Choosing between Away backpacks comes down to access and organization versus a lighter, simpler carry. The Everywhere Zip has a wraparound opening and hidden back pocket; the Large Featherlight has two water bottle pockets and a machine-washable fabric, according to the published product details.
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
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
Choose by trip and packing needs
For structured access and travel organization: Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack
The Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack suits travelers who want broad access to the main compartment and dedicated places for tech and small essentials. It measures 12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches and has a padded sleeve for a 16-inch laptop, an iPad slip pocket, a water bottle pocket, interior pockets, and a detachable key clip. A hidden back zip pocket and trolley sleeve add travel-focused storage and suitcase compatibility.
Reasons to buy: The wraparound zipper provides unobstructed access to the main compartment. The padded laptop sleeve, hidden back pocket, and trolley sleeve support organized airport carry. Water-repellent nylon and a breathable mesh back panel are listed features.
Trade-offs and details to confirm: The published details list one water bottle pocket, rather than two. The product’s dimensions are slightly larger than the Large Featherlight’s, so check your intended packing space and carrier requirements before travel. Water-repellent does not mean waterproof.
Skip it if: You prefer two exterior bottle pockets or want the listed machine-washable fabric of the Featherlight.
For a lighter-feeling carry and two bottle pockets: Away Large Featherlight Backpack
The Away Large Featherlight Backpack is the more compact of these two by listed external dimensions, at 11.8 x 5.9 x 16.5 inches. Its separate padded laptop compartment fits laptops up to 16 inches. The published details also list two exterior water bottle pockets, each fitting bottles up to 32 ounces, plus a passport pocket, front zip pocket, main-compartment zip pocket, and trolley sleeve.
Reasons to buy: Two bottle pockets give each bottle a dedicated exterior spot. The product details describe its fabric as water-repellent, easy to wipe clean, and machine washable. The separate laptop compartment supports quick device access.
Trade-offs and details to confirm: The published details do not specify a full wraparound main-compartment opening or a hidden back pocket. Its softer, draping silhouette may not suit travelers who want a more structured bag.
Skip it if: You want the Everywhere Zip’s listed wraparound opening, hidden back pocket, or breathable mesh back panel.
How to Choose an Away Backpack for Travel
Compare external dimensions with your packing needs. The Everywhere Zip measures 12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches; the Large Featherlight measures 11.8 x 5.9 x 16.5 inches. These are external measurements, not stated internal capacity. The published details do not give volume in liters, so dimensions alone cannot show how much clothing or gear each bag holds.
Check your laptop size and preferred access. Both models list a padded compartment for laptops up to 16 inches. The Everywhere Zip adds an iPad slip pocket and a magnetic-locking zipper on its laptop pocket. The Featherlight’s separate laptop compartment is described as easy to access during security screening. Check your device dimensions and the bag’s current specifications before buying.
Choose organization for your routine. The Everywhere Zip lists a hidden back zip pocket, interior slip and zip pockets, and a detachable key clip. The Featherlight lists a passport pocket, front zip pocket, and two bottle pockets. Consider which items you want within reach and whether you need space for one bottle or two.
Treat water resistance as limited protection. Both products are described as water-repellent. That claim does not establish that either backpack is waterproof or suitable for prolonged exposure to heavy rain. Use additional protection for electronics or other items that cannot get wet.
Verify airline personal-item rules. The Everywhere Zip is described in the product details as meeting airline personal-item requirements, but airline limits can differ and may change. The published details do not establish a universal allowance or confirm that the Large Featherlight qualifies as a personal item on every carrier. Check your airline’s current size and item rules before departure.
Read warranty terms carefully. The supplied Everywhere Zip listing describes a limited one-year warranty for functional damage caused by manufacturing defects or unexpected rough travel. The Featherlight listing refers to Away LifetimeCare coverage and repair support, but describes coverage as applying to suitcases. The published information does not clarify how that wording applies to this backpack. Confirm current coverage and exclusions with Away before relying on a warranty.
How We Compared
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.
Which Away Backpack Should You Choose?
Choose the Everywhere Zip if broad compartment access, a hidden back pocket, and its listed organization matter most. Consider the Large Featherlight if two bottle pockets, a smaller listed exterior footprint, and machine-washable fabric better match your routine. If neither layout fits, compare more options in our 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.
