There are only a few reasons why I will opt to check my suitcase when I travel by plane: if I am going on a specialized adventure requiring bulky equipment, such as skiing, or if I am bringing back bottles of alcohol. In the latter case, I usually need to remove some of my personal items from the suitcase before checking it, which is why I always pack a foldable duffel bag.
The specific duffel bag I use is the Paravel Fold-Up Bag. It is constructed from water-resistant Negative Nylon, a lightweight material made entirely from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles (22 of them). This bag has received recognition for its sustainability practices from the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and the Global Recycled Standard. Additionally, it features recycled zippers.
There are several reasons why I appreciate this bag. It can be easily folded flat and zipped into a compact pouch for convenient storage. The recycled fabric is not only durable but also soft and smooth to the touch. When opened, the bag reveals a spacious main compartment, a zippered pocket, and an exterior slip pocket that can be converted into a trolley sleeve for attaching to luggage handles. Furthermore, its stylish design makes it suitable for use as a day bag or carry-on item.
You can use this bag for road trips, gym visits, daily commutes, or as an extra bag during your travels for unexpected situations. While I typically do not personalize my belongings, I decided to add my initials to this bag for quick identification in case of mix-ups.
The Fold-Up Bag is available in various colors and retails for $75 on the Paravel website. For an additional $15, you can customize it with embroidered initials.
