7 Eco-friendly Carry-on Bags for your next trip
Are you dreaming about your next trip? Whether this one is just around the corner or a few months away, you’re probably planning every detail. Including the luggage, you’ll be carrying with you. Here are a few brands to help you make your upcoming trips more eco-conscious.
A good piece of luggage will last you for many years. But we change, and so do our needs - not to mention airline restrictions.
I’ve started traveling with a carry-on trolley that is no longer accepted by airlines these days. As the acceptable size kept reducing and almost everyone on the flight brought a carry-on, I started traveling with a large Osprey backpack - with enough space to carry my belongings (and souvenirs) and that I could store beneath the front seat.
Fast forward to Summer 2022 me, almost 36 years old, less athletic than I was in the past, and a global pandemic later. My beloved Osprey is now a nightmare to travel with, mainly because I can’t say no to a good book, magazines, or healthy local snacks.
Even though the backup is still in perfect condition, it’s time to be realistic and look up a more convenient option, especially if I’ll spend a lot of time carrying it around a new city or a crowded airport.
As I am currently searching for my new carry-on luggage, I thought you could be facing the same challenge. Especially now that international traveling has been resumed.
Without further ado, here are some of the best eco-friendly carry-on luggage brands I’ve been eyeing lately.
Photo Credit: LeFrik
LeFrik
I am a big fan of LeFrik. I have an old version of their Handy Tech model to carry my electronics with me, and I couldn’t be happier. Good quality and lightweight materials aligned with a city-savvy design.
Now that it’s time to upgrade my luggage, I am looking for something eco-friendly (made with recycled materials) but that it’s both functional and extremely lightweight (I am not getting any younger).
As I prefer backpacks to handbags, I think their Weekend Convertible backpack is a strong candidate for my needs.
Pros:
It’s incredibly versatile. It can be used as a rucksack, a shoulder bag, or a briefcase.
It has a designated compartment for electronics and a different one for clothing and gym essentials.
It comes with internal mesh pockets to store all sorts of goodies.
I can hide the shoulder straps if I am not wearing them as a backpack.
It weighs 1 kilo and has a 19 L capacity.
Waterproof, vegan, and made with recycled materials.
Affordable price (currently on sale).
Perfect for a short getaway. Easy to store beneath the front seat if there’s no room to store it in the top compartments.
Cons:
Only available in 3 colors.
I might not have enough space to carry everything with me.
Hard to sit comfortably on a larger piece of luggage (it doesn’t have a smart sleeve).
Photo Credit: Lipault
Lipault
I discovered Lipault thanks to an Instagram Ad, and their products immediately caught my attention. Vibrant carry-on bags, backpacks (with a smart sleeve), and trolleys made with recycled materials.
Even though Lipault's eco-conscious line is way smaller than their standard collection, there's still an exciting selection. Besides, given all their products' tests, whatever you choose will last you a lifetime. So, don't feel bad if you pick something from their standard line. And if something happens, you can ask Lipault to repair it (save money, reduce waste).
What I love the most about Lipault’s line is how the products were created to work together and to make our experience more convenient. For example: pairing one of their luggage trolleys with a 4BIZ backpack or City Plume bag.
If I was looking for a cabin carry-on trolley and something else to go with it, I do not doubt that I would choose both products from their line (a small trolley and a City Plume bag). But, now, I am looking for a light and versatile backup to carry electronics and clothes with me. So, I might end up choosing a different brand.
Pros:
Versatile products.
Resistant and made to last.
Lightweight.
Eco-friendly options are available.
Repair option available.
Extra convenience when mixing different products.
Both bags and rucksacks have a smart sleeve.
Cons:
Soft structure.
Price.
Photo Credit: Longchamp
Longchamp Le Pliage Green
After such a positive experience with my Longchamp Le Pliage small bag, and knowing they have an eco-friendly line, I needed to check if they have a carry-on selection. And, of course, they do!
Besides their regular everyday Le Pliage line, they have a specific Le Pliage Travel line available in two sizes (L and XL). Surprisingly, at least for me, Longchamp also has different travel lines that have nothing to do with their classic Le Pliage model (trolleys and backpacks).
The thing I love the most about Longchamp’s Le Pliage is how lightweight the bag structure is, followed by how versatile it is. To the point of fully opening (and turning it into a tote) or folding it completely (like it was a reusable shopping bag).
So, I went to one of their stores and purchased a Le Pliage Travel bag (size L). But when I got home and started stuffing it with my belongings, I realized it was too much for me.
It turns out my belongings (light summer clothes, snacks, and a couple of magazines) were a tad heavy per se. So, no matter how lightweight this carry-on canvas bag was, it would still weigh a ton (for me), mainly because I had to carry it in my hand or close to my elbow for many hours. And there’s a third; the bag looked too big for someone as petite as me.
The next day, I returned to the store and returned it. Why? Besides all the reasons I’ve just mentioned, the salesperson had sold me an original model - not a Green one, as I intended to, which was a big no for me, even though the model I’ve been sold was made with a recycled textile.
If you’re considering getting one, here are two pieces of advice:
The L size is the maximum you’ll be able to use as a carry-on on a flight.
Pick a darker color. Besides not having to worry much while you use it, visually, it looks smaller.
Pros:
Elegant and timeless bag.
Lightweight and resistant materials.
Waterproof.
Available in an eco-conscious format.
Perfect “just in case” luggage (as it’s foldable and weighs practically nothing).
Ideal for light-packing weekend getaways.
Available in two sizes (L and XL).
Available in plenty of colors.
Cons:
Not able to wear it as a backpack or a crossbody bag.
It might feel heavy once you insert all of your belongings.
Hard to sit comfortably on a larger piece of luggage (handles are too short).
Photo Credit: ECOALF
ECOALF
ECOALF is a classic when it comes to eco-conscious lifestyle products. And yes, they also have a travel line to cover our wanderlust needs.
From backpacks to weekend bags, vanity cases, and big duffle bags, ECOALF’s travel line is soberer than the brands I’ve previously mentioned, but I was still surprised by its diversity.
I am particularly fond of their Take Weekend Bag, which is not as big as some other products. Plus, it has two handles and a strap (to use as a cross-body bag).
I believe the handles are large enough to put through the trolley handle, so this bag can sit comfortably on top of it - as this bag’s bottom looks quite structured. The website doesn’t mention its weight, so that I might check it myself at one of their stores. But, for now, this is a strong candidate for my current needs.
ECOALF’s Wild Sherpa Backpack also caught my eye. But, as there are no pictures of how it’s organized inside - I need to check it in person before I make any decision.
However, they have more products than I initially thought they would have. So, there’s a chance you find what you’re looking for within their selection.
Pros:
Made with recycled materials.
Cabin and checked luggage alternatives.
Structured items.
Different price ranges.
Cons:
Dark color-scheme.
Lack of cabin-sized carry-on trolleys.
Photo Credit: Samsonite
Samsonite
Well, Samsonite is a classic when it comes to reliable and resistant luggage. I haven’t initially thought about adding it to this list, as I believed they didn’t have a sustainable line. Fortunately, I was wrong.
Checking their website, I was pleasantly surprised by how many eco-conscious products they have (even for kids). So, if I need a piece of new checked luggage, Samsonite’s Magnum Eco line is a strong candidate.
Plus, for each Magnum Eco sold, Samsonite plants a tree. They’ve partnered with the NGO One Tree Planted to make this happen.
What makes Samsonite’s Magnum Eco model so unique?
It’s made in Europe.
Using recycled materials (both for the interior and exterior).
These are shipped in a recycled package.
It’s available in different sizes.
The plant a tree program.
Even if you’re not looking for a carry-on or checked luggage trolley, there’s a myriad of eco-conscious products that you can pick from Samsonite’s line. I am pleased I decided to check their website.
Pros:
Wide range of eco-friendly products.
Trolley luggage is available in different sizes (from carry-on to huge checked baggage).
Plant a tree program.
Different price ranges.
Cons:
Darker colors.
Only the Magnum Eco line is included in the “plant a tree program.”
Photo Credit: American Tourister
American Tourister
Another love brand when it comes to traveling. While there might be some similarities to Samsonite, American Tourister highlights by its more edgy vibe. Both in terms of design and colors.
OK, American Tourister doesn’t have as many eco-friendly products as Samsonite. But their eco-conscious trolleys are cheaper, and their colors are more vibrant. Plus, both brands use the Recyclex technology to create their sustainable products.
From duffle bags to backpacks, cabin-sized to checked luggage trolleys - these are the main products you’ll find in American Touristers’ conscious line.
Frankly, I find their Spinner trolleys (any size) a solid competition to Samsonite’s Magnum Eco line as both products look sturdy and reliable.
Pros:
Cheaper than Samsonite’s eco line.
Brighter colors.
Resistant products.
The same technology was used by Samsonite.
Cons:
Their eco-friendly backpacks aren’t as exciting travel-wise.
No eco-conscious program.
Patagonia
Last but not least, there’s Pantagonia. One of the most loved brands among hard-core travelers.
Patagonia is widely known for its savvy and lightweight travel equipment (from clothes to luggage). So, I was curious if they had an eco-conscious line. Of course, they do. It’s Patagonia we’re talking about!
Patagonia is not the right choice for you if you’re looking for a standard carry-on trolley. Now, look no further if you’re looking for duffel bags (all sizes) or travel-conscious backpacks!
They also have many shoulder bags, waist bags, and sleeping bags. It just depends on what your current needs are.
In my case, Patagonia cabin-ready backpacks remind me a lot of my old Osprey backpack. So, for now, it’s a pass. But I can’t deny that they have the widest variety of eco-friendly travel items I’ve seen.
Pros:
A large array of eco-friendly travel products.
Sturdy and reliable products.
Waterproof.
Resistant to all sorts of weather conditions.
Fairtrade.
Made with recycled materials.
Cons:
Lack of elegant options.
Many of the products cannot be used as a piece of carry-on luggage.
More suitable for long and adventurous travels.
