The Away Dupe You’ve Been Looking For: Quince’s Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase 20”
Product Review Summary
Quince's Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase 20” offers a stylish alternative to Away's popular carry-on, providing a comparable unboxing experience, impressive material quality, and a well-designed interior, all at a more affordable price point.
Ratings
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★★★★★
The lightweight yet durable polycarbonate hard shell provided reliable protection without adding unnecessary weight, and the water-resistant polyester pongee lining ensured the contents remained safe from spills and moisture. The inclusion of a TSA-approved combination lock offered peace of mind, while the Japanese-crafted Hinomoto 360° spinner wheels allowed for effortless maneuverability. It's evident that Quince prioritized construction and materials in the design of this suitcase.
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★★★★★
The interior of the Quince carry-on bag featured a layout reminiscent of Away's design, including an efficient compression system that enabled optimal use of space. It also offered a spacious pocket measuring 17" x 12" for additional storage options and a sturdy aluminum telescopic trolley handle with a comfortable soft rubber grip. The inclusion of a removable travel laundry bag provided a practical solution for keeping dirty clothing separate.
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★★★★★
While the tan color option I initially selected looked stunning, I noticed that scuffs were more noticeable on its surface. As a result, I would highly recommend choosing the black version to minimize the visibility of scuffs and maintain a cleaner appearance over time. However, despite this minor observation, the Quince carry-on excels in functionality, durability, and overall design, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a stylish and reliable suitcase.
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★★★★★
Despite sharing virtually the same features and functionalities, I was amazed to find that Quince's carry-on started at just $119, significantly lower than Away's starting price of $275. This substantial price difference makes Quince's option an attractive and budget-friendly alternative for those in search of a high-quality suitcase without stretching their budget.
Pros:
Lightweight and durable polycarbonate hard shell
Convenient features such as a travel laundry bag and TSA-approved lock
Compelling and affordable price point
Cons:
No built-in charging capability
Scuff visibility with the tan color
Limited color options (tan or black, only)
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Quince: What To Know About the Brand
Quince is a brand that prioritizes transparency and quality in their products, offering affordable luxury essentials. With a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, they source premium materials and work directly with manufacturers to eliminate unnecessary markups. By cutting out the middleman, Quince aims to provide their customers with access to high-quality goods at fair prices, making luxury accessible to all.
Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase Review
As a frequent traveler in search of top-notch carry-on suitcases, I was intrigued by Quince's offering. Its resemblance to the popular Away Carry-On piqued my interest, and I eagerly anticipated comparing the two to assess its quality and performance. The following is a review of Quince’s Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase 20” in the color Tan.
First Impressions
As I unpacked Quince's carry-on suitcase, I couldn't help but notice the striking similarities to unboxing Away's Carry-On. The experience was almost identical, from the sleek packaging to the attention to detail. Inside the box, I found the carry-on nestled securely, accompanied by a useful eraser to clean scuff marks and a charming welcome booklet, reminiscent of the thoughtful touches offered by Away. It was clear that Quince had carefully crafted a premium unboxing experience that mirrored the excellence I had come to expect from other renowned luggage brands.
Quality of Materials
Upon unpacking Quince's carry-on suitcase, I was immediately impressed by the exceptional quality of materials used. The lightweight and durable polycarbonate hard shell provided reliable protection while maintaining a manageable weight. The water-resistant 75D polyester pongee lining added an extra layer of practicality, ensuring the contents remained safeguarded from any unexpected spills or moisture. The inclusion of a TSA-approved combination lock offered peace of mind during travel, although I did find the shape of the zippers slightly difficult to zip closed. However, the Japanese-crafted Hinomoto 360° spinner wheels made up for it with its ultra-smooth ride, allowing for effortless maneuverability in various environments. When it comes to construction and materials, it’s clear Quince didn’t skimp on these.
Interior Organization
Resembling the layout of Away's carry-on interior, it boasted an efficient compression system that allowed me to maximize the available space. The inclusion of a spacious 17" x 12" pocket provided additional storage options for organizing my belongings. The aluminum telescopic trolley handle was not only sturdy but also featured a soft rubber handle that ensured a comfortable grip. Additionally, the removable travel laundry bag proved to be a convenient solution for keeping dirty clothing separate during travel. Overall, the interior design of the Quince carry-on bag demonstrated a careful attention to detail and an understanding of travelers' needs.
Overall Design
The sleek and minimalist aesthetic of this carry-on bag gave it a sophisticated look that I appreciated. The tan color option I chose initially looked stunning, but I noticed that scuffs were more visible on its surface. Therefore, I would highly recommend opting for the black version instead, as it would help minimize the appearance of scuffs and maintain a cleaner look over time. Despite this minor observation, the functionality, durability, and overall design of the Quince carry-on make it a fantastic choice for travelers in need of a stylish and reliable suitcase.
Value for Money
I was pleasantly surprised by the competitive pricing of Quince's Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase, especially when compared to the similar offering from Away. While both suitcases shared virtually the same features and functionalities, I found it remarkable that Quince's carry-on started at just $119, significantly lower than the starting price of $275 for Away's carry-on. This substantial price difference makes Quince's option an attractive and budget-friendly alternative for those seeking a high-quality and stylish carry-on suitcase without breaking the bank.
The Bottom Line
Quince's Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase proved to be a compelling alternative to the popular carry-on suitcase offered by Away. With its comparable unboxing experience, impressive quality of materials, and a well-designed interior, the Quince carry-on delivered on both style and functionality. While offering a similar set of features and thoughtful details, the Quince carry-on comes at a more affordable price point, making it an attractive choice for travelers seeking a high-quality suitcase without breaking the bank. For those in search of a reliable and stylish travel companion, Quince's Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase presents a compelling option that rivals its well-known competitor.