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Our editors have traveled with these sustainable luggage brands to every corner of the globe. Here are my reviews and rankings of the best eco-friendly, nontoxic luggage with notes on ease, durability, and design.
This summer, my partner and I went on a month-long trip journeying across the desert, the Midwest, and all the way to Ireland — with an accumulated total of 10 flights, 12+ Ubers, and 1400+ miles by car. It was the perfect time to put luggage to the test. We had to pack for the month away in four different climates using two check-in suitcases, two carry-on bags, and two personal items between the two of us.
I prefer luggage that combines ease and style. I want pieces that make being on the move smooth, functional, and seamless. I need to be able to live out of them easily — I don’t unpack my items from the suitcase while traveling; I keep everything in its place in the suitcase for quick up-and-go. I look for quick closures, mesh pockets, and spacious compartments for organization and accessibility. Plus, I want something that’s beautiful and pairs well with my taste!
I tested nine suitcases and weekenders selected by The Good Trade editorial team prior to heading out on our journey, and we took a few favorites that traveled the world with us! I’m walking away with some staples that will stay at the ready for all my travels to come.
Why is sustainable luggage important?
When traveling, choosing sustainable luggage makes all the difference in minimizing our carbon footprint. By utilizing luggage that’s made with eco-friendly materials that are recycled and natural, it reduces the use of non-renewable resources to make these essential goods. Unfortunately, many luggage brands contain toxic materials in their products, like phthalates, which can harm our health and our environment. The good news is that many sustainable luggage brands emphasize the use of nontoxic materials that not only benefit the environment but also protect our health and promote safer manufacturing processes. Meaning that by purchasing sustainable luggage, you’re supporting ethical practices, fair labor conditions, and a healthier planet!
Coming in an array of styles, colors, personalizations, and sizes, these sustainable suitcases are made by eco-conscious brands, many of which are committed to ethical practices and environmental conservation efforts. Most importantly, these eco-friendly luggage lines are built to last; this means less waste and a bag you can travel with for years to come. We’ve noted warranties and which brands offer repairs in the list below, too.
What is our review process?
10 testers
3+ trips taken per brand
25 cities visited by editors
1,600 Good Trade Readers Surveyed
10+ years of experience
Each brand on this list has been individually reviewed by one of our editors. Unlike other review sites, we actually use these pieces of luggage on personal trips for months (sometimes years!) to see how they hold up and feel over time. We focus on health and safety, comfort, environmental impact, durability, and long-term value. In addition to hands-on testing, we review certifications, interview brands, scour online reviews, and survey our readers for their preferences. We’ve got your back when it comes to finding the best sustainable luggage to accompany you wherever you go.
Our criteria:
Our editors have used and researched the top sustainable luggage brands for years. These are our top picks that are thoughtfully made, built to last, and super convenient to travel with. We add new brands that we love to this list when they meet the following criteria.
- SUSTAINABLE/ECO-FRIENDLY | These sustainable luggage brands are made with eco-friendly materials like recycled fabrics and aluminum that are nontoxic and safe for all to use!
- DURABLE | We’ve selected sustainable luggage brands that craft their luggage using durable and long-lasting materials that are tough and wear well against the harsh effects of travel.
- EASY FOR TRAVEL | With features like 360-degree wheels, TSA-approved locks, and high-quality handles, these sustainable luggage brands are easy to use for short and long trips!
For that “one personal item” on planes and trains, see our guides to sustainable backpacks and eco-friendly purses and handbags for stowing your travel essentials. Don’t forget to pick up sustainable luggage for kids, too!
1. Monos
Product Tested | Check-In Medium in Olive Green
Best For | Our best all-around
Product Range | Check-in suitcases, carry-on suitcases, backpacks, duffels, totes, organizers
Prices Start At | $345 for a check-in medium
Approved Airlines | Check-in friendly
Weight Before It’s Packed | 8.60 lbs
Warranties | Limited Lifetime Warranty (upgrades available)
If you are a frequent flyer looking for the perfect timeless luggage set that is equally as functional as it is stylish, look no further than Monos. Named after the Japanese concept of “mono no aware,” or the appreciation of beauty in fleeting moments, the brand is committed to creating travel products that will help you do just that. Their mindfully designed luggage line offers TSA-approved carry-ons to check-in-sized premium travel cases that all nest neatly together between trips.
We love the attention to functionality in their designs, like the sleek front compartment on the Carry-On Pro Plus for easy access to laptops, books, and more. Our senior content strategist loved hers for just that on a trip to Istanbul! Mix and match, starting with their versatile (and beautiful) backpacks that start at $215. Build a set in matching hues for each person in your family over the next several gift-giving occasions to ensure a lifetime of sleek, stylish, and functional journeys to wherever life takes them!
Stevie’s Review: Monos is it for me! I love that both sides of the interior compartments have transparent mesh pockets (with one side having dual pockets), the outer zipper closure, and the 360-degree spinner wheels. It is the ultimate blend of ease-of-use and gorgeous design– I have my eye on the seasonal colorway of glossy citrus too! I tested the Monos Check-In Medium, which is the perfect size for a week-long trip. It didn’t fit everything I have on my month-long packing list, so if you’re planning to be away for a longer period of time or are travelling to an environment that requires larger items like coats and sweaters, I’d opt for the Monos Check-In Large. This will be my go-to suitcase for years to come, and I’ve already started lending it out to my friends heading out on trips!
2. Quince
Product Tested | Large Check-In Suitcase in Olive
Best For | Affordable hard-shell cases
Product Range | Check-in suitcases, carry-on suitcases, backpacks, duffels, totes, garment bags, organizers
Prices Start At | $199 for a large check-in
Approved Airlines | Check-in friendly
Weight Before It’s Packed | 9.9 lbs
Warranties | Limited Lifetime Warranty
For a classic hard-shell suitcase that will hold up to the wear and tear of years of work trips and family vacations, we love Quince. Choose from seven beautiful but practical hues, including dark green or a clear, bright blue in case you want to easily find your piece in a sea of black (although black is classic for a reason, and they have that too!). They feature Japanese-crafted Hinomoto 360-degree wheels, a removable laundry bag, and a TSA-approved lock, plus if you get a carry-on suitcase and a check-in suitcase, they nest easily for storage. Crafted ethically with BCSI-certified production and at the best price point on the market, these could be the last suitcases you need for a long, long time. Our senior content strategist journeyed across the world with a Quince suitcase, and it held up to the test of 8 flights, a cross-country train ride, and a few Ubers!
Stevie’s Review: Quince thought through everything with this suitcase! The Large Check-In Suitcase fit everything on my month-long packing list, without shoving, squishing, or praying to the gods above. I love that both sides of the interior compartments have transparent mesh pockets (to store small items like undergarments) and zipper closures (to keep items in place and from falling out when opening and closing the suitcase). The outside YKK zipper closure is easy to use without getting fingers jammed (like some of the clamp closures do); the wheels are 360-degree spinners, and the design is modern – it looks like an Away suitcase, but at nearly half the price. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable suitcase, this is the one!
3. Cuyana
Product Tested | Easy Voyager Bag in Dark Chestnut
Best For | Natural leather pieces
Product Range | Weekenders, backpacks, duffels, totes, organizers
Prices Start At | $598 for a weekender
Approved Airlines | Personal item friendly
Weight Before It’s Packed | 3.8 lbs
Warranties | Two-Year Warranty
For short trips and weekend adventures, we’re loving Cuyana’s Easy Voyager Bag. Made with buttery soft Italian leather that’s LWG certified, you can trust their tote to carry everything you need with its sleek and smart design. Though it looks slim, this tote is super roomy and includes a 16” laptop holder, a phone pocket, and a key clip. Not to mention, two giant exterior storage pockets for easy organizing! The inner base is also removable, and since the bag is so lightweight, it makes it effortless to fold up and store till you need it next. Cuyana’s bags will last a lifetime (our editorial director tested the tote bag for 3 years so far), so the investment is worth it, and you can get it monogrammed for an added touch of personalization!
