A Review of this Spring’s Most Sustainable Luggage

Travel for business or pleasure can only be made better by considering how sustainability plays a role. From selecting eco-friendly accommodations to eating locally, every step of a trip can be enhanced by incorporating both sustainable and effortless elements. The luggage you purchase these days likewise falls into that idea. Sustainability has become a primary feature among most major luggage brands—and even better, they’re putting facts about the recycled materials used in their construction front and center on their websites, while adding notes about eco-friendly packaging and contributions to environmental causes. With that in mind, we rounded up five recently released styles offered by luggage brands that take pride in celebrating their sustainable efforts.

The Black Hole Collection / Photo: Courtesy of Patagonia

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel 70L

Founded in the 1970s by Yvon Chouinard, a renowned rock climber and environmentalist, Patagonia has always been a brand that exhibits a deep respect for nature, and that extends to the materials used to craft its products. The Black Hole collection not only represents tough pieces that can take a beating, but they’re also largely crafted of sustainable materials. This Black Hole Wheeled Duffel offers a 70-liter capacity (40-liter and 100-liter sizes are also available) and is crafted from 100-percent recycled, weather-resistant fabric. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, this rolling duffel also features oversized wheels that are repairable, with spare axles stored in the frame for convenience. A large top opening, external and mesh pockets and compression straps allow for ease in packing. While a range of colors are available, you can’t beat this Pollinator Orange.
$399, at patagonia.com 

Briggs & Riley HTA Large Cargo Backpack / Photo: Courtesy of Briggs & Riley

Briggs & Riley HTA Large Cargo Backpack

Briggs & Riley breaks down the composition of the pieces in its HTA collection—translation: “Here, There and Anywhere”—by number of recycled bottles used to create the fabric. This Large Cargo Backpack, for example, is made of a tough nylon fabric created from 32 recycled bottles and, the brand promises, will last a lifetime. Features include large openings for easy viewing and organization, the ability to fit up to a 17-inch laptop, and a slip-through back panel so it fits easily over a luggage handle.
$329, at briggs-riley.com

Solo New York Re:serve Check-In Spinner / Photo: Courtesy of Solo New York

Solo New York Re:serve Check-In Spinner

Hit the home page for brand Solo New York, and the first stat you’ll see is that they’ve turned 40 million plastic bottles into sustainable and eco-friendly bags. A partner of the National Forest Foundation, Solo also is responsible for planting 48,000 trees since the brand was founded in 2008. This sleek Re:serve Check-In Spinner expands from 55 to 75 liters and features an ABS plastic shell made not from plastic bottles, but from recycled household appliances and auto parts. The lining, however, is indeed made from recycled PET bottles. Features include 360-degree spinner wheels, interior compression straps with quick-release buckles, and internal zipper pockets, one printed with a travel checklist to prevent leaving things behind.
$199.99, at solo-ny.com

Monos Sincerely Jules Collection Hybrid Trunk / Photo: Courtesy of Monos

Monos Sincerely Jules Collection Hybrid Trunk

A member of 1% for the Planet—a global network of brands and businesses that contribute at least one percent of their annual revenue to environmental causes—Monos also practices its commitment to sustainability via its Hybrid collection, made from recycled and vegan materials. Among the latest styles is a collaboration with lifestyle influencer Julie Sariñana, whose Sincerely Jules Instagram boasts 7.7 million followers. This Hybrid Trunk in chic Adobe Brown offers an 83-liter capacity, with features that include an anodized aluminum frame, 360-degree spinner wheels, an antimicrobial lining, compression straps with divider, laundry bag, and two shoe bags.
$475, at monos.com

Roam Carry-On / Photo: Courtesy of Roam Luggage

Roam Carry-On

Built by hand in Vidalia, Georgia, Roam luggage comes in on the lower side of sustainability percentages, with 50 percent of its shell crafted from recycled, ultralightweight polycarbonate—though that’s balanced with a 100-percent recycled lining. This Carry-On, in a navy dubbed Newport, includes features such as a compression board that also can be hung so its mesh pockets may be used for organization. Another Roam benefit: For an extra $75, Roam will customize the look of your bag, offering a range of colors for the front and back panels as well as the zipper and trim.
$475, at roamluggage.com