Ah, the lure of distant lands. Or the necessity of a business trip. Travel is travel. And post-pandemic life has certainly complicated things. Are vacations getting longer due to remote work? Or are we just taking longer vacations to make up for lost time? In any case, there’s a lot to pack! And obviously, the best eco-friendly luggage brands have to be considered before you buy your vacation luggage.
We’ve rounded up some of the most eco-conscious luggage brands in this post – sustainable, fair trade, stylish! And they’re all robust pieces that will last you for years to come. So, take your time and make good choices for the planet, without compromising on quality or style.
[If you’re looking for eco-friendly backpacks and sustainable outdoor clothing, we’ve got you covered!.]
Quick Eco-friendly Luggage Recommendations
Are you currently looking for some eco-friendly luggage? Let’s first look at what exactly you need, and pick the best option for it!
Got an upcoming backpacking trip you need a bag for? Try the Gregory Paragon 58 recycled hiking backpack.
Planning a weekend trip to a big city to meet up with friends? The REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Recycled Duffel is the answer to your needs.
Going on a longer trip abroad? The incredibly well-designed SOLGAARD Carry-On Closet is just right for you. If you need something bigger, try the Samsonite C-Lite.
Need a secure sustainable backpack to comfortably carry your camera in? Check out Peak Design Travel Camera Pack 45
Looking for a simple daypack for your daily commute? The handmade Gulu Made expandable backpack is your friend.
Looking for a wheeled duffel that will last you a long, long time? Eagle Creek’s Cargo Hauler is the answer.
What to Look For When Buying Eco Friendly Luggage?
When we have all the time in the world to check out the luggage available in the market, then we can get into the nitty gritty details. How can you shortlist the most eco-friendly luggage pieces? Look for these important factors:
1 // Quality and durability
Luggage primarily needs to provide functionality and withstand outdoor conditions and bad weather. It also needs to be robust enough to be (mis)handled by airport staff.
A high quality suitcase can last many, many years. That longevity makes it more eco-friendly than using something of lower quality that you will have to replace every other year.
2 // Your requirements
Just need a weekend bag? Or a heavy duty backpack for hiking? Need a trolley suitcase that doubles as your cabin baggage? Or would you like a full set, with all sizes provided in stunning colors? It all depends on what you want. You probably know what you need, so let’s look at other factors to consider.
3 // Materials & Manufacturing
Luggage needs to be robust, which is why they are usually made from strong materials. We want to find luggage made from strong materials that are also eco-friendly! A good idea is to look at luggage made from recycled materials. Also, look at the manufacturing process and how eco-friendly that is. You want the company to take the entire process seriously and implement responsible measures in their operations. The brands below all do this!
4 // Fair Trade Principles
Fair wages and safe working conditions need to be standard everywhere, but unfortunately they are not. Check if the brand is committed to treating their employees well, paying them well, and looking out for the local community.
5 // Warranties & Repairs
It’s very eco-friendly to make your luggage last as long as you can. Look for warranties and repair programs, so that you are assured of the brand’s sustainability credentials and you know where to go for help with repairs or disposal.
Shop Second Hand Luggage
It’s always the best option to shop secondhand. Not only will you find less expensive options, but, by opting for something that’s already made, you’re reducing demand for new products, and you’re also saving something from being discarded into the landfill.
Hop into your local thrift stores to search for second hand luggage. Or, you could try REI’s Used gear, or Patagonia’s Worn Wear packs and gear.
Also look through OfferUp and Craig’s List. And check out these online resale sites:
1 // Gear Trade
Gear Trade has secondhand duffels, messenger bags, backpacks, and basically anything related to luggage, outdoor gear and sporting goods.
2 // The RealReal
Prefer designer luggage? The RealReal is a luxury consignment store and has authentic, pre-loved designer luggage. Brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc are available here.
Top Eco Friendly Luggage Brands To Check Out
Haven’t found anything suitable in the consignment stores? Then check out these eco-friendly brands, which make their luggage sustainably and design them to last for a long time.
1 // InCase
Price: $79.95 – $399.95
The cleverly named InCase makes modern luggage and accessories for the conscious traveler. They design carry options for Apple devices (check out the sleek EO duffel, which can pack a 15-in MacBook along with your clothes, and is perfect for digital nomads).
InCase’s products are made from eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable materials, including recycled plastic, and uses FSC-certified packaging materials. InCase prioritizes elegant, long-lasting design, and supports 1% for the Planet. Check out their fabulous roller luggage!
2 // Lo & Sons
Price: From $200
This mom-and-sons-owned family business has a cool backstory. Helen Lo was a frequent traveler, but when her back started acting up she knew something had to change. What she and her sons did was radically redesign travel luggage for functionality and comfort. The bags are thoughtfully crafted, sustainably made, and uses organic and recycled materials where possible.
Are these bags better for your back? Yes, and they’re also better for the environment. Check out these weekend bags with the unique shoe storage compartment!
3 // OGIO
OGIO makes golf bags, but we can ignore that and look at their nicely designed suitcases and duffels made from recycled plastic. The brightly colored Rig 9800 is a fully-loaded travel bag, with oversized wheels and easy handling. This bag is available in black and camo versions also, as well as a customizable version.
OGIO bags have a lifetime warranty.
4 // Orvis
Price: From $149
Orvis was founded in 1856 in Vermont. Very closely associated with protecting nature, Orvis’ products gave out an old-timey feel of elegance and sophistication. They actually also have a lifetime warranty. Want to show up at your business meeting in style? Bring the Battenkill Carryon Rollercase.
NOTE: They use leather.
Orvis commits 5% of its pre-tax profits to protecting nature, advancing canine health and well-being, and supporting local communities. They also repair old, damaged products and prevent them from going to the landfill.
5 // Paravel
Price: $45 – $375
Paravel uses OEKO-TEX certified sustainable & recycled materials to make their luggage. Their carry-on luggage and packing cubes are ethically made into ‘negative nylon’ from recycled plastic bottles, and look great! Paravel has recycled 4.7 million plastic water bottles so far.
Paravel is Climate Neutral Certified and carbon neutral. They also offer a 5-year warranty for their gorgeous products.
6 // Roam
Price: $150 – $695
Roam offers customizable luggage – and you can plan out the colors, embroidery, etc. Or, just pick from their available options. Each piece, though, is handmade and made-to-order at their workshop in California. They come with a lifetime guarantee.
7 // Solgaard
8 // United by Blue
9 // Dare to Roam
10 // MZ
11 // Everlane
12 // Parker Clay
13 // Patagonia
14 // Eagle Creek
15 // Cotopaxi
Luggage Made From Recycled Materials
1 // Allégorie
vegan travel bags made from discarded apple peels from the juice industry
2 // Heys EcoLite
made from post-consumer recycled plastic water bottles
3 // Merax Recycled Collection
Made from Eco-friendly recycled PET material
4 // Patagonia
made from recycled content
5 // REI
REI has a number of recycled travel bags
6 // Samsonite Eco-Nu
made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
7 // Solo New York
made from recycled plastic bottles
8 // TUMI Recycled Collection
made primarily from recycled plastic bottles
We hope this post has prepared you somewhat for the next time you travel. Packing up our stuff into a box or bag can be stressful, but when we do some sustainable travel, with eco-friendly luggage, that’s one less thing to worry about!
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NOTE: All brand photographs belong to the respective brands/businesses.
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