Stevie’s Review: The chicest weekender! I love the look (and buttery feel) of the Easy Voyager Bag. I’d feel great showing up to a girls weekend or a client meeting with this bag. Plus, it performs well – there’s space for my MacBook, an extra pair of shoes, toiletries, and a few outfits. It fits everything on my weekender packing list! I love the hidden zipper on the exterior pocket that converts to a luggage sleeve too. Pair this with a Monos suitcase – perfection. No notes!
4. Cotopaxi
Product Tested | Coraza Suitcase – Medium Checked in Cotopaxi Black
Best For | Fair Trade certified luggage
Product Range | Check-in suitcases, carry-on suitcases, backpacks, duffels, totes, crossbody, hip packs, organizers
Prices Start At | $345 for a check-in
Approved Airlines | Check-in friendly
Weight Before It’s Packed | 12 lbs
Warranties | Guaranteed for Good
Cotopaxi‘s luggage is designed with both adventure and sustainability in mind. From durable roller bags to versatile carry-ons, their travel gear is built to handle everything from cobbled streets and dirt roads to busy airport terminals. Each piece is made with water-resistant, long-lasting materials crafted from 100% recycled fabrics sourced from pre-consumer waste, helping reduce textile waste while delivering performance travelers can count on. Cotopaxi is a Fair Trade–certified company and backs its luggage with a lifetime warranty, repair services, and a trade-in program that supports Cotopaxi x Thred Up, their secondhand store. Beyond making reliable gear, Cotopaxi channels a portion of every purchase into the Cotopaxi Foundation, which funds nonprofits working to fight poverty worldwide — helping provide education, healthcare, and resources to more than 4 million people since 2014.
Stevie’s Review: The Cotopaxi Medium Checked Bag is perched for adventure! There is no lining on the inside of the suitcase, which makes for easy cleaning, and instead it has removable packing cubes that fit to the size of the compartments. Perfect for a portable closet… or not! I didn’t remove the packing cubes when using it, but I liked having the option. The colorways are so fun – I opted for blue wheels, but you can interchange them based on your preference. I did have some issues with the clamp lock where my finger would get slightly bumped between the lock and suitcase (which is why I generally prefer zipper closures). The wheels are 360-degree, and I had no issues fitting my month-long packing list in this size.
5. Patagonia
Product Tested | Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L in Smolder Blue w/ Amanita Red
Best For | Heavy-duty wheeled duffels
Product Range | Wheeled duffels, duffels, backpacks, totes, organizers
Prices Start At | $425 for a wheeled duffel bag 100L
Approved Airlines | Check-in friendly
Weight Before It’s Packed | 10 lbs 8.6 oz
Warranties | Ironclad Guarantee
Known for its expansive line of outdoor clothing and accessories as well as its sustainability efforts, it comes as no surprise that Patagonia’s collection of bags and gear includes a truly heavy-duty wheeled duffel that could withstand a lifetime’s worth of trips around the world. Sold in 34L, 40L, 70L, and 100L sizes and starting at just $369, this weather-resistant, waxed bag is designed to haul your gear on sturdy wheels and with a telescoping handle. Made from 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing, this duffel is perfect for long-term trips and outdoor travel. Our contributing editor, Allie Car, found that Patagonia luggage isn’t just for outdoorsy people; it’s for anyone who wants durable, well-designed travel gear that lasts.
The brand is so committed to sustainability and reducing waste that they not only back every product with an ironclad guarantee that it will last, but they also offer repairs and include DIY repair and care instructions on their site. We are also big fans of their secondhand shop, Worn Wear, for trade-ins, buying used, or recycling their items to reduce consumption and extend product life.
