Paravel Aviator Carry-On: The Sustainable Luggage Brand We Love
Updated: Apr. 27, 2024
Paravel luggage screams luxury, but it's also as sustainable as they come.
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My carry-on luggage has been around the world with me and back. A semester abroad in Italy with 10 countries throughout, weekend trips to Mexico City, girls’ trips to Miami and countless other cities in between. But, as is the case with any well-loved bag, my trusty Traveler’s Choice suitcase is showing signs of damage. Bruises on the once sky-blue exterior, sticky wheels and even a DIY tape job to keep the handle going down are just a few of its woes.
It was time for an upgrade, and after using the Paravel Aviator Carry-On bag on a recent trip, I’ve seen the difference having quality luggage can make. But that’s not the only reason Paravel stands out as one of the best luggage brands around. See why we at Reader’s Digest recommend Paravel luggage to everyone we know.
What is Paravel luggage?
When it comes to high-end luggage and sustainable travel, Paravel is the brand to beat. It boasts modern details and a sleek look, but its best trait is that it’s carbon neutral. According to the brand website, Paravel offsets emissions from sourcing, assembly, shipping and delivery. They even take into account the estimated carbon emissions from your first plane trip with the luggage.
Recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing go a long way in terms of reducing energy consumption. The Aviator Carry-On, for example, saves 8,015 hours of light bulb energy and 123 liters of water, and avoids 22 kilograms of CO2 emissions.
There’s a plethora of Paravel luggage options to choose from though. The Aviator Carry-On fits all of my needs and then some, but those with more to pack might opt for the Aviator Carry-On Plus or the Aviator Grand Checked Luggage. If you’re looking for underseat luggage, the Paravel backpack is also a good way to go.
For even deeper commitment to sustainability, the Aviator100 Grand is a fine choice—its casing features a 100% recycled polycarbonate shell made solely from eight recycled water cooler jugs. Yup, it’s true. Even the Glacier Blue color comes from the water jugs.
VIA MERCHANT
Paravel Aviator Carry-On
Paravel luggage features
The website suggests that the Aviator Carry-On fits two to four days’ worth of clothes and up to two pairs of shoes. I, however, am an expert packer, so I tried to fit even more. At first, I used some compressible packing cubes from Amazon to optimize space, but found that this wasn’t the best use of the luggage real estate.
One side of the bag has a compression pad, so packing accessories weren’t all that necessary. After arranging and rearranging, I was able to fit multiple outfits for my five-day trip.
The Aviator Carry-On measures 13.7×21.7×9 inches to meet TSA requirements. When empty, it weighs 8.2 pounds, but it wasn’t unbearably heavy when full either. A clip-in, three-number combination lock also prevents the need to zip-tie your zippers together (I’ve been there). And five colors to choose from means you’ll have a bag that matches your every aesthetic.
How I tested it
There were three primary factors I considered when testing the Paravel Aviator Carry-On:
Space
I packed well for my five-day trip to Los Angeles, and was able to fit two outfits a day (8 in total) in my Paravel bag, as well as three pairs of shoes, a packing cube of undergarments and my hair tools. There was even some space to bring back a couple of souvenirs and clothes I bought on the trip. My toiletry and makeup bag went into my Amazon travel backpack.
Special Features
The suitcase’s compression pad is wonderful, and the other side has a zip closure to prevent things from rolling around. I will say, I wasn’t very impressed with the suitcase’s main zipper. It doesn’t close smoothly and takes some effort to shut. It’s also not expandable, so what you see is what you get. But what the carry-on lacks in its zipper, it makes up for with its zipper lock. The zippers click into the lock (as someone who’s actually been robbed by airport personnel, I love this feature). Of course, there are also travel accessories that boost safety.
My favorite thing about the Aviator Carry-On, however, is the wheels. Oh, those wheels. I can’t believe they’re not butter! They glide across any surface without a hitch. And the handle slides in and out of its holster with ease, so long as you don’t overstuff the suitcase. The carry-on has great functionality, which is important for short and long rides.
Durability
Because it’s a carry-on and not a checked bag, I didn’t have to subject my suitcase to potential scuffs and marks at baggage claim. It fit perfectly in the overhead compartment, and after two plane rides, it hardly had any marks at all. Dragging it through LA’s concrete streets also proved not to be a problem against the exterior. I wiped it down when I got home, and it looked ready for its next ride.
Paravel also provides a laundry bag and dust bag. The dust bag is perfect for closet storing, and the laundry bag is a feature I’ve come to love on vacation. All in all, I could immediately feel and see the difference between my Paravel luggage and my old Traveler’s Choice.
Pros
- Carbon-neutral luggage
- 360-degree double spinner wheels
- Interior compression pad and interior pockets for extra storage
- Buttery smooth wheels
- Zipper locks for safety
- Uses recycled materials on the exterior, handles, zippers and lining
- Fits in overhead compartments
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Pricier than other budget brands
- Not expandable
- Zippers don’t have the best glide
FAQ
Is Paravel a luxury brand?
Considering the price point, Paravel might be luxurious to some travelers. But the price reflects a certifiably sustainable piece of luggage with high tech features. It’s an investment that also helps the planet.
What’s better—hard or soft luggage?
Ah, the age-old debate of hard vs. soft luggage. Soft luggage is more flexible and usually weighs less, but hard luggage offers more protection. The answer really comes down to your preference and what you’re packing.
How do you clean a Paravel?
Paravel suggests using Dove dish soap, antibacterial hand sanitizer, 409, Spray Nine, Simple Green, Bon Ami, Bar Keepers Friend or Zup on its Aviator luggage to remove stains, scuffs, grease and scratches. A Magic Eraser or Scrub Daddy also works on tougher marks.
Stay away from nail polish remover, acetone or oven cleaners when cleaning an Aviator. And in between trips, the included dust cover is a great option for long-term maintenance.
What other reviewers have to say
Reviewer Zana F. writes, “Having used the same carry-on for decades, this is a major upgrade in both function and design! It’s lighter that my old canvas carry-on and the wheels roll like a dream—any direction and smooth as butter. The interior is separated nicely, and it comes with a protective cover!”
“It’s a really beautiful carry-on,” writes Elaine L., comparing it to other luggage set favorites. “I think it’s a good alternative to splurging on a Rimowa because it’s really stylish. I haven’t used it yet, but it seems sturdy and really light. The handle seems better than the Monos, too.”
Product comparison
There are tons of luggage brands to choose from. Some of RD’s favorites include Monos, Away, Beis, Briggs and Riley, Carl Friedrik and Amazon, but Paravel is the most sustainable of all (luggage made entirely of water jugs!). Read our in-depth reviews of each brand to get a better sense of which is the right match for your budget and travel habits.
Final verdict
Overall, I really love my Paravel luggage. It’s made with high-quality materials and I feel better knowing it’s easy on the planet. The brand is also transparent with its manufacturing. Performance-wise, the Aviator Carry-On rides buttery smooth, has tons of space and makes me feel like more of a luxurious traveler than I am.
I had no problems with its size or storage capacity, just keep in mind that the main zipper isn’t the smoothest. And if you’re someone who travels heavy, the Carry-On Plus might be the option for you. Still, I know my Paravel luggage will follow me around the world just as much as my last one.
Where to buy Paravel luggage
Shop the sustainable and luxurious Paravel luggage on the brand’s website or Amazon. It’s also available on Over the Moon and Net-A-Porter. Now you just have to decide where your next trip will be.
VIA MERCHANT
Paravel Aviator Carry-On
Originally Published: December 21, 2023
