March 2024

Club’s choice: eco-conscious travel bags

From in-the-hold heroes to planet-friendly carry-ons, get up to date with the baggage brands doing their bit for the environment and your travels

With so many more ethically driven companies creating beautiful and functional travel pieces, there’s never been a better time to invest in a planet-positive product as you explore Planet Earth. From suitcases made from recycled plastic bottles through to those using carbon neutral processes, these are just some of our favourite sustainable baggage options for right now.

Antler

Always iconic, and now even more eco than ever, Antler’s designs feature finely crafted backpacks, cross-body, messenger, weekender and wash bags. In 2023, the British brand went through a revamp, with all-new branding, a restored tagline – ‘for those who travel often’ – and an extended warranty on all its suitcases. This new policy has extended the existing ten-year promise to a lifetime guarantee for a ‘buy less, buy better’ approach. Pair a bag with a stay at your favourite country house hotel and you’ve got yourself the perfect duo.

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Patagonia

Patagonia (which pledges to become a carbon-neutral company by 2025) unveiled its Black Hole bag range last year and it’s possibly its most durable and ethically sound travel item yet. Fit for all the lugging and bashing that inevitably comes with travel, the duffels are our top pick. Better yet, they’re made from 100% recycled polyester and feature weather-resistant fabric to help keep whatever you have inside dry all day long. And the practicality doesn’t stop there. The bags’ shoulder straps convert into backpack straps, making them easier to carry around the airport.

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Away

Long a favourite of fashion-focused travellers, Away was launched seven years ago and became a cult-classic thanks to its roomy, sturdy and stylish carry-on cases. Now it’s on a mission to improve its sustainability efforts by reducing the quantity of virgin material used in its suitcases in favour of recycled elements. For long-haul trips, the Medium Flex allows you to pack conservatively on the outward leg while leaving enough room to bring back holiday treats thanks to the expandable zipper section. It also has butter-smooth wheels and a bottom carry handle for taking it off the belt at arrivals. Genius.

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Everlane

Everlane’s ReNew Transit Backpack may just be our new favourite travel essential from the San Francisco brand. Made using 100% recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles, its latest item has contributed towards the brand’s success in eliminating 90% of virgin plastic from its supply chain. Ideal for day trips or long weekends, the £90 backpack features a padded laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders and multiple carry straps, plus a back slot for a rolling baggage handle (especially handy when you’re running to catch a flight). It’s certainly its most functional yet.

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Solgaard

Meet a seasoned traveller favourite: Solgaard and its range of practical suitcases and backpacks. The latter are crafted from the brand’s exclusive Shore-Tex fabric and made entirely from recycled ocean plastics. An eco-conscious alternative, the bags have all the clever details you expect from the sustainable luxury label: hidden passport pockets, secret strap pockets, stretchy side pockets for reusable water bottles and drop-proof laptop storage. The brand has a mission to help cut ocean plastic in half by 2025, so feel good knowing that, for every item sold, it will commit to removing 229 ocean-bound plastic bottles, one bag at a time.

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Paravel

With more than 6.5 million plastic bottles recycled and magicked into their travel sets, plus holding a climate-neutral status since 2020, Paravel is at the forefront of the sustainable travel movement. In fact, it claims to have designed and created the world’s first carbon-neutral suitcase, and it uses recycled materials in 100% of its products. Not bad going. The Aviator case is a classic choice with its use of recycled polycarbonate, aluminium, and vegan leather, plus its compression board for post-holiday overflow, 360° spinning wheels, removable laundry bag and smart zipper interior pockets.

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Horizn Studios

Are you seeking some seriously smart kit to stand out from the crowd? Following the Berlin-based brand’s pledge to be more ethical, say hello to Horizn Studios’ future Circle One range, which will be made from 100% plant-based and biodegradable materials. For now, this is the world’s first PETA-approved brand, has a 99% waste-free production chain, says no to single-use plastics and ships everything in recycled cardboard boxes. What more could you ask for? Suitcases start from £360, and we love the streamline design of the H5 model, perfect for two to five days away.