Stevie’s Review: I love the signature branding of Patagonia gear, and the 100L Wheeled Duffel was no exception! The pops of red on the handles– chef’s kiss! I took this suitcase on my month-long journey because it fit SO much (my month-long packing list plus all my souvenirs on the return)! I love that it’s just one large compartment because it made for easy opening and maneuvering odd-shaped items (like shoes, a curling iron, and outdoor gear)! My only note: The wheels are not 360 spinners, so you are required to pull the suitcase behind you or push it in front of you.
6. Lo & Sons
Product Tested | Catalina Deluxe Large Weekender Bag in Navy
Best For | Weekender bags
Product Range | Weekenders, backpacks, duffels, totes
Prices Start At | $188 for a large weekender bag
Approved Airlines | Carry-on friendly
Weight Before It’s Packed | 2.6 lbs
Warranties | 1 Year Guarantee
Imagine a bag that’s as stylish and eco-friendly as it is functional: Say hello to Lo & Sons’ Catalina Deluxe Weekender Bag, starting at $188. Made with organic canvas or recycled polyester, this sustainable luggage is ideal for anyone and everyone you know! With a roomy shoe compartment, a padded messenger strap, suitcase handle, and plenty of pockets, it’s spacious and durable. No wonder it’s one of the brand’s best-selling bags. Our contributing editor, Blake Bakkila, loves Lo & Sons bags for managing parenthood and all the snacks, extra sets of clothes, and toys that come with it!
When Helen Lo saw a need for better backpacks and luggage, she worked with her two sons to make it possible. Today, this small Asian American, family-owned business uses organic and recycled materials whenever possible, strives to be fully sustainable, and donates five percent of proceeds to community action organizations and nonprofits local to their NY base.
Stevie’s Review: Another incredible weekender bag! The Catalina has so many compartments (it fit everything in my weekender packing list), my favorite being the shoe compartment with a separate closure on the bottom of the bag. I took it on my month-long trip and used it as a personal item. It did fit under the seat in front of me on flights, but it took up absolutely all the space, so I wasn’t able to stretch out my legs. I’d recommend it as a carry-on instead of a personal item. I did have issues with the luggage sleeve being too snug, making it a bit challenging to take on and off my suitcase while walking through the airport. I’ll definitely keep this bag around for weekend trips and adventures that don’t require air travel!
7. Carl Friedrik
Product Tested | The Check-In in Dark Olive / Chocolate
Best For | Luxury hardshell luggage
Product Range | Check-in suitcases, carry-on suitcases, briefcases, backpacks, duffels, totes, organizers
Prices Start At | $845 for a check-in
Approved Airlines | Check-in friendly
Weight Before It’s Packed | 11.9 lbs
Warranties | Lifetime Warranty
Carl Friedrik is a London-based brand that blends Scandinavian minimalism with Italian craftsmanship, creating luggage and leather goods that are as elegant as they are enduring. What draws us in most is their commitment to sustainability. Their full-grain leathers come from Leather Working Group–certified tanneries, and every piece is thoughtfully designed to last — repairable, durable, and timeless. Our contributing editor, Stephanie Fallon, loves their backpacks and suitcases as heirloom items, meant to last a lifetime and wear well with age.
It’s the kind of mindful luxury that encourages you to buy less, but invest in quality. Beyond materials, Carl Friedrik gives back through carbon offset programs and transparent supply chains, so you can feel confident that your choices align with your values. Traveling with their pieces feels intentional — it’s a way to carry style, purpose, and ethics with you wherever you go.
Stevie’s Review: If you’re going for chic and sleek, this is the luggage for you. My partner chose The Check-In for our month of travel, and he transformed into a stylish-European-city man with it in tow! The size worked well for my partner’s minimal packing style, but if you’re a heavier packer or going to a colder climate, The Large Check-In would be a better fit. I love the sleek metal shell with the leather accents and the lock closure. The inside compartments don’t have any zipper closures to separate the two sides – instead, it features a removable, opaque pocket for one side and compression straps on both sides. It would be best used if you pack smaller items in packing cubes to keep things from falling out when opening the suitcase.
8. MZ Wallace
Product Tested | Metro Team Duffel in Black
Best For | Carry-on duffel
Product Range | Duffels, totes, backpacks, crossbody, shoulders, belt bags, slings, organizers
Prices Start At | $345 for a duffel
Approved Airlines | Carry-on friendly
Weight Before It’s Packed | 2.5 lbs
Warranties | None
Founded by Monica Zwirner and Lucy Wallace Eustice, MZ Wallace set out to create “bags that do more” — and they deliver. The New York–based brand combines city-smart design with a commitment to responsible materials and governance. Their signature REC Oxford nylon is both durable and lightweight, and many fabrics are bluesign® approved or GRS-certified recycled. As a B Corp, the company also meets broader accountability standards that go beyond fashion buzzwords. Your bag won’t just look good — it’ll hold up, function hard, and come with proof of more responsible sourcing. For anyone who packs heavy but still wants polish, MZ Wallace is the rare mix of style, practicality, and sustainability.
Stevie’s Review: The Metro Team Duffel is a classic weekender or, if you’re a light packer like my partner, great for a whole week abroad! My partner chose this as his carry-on bag for 10 days in Ireland (no checked bag for him!), and it fit everything he needed and also upped his style game (there’s just something about a sleek duffel in tow!). The side pockets at either end of the bag were perfect for shoe storage, keeping dirt away from clothes in the inside compartment. The bag comes with three zipper pouches that he used for undergarment and toiletry storage. I love that the textured quilted material wards off dirt and smudges and keeps it looking clean after a lot of movement. This one is a keeper for weekend adventures and abroad trips alike!
9. Solgaard
Product Tested | Check-In Closet Original Large in Granada Green
Best For | Built-in closet suitcase
Product Range | Check-in suitcases, carry-on suitcases, backpacks, duffels, organizers
Prices Start At | $395 for a check-in
Approved Airlines | Check-in friendly
Weight Before It’s Packed | 12.3 lbs
Warranties | Lifetime Warranty
Founded in 2016 by Adrian Solgaard, this NYC-based brand grew from the founder’s own life on the move: His first product, the Lifepack backpack, launched with zero budget and raised $1.2 million on Kickstarter. That momentum built Solgaard into a certified B Corp on a mission to a greener world, starting with plastic-free coastlines. Every purchase helps pull about 6 lbs of ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities, and the brand’s award-winning Shore-Tex fabric is made from recycled plastic. They’re known for the patented FlowCloset shelving system in their carry-on and check-in closets. It’s a brand built for people who move often and want their gear to do some good along the way!
Stevie’s Review: The Check-In Closet is for you if you prefer to remove your belongings from the suitcase and set up shop at your destination! Solgaard is known for their suitcases that mimic a closet, with hanging compartments that can be removed from the suitcase and hung from a door, in a closet, or even from the suitcase handle. I found this suitcase a bit difficult to maneuver – the two sides of the suitcase are not the same depth, so when you open it up on the ground, it doesn’t lie evenly. Also, if you fill the hanging compartment, it doesn’t fit back into the suitcase easily, and some items need to be removed from the folding compartment and put in the other side of the suitcase when packing. It did fit my entire packing list though! Best for slow travel versus roadtripping or multi-city travel.
Stevie Rozean is a writer and wedding planner based in Joshua Tree, California. She has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and writes about her pursuit of a creative life on her Substack, Mixed Multitudes. In her free time you can find her sketching with her friends at art club, curating her home through flea market finds, and exploring the desert.
The Good Trade editors are a diverse team of writers, researchers, and sustainable product enthusiasts. Every recommendation is informed by hands-on testing, rigorous vetting, and years of reporting on the products and practices that shape our daily lives. We are not a marketplace, and we are not owned by a brand. Our editorial team maintains independent standards across every review and recommendation.
Some frequently asked questions about sustainable luggage:
What are the relevant certifications?
We always use sustainable certifications as a helpful compass to cut through any greenwashing in the travel gear world. With luggage, you’ll find a mix of textile certifications (since most bags are fabric-based), as well as a few broader sustainability markers that demonstrate ethical production. Here are the ones we look for when we’re shopping luggage:
Fabric & Material Certifications
- Global Recycled Standard (GRS): Ensures recycled materials are authentic and traceable, and checks on responsible social, environmental, and chemical practices during production.
- Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): Similar to GRS but with a lighter audit, mainly verifies recycled content.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests fabrics for harmful substances and certifies they’re safe for human use. Great for nontoxic peace of mind.
- bluesign®: Focuses on safe chemicals, reduced water/energy use, and overall lower environmental impact in the textile supply chain.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): The gold standard for organic fibers like cotton or hemp, and covers both ecological and social criteria.
Ethical & Production Certifications
- Fair Trade Certified™: Ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and community investment.
- B Corp Certification: A broader company-level certification showing commitment to social and environmental impact beyond just one product.
- Climate Label Certified: Verifies that the company measures, reduces, and offsets its carbon emissions.
Bonuses to Spot in Luggage Brands
- PFC-Free / PFAS-Free Water Repellents: This means the bag avoids forever chemicals in coatings, which is huge for both your health and the environment.
- Leather Working Group (LWG) Certification: If the luggage uses leather, this certifies more sustainable and ethical tanning processes.
How should you care for your sustainable luggage?
The most sustainable luggage is the one you don’t have to replace anytime soon — so caring for your pieces well is just as important as choosing eco-friendly materials in the first place! Most of the bags on this list are built to withstand a lot, so a little goes a long way. Here are some tips to keep your sustainable luggage fresh trip after trip:
Before You Travel
- Use a luggage sleeve or cover, especially if you’re checking it: This isn’t mandatory, but it definitely helps prevent scuffs, dirt, and fabric snags from baggage belts! A simple, washable sleeve or even a reusable bag works better than plastic wrap. Some brands, like Monos, even come with a luggage cover.
- Don’t overstuff: We know it’s tempting, but try not to strain zippers and seams. Overpacking is one of the quickest ways to shorten a bag’s lifespan.
On the Road
- Spot clean spills quickly: A damp cloth and mild soap usually do the trick. We like to avoid harsh detergents that can strip coatings or harm natural fibers.
- Keep it dry: If your luggage gets wet (rain, snow, or an unexpected puddle), unpack and air it out as soon as possible to prevent mold and odors.
After Each Trip
- Wipe down wheels and handles: Dirt and grit can wear them out faster.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Avoid damp basements or direct sunlight, which can fade fabrics.
- Recycle or repair instead of replacing: Many sustainable brands offer repair programs or replacement parts. If something breaks, it is worth taking advantage of before looking for a new bag!
What are the best materials for sustainable luggage?
When you’re choosing sustainable luggage, think of it as picking a wardrobe staple you’ll use for years — you’ll want something that’s durable, timeless, and kind to the planet. The best material will depend on your travel style, but the sweet spot is usually luggage that balances ease and durability with eco-friendly sourcing. Instead of newly produced plastics or cheap synthetics, look for brands using recycled, natural, or responsibly engineered fabrics that keep waste out of landfills.
Here are some common sustainable fabrics you’ll see in luggage:
- Recycled Polyester (rPET): Made from recycled plastic bottles or post-consumer waste. Strong, lightweight, and water-resistant. Great for hard-wearing suitcases.
- Recycled Nylon: Often sourced from old fishing nets or industrial scraps. Incredibly durable and abrasion-resistant, ideal for backpacks or softside luggage.
- Organic Cotton Canvas: Breathable, renewable, and biodegradable. It has a natural look and feel, though it may need a water-resistant coating for travel, so pay attention to how it is finished.
- Recycled Leather, LWG-certified Leather, or Vegan Leather Alternatives: Sometimes used for trims, handles or full pieces, it adds polish without the footprint of traditional leather production.
So, when you’re browsing, look for brands that highlight recycled or natural fibers, non-toxic dyes, and fair production practices. That way, your luggage isn’t just carrying your clothes; it’s carrying your values too.
