Ridge vs Away Luggage: How Does Nobl Travel Compare?

Whether you’re a frequent flyer looking for luggage that can hold up to thousands of miles a year, or you just travel every once and a while but want to do it in style, there are so many great luggage brands on the market to choose from.

Two we see compared all the time are Ridge vs Away luggage. With carry-on and checked suitcases made from similar materials at similar price ranges, it’s easy to see why. But how does Nobl Travel stack up to these brands?

Both Ridge and Away rely on polycarbonate shells and incorporate features like 360 smooth-gliding wheels, TSA-approved locks, and compression systems for easy organization inside. Ridge suitcases tend to be a bit more expensive.

Nobl Travel uses polycarbonate shells as well, but our frames are made from aluminum and we also have fully aluminum luggage if you want the strongest option on the market. Our suitcases have all the same basic features as Away and Ridge, but we also incorporate thoughtful touches  like built-in cup holders, charging ports, collapsible frames, and more to make your life easier.

In looking at Nobl Travel luggage vs Away luggage vs Ridge luggage, it comes down to value for the money and style preferences. Take a closer look below, or discover the difference in our hard shell luggage firsthand by ordering yours today!

“They are so functional! Great telescopic handles. The wheels are the best and 2 of them lock. These beat our expensive Away aluminum at a fraction of the cost. Thanks for the work NOBL!” - Gary

“I have been looking for the perfect carry-on. I came across Nobl and thought the price was right, I also loved the features: cup holder, charge, phone holder, and front computer storage. This thing wheels beautifully as well.” - Rhoda

“We are very impressed by the luggage. The weight is not bad, and the inside gives us plenty of room. Love all the features of the carry-on piece with the coffee holder and the ability to recharge the phone. They are very sturdy and will hold up for a long time!” - Madeline

Nobl Travel vs Ridge vs Away Luggage

Feature	Nobl Travel	Ridge	Away
Shell Material	Polycarbonate or Aluminum	German Makrolon polycarbonate with aluminum corner guards	Lightweight polycarbonate
Closure System	Zipperless latch with TSA lock	YKK Racquet Coil zippers with TSA lock	Standard zippers with TSA lock
Wheels	Smooth-glide 360° spinner wheels	Oversized, durable 360° spinner wheels	Premium 360° spinner wheels
Handle System	Multi-stage telescoping handle	2-height telescopic aluminum handle	Quick-release handle with 2 height settings
Interior Features	Compression straps, zipped divider, laptop & device compartments, organizer panel	Compression panel, GPS/AirTag pocket, zippered dividers	Compression pad, laundry bag, mesh pockets, tag
Tech Integration	Built-in USB port, phone holder, cup holder	AirTag/GPS tracker pocket	None by default (optional charger add-on)
Aesthetic	Sleek, modern, minimalist	Utilitarian, rugged, matte tones	Clean, stylish, Instagram-ready
Warranty	Limited lifetime warranty	Lifetime warranty	Lifetime warranty (with some limitations)
Price Range	$245-$595	$345-$445	$275-$795

Nobl Travel Luggage: Features, Materials, and More

Our carry-on luggage and checked luggage is built for those who expect more from their luggage than simply getting them to and from their destination. Our customers crave more security, more convenience, and more refinement in every detail. So, we delivered. 

How We Build Our Luggage

We use aircraft-grade aluminum and unbreakable polycarbonate shells to deliver the best of both durability and weight management. You never have to worry about discovering a busted shell at baggage claim.

Our signature zipperless design locks out theft while eliminating the weak points found in traditional bags, complete with dual/triple TSA-approved locks for added peace of mind.

Every component is thoughtfully engineered, from reinforced corners to fluid 360-degree wheels to sturdy telescoping handles that don’t wobble. The best part is we keep our costs low despite these high-quality touches, so you get unparalleled value for the money.

Signature Nobl Travel Luggage Lines

There is a suitcase for every traveler here at Nobl Travel. Whether you take quick weekend trips or week-long business excursions, you’ll find your new favorite luggage in our collection.

Our award-winning all-in-one carry-on luggage brings together security and convenience with features like a built-in USB charger, phone holder, and cup holder. It has a front laptop pocket as well for easy access at security checkpoints. There’s plenty of internal space despite meeting all airline size restrictions for carry-ons.

The aluminum luggage in our lineup is our strongest and most sophisticated-looking. You get maximum durability, sleek aesthetics, and secure latch locks for international travel or anytime you want to make a statement in the terminal.

