Traveling is one of those things that feels both exciting and a little complicated when you care about sustainability. On the one hand, exploring new places connects us to the world in the most beautiful way. On the other, the travel industry (and all the stuff that comes with it) can be pretty wasteful.
So what’s one easy place to make a difference? Easy – the gear you bring with you. Luggage and travel accessories don’t have to be made from virgin plastics, cheap polyester, or animal products. More and more brands are rethinking how travel gear is made, using recycled materials, natural fibers, and designs that are built to last.
Here are some of the best eco-friendly options I’ve found for luggage and travel accessories.
1. Paravel
Paravel is one of my favorite sustainable luggage brands. Their Aviator carry-on is the world’s first carbon-neutral suitcase, made with recycled polycarbonate, recycled zippers, and even recycled aluminum handles. They also offset emissions from production and shipping, which is pretty rare in the luggage world.
Price range: $150–$400
🌍 Ships from the US, with international shipping
Samsonite is huge, but their eco line is actually worth looking at. Many of their collections, such as the Ecodiver, use recycled plastic bottles and reclaimed materials, all while keeping the durability Samsonite is known for. If you’re someone who wants mainstream reliability with a smaller footprint, this is a solid choice.
Price range: $100–$350
🌍 Widely available worldwide
If you want something rugged and versatile, Patagonia’s Black Hole duffels are a favorite of eco-conscious explorers. They’re made from 100% recycled polyester, water-resistant, and practically indestructible. Plus, Patagonia’s commitment to repair and reuse means your bag is less likely to end up in a landfill.
Price range: $150–$250
🌍 Ships worldwide, with repair centers in multiple countries
4. Solgaard
This certified B Corp makes innovative travel gear, including suitcases and their super popular Shore-Tex™ Daypack, which is made from recycled ocean plastics. They also remove 229 plastic bottles from the ocean for every item sold. Their luggage has clever built-in shelving too, which makes packing and unpacking so much easier.
Price range: $95–$350
🌍 Ships worldwide
If you want a statement piece that’s also kind to the planet, Elvis & Kresse makes travel bags out of reclaimed fire hoses (how awesome is that?) and upcycled leather scraps. Their overnight bags and weekenders are especially gorgeous, and each one has a story behind it. These are heirloom-quality pieces that only get better with age.
Price range: $250–$600
🌍 Ships from the UK, international shipping available
6. Lo & Sons
Lo & Sons creates stylish, functional travel bags with sustainability in mind. They use recycled polyester and organic cotton in their designs, and their timeless styles (like the Catalina Weekender) are made to last for years of trips.
Price range: $150–$400
🌍 Ships from the US, international shipping available
Eco-Friendly Travel Accessories
It’s not just about the suitcase – your accessories matter too. Here are a few products I absolutely love that’ll help you reduce plastic waste while traveling:
🌲 Stasher Bags instead of disposable plastic bags for snacks or toiletries.
🌲 Guppyfriend washing bag to reduce microplastic shedding if you’re washing synthetic travel clothes.
🌲 Reusable water bottles and coffee cups (Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask, or Stojo are great) – more ideas in my blog post here.
🌲 Solid toiletries (like shampoo bars and toothpaste tabs) to avoid plastic packaging and TSA liquid limits.
These little things take up practically zero space in your suitcase, but they make a big difference.
Travel will never be 100% sustainable, but the choices we make can shift the impact. Choosing luggage and accessories made with the planet in mind means you’re carrying a little less waste with you – literally. And if it also means your suitcase lasts longer and looks better? Even better.