Let's be honest: most "sustainable" travel gear is marketing. Greenwashing runs rampant. That bamboo toothbrush? Shipped from China in plastic packaging. Those "eco-friendly" shoes? Made with petroleum-based soles.
We spent three months testing gear that actually delivers on its environmental promises. Here's what made the cut.
Luggage
Paravel Aviator Carry-On — €425
Made from recycled plastic bottles (15 per bag) and aluminum from post-consumer waste. But here's what matters: it's actually good luggage. Smooth wheels, smart compartments, TSA-approved locks. The sustainability is a bonus, not an excuse.
Verdict: Buy it. You'll use it for a decade.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel — €150
100% recycled body fabric, DWR-free water resistance. Bomber construction—Patagonia's repair program means this thing can last literally forever. Available in 40L, 55L, and 70L.
Verdict: The workhorse choice.
Clothing
Wool&Prince Button-Down — €128
Merino wool that looks like a normal oxford shirt. Wear it for weeks without washing (seriously). Temperature regulating, odor resistant, wrinkle-free. One shirt replaces five in your suitcase.
Verdict: Game-changer for minimalist packing.
Allbirds Tree Runners — €110
Eucalyptus fiber upper, sugarcane sole, castor bean insoles. Carbon-neutral certified. Comfortable enough for all-day walking, presentable enough for casual dinners.
Verdict: Not perfect, but the best option in this category.
Tech
BioLite SolarPanel 10+ — €120
Actually charges devices at usable speeds (unlike most solar panels). Built-in battery stores energy for cloudy moments. Rugged, packable, legitimately useful.
Verdict: Essential for off-grid travel.
Nimble Portable Charger — €50
Made from recycled aluminum and plastic. Certified B Corp company. 10,000mAh capacity with fast charging. Comes in plastic-free packaging.
Verdict: No reason to buy anything else.
Toiletries
Ethique Shampoo Bars — €16
Concentrated shampoo in solid form. One bar equals three plastic bottles. Actually works on all hair types. Lasts 2-3 months of regular use.
Verdict: The future of travel toiletries.
LastObject LastSwab — €12
Reusable silicone swab. Sounds gross, works great. Comes in a case, rinses clean. Replaces 1,000 single-use cotton swabs.
Verdict: Small change, big impact over time.
The Uncomfortable Truth
The most sustainable travel choice is often not traveling. A single transatlantic flight emits more carbon than the average person in 50 countries produces in a year.
Buying eco-friendly gear doesn't offset that. It's a start, not a solution. If you're serious about sustainable travel, consider:
- Train over plane where possible
- Longer trips over frequent short trips
- Carbon offset programs (controversial, but better than nothing)
- Supporting destinations that invest in sustainability
Gear helps. Behavior matters more.
