Away Large Featherlight Backpack Review

The Away Large Featherlight Backpack takes the formula of Away's Featherlight range, which also includes a crossbody, a sling, a hanging toiletry bag and the original Featherlight Backpack, and scales it up. The range is known for light materials, hardware that matches the fabric color and practical organization, and this bigger model keeps all of that while adding a few useful changes.

How it differs from the original

The large model holds 18 liters versus 15L for the standard Featherlight Backpack, and weighs 0.

The large model holds 18 liters versus 15L for the standard Featherlight Backpack, and weighs 0.2 pounds more. Like the rest of the line, it uses polyester twill with a polyester lining. The most visible changes are the removal of the top tote handles and the addition of a separate laptop compartment, along with some extra organization inside. Listed dimensions are 11.8 x 5.9 x 16.5 inches (30 x 15 x 41.9 cm). Carry-on suitability is judged by comparing the manufacturer's figures with airline allowances, so treat it as a rough guide; packed bags change size and airlines enforce limits differently.

Look and colors

Colorways at the time of writing are Camel Brown, Jet Black, Amaro Brown, Blush Pink and Glacial Pink. Whatever the color, the YKK zippers and Away-branded pulls match it, giving a quiet, minimalist look. The only logo is a small rubbery patch at the base of the right bottle pocket, so the bag never advertises its brand. The monochrome styling is casual yet pairs well with everyday dresses or smart travel trousers, making it suitable for commuting as well as trips. It is also light enough to serve as a plane personal item and then as a day bag at the beach, pool, a resort or a theme park.

Carry and comfort

A small, simple webbing handle on top is good for hanging the bag on a hook or carrying it briefly, and a pass-through lets the bag slide over a rolling suitcase handle, welcome relief at the end of a long travel day even though the bag is light and comfortable on the back.

The harness consists of lightly padded shoulder straps and a back panel with slightly more padding, but no breathable mesh. Some sweat is possible over long periods, though it has not been an issue on daily commutes or on a trip to Jamaica with the smaller version. Hiking is about the only scenario where it might bother users, and the bag's modest size and weight otherwise keep it comfortable. The unbranded strap adjusters hold their position and are easy to change between wearers.

The footprint is a little larger than the original's, yet it remains comfortable to wear. One drawback is that the laptop can be felt through the bag, particularly at the bottom, because its compartment has only light padding and no false bottom; a shorter wearer could feel it just below the waist.

Exterior pockets

Each side has a bottle pocket with stretch fabric at the back, holding standard bottles snugly while accepting wider ones, and both work well. A front quick-access pocket suits a phone, cables, a comb and similar items, and it easily becomes a small catch-all, for instance for a mini toiletry pouch with lip balm and lipstick, a comb and hand sanitizer.

Behind it, a second front compartment contains two passport-sized slip pockets, handy for a passport and a wallet, plus a larger zippered pocket for other small items. It is as easy to reach as the first pocket, so contents can be split between them however suits. Every opening on the bag sits beneath a fabric welt for weather resistance. That is a plus, but zippers occasionally catch on the fabric, especially on the main and laptop compartments.

Laptop compartment

A dedicated sleeve fits laptops up to 16 inches. It opens against the back panel via a zipper running between the bottle pockets. Its single zipper pull means it always opens from left to right, which is less convenient than bags that open from either side or any point along the track, and it is easy to forget which side the pull is parked on. It is a minor annoyance. The compartment has no other organization and no false bottom, so laptops should not be dropped in carelessly, but its light padding has been sufficient for daily commuting.

Main compartment

The main compartment uses two zipper pulls, so it opens from either direction, and it also runs between the bottle pockets for wide access. Inside are a large zippered pocket against the back panel and two deep slip pockets against the front panel, roomy enough that glasses and AirPods rattle around in them. There are more pockets overall than most people will fill, so finding a place for a phone, wallet or travel accessories is never a problem. A key leash is missing, which is noticeable for anyone used to having one.

The open space comfortably holds a small lunch cooler, an extra layer and a tech pouch with room left over, and the bag stays comfortable even when full. There are no compression straps, yet with lighter loads it does not bulge far from the back, perhaps thanks to the single-color design or simply gravity.

Verdict

The Away Large Featherlight Backpack keeps everything that makes the original appealing, light fabric, matching hardware and generous organization, while adding room and a proper laptop compartment. Small issues include the single-pull laptop zipper, occasional snagging on the welts, a lack of padding beneath the laptop and no key leash, but it adapts easily to commuting and travel and is another strong entry in the Featherlight line.