Away’s soft-sided luggage is a worthwhile addition to your suitcase rotation. A modern, elegant design, durable nylon build and expansion system make it my go-to when flying and not checking a bag.

Ballistic nylon, which is thicker and heavier than standard nylon, is commonly used in soft-sided luggage. Top-rated brands like Travelpro and Briggs & Riley use it in their products. Cordura is ...