Choosing between these Away backpacks comes down to carry style. The Everywhere Zip Backpack emphasizes structured organization, a full wraparound opening, and a padded 16-inch laptop pocket. The Large Featherlight Backpack has a lower-profile design, two exterior bottle pockets, and machine-washable fabric. Both include a trolley sleeve and fit up to a 16-inch laptop, according to the published product information.

1
Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

Away
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Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack is a water-repellent nylon travel backpack with a padded sleeve for laptops up to 16 inches and a wraparound main-compartment zipper. Its listed dimensions suit travelers seeking a personal-item-sized bag, but airline size limits vary, so confirm requirements before flying.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Padded 16-inch laptop sleeve
  • Wraparound main-compartment access
  • Trolley sleeve for Away Carry-On
  • Water bottle pocket and key clip

Cons

  • Personal-item acceptance varies by airline
  • Listed weight is 2.45 pounds
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Away Featherlight Large Backpack, 16-Inch Laptop Fit

Away Featherlight Large Backpack

Away
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Away Featherlight Large is a lightweight travel backpack with a separate padded compartment for laptops up to 16 inches, two bottle pockets, and a trolley sleeve designed for Away suitcases. Its listed dimensions are 11.8 x 5.9 x 16.5 inches and its weight is 1.2 pounds, making it suited to travelers who want organized carry without a heavier bag.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lightweight for travel carry
  • Padded laptop compartment
  • Two large bottle pockets
  • Machine-washable, water-repellent fabric
  • Trolley sleeve for Away suitcases

Cons

  • Trolley sleeve compatibility is specified for Away suitcases

Which option fits your trip?

Best for structured access: Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack suits travelers who want broad access to one main compartment and more built-in structure. Its listed dimensions are 12 inches by 5.9 inches by 17.7 inches. The product information describes water-repellent nylon, leather trim, padded shoulder straps, a breathable mesh back panel, and a top leather handle.

Reasons to buy
  • Full wraparound zipper opens the main compartment broadly.
  • Padded laptop pocket fits a 16-inch laptop.
  • Magnetic-locking zipper, iPad slip pocket, interior pockets, water bottle pocket, and detachable key clip support organization.
  • Hidden back zipper pocket provides a designated passport-storage area.
  • Built-in trolley sleeve works with an Away Carry-On, according to the product listing.
Reasons to avoid
  • Its listed external dimensions are slightly larger than those of the Large Featherlight Backpack.
  • Water-repellent fabric does not mean waterproof construction.
  • The published listing describes limited one-year warranty coverage for functional damage caused by manufacturing defects or unexpected rough travel. Confirm current terms before purchase.
Skip it if

Choose another option if you prioritize the softest, lightest-feeling fabric or need two exterior bottle pockets.

Best for soft fabric and bottle access: Away Large Featherlight Backpack

Away Large Featherlight Backpack fits travelers who prefer a low-profile backpack with easy-access exterior storage. Its listed dimensions are 11.8 inches by 5.9 inches by 16.5 inches. The product information describes Featherlight fabric as water repellent, wipe-clean, and machine washable, with a softly structured shape and padded shoulder straps.

Reasons to buy
  • Separate padded laptop compartment fits up to a 16-inch laptop.
  • Two exterior bottle pockets fit bottles up to 32 ounces, according to the listing.
  • Front zipper pocket keeps small grab-and-go items accessible.
  • Interior zipper pocket and passport pocket add basic organization.
  • Trolley sleeve supports hands-free movement with an Away suitcase.
  • Machine-washable fabric may suit travelers focused on easier cleaning.
Reasons to avoid
  • Its softer, draping structure may offer less rigid protection than a more structured backpack.
  • The product information does not state a full wraparound opening.
  • Water-repellent fabric is not waterproof.
  • The supplied coverage language refers to Away LifetimeCare for suitcases. Confirm whether current coverage applies to this backpack and review its exact terms.
Skip it if

Choose another option if you want the widest possible main-compartment opening or more structured packing support.

Key Trade-Offs

Access: The Everywhere Zip Backpack has a full wraparound zipper, which should make the main compartment easier to view and reach. The Featherlight listing confirms a separate laptop compartment and zippered pockets but does not describe the same full-opening design.

Dimensions: External size affects how a backpack fits under a seat or in a personal-item space, but it does not reveal usable capacity. The Everywhere Zip Backpack measures 12 inches by 5.9 inches by 17.7 inches. The Large Featherlight Backpack measures 11.8 inches by 5.9 inches by 16.5 inches. Airline personal-item rules vary by carrier, so confirm current limits before departure.

Fabric: Both listings use water-repellent language. That can help with light splashes, but it is not proof of waterproof performance. Neither listing supplies an independent waterproof rating.

Bottle storage: The Everywhere Zip Backpack lists one water bottle pocket. The Large Featherlight Backpack lists two exterior pockets sized for bottles up to 32 ounces. That difference matters for travelers who carry multiple bottles or want quick access.

Laptop storage: Both products list protection for laptops up to 16 inches. Laptop fit can vary by device shape and case, so check measurements before relying on the stated maximum.

How We Compared Them

This is a specification-based comparison, not a hands-on test. We assess the published product information for practical fit and trade-offs; see how we research our guides for the limits of this approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which backpack has more bottle storage?

The Large Featherlight Backpack lists two exterior bottle pockets and states that each fits bottles up to 32 ounces. The Everywhere Zip Backpack lists one water bottle pocket.

Do both backpacks fit a 16-inch laptop?

Yes. Both published product listings state compatibility with up to a 16-inch laptop. Confirm your laptop’s dimensions, especially if it uses a protective case.

Are these backpacks waterproof?

No waterproof rating appears in the published information. Both use water-repellent language, which does not establish waterproof protection.

Bottom Line

Choose the Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack if broad opening, structured organization, and a hidden passport pocket matter most. Choose the Away Large Featherlight Backpack if two exterior bottle pockets, softer fabric, easier cleaning, and a lower-profile shape better match your routine. Travelers needing verified personal-item compliance, waterproof protection, or a different laptop fit should confirm those requirements with the airline or manufacturer before buying.

For more options, browse TripMelio’s Travel Backpacks category.

Source material

Product details are drawn from the Amazon listings linked here: Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack; Away Featherlight Large Backpack, 16-Inch Laptop Fit. The article separates listed features from independently verified performance.