Whether you’re camping nearby, backpacking across an entire continent, or road-tripping in your country, this eclectic eco-friendly luggage guide will help you find the right backpack, suitcase, duffel bag, or carry-all that you need.
[Need some packing hacks? Check out this guide with tips for packing minimally.]Secondhand Luggage Options
I always recommend shopping secondhand first to see if you can find something pre-loved. These items have already been produced, and therefore you are reducing the demand for making new items AND keeping things out of landfills!
It’s not always possible to find what you’re looking for via secondhand stores, but it’s worth taking a moment to look. You can check out your local thrift stores, secondhand apps such as OfferUp, Craigslist, Listia, or check out your community’s “Buy Nothing” Facebook group.
Or, you can find some eco-friendly travel bags on one of the online resale marketplaces below.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links and partners. As always we only feature brands that meet strict sustainability criteria that we love (and that we think you’ll love too).
1. Gear Trade
Gear Trade is an online secondhand store full of outdoor gear, sporting goods, and everything you need for your next adventure. You can find carry-ons, duffels, messenger bags, suitcases, camera bags, video gear cases, heavy-duty backpacks and more.
Price Range: $-$$
2. The RealReal
Find authentic designer luggage without the designer price tag on The RealReal. You can find pre-loved duffels, weekenders, totes, and suitcases from brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Kate Spade on the luxury consignment store.
Price Range: $$$+
Eco-Friendly Luggage and Sustainable Travel Bags
You may not always be able to find what you need in the secondhand market, so here are some brands making eco-friendly suitcases and other sustainable travel bags for all sorts of packing needs!
3. Allégorie
Ideal for long weekends or short getaways, Allégorie has sustainable weekender bags and backpacks that are both sleek and spacious. Plus, each bag contains several convenient pockets so you can securely store your essentials, like your laptop.
Sustainability is at the core of everything Allégorie does. The brand’s eco-friendly vegan travel bags are made from discarded apple peels leftover from the juice industry and their team is deeply committed to sourcing from socially responsible suppliers that pay workers fairly.
Price Range: $$
4. Lo & Sons
Lo & Sons has some seriously functional sustainable travel bags! Their Catalina Deluxe Bag (recycled polyester or organic cotton options) is timeless, durable and built to fit all of your essentials with ease. If you’re looking for a spacious backpack, take a look at their Hanover Deluxe 2, or if you just need a compact carry-on, The Catalina Day Tote might be the one you’re looking for.
Price Range: $$
5. Paraval
Receiving numerous “Best of” awards, Paraval is quickly becoming a well-known name in the world of eco-friendly suitcases! The brand’s wheeled luggage is made with a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled lining, recycled zippers, and a recycled aluminium handle.
Price Range: $$$
6. Patagonia
Sustainable outdoor brand Patagonia is an incredible resource for finding camping and adventure gear — including eco-friendly backpacks and travel bags, from pouches to 55L backpacks! Most of Patagonia’s luggage is made recycled content and some is Fair Trade Certified sewn as well.
Price Range: $$-$$$
7. Samsonite Recycled Collections
Samsonite actually gifted me one of their eco-friendly suitcases many years ago and it’s definitely my favorite piece of luggage — the suitcase is lightweight, functional, and easy-to-wheel. They’ve expanded their options made from recycled materials quite a bit since then!
Price Range: $$$
8. Solgaard
Upcycling ocean waste into useful products, Solgaard is another great brand for finding sustainable luggage. You can find carry-on and check-in wheeled suitcases, a variety of backpacks (large and small), and travel accessories like solarbank chargers and sling packs (or fanny packs).
Price Range: $$-$$$
9. TUMI’s Recycled Luggage
Tumi is a ‘mainstream’ luggage brand that has quite a few styles made from recycled materials. Find backpacks, wheeled suitcases, and packing cases that are durably built and intelligently designed to fit as much stuff as efficiently as possible.
Price Range: $$$+
10. REI
As an outdoor retailer committed to doing things better, REI has a number of recycled travel bags (though not all bags they sell are recycled). The store’s Good & Used marketplace is also a great place to find gently used gear!
Price Range: $-$$
11. OGIO
OGIO has wheeled suitcases, carry-ons, duffel bags, totes, and even golf bags made from recycled plastic. The bags are built to last too, even coming with a lifetime limited warranty.
Price Range: $$$
You May Also Want to Read:
Minimal Packing: How to Pack for Your Conscious Adventures
