You know the scene. You’re strutting over the airport concourse in your cool clobber, and the most embarrassing scenario unfolds. The wheels have just parted from your valise of vestments, the zip splits and all your plush, packed finery spills out! Wish you had paid that little extra? If you want your travel luggage to last beyond a few trips, it could be worth some shrewd spending with established retailers offering guarantees, repairs and quality workmanship, together with the look that suits your own trendy needs. You have many options to try out including waterproof bags that can keep your luggage safe from harsh climatic conditions.
Add to this, recycled and eco products and maybe just a little extra goes a longer way. You’ll feel tops in your toggery next time you’re walking the concourse, carrying or wheelie-spinning some of these unisex luggage ideas, and it might just change your outlook on more sustainable and durable jaunting.
Patagonia Black Hole 25l backpack
Made from 100 per cent recycled polyester and TPU-film laminate, for weather and abrasion resistance, this backpack has multiple storage options, including a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve. The front stash pockets are great for organising travel documents, sunglasses, mobile phones, water-bottles and more.
Comfort comes with a padded ventilation back panel, padded shoulder straps and room inside for overnight apparel. The recyclable materials are put through tough durability testing, so this bag can last a long time. After that? Send back to the manufacturer and they’ll reproduce it into something else, or another bag. Worth it!
Visit: patagonia.com – £103
Heys Eco Case
Heys International is a well-established company combining the durable and sustainable with stylish looks. The Eco Case comes in a range of sizes, is made from 100 per cent post-consumer recycled water bottles and looks the business in navy or grey. It expands 20 per cent more, utilising fully-lined interiors with zippered dividers.
Comfort add-ons are gel cushioned top and side handles and an aluminium push-button telescopic handle system. It has a TSA combination lock (Travel Sentry Approved) and 360-degree spinner wheels for effortless movement across different terrains. Heys have travelled far with solid workmanship and quality brands, that offer style and biodiversity combined.
Visit: heys.com – £112
Samsonite S’Cure Eco Spinner
The S’Cure Eco Spinner is part of a fantastic little collection of bags. Constructed from 100 per cent recycled polypropylene, from Samsonite’s own production process, the core outside components are also enriched with recycled wood waste. With four spinner wheels, a double tube top and side handles, you’ll be travelling with an endurance product, rigorously tested, with long warranties or lifetime guarantees. Sorted!
Visit: samsonite.co.uk – £229
Berghaus Remote 20 Rucksack
Travelling light? This gorgeous blue rucksack has great all-round durable quality, made by this 50-year-old company. With good ventilation and a hydration bladder and hose, to stay hydrated on the move, it comes with side compression straps and a detachable waist strap. The zipped front sunglasses pocket and even a walking pole holder shouts outdoor traveller.
Visit: berghaus.com – £55
Wenger Mandria Convertible Laptop Backpack
With a 120-year history of outstanding craftsmanship and a passion for quality, Wenger are also known for the Swiss Army Knife and beautiful precision watches. Their baggage brands mix active wear with good looks and the clever Mandria converts from a backpack to a laptop case. It’s made from a sustainable hardy water-repelling waxed cotton canvas and its rugged tan colour unifies with the outdoor traveller on the go.
Visit: wenger.ch – £91
Herschel Supply Co Trade Luggage
Look stylish and complement your travel combinations with this ABS hard shell. It boasts four multi-directional dual polyurethane wheels, a combination zipper lock, classic label, easy wheeling retractable three-stage locking trolley handle and that’s all just on the outside. Inside is a fabric liner and zippered mesh storage bunk for your big vacation playwear kit. This one has it in the bag!
Visit: herschel.com – £198
Antler Urbanite Messenger Bag
When it comes to carry-on sets, Antler have a stylish range of mix and match. If you like a laptop case but also a separate holdall for your extras, then the Urbanite is for you. It comes in navy or khaki and is of strong construction with one reviewer stating it’s lasted 20,000 air miles and still going strong! The messenger bag has lockable compartments, with a combination lock and the fabric is hardwearing, waterproof, crinkle nylon. Lightweight, with a good capacity for pocket essentials for all journeys, it’s good stuff from a company that started way back in 1914.
Visit: antler.co.uk – £44
Biaggi Zipsak Boost! Bag
The Zipsak Boost! ticks all the boxes! A smooth operator with four-wheeled glide and a rear trolley sleeve that allows you to slide the bag over a suitcase trolley handle. Biaggi have boasted “luggage that folds.” Made from durable, water-resistant nylon, it folds down into a small, neat pouch. With a great name to impress your friends with, it can be wheeled or carried, and with a choice of designs, a packing cube included, and a two-year warranty, there’s no dressing down with this by your side.
Visit: biaggi.com – £48.25
Ted Baker Albany Holdall
Ted Baker, established in 1987, have created a compact handbag style carry-on, with wheels and a pull handle included. It comes in navy, black or olive, and is made from 900 denier polyester twill. Developed in the UK, the Albany range has a savvy label, pockets, a padded tablet sleeve and ‘Birds of Prey’ lining. Detailed with rose gold-toned hardware, you can glide with this holdall in true foofaraw fashion to your flight.
Visit: tedbaker.com – £255
Luggage Superstore American Tourister Disney Legends
Not forgetting the children’s two-week holiday, this case comes in a range of must-have sizes, as well as six contrasting designs. Sustainability comes with ABS polycarbonate material, top and side durable carry handles and a lined interior with a zipper divider. It is strong yet lightweight 88L capacity. The young ones will feel grown up pulling this posh multi-directional four-wheeler and there’s room for all the travel stickers too. Very trendy!
Visit: luggagesuperstore.co.uk – £107