Paravel and Away have both disrupted the luggage industry with their direct-to-consumer models and premium quality at accessible prices. But these two brands take distinctly different approaches to luggage design and values. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll help you decide which brand aligns better with your travel needs and priorities.
Brand Overview
Paravel: The Sustainable Pioneer
Founded with a mission to create beautiful travel goods that don't harm the planet, Paravel has positioned itself as the leader in sustainable luxury luggage. The brand is certified B Corporation and uses recycled materials throughout its product line, from the polycarbonate shells to the interior linings made from upcycled water bottles.
Paravel's aesthetic draws on vintage travel inspiration with a modern sensibility. Their products appeal to travelers who value both sustainability and style, and who are willing to invest in quality pieces that align with their values.
Away: The Tech-Forward Disruptor
Away launched in 2015 and quickly became synonymous with the direct-to-consumer luggage revolution. The brand gained attention for its built-in battery charger, sleek minimalist design, and aggressive marketing that positioned luggage as a lifestyle product.
Away's focus has been on functional innovation and creating a complete travel ecosystem. While the brand has made some moves toward sustainability in recent years, it's not the core of their identity in the way it is for Paravel.
Materials Comparison
Shell Construction
Paravel: Uses recycled polycarbonate for hard-shell luggage. This material offers the same performance characteristics as virgin polycarbonate but with significantly lower environmental impact. The recycled shell maintains excellent durability, flexibility, and impact resistance.
Away: Uses virgin polycarbonate for most models. While this provides reliable performance, it relies on new plastic production rather than recycled materials. Some limited edition products have incorporated recycled materials.
Interior Materials
Paravel: Interior lining is made from fabric woven from upcycled plastic water bottles. Each carry-on incorporates approximately 11 recycled bottles. The fabric is soft, durable, and has a premium feel despite its recycled origins.
Away: Uses nylon interior lining that provides durability and a clean look. Standard nylon production is more resource-intensive than recycled alternatives.
Zippers and Hardware
Paravel: Features recycled YKK zippers, extending the sustainability commitment to smaller components. Hardware is designed for longevity.
Away: Uses standard YKK zippers with quality hardware. Reliable performance but no notable sustainability features.
| Material Component | Paravel | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Material | Recycled Polycarbonate | Virgin Polycarbonate |
| Interior Lining | Upcycled Water Bottle Fabric | Nylon |
| Zippers | Recycled YKK | Standard YKK |
| Wheels | Japanese 360-degree Spinners | 360-degree Spinners |
Sustainability
This is where the biggest difference between these two brands becomes apparent.
Paravel's Sustainability Approach
B Corp Certification: Paravel is a certified B Corporation, meaning it has met rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This third-party verification provides credibility to their sustainability claims.
Carbon Neutral Shipping: All Paravel shipments are carbon neutral, with offsets supporting verified environmental projects. This addresses one of the significant environmental impacts of e-commerce.
Recycled Materials Throughout: As detailed above, Paravel incorporates recycled materials in shells, linings, and zippers. This commitment extends across the product line, not just select items.
Minimal Packaging: Paravel uses recyclable and minimal packaging, avoiding excess plastic and unnecessary materials.
Away's Sustainability Position
Away has taken some steps toward sustainability but hasn't made it a core brand identity:
Limited Sustainability Initiatives: Away has released some limited edition products with recycled content and has made pledges to reduce environmental impact, but comprehensive sustainability isn't embedded in their standard product line.
No B Corp Certification: Away is not B Corp certified and hasn't pursued similar third-party verification of environmental practices.
Standard Shipping: Away doesn't emphasize carbon-neutral shipping as a standard practice.
The Verdict on Sustainability
If sustainability is a priority for you, Paravel is the clear winner. The brand has built environmental responsibility into its DNA, not as a marketing add-on but as a fundamental operating principle.
Features Comparison
The Paravel Aviator Carry-On
- Recycled polycarbonate shell
- Upcycled water bottle interior lining
- Japanese 360-degree spinner wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Multi-stage telescoping handle
- Interior compression system
- Wet pocket for toiletries
- Zippered divider panel
- 42L capacity
- Weight: 7.7 lbs
Away Carry-On
- Polycarbonate shell
- Nylon interior lining
- 360-degree spinner wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Telescoping handle
- Interior compression system
- Removable laundry bag
- Optional ejectable battery (additional cost on newer models)
- 39.8L capacity
- Weight: 7.7 lbs
Feature Analysis
USB Charging: Away's most distinctive feature has been its built-in USB battery. However, due to airline regulations requiring removable batteries, newer models have this as an optional extra rather than standard. If device charging is essential to you, Away offers this option, while Paravel doesn't.
Capacity: The Paravel Aviator offers slightly more capacity (42L vs 39.8L) while maintaining the same weight. This extra space can be meaningful for packing efficiency.
Interior Organization: Both brands offer compression systems and organizational features. Paravel includes a wet pocket, useful for swimwear or toiletries. Away includes a removable laundry bag for separating worn clothes.
Wheels: Both feature 360-degree spinner wheels, though Paravel specifically uses Japanese-made wheels known for smooth, quiet operation.
Price Comparison
| Product Type | Paravel Price | Away Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Carry-On | $395 | $275 |
| Large Carry-On / Plus | $425 | $295 |
| Medium Checked | $445 | $345 |
| Large Checked | $495 | $395 |
Price Analysis
Paravel commands a premium of approximately $100-120 per piece over Away. This price difference reflects:
- Sustainable materials: Recycled materials and sustainable supply chains often cost more than conventional alternatives
- B Corp requirements: Meeting B Corp standards involves costs for compliance, verification, and sustainable practices
- Carbon-neutral shipping: Offsetting shipping emissions adds operational costs
- Smaller scale: Paravel operates at a smaller scale than Away, reducing economies of scale
For many conscious travelers, this premium is worth paying for genuine sustainability. However, budget-conscious shoppers should weigh whether the sustainability features justify the additional cost for their situation.
Durability and Quality
Both Paravel and Away produce quality luggage designed to withstand regular travel. However, there are some differences worth noting.
Paravel Durability
Paravel's recycled polycarbonate performs identically to virgin polycarbonate in durability tests. The brand emphasizes quality craftsmanship and uses Japanese-made wheels known for longevity. User reviews consistently praise the build quality and report that bags hold up well over time.
The focus on sustainability extends to durability, as Paravel recognizes that long-lasting products are inherently more sustainable than disposable ones.
Away Durability
Away luggage is well-built and handles regular travel well. However, some users have reported issues with wheels and zippers over extended use. The brand has addressed these concerns with warranty coverage and improvements to manufacturing.
The built-in battery feature, while convenient, adds a potential point of failure. Some users have experienced battery-related issues, though Away has improved this over time.
Long-Term Quality
Both brands produce luggage capable of lasting many years with proper care. For travelers prioritizing longevity, reading detailed user reviews from long-term owners can provide insight into real-world durability.
Design and Aesthetics
Paravel Design Philosophy
Paravel draws inspiration from vintage travel aesthetics, creating luggage that evokes the golden age of travel while incorporating modern functionality. The color palette includes sophisticated options like Safari Green, Scout Tan, Domino Black, Derby Red, and Navigator Navy.
Design details like leather-effect accents, custom zipper pulls, and classic silhouettes give Paravel luggage a distinctive, premium appearance. These pieces are designed to age gracefully and maintain their aesthetic appeal over years of use.
Away Design Philosophy
Away takes a minimalist, modern approach to design. Clean lines, smooth surfaces, and a contemporary aesthetic characterize the brand. Colors tend toward classic options like black, navy, and white, with occasional limited edition colors.
The design is intentionally understated and versatile, appealing to travelers who prefer a sleek, unobtrusive look. Away luggage blends in rather than standing out.
Style Verdict
Design preference is subjective. Paravel appeals to those who appreciate vintage-inspired elegance and distinctive style. Away appeals to those who prefer minimalist, modern aesthetics. Neither is objectively better but they attract different sensibilities.
Product Range
Paravel Product Line
Paravel offers a focused range of products including:
- Carry-on luggage in multiple sizes
- Checked luggage in medium and large sizes
- Weekender bags, backpacks, and totes
- Packing cubes and organizational accessories
- Toiletry bags and travel pouches
The focused product range allows Paravel to maintain consistent quality and sustainability across all offerings.
Away Product Line
Away has expanded significantly and now offers:
- Carry-on and checked luggage in multiple sizes and materials
- Soft-sided bags and backpacks
- Travel accessories and organizers
- Luggage tags and stickers
- Pet carriers
- Various collaborations and limited editions
Away's broader range provides more options but also means less specialization per category.
Warranty and Customer Support
Paravel Warranty
Paravel offers a limited warranty against manufacturing defects. This covers issues with materials and workmanship under normal use. The warranty does not cover airline damage, normal wear and tear, or misuse.
Customer support is accessible through email and the website. Paravel's smaller scale allows for more personalized customer service.
Away Warranty
Away offers a limited lifetime warranty on shells and a 2-year warranty on functional components like wheels, handles, and zippers. This is one of the more comprehensive warranties in the industry.
Away has expanded customer support over the years, though some users have reported mixed experiences with warranty claims.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Paravel If:
- Sustainability is a top priority for your purchasing decisions
- You appreciate vintage-inspired design and distinctive aesthetics
- You want to support a certified B Corporation
- You prefer higher capacity for your carry-on (42L vs 39.8L)
- You're willing to pay a premium for environmental responsibility
- You don't need built-in device charging
Choose Away If:
- Budget is a primary concern
- You want built-in USB charging capability
- You prefer minimalist, modern design
- You value the broader product range for a complete travel system
- Sustainability is less important than other factors
Our Recommendation
For conscious travelers who prioritize sustainability, Paravel is our recommended choice. The brand's genuine commitment to environmental responsibility, combined with premium quality and beautiful design, makes it an excellent investment.
The Paravel Aviator Carry-On exemplifies what sustainable luxury luggage can be. It proves that choosing the environmentally responsible option doesn't mean compromising on style, quality, or functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether Paravel is "better" depends on your priorities. Paravel is the better choