I tried Paravel Luggage and was actually really impressed.
As a professional travel writer, I’ve tested out many, MANY suitcases and carry-on bags and to be honest, I was not expecting the Paravel Aviator Carry On bag to be much different from the rest.
But I was wrong. Let me tell you why.
I Tried Paravel Luggage Out On 3 Trips Before Making My Verdict
I took my new Aviator Suitcase to Stowe, Vermont on a girls trip for fall colors and stuffed it full of Kiel James Patrick sweaters and cozy scarves. It came with me to a treehouse Airbnb in Santa Cruz Mountains and was able to handle all my warm sweaters and flannel.
I even filled it to the brim with sequin outfits when I went to Vancouver to see Taylor Swift’s last Eras Tour show (yes, it was amazing) and that compression board came in handy to help me squeeze all those sparkles in.
I threw my Paravel Carry-on in trunks and overhead storage over multiple trips to really put it to the test. And here’s the thing: I’m sort of in love. Let’s chat about why.
The Aviator Luggage Interior Helps You Ditch Packing Cubes
I think I’ve outgrown packing cubes. I SAID IT! As an avid poaching cube user, I thought I would never say “I’m ready to ditch them” but last year after a 3 week Europe trip where I forgot to pack my cubes, I realized that maybe I don’t actually need them.
Especially when using a suitcase like the Aviator Carry On which has interior organization. There’s a main compartment with a built-in compression board with straps, 2 interior pockets for separation, and a laundry bag that I find myself using all the time for dirty underwear or swimsuits.
I tested out the Carry-On Plus, and while I’m normally a checked bag girlie, the interior organization this suitcase offers allowed me to do without that larger bag and still keep all my things organized.
Let’s take that Vancouver trip for instance. The compression board and straps helped me compress my coats and 4 different sequin outfits ( I didn’t know what I wanted to wear to the show!) I used that interior zipper pocket to store my undies and socks, and I was left with a very organized suitcase.
Paravel Luggage Brand Is Designed To Move Well In Airports And Hotels
Thanks to the 360 double spinner wheels, I always found it easy to roll my Paravel bag whether it was on a carpeted hotel floor (why), or a carpeted airport floor (again, why do people do this?!)
The handle was a little sticky when I first got it, but it loosened up over time. It’s the tallest suitcase handle I’ve seen in a long time, making it extra easy to pull around without hunching over. I literally remember saying “ohhhh” when I first pulled it free.
They Made The World’s First Carbon Neutral Carry-On Actually Cute, Too
Sometimes companies make sustainable products that are better for the environment but just plain ugly. That’s not the case here. Paravel uses recycled plastic bottles (15 plastic water bottles per bag, to be exact), recycled vegan leather details with recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum handles, and recycled zippers.
If you wanted to go bigger and better on sustainable luggage, try Paravel’s Aviator Grand checked luggage. It has even more recycled materials used with 100% recycled polycarbonate shell crafted entirely from 8 recycled water cooler jugs. Each suitcase is unique due to the recycled rugs used.
Paravel Luggage Scratches Easy, So Opt For A Brighter Color
I went with a red suitcase since red is my color, and it’s easier to spot amongst all the black suitcases on a luggage belt. What surprised me was that my Aviator suitcase started showing white scuff marks after putting it in the overhead bin.
It’s aesthetically damaged, and I didn’t expect that to happen so soon. I also assumed I could clean off the marks, but they’re more like white scratches.
I own a large Away suitcase that I check into airlines and that baby has been through the wringer but I’ve been able to whip off any weird conveyor belt marks or scuffs. It’s not bad enough to put me off this company. In fact, I think all the other benefits of the suitcase (function, interior, wheels, style, etc) more than make up for the fact the exterior gets scuffed easily.
But, I will be monitoring the situation and will update you here if it gets out of hand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paravel Luggage
Where is Paravel Luggage Made?
Paravel Luggage was founded in 2016 by Indré Rockefeller and Andy Krantz. It’s a New York City based brand, though its manufacturing warehouse is based in Florence, Italy.
Is There Ever A Paravel Luggage Sale?
Yes! Paravel usually has a Black Friday Sale and also runs seasonal sales periodically, such as a 15% off sale to start the New Year.
Paravel Vs Away: Which Is Better?
I’ve owned and tried both Paravel and Away, and they are both great luggage companies. I can’t pick which one is better since they both offer unique attributes. I would say, Paravel has better interior organization if that’s important to you. I also found the wheels a little easier to use on carpets compared to Away.
But Away has a little sturdier of a shell and also that lifetime warranty to replace your suitcase if it gets damaged. Both are good options, I promise!
In conclusion, I really like this brand and wouldn’t hesitate to get a whole set. If you’re looking for a sleek, lightweight and stylish carry-on bag that has all the good interior organization and also happens to be sustainable, you’ll love Paravel.
Got your own Paravel review to add? I would love to see it below! Drop your thoughts and feelings.