Enjoy Your Summer Travel Even More With Eco

Jan 26, 2024

Exactly how environmentally-friendly is that suitcase you have been wheeling around on your last few trips? You may not have thought about it, but with summer travel in full swing and sustainability a major concern for travelers, now is the ideal time to upgrade your travel gear with pieces that are kind to the planet. The five items below are incredibly stylish, functional and earth-friendly.

These Black Hole bags have created a loyal following

Patagonia's Black Hole® Duffel

These amazing 55-liter bags have a lot going for them. They can be carried as a duffel or a backpack and conveniently fold into a pocket for easy storage. You can easily fit enough clothing for a week-long trip and the internal pockets help keep you organized. The material is weather-resistant and abrasion-resistant and the bags weigh less than three pounds. Patagonia's commitment to the environment is well-known and these bags are made from 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing. In addition, they are manufactured to meet the Fair Trade Certified™ standards. The bags come in multiple colors ranging to a more subdued black to a very bright yellow. (From $139).

Look stylish with this popular tote

MZ Wallace's quilted bags

If you are looking for a stylish bag that is roomy enough to keep your travel essentials, MZ Wallace's Small Sutton Deluxe is the perfect choice. This fan favorite looks great, has two exterior pockets and a removable crossbody strap and will keep you organized with six interior packets, a detachable pouch and a phone pocket. Like all of MZ Wallace's bags, this one is made from a proprietary nylon that is bluesign® approved, and the fill is made from recycled water bottles. (Over seven million plastic water bottles have been repurposed.) The company offsets carbon emissions due to shipping by working with The Conservation Fund. Depending on your mood, you can go with a classic caramel color or a sparkly, sequined print. ($245).

The perfect hiking backback

Deuter backpacks

If you plan to spend part of your summer hitting the trail, you will want to consider Deuter's hiking pack. Re-engineered this year, the classic Trail Series comes with updated back ventilation to keep you cool and a more secure fit for day hiking. The flexible Delrin® U-shaped frame distributes weight evenly allowing maximum stability in technical hiking terrain.The Trail Series comes in multiple sizes and fits, including one designed specifically for women. These packs are climate-neutral with bluesign®-certified body fabric and include well over 50% recycled materials and—like all Deuter products–they are PFC-free. Choose between multiple sizes, based on your adventure, and colors such as almond and shale. (From $130).

Bright colors make these bags a fun accessory

Exped Dry Fold Bags

If your travel plans might include a rafting adventure or a snorkeling trip, you will need something to keep all of your gear dry. Exped's dry fold bags are the answer. They are waterproof, durable and versatile and are made with a white inner coating that makes it easier to find whatever you are looking for. These bags come in a multitude of sizes and lots of bright colors that make packing a bit more fun. The material is Oeko-tex certified and Exped has partnered with the European Outdoor Group to work towards improving decarbonization in the supply chain and seeks to become completely carbon neutral by 2024. All Exped packaging is reduced to a minimum and is made of FSC certified recyclable paper and cardboard.

Stay organized with eco-friendly storage cubes

Peak Design packing cubes

Packing can be challenging, but Peak Design packing cubes make it easy. These cubes help even the most disorganized travelers find the right place to store their gear and minimize packing space. Peak Design Packing Cubes are both functional and aesthetic. A unique tear-away zipper lets you access contents quickly and an internal divider lets you separate clean and dirty clothes, and allows each compartment to expand/contract based on its contents. The cubes are made of ultralight 100% recycled waterproof ripstop 70D nylon/poly shell and the fabric is solution-dyed for significant reduction in water use. In addition, the company is committed to running "clean" factories and to treating their workers well.