Paravel luggage review: I’m a shopping editor who’s tested over 50 suitcases, and this Paravel set is my favourite of the lot

As Condé Nast Traveller’s shopping writer, it’s my job to assess all the travel gear out there to find the best of the bunch. I’ve had eyes on hundreds of products over the past couple of years, from totes to weekenders and backpacks, plus an abundance of carry-ons and check-in cases, all of which have been assessed in-house before being taken by myself or one of our editors on a flight. It leaves little room for brand loyalty, but after taking a couple of Paravel cases to the Seychelles recently, that might have to change.

Paravel is an American luggage brand specialising in stylish, sustainable bags and cases. Indeed, it has some of the most impressive green credentials we’ve seen at Traveller. It’s a Climate Neutral-certified brand, and every one of its products uses recycled and upcycled materials. Over eight million plastic bottles have been recycled and transformed into products since the brand’s launch in 2016. The brand also claims to offset all carbon emissions generated by creating and shipping the luggage to you – and then the emissions of your first trip. Even the zips are recycled.

Putting the Paravel case under the microscope in our in-office tests

Louis Delbarre

Paravel Aviator Grand shell suitcaseLouis Delbarre

The products look great, too. The hero line is the Aviator range, which has a vintage look without feeling twee, smart vegan leather trims, curved edges and the cases have a scuff-resistant ribbed body. All the bags and cases riff off this design in eight colours. Bags can be personalised, and with a host of matching accessories, it’s easy to build a cohesive set that’s right for your exact requirements.

With around 14 hours in the air to reach the Seychelles, I needed a suitcase that could go the distance. I was lucky to be in business class for this flight, so I also wanted a stylish option (and outfit) that wouldn’t embarrass me in front of the cabin crew. I opted for the brand’s Aviator More carry-on and Aviator Grand checked case and finished my setup with a Pacific tote, all in the creamy Scout Tan colourway.

Paravel Aviator Grand Checked Luggage

The bags arrived stacked inside each other to minimise packaging, which I appreciated, and they can be stored this way at home to save space. First thoughts out of the box: these cases look gorgeous. They were so pretty, in fact, that I was a little nervous about using them. Buying pale-toned luggage is a bold move at the best of times, let alone when you’re spending over £1,000 on two cases – just one spell in the hold and most suitcases get rather scuffed. However, the inclusion of a free cover for both the check-in and carry-on case eased my mind. I wouldn’t fly without covering the checked bag, but I did take my chances with the carry-on. After one flight, it had some minimal marking at the bottom, but overall, it still looked great. Saying that, it was tough to remove the mark, even with soapy water, so if you do want to ensure your case remains in tip-top condition, use the cover or elect for a darker hue.