Topside Medium Trunk vs Bigger Carry-On: Which One?
By Away: Built for modern travel | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Comparisons
Deciding between the Topside Medium Trunk and the Bigger Carry-On? We break down the key trade-offs to help you choose the right Away luggage for your trip.
Quick Answer
Choose the Topside Medium Trunk if you need maximum packing capacity for longer trips and don't mind checking a bag. Choose the Bigger Carry-On if you prefer to keep your luggage with you in the cabin and value quick access to your tech and essentials.
Capacity vs. Convenience: The Core Trade-Off
The Topside Medium Trunk packs as much as Away's classic Large suitcase but in a narrower, deeper profile. That means you can bring more without blocking hallways or cabin doors, but you'll need to check it at the airport. The Bigger Carry-On, on the other hand, is designed to fit in the overhead bin, so you can breeze through the airport and avoid baggage claim.
Think about your typical trip: a weekend city break or a business trip where you need your laptop and a change of clothes? The Bigger Carry-On's front pocket and dedicated tech sleeves make it a natural fit. A two-week vacation or a trip where you want to bring a variety of outfits? The Topside Medium Trunk's front-loading lid and interior compression system help you stay organized while living out of your bag.
Trade-Offs at a Glance
- Packing Capacity: The Topside Medium Trunk offers the capacity of a large suitcase, while the Bigger Carry-On is limited to carry-on size. Choose the trunk for longer trips or when you need to pack bulky items. If you often overpack, the trunk gives you more room to work with.
- Airport Experience: The Bigger Carry-On lets you skip checked baggage and keep your bag with you, while the Topside Medium Trunk must be checked. Choose the carry-on for speed and convenience, or the trunk if you don't mind waiting at baggage claim. Consider how much you value avoiding baggage claim on your next trip.
- Access to Essentials: The Bigger Carry-On's front pocket gives you quick access to your laptop, phone, and passport, while the Topside Medium Trunk's front-loading lid lets you live out of your bag without losing space. Choose the carry-on for frequent access to tech, or the trunk for organized living out of your suitcase. Think about whether you need your laptop or passport during the flight or at a layover.
Product Facts
- Topside Medium Trunk in: The Topside Medium Trunk packs as much as the classic Large suitcase but is narrower and deeper, with a front-loading top lid and interior compression system. This means you get maximum packing capacity for long trips without the bag feeling bulky in narrow spaces, and the front-loading lid lets you access your items without unpacking everything.
Topside Medium Trunk in - The Executive Bigger Carry-On in: The Bigger Carry-On features a spacious front pocket with dedicated sleeves for a 14" laptop, phone, passport, and more, plus a main compartment for multiple outfits. This makes it ideal for business trips and commutes where you need quick, organized access to your tech and essentials while staying within carry-on size limits.
The Executive Bigger Carry-On in
Which One Fits You?
Best For
- Travelers who pack heavy and need maximum capacity for long trips or family vacations
- Those who prefer the organization of a front-loading trunk and don't mind checking a bag
Not For
- Travelers who want to avoid checked baggage fees and keep their bag with them in the cabin
- Business travelers who need quick access to a laptop and essentials during transit
