Sustainable Luggage Finds: Our 6 Favorites
You may be aware of environmentally conscious practices, but what about the luggage you carry with you? Many brands have sustainability at the forefront of their minds when designing bags that will make their way through cars, airports, train stations, and more. You can make a positive environmental impact with your choice of travel bag. Below, we explore some of the best sustainable luggage options out there that will give you peace of mind while you’re on the go.
What is Sustainable Luggage?
Sustainable luggage is any tote, roller, duffel, or backpack crafted with the environment in mind. Whether that means it is produced with a limited carbon emission in mind or if the bag itself is crafted of recycled materials, plenty of brands produce travel companions made to last. Whether you’re staying close or going far away, sustainable luggage has got your back – all without causing harm to the planet.
Top 6 Sustainable Luggage Finds: How We Chose
We’ve compiled a list of the best sustainable luggage options for weekend travelers and international explorers alike. In compiling our top picks, we’ve taken into account the quality, size, and sustainability of the materials used to craft each product. Let’s take a look at some of the luggage options we’ve identified as the best!
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Paravel Aviator Set
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Material | Recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum handles, recycled zippers, vegan leather details, and Negative Nylon linings made from a combined 36 recycled plastic bottles |
| Volume | 43.7 L |
Truly made of sustainable materials, this sustainable carry-on luggage has an interior “negative nylon” lining constructed from 36 recycled water bottles! Paravel’s Aviator Set is a chic, eco-friendly travel companion.
Highlights
Fun fact: your new sustainable luggage is also carbon neutral. The estimated carbon emissions released from the shipping and handling of this product are offset by the recycled materials used to create it, reducing your carbon footprint to zero!
Things to Consider
The Aviator Set is compliant with TSA carry-on requirements. If you opt for the larger Aviator Set Plus size, you’ll have to check your bag. A TSA-approved lock secures your valuables to get you from point A to point B without any missing pieces.
2. Sologaard Carry-On Closet
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Material | Polycarbonate shell, aluminum frame |
| Volume | 34 L |
Designed for optimal storage and organization, Sologaard’s Carry-On Closet has you set up for success. It’s made from sustainable materials, including recycled plastic, to leave you feeling better about your travel choices.
Highlights
This bag’s most unique feature is its transformability into a five-shelf closet! TIME magazine even recognized this patented design as “the Best Travel Invention of the Year.” With patented interior lining made from 100% recycled plastic, each bag clears six pounds of ocean-bound plastic to keep coastal communities clean and thriving.
Things to Consider
This sustainable bag is not only good for the environment but durable enough to withstand travel of all shapes and sizes. The unique internal closet design allows for maximum organization and packing potential!
3. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag
| Certifications | Fair Trade |
| Material | 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate |
| Volume | 40, 55, 70, or 100 L |
Patagonia is internationally recognized for its commitment to sustainability and delivering quality, eco-conscious products. The Black Hole Duffel Bag is the perfect sustainable carry-on luggage for all your small and large adventures!
Highlights
This duffel’s body lining, fabric, and webbing are all composed of 100% recycled materials. A tough polyurethane coating provides a weather-proof, abrasion-resistant exterior.
Things to Consider
With a padded base and 40 liters of packable space, this duffel is equipped to carry all your travel needs. Removal straps allow you to choose between carrying your luggage as a duffel bag or over your shoulders as a backpack!
4. Sea Bags Chebeague Duffel
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Material | Upcycled boat sails |
| Volume | One Size: 22″ x 9″ x 10″ |
Designed, sourced, and produced in the United States, all Sea Bags are proudly made of domestic materials- nothing imported. The Chebeague is a stylish, sustainable choice you can feel great about.
Highlights
These sustainable bags are crafted from upcycled boat sails. Each unique creation provides the durability and toughness of the sails that have once hit the water and that they are sewn together from.
Things to Consider
This bag fits all airline carry-on requirements and is equipped for everything from a weekend road trip to an international flight.
5. Orvis Carry-Trekkage LT Adventure Carry-On Roller Bag
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Material | 600D CORDURA® re/cor™ RPET fabric |
| Volume | 40 L |
Orvis’s Trekkage Adventure 40L Carry-On Roller Bag is engineered for ease. The telescoping trolley handle is perfect for rolling your companion through airport terminals and beyond.
Highlights
This sustainable travel bag is made from eco-friendly CORDURA RPET fabric, a strong polyester yarn created from discarded packaging and bottles. It fits most carry-on requirements and offers protection from damages with a water-repellent exterior.
Things to Consider
Orvis’s warranty and repair program stands behind the quality of its brand and grants all shoppers help with repairing or refurbishing their luggage.
6. A Smaller, Sustainable Option: Lo & Sons Nouvelle
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Material | Water-resistant nylon, cactus leather |
| Size | 11.5 oz |
As a sustainable, chic brand, Lo & Sons crafts timeless, minimalistic designs with sustainability in mind. This family-owned brand offers a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes for their travel bags. The Nouvelle is the perfect choice for a smaller, on-the-go travel companion.
Highlights
This bag, crafted with recycled nylon, is both environmentally friendly and water resistant. It’s also so stylish that you won’t even be able to tell that it’s luggage!
Things to Consider
This crossbody bag is designed to fit all iPhone models. Not an Apple user? This bag might not be ideal to suit your needs.
How to Choose the Right Sustainable Travel Bag for You
Just like choosing a travel destination, picking the right sustainable travel bag to accompany all your adventures deserves time and attention to detail. When narrowing down potential options, consider what is most important to you:
- Materials: Is the bag made of recycled materials such as plastic water bottles?
- Price Point: Is the luggage an affordable purchase?
- Company Values: Do the sustainability initiatives align with your own personal goals and values?
Reducing your carbon footprint and being environmentally friendly are two attainable goals when it comes to travel. We hope these luggage finds help you narrow down your choice of companion and get you ready to go explore!
Feature image by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash
