# Next-Gen Softside Luggage The Away Softside Line is Lightweight, High-Strength and Durable By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2024-07-09 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/away-softside References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/away-disrupts-sleepy-luggage-category-with-a-revolutionary-new-softside-line-302191204.html) & [awaytravel](https://www.awaytravel.com/en-ca/suitcases/softside-carry-on?color=jet_black&g_acctid=339-154-7612&g_network=x&g_adtype=none&g_campaignid=20248666524&g_campaign=All_Medium_Suitcases_All_CA_GGL_Shop_PLA&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv7O0BhDwARIsAC0sjWN8jPfU3fnUaBPIC228dbCIB4BU3vzIrF_WX6rxt7vPAu4RtUZb4V0aAqDqEALw_wcB&hybrid=1)  The all-new [Away Softside](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stylish-suitcases) line fuses functionality with style and aligns with the preferences of consumers who prefer alternatives to hardside travel bags. Although Away [hardside suitcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hardside-luggage-collection) provide a functional, quality and stylish solution that meets the needs of many travelers, Away saw the opportunity to cater to a new customer base with softside solutions. The brand found that more than 50% of luggage sales in the United States are softside luggage and over 90 million United States travelers use softside luggage exclusively. The Away Softside line shares customer-beloved features in a new format: sleek, modern style with supportive design details for travelers like the brand's signature compression system and custom pad. Crafted from lightweight, high-strength nylon, the luggage designs are durable with abrasion-resistant, water-repellant qualities. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 26% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Travel](https://www.trendhunter.com/travel) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Lightweight Travel Solutions:** Rising consumer demand for lightweight luggage design with durable materials. - **Functionality-combined-with-style:** Combining modern aesthetics with functional, traveler-friendly features brings a new dimension to travel convenience. - **Softside Luggage Preference:** A significant market shift towards softside luggage, with over 50% of sales in this category, reveals evolving consumer preferences. ### Who This Affects Most - **Travel Goods Manufacturing:** Manufacturers can capitalize on the trend towards durable and stylish softside luggage. - **Nylon Production:** Nylon producers can see rising demand for high-strength, lightweight materials in the travel industry. - **E-commerce:** E-commerce platforms can offer a curated selection of innovative softside luggage to capture this growing market segment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Durable Softside Luggage Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/softside-luggage.md) - [Collaborative Luggage Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stylish-suitcases.md) - [Collaborative Color-Focused Suitcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/away-1.md) - [Vibrant Lightweight Suitcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunshine-yellow.md) - [Neon Tonal Premium Luggage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neon-collection-1.md) - [Personality-Forward Luggage Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airs-luggage.md) - [Durable Hardside Luggage Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hardside-luggage-collection.md) - [Uniquely Constructed Suitcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-luggage-collection.md) - [Vibrant Collaborative Luggage Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundwave-collection.md)