We also have collapsible checked luggage and carry-on luggage that offers flexibility without sacrificing strength. These suitcases are designed for apartment dwellers, minimalists, and travelers short on storage, flattening from 10” down to just 4” when not in use. This is something no other luxury bag offers at this level of quality.

Nobl Travel has commonly been called the #1 Monos alternative and Rimowa luggage alternative, and you’ll understand why once you take that first trip. But how does our luggage compare to Ridge vs Away luggage?

Ridge Luggage: Features, Materials, and More

Ridge started in the everyday carry space. You’re probably more familiar with the brand for its sleek wallet, but it has since expanded into more travel gear - including carry-ons and checked luggage.

Materials and Features

Ridge luggage is constructed from German Makrolon polycarbonate, which is 30% thicker than most shells in its class. This brings extra strength without excess weight. The corners are reinforced with black anodized aluminum for even more impact protection and a refined finish.

YKK Racquet Coil zippers, oversized spinner wheels, and a telescoping handle (with two height options) round out the build. Every suitcase comes standard with a TSA-approved lock, interior compression panels, and dedicated space for AirTag or GPS trackers.

Signature Ridge Luggage Lines

There are just two main suitcases available in the Ridge lineup, albeit in a variety of colors - the Ridge Carry-On and the Ridge Check-In.

The Ridge Carry-On is made for rugged, refined travel. It fits 48L of capacity within a 22.5" x 14" x 9" exterior, at only 7.6lbs. That’s a pretty impressive balance between packing space and weight. The internal layout features a zipped left panel, compression panel on the right, and a subtle tracker pocket.

The Ridge Check-In brings many of the same features in a larger format, holding 70L of volume while weighing 10.2 lbs. The construction is the same, though. You’ll find zipped and compression panels inside to help organize bulkier items. The 200D lining adds a sleek interior finish and helps protect garments from scuffs.

Away Luggage: Features, Materials, and More

Away has come to be known as one of the best brands in modern luggage, skyrocketing in popularity by providing suitcases with aesthetic simplicity, thoughtful interiors, and durable materials. 

Materials and Features

Away luggage is made from 100% polycarbonate shells. They’re lightweight, flexible, and built to absorb impact. But, Away also has its own aluminum lineup.

The suitcases also feature premium 360° spinner wheels, ergonomic telescoping handles, TSA-compliant locks, and an internal compression system with double-buckle straps. 

The reverse coil zippers add a touch of visual polish while preventing snagging. Each suitcase comes with a water-resistant laundry bag and leather luggage tag made with recycled materials.

Signature Away Luggage Lines

Away has quite a few different luggage lines to accommodate different preferences for materials and size. The Carry-On is its most popular and compact model at 21.7" x 14.4" x 9" and holding just under 40L, so it easily fits into airline overhead bins.

The compression panel and mesh pockets inside keep clothes flat and accessible. The extra grab handle on the bottom makes lifting it from car trunks or baggage carousels easier. You’ll find many variations of The Carry-On in different sizes.

Then there’s the checked luggage lineup, featuring The Large - which, as the name suggests, is designed for 2+ weeks of travel. You get 100L of internal space in a 29.5" x 18.2" x 12.8" shell. Don’t let the size fool you, though, it’s pretty lightweight at only 10.1lbs.

The same compression system and organizational layout make it ideal for long trips or shared packing. All pieces nest for space-saving storage at home. 

We have more comparisons of July vs Away luggage, Away vs Beis, and Quince vs Away luggage in our blog. But, let’s narrow our focus to the topic at hand - Nobl Travel vs Ridge vs Away luggage. 

Nobl Travel vs Away vs Ridge Luggage: Which Brand Should You Buy?

Choosing between Nobl Travel vs Away vs Ridge luggage ultimately is going to come down to what matters most to you in luggage. But the good news is you really can’t go wrong with any of these brands, as each emphasizes quality materials, thoughtful features, and stylish design.

We’ll take a closer look at the details that matter most to help you feel confident picking among Nobl Travel vs Ridge vs Away luggage below, starting with materials. 

Material and Shell Construction

All three brands use polycarbonate shells, but not all polycarbonate is created equal. For instance, Ridge uses German Makrolon polycarbonate that’s roughly 30% thicker than what most brands offer. That’s part of why it’s the most expensive brand in this comparison.

Ridge also brings in anodized aluminum corner guards that help absorb shock, while YKK Racquet Coil zippers provide smooth, jam-free operation. 

On the other hand, Away luggage uses a 100% polycarbonate shell that’s a bit more lightweight. It’s resilient enough for typical travel conditions, but noticeably thinner than both Nobl and Ridge. That might not be a dealbreaker if you’re more interested in mobility than protection.

Nobl Travel uses unbreakable polycarbonate paired with an aluminum frame. That’s why our luggage is a little heavier than the other options. We also have a lineup of luggage (as does Away, for that matter) with aluminum shells for added protection.

But all our suitcases are designed to withstand years of travel without dents, cracks, or zipper blowouts. The real differentiator is the zipperless design, which not only elevates security but also eliminates one of the most common failure points in luggage.

Interior Space, Compression, and Organization

It’s not just the suitcase exterior that matters in choosing between Nobl Travel vs Ridge vs Away luggage, but the interior space you have to work with. 

Ridge keeps things simple inside, true to the brand’s minimalist roots. Each side has a dedicated panel: one zipped, one compressible, with a discreet pocket for AirTags or GPS trackers. It’s minimal but smart.

Away stands out for those who love compartments, as the brand’s signature compression pad includes dual buckle straps and wide mesh pockets. The other side has zipped storage and a laundry bag.

Nobl Travel makes packing effortless and stress-free without overcomplicating it with tons of different compartments. You’ll find compression panels, smooth fabric linings, and clever compartments that don’t add unnecessary bulk.

Some of our models go even further with removable organizers or snap-in panels. Our smallest luggage still packs for 5-7 day trips, while our largest gives you 100L of interior space to work with.

Comparing Features and Performance in Real Travel Scenarios

There’s a bit of overlap in comparing Nobl Travel vs Ridge vs Away luggage in terms of features. All three brands offer smooth spinner wheels, sturdy telescoping handles, TSA-approved locks, and compression systems.

Ridge also includes a shoe tote and laundry bag with your purchase, which we think is a nice touch. Away gives you a drawstring laundry bag made of 100% recycled polyester as well. 

But this is where Nobl Travel really stands out as the best Ridge or Away luggage alternative. Our luggage brings you sophisticated, modern features you won’t find elsewhere - like a built-in cup holder, dedicated charging port, and of course, that collapsible series we highlighted earlier.

One of the biggest goals we set out with in designing our luggage was to solve real-world travel problems. Not just the stuff that sounds good on paper but doesn’t really move the needle for travelers. The things that genuinely frustrate you while packing or navigating busy terminals.

Customer Service and Warranty

You’re getting a lifetime warranty no matter which of these brands you go with, so you don’t need to stress about that. Every company in our Nobl Travel vs Ridge vs Away luggage comparison stands behind its products.

We can’t speak for the other guys, but we can tell you with 100% certainty that we actually honor our lifetime guarantee, too. Customers come to us all the time, years after they purchased from us, with a wheel that got bent by TSA, or a latch that doesn’t close right anymore. We send replacement parts or brand-new suitcases without question.

We think this is part of what has earned us a 4.0/5 star rating on Trustpilot, the #1 independent customer review site in the world. Just take a look at what real customers say, and you’ll find that the bulk of our reviews actually have nothing to do with our suitcase - it’s our service!

For comparison, Away luggage has a very concerning 1.7/5 star review on Trustpilot, with 45% of reviews being 1-star. Ridge has a really strong 4.5/5 star rating, but the bulk of these reviews are specifically for wallets rather than luggage, so take that with a grain of salt.

Price vs Value For the Money

There’s one more important distinction between Nobl Travel vs Away vs Ridge luggage: cost. More specifically, value for the money. Each of these brands is priced at a premium compared to other options on the market, but you get what you pay for.

Away is the most affordable of the three, with carry-ons starting at $275 and checked hard-sided luggage starting around $345. But you’re not really getting any sophisticated features.

Ridge is the most expensive with its carry-ons and checked suitcases costing $345 and $445, respectively. They have really strong materials and minimalist branding that resonates with a lot of materials, but nothing fancy on the feature front.

Nobl Travel sits in a nice middle ground between the two in terms of price. Suitcases start at $245 for our collapsible carry-on suitcase, and even our most sophisticated aluminum checked luggage is $595 compared to Away’s $745 aluminum suitcase.

You’re getting way better value for the money with Nobl Travel, but by this point you can see how that’s just one reason this is the smart travel upgrade between Ridge vs Away luggage. Browse our catalog and find your new favorite travel companion today!

Wrapping Up Our Ridge vs Away Luggage Comparison

As we bring our Away vs Ridge luggage comparison to a close we hope you feel confident in the differences between these brands and Nobl Travel. 

Ridge brings minimalist durability. Away leans into comfort and style. But Nobl Travel checks every box: build quality, style, features, and value for the money. Whether you want a carry-on or checked suitcase, your search ends here. 

Make your next departure feel like first class with Nobl Travel!