable alternative to the Away bag that's just as stylish and durable (almost) for less than a third of the price: Target's Open Story hardshell tote, which is currently on sale for just $71.99.
an agreement
open suitcase
Just like Away products, Target's carry-on bag features a sturdy polycarbonate shell that protects your items from drops and scratches. The material is also extremely lightweight, with the entire bag weighing in at 7.3 pounds when empty (the Away carry-on bag is actually 0.2 pounds heavier).
Inside, you'll find two organization options. On one side of the bag is a large zippered mesh pocket—perfect for socks, underwear, and other smaller items—and on the other side are cross-straps to compress clothes down and maximize space. The bag can also be fully expanded to hold even more stuff.
Goal
Then there’s the look. Style is often the first thing sacrificed when buying affordable luggage, but that’s not the case with Target’s bag. The hard shell looks seriously sleek, and you can choose from seven chic colors including pale pink, sand beige, glossy gray, and “light blue.”
Unlike some knockoffs, the Open Story bag comes from a well-known brand (the Open Story bag from Target) and has great customer reviews. It currently has nearly 200 reviews on Target with a 4.3/5 star rating. One reviewer wrote, “I have taken this bag to New York, Boston, Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Amsterdam, and London. I have had this bag for 3 years and have taken it on flights and trains and it has been great. No issues, it is very sturdy and the wheels are smooth. I bought one for my daughter too.”
If you’re looking to upgrade your travel bag but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars, this is a great option. The bag is normally $89.99 (which is already cheap), but it’s on sale right now for a better price of $71.99. Get one here — for yourself or someone else — while the deal lasts.
