# Soft-Shell Expandable Suitcases The Expandables by Away are Durable, Spacious & Water-Resistant By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-11-01 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-expandables References: [refinery29](https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/away-luggage-new-expandable-suitcase) & [awaytravel](https://www.awaytravel.com/ca/en/expandables) Away, known for its unbreakable hardside luggage designs, is now introducing The Expandables as a line of durable, water-resistant and extra-roomy rolling suitcases with soft shells. The [hybrid luggage designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-luggage-collection) seem to offer the versatility of a duffel bag and all the portability of a classic rolling suitcase. The nylon suitcases boast the ability to expand 1.75” and feature Away's signature organization system. As well as including an easy-to-access front pocket for essentials, the design of The Expandables includes left and right compartments that make it easy to separate different travel goods, as well as a compression pad to help people pack more. Away's newest suitcases are available in a [range of colors and styles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunshine-yellow), including The Expandable Carry-On and The Expandable Large, which provides even more storage space. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 9% - 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Soft-shell Luggage:** Opportunity for companies to develop expandable luggage designs with soft shells for added versatility and durability. - **Hybrid Luggage:** Opportunity to create hybrid luggage designs that offer portability of a classic rolling suitcase and versatility of a duffel bag. - **Integrated Compression Pads:** Chance for manufacturers to integrate compression pads in their luggage designs to help people pack more. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Luggage Industry:** Luggage manufacturers can take advantage of the demand for soft-shell and hybrid luggage designs to innovate their product lines. - **Travel Industry:** Companies in the travel industry can partner with luggage manufacturers to offer expandable and durable soft-shell suitcases for customers. - **E-commerce Industry:** Opportunity for e-commerce companies to partner with luggage manufacturers to sell more versatile and durable soft-shell suitcases online. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Next-Gen Softside Luggage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/away-softside.md) - [Luxury Expandable Hard Shell Suitcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxury-expandable-hard-shell-suitcases.md) - [Expandable Hard-Sided Suitcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/velo-luggage.md) - [Durable Softside Luggage Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/softside-luggage.md) - [Canadian Expandable Luggage Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/expandable-luggage.md) - [Hybrid Design Luggage Pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fl-escape-collection-pathfinder.md) - [Hybrid Ultra-Strong Suitcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peak-design-roller-pro.md) - [Simplistic Repair-Friendly Suitcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transit-carryon.md) - [Wardrobe-Style Luggage Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drobe-luggage.md)