Everything You Need to Know About Paravel

Our first stop is a tour of Paravel and the unique factors that have made this brand so renowned in the world of environmentally friendly luggage:

Brand History and Mission

Paravel was founded in 2016 by Indré Rockefeller and Andy Krantz and is described by Krantz as a “sustainable travel lifestyle brand”. One of the core ideas that led to Paravel’s birth was the feeling that most travel brands are too focused on luggage that’s only suitable for airports. Paravel, on the other hand, is all about making multi-purpose items that work for a range of travel. They create everything from sustainable carry-on luggage to eco-friendly laptop bags.

The brand’s headquarters are in New York City, but their manufacturing is done in Florence, Italy, hence the high-quality craftsmanship. Paravel has been on a mission from the start to make pieces that feel and look like luxury products but with price tags that don’t sit in the thousands.

Ethics and Sustainability

Though sustainability was a focus from the start, it was only after co-founder Indré Rockefeller went on a journey to the Antarctic that sustainability became the brand’s no. 1 priority. Rockefeller describes that trip as profoundly impactful in that it gave her first-hand insight into climate change’s damaging effects. 

Something she realized is that “There is no travel business at the end if we don’t protect the environment.” That idea is what sits at the heart of Paravel and their constant innovations to reduce the environmental impact of their products.

Here are some of their sustainability highlights:

• The brand uses upcycled and recycled materials in 100% of their products. This includes recycled zippers, recycled polycarbonate (discarded water tanks), and post-consumer plastic bottles.

• They’ve managed to recycle and transform over 8 million plastic bottles into luggage items.

• These recycling efforts haven’t just rerouted plastic but helped conserve energy and water usage.

• Their Ecocraft Canvas®  is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and the Global Recycled Standard.

• Paravel is certified climate-neutral. Part of what makes this possible is that the business offsets all carbon emissions (including what’s generated by shipping).

• The brand has planted 570,000+ trees through Eden Reforestation Projects. That’s 14 times the number of trees in Central Park.

Paravel also takes ethics seriously and has a strict code of social responsibility regarding fair labor practices, wages, and non-discrimination. We will, however, note that while the brand is partnered with third-party organizations to verify their sustainability claims, they lack the same accountability on social issues.

Paravel’s Design and Functionality

There’s very little to fault when it comes to the design and functionality of Paravel’s items. They have a wide range of sustainable luggage options that include everything from foldable overnighters to hard-wearing suitcases with added features such as removable laundry bags.

Balancing style and function is what Paravel succeeds at most. Reviewers comment just as much on the “romantic”, timeless designs that hark back to the old-school glamour of travel as they do the nifty internal pockets each item has that make packing and organizing so much easier.

The Paravel color palette also reflects this mix of whimsy and practicality. The person looking for a simple, beige case will be just as pleased as the person who loves carrying a pop of cherry red onto the plane.

It’s also worth noting how multi-purpose everything is designed to be. Overnight bags have straps that fit easily onto suitcase handles, everything is of TSA-approved sizes, and there’s attention to detail at every level that ensures you can take Paravel luggage anywhere and not have to worry that it won’t fit in the overhead or be easy to carry on the train.

Their Product Collections

Here’s a quick overview of the main Paravel luggage collections and some of the unique design features each has:

The Aviator Collection

‍Every item in this collection is carbon neutral and features materials such as recycled aluminum, recycled polycarbonate, and recycled vegan leather. As the name suggests, the collection is all about air-travel-friendly suitcases. They’re hard-shell and feature 360° double spinner wheels with carbon steel bearings, a removable laundry bag, and a compression board.

Rove

‍This collection includes a duffle bag, backpack, weekender, and briefcase all made from a mix of recycled vegan leather and EcoCraft Twill®. The materials make these items highly durable while still giving them a chic, professional look. All the items in this collection are designed to slip easily onto the handles of the Aviator suitcases but work just as well if you’re not doing airport travel.

Fold-Up Bags

‍The functionality of the bags in this collection is the stuff of travel dreams. There’s a weekender, backpack, and belt bag all made from water-resistant Negative Nylon® that can be folded up into tiny pouches. They’re as brilliant for daily commutes as they are for global exploration.

Cabana

‍The Cabana collection is by far the most visually fun from Paravel luggage. The totes and backpacks feature contrasting stripes and monogramming options for an old-world, nautical feel. They’re also very practical. The EcoCraft Canvas the collection is made from is durable and spill-proof.

What Customers Say

Customer feedback on Paravel luggage tends to focus on these main areas:

• Functionality: Cara S. commented on loving “how smoothly the wheels glide along” on her Aviator luggage and how the handles “don’t stick” when pulled out. This positivity toward the basic functionality of the luggage is repeated throughout the comment sections on Paravel’s website, with one customer even noting how well the wheels worked over cobblestones.

• Appearance: “I love the way it looks!” Anita S. shared regarding the Aviator Grand suitcase. The brand’s chic designs are often cited as a major positive by customers. The one downside to the look of the suitcases is how visible scratch and scuff marks can be on the suitcases.

• Size and Weight: While the sizing of Paravel suitcases, both on regular check-in luggage and carry-on items, is generally regarded as roomy, there’s some disagreement on how appropriate their weight is. Some find them lightweight, while others worry that the stylish design features make them heavier than they need to be (especially in comparison to competitors).

Overall, customer reviews lean on the positive. Something we noted is that even reviewers who are unhappy with some aspects of the luggage take the time to note how effective the wheels are. That particular feature seems to be a universal favorite.

The Pros and Cons of Paravel Luggage

Ok, enough chatter. It’s time to focus on our next destination: a gander through the pros and cons of Paravel luggage …

The Good Stuff:

• The interior pockets on the luggage and bags are well thought out. This is particularly true with the Paravel carry-on items which divide packing space nicely for tight, efficient organization.
• The handles and straps on Paravel items are comfortable to use. The telescopic handles on the larger luggage pieces are smooth to pull out and have a vegan leather-bound area to soften where your hand will hold it. Carry-on items also generally feature multiple straps for ease.
• Most bags have easy-to-clean nylon linings that can either be removed and put through the wash or wiped down.
• No matter what collection you buy from, it’s easy to pair different luggage items together. The color palettes and materials all complement each other well.
• Many of the items have versatility built into them so that they can be used in multiple travel contexts. Weekenders and duffels all strap easily to suitcase handles but work just as well if you’re not using them alongside airport luggage.
• You never have to worry about the TSA with Paravel luggage. Every carry-on item meets TSA size requirements, and all the hard cases come with a TSA-compliant lock.
• The 360° double spinner wheels on the suitcases make getting through large airports feel truly breezy. They also work on rougher or more uneven surfaces.
• The sustainability of the bags is unmatched. No one else is making 100% carbon-neutral neutral hardcases like Paravel.
• The materials used aren’t just recycled, they’re also very durable. Aluminum is used on the larger luggage items to assist with longevity while the canvas on some of the smaller pieces is specifically designed to not fray or stain easily.
• Most luggage items have the option of being monogrammed, which adds both a personal touch and a practical one. It’s much easier to find your luggage on a carousel when it’s got your name on it.

Some Areas of Improvement:

• Some of the luggage is heavier than counterparts from other brands. The carry-ons, for example, are weightier than most.
• Though not at the top end of what luggage costs, Paravel is still pretty pricy with part of what you’re paying for being the design elements, rather than added functionality.
• Some Paravel Aviator reviews mention that the compression boards that come with the luggage break easily and that the internal pockets seem generally flimsy. The brand is willing to replace broken compression boards, but it’s frustrating nonetheless.
• There are complaints that the hardcases scuff easily and that the designs don’t hide travel damage as much as they should.
• The hardcases don’t expand. This makes them a little less user-friendly for longer trips where you might want room to add to your luggage as you travel.

Final Cost/Value Assessment

Travel budgets are always tight, and what suits one traveler may not suit another. Here’s our cost/value assessment on Paravel luggage broken down by key concerns:

Pricing

‍Paravel luggage is expensive enough that it’s generally only worth the investment for more frequent travelers. The exception to this, however, is their fold-up range, as the items are multi-functional enough to suit dozens of contexts.‍

Durable Looks vs. Durable Function

‍You get your money’s worth in terms of lasting functionality but not necessarily in terms of appearance. Paravel luggage is durable in that we’ve yet to see major complaints about wheels, handles, or zips not lasting however, many have complained that the luggage loses its “fresh” look very quickly. ‍

Travel-Suitability

‍The 10-year warranty on their luggage only covers manufacturing defaults whereas others will do repairs, etc. For that reason, Paravel isn’t advisable for anyone doing more rugged adventuring.

The Top 3 Paravel Pieces

Alright, now, you’ve toured the brand and considered the pros and cons. Now, it’s time to consider souvenirs or possible purchases to make from the trip. All jokes aside, if you are in the market for a piece of Paravel luggage, these are the items we’d most recommend from the brand:

1. Aviator Carry-On

The Aviator hardshell carry-on has made waves with travel enthusiasts thanks to its easy maneuverability (those 360° wheels are no joke!), telescoping handles, durable shell, and chic design. It’s also the world’s first ever 100% carbon-neutral carry-on.

Other great features of this Paravel carry-on include the fact that it fits easily into most overhead compartments, has a TSA-approved lock, and has a washable lining. Paravel Aviator reviews from customers and journalists alike have also noted that the carry-on is well-sized and fits a decent amount of clothes and shoes. 

Price: $525

Dimensions: 18.25 x 28 x 11 inches (meets TSA carry-on requirements).

Weight: 11.8 pounds.

Materials: Recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum handles, recycled zippers, recycled vegan leather, and nylon made from recycled plastic bottles.

2. Main Line Duffel

The Main Line Duffel is yet another great overhead-compartment-friendly luggage item from Paravel. It’s perfect for weekend trips or to max out your luggage allowance on international travel. The bag features short, vegan leather handles as well as a longer, detachable strap. One of our favorite features is the lockable zip – something we rarely see on duffels.

The bag is spacious without being bulky, has two interior pockets, and is finished off with the EcoCraft Canvas® exterior that repels dirt and water. As this reviewer aptly noted, the Main Line duffel is highly durable. You can take it on one trip after another, and it still manages to look almost as good as new.

Price: $295

Dimensions: 20 x 11 x 10 inches (meets TSA carry-on requirements).

Weight: 3 pounds.

Materials: EcoCraft Canvas® (made from 14 recycled plastic bottles), recycled vegan leather.

3. Fold-Up Bag

If you’ve heard of Paravel luggage or read about them before, it’s probably been about this impeccably well-designed bag. The Fold-Up Bag’s crowning achievement is that it can fold up into a tiny, flat pouch but, once expanded, can be used in a multitude of ways. Let’s break them down:

• The waterproof nylon the bag is made from (sourced from recycled plastic) is water-resistant and easy to wash, making it a great gym bag.
• The handles are designed for easy carrying or throwing over the shoulder – perfect for commuters.
• The bag has a built-in trolley sleeve so that it can be carried atop a suitcase.

The inside pockets, durability, and general ease of this item have made it an essential for many travelers. It’s perfect to have folded up and kept with you in case you need extra carrying space during a trip, but it’s also just one of those useful things to have on you in daily life. A NYMag review called it “the Mary Poppins of duffels” because of how much it fits.

Price: $85

Dimensions: Unfolded – 18 x 11.5 x 11 inches (meets TSA carry-on requirements for personal items), folded –  8 x 9.75 x 2.75 inches.

Weight: 1 pound.

Materials: Negative Nylon^® made from 22 recycled plastic bottles.

Some Helpful FAQs About This Brand

What sets Paravel's sustainability efforts apart from other luggage brands?

‍The thing that sets Paravel’s sustainability efforts apart the most from other brands is that they are 100% climate-neutral while also featuring mostly recycled materials in all their pieces. The extent to which their efforts go just isn’t seen anywhere else (yet).

Can Paravel luggage pieces withstand the rigors of frequent travel?

Yes, Paravel luggage pieces can withstand the rigors of frequent travel. The materials the brand uses are hardwearing and, in some instances, designed to hide the inevitable scuffs that come with airport handling.

The Start of Eco-Friendlier Travel

Paravel’s co-founder, Indré Rockefeller, said it best when she noted that if we don’t take steps to reduce travel’s environmental impact, soon we won’t have anywhere beautiful to travel to. Paravel luggage is leading the charge on that idea, but many other brands are also using innovative materials and initiatives to make more sustainable suitcases and travel bags.

There’s no need to compromise on style, durability, or function anymore in pursuit of eco-friendly luggage. That’s all thanks to the effort and exploration of brands like Paravel that are willing to go where others haven’t and, in turn, take us on brand-new journeys of sustainability.