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Traveling has taken a massive toll on the earth. But eco-conscious adventurists have taken notice, and have been working to reduce the impact while making the world a better place with eco-friendly travel products. We have folks treating destinations like they would their own home, and now gear manufacturers are taking the leap by reinventing bags and suitcases to reduce the burden on the planet. What makes a bag eco friendly? Any step in the right direction is a win, and from using recycled materials to going organic, these options are helping protect our world.
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Savvy travelers know this weekend bag can work for a longer trip. Made from 100 percent 20-ounce heavy-duty cotton canvas, it hits the eco-friendly mark. Inside pockets optimize organization for smaller items like a toothbrush, while the exterior remains simple, and focused on the quality touches. Coming in multiple colors, some versions are cheaper, but we’re kind of feeling the airy look of those grey stripes.
Looking like it was cut fresh from a man’s suit out of the seventies, we have to admit this hemp fabric bag is totally endearing. Bolder colors like blue with sprinkles of different hues or a more discreet black are available. Hemp fabric is a durable, completely environmentally-conscious option, but this tube duffel has an extra edge. Recycled polyester adds a tear-resistant factor, and extra padding keeps delicate items like glass or electronics safer. Some might find the ability to switch out the Velcro logo patch for something more personalized, to be kind of awesome.
Maybe you’d fold it up and save it for use once at your destination, or maybe it’s a go-to bag for carrying in-flight snacks—a basic open canvas bag made with eco-friendly cotton is a staple when on the go. These are particularly alluring thanks to fun designs with humorous phrases or odes to home states. But honestly, they had us at “french fries”.
Eagle Creek cranks out bags that are fitting for the outdoorsman or woman who may be toting luggage through rough terrain. Wheels on this coral beauty are oversized and treaded, with swivel action for easy movement. Up-cycled materials have been used to construct the long-lasting piece, like 100% recycled PET ripstop and a recycled coating.
Giving off military vibes with a burnt olive color, and a touch of bright orange, Timberland has crafted this bag completely without PVC. Recycled contents are woven through the design, which is made for those trips that go beyond the spa and fancy hotel rooms. Store dirty exploration clothes in the boot bag, designed to handle excess moisture.
Had enough of the burly, outdoors-oriented bags? Feast your eyes on this up-cycled canvas bag with a lace-inspired pattern, which is a great go-to as a travel purse. The true beauty lies within the origins of the fabric, which comes from tents that have also made their way around the globe during their life. Because of this, each bag has its own unique marks that make it one of a kind.
With all the staples of a great suitcase, from a telescoping handled to a distinctive design easy to spot on the luggage carousel, this Roxy bag has been created from plastic bottles. The recycled materials give the one compartment rolling case durability and strength, and it feels good to know those bottles didn’t pile up in a landfill.
Clever compartments make packing effortless while adding ease to separating dirty and clean clothing along the trip. Mesh pockets are everything, as you can see what you have packed without disassembling. Now to the eco-friendly part—many materials used in making this bag have been recycled or partially recycled.
This Samsonite bag stores easily under an airline seat or in an overhead bin—so you’ve got options if space is tight. It rolls, so that’s a win, and hence the name, it truly does glide effortlessly. One hundred percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles have been used in the creation of this lightweight, eco-friendly piece.
Who says you can’t be super cute and practical simultaneously? Pretty in pink, waterproof elements are incorporated into the backpack, so it’s great for hiking or just everyday use. Plastic bottles were recycled and repurposed to make these lovely yet no-nonsense bags.
Beautifully handmade out of hemp and cotton fabrics that have been colored in a festival of hues, it’s hard not to love this backpack. Designed to be a unisex addition to anyone’s luggage collection, multiple pockets add to the ease of packing. Not just for looks, the Himalayan sourced materials are hearty and will last through many adventures.
High Sierra’s backpack and duffel set is a phenomenal match sufficient for holding all the belongings needed for an exciting trek to a location waiting to be discovered. The colors are subtle, yet the touch of blue adds an ease to identifying. The plastic used in the solid construction has been recycled and repurposed.
Every adventure enthusiast needs a great hiking pack, that’s simple enough while having some extra features. Bring “hydration ready”, all you need is a reservoir to use this function. Otherwise, the secure back straps will keep things in place all day, and extra compartments are convenient for storing trail mix or other energy boosters. This company goes the extra mile to treat the earth right while making their products, and this pack is made from recycled bottles. We bet all those ocean creatures are pretty happy about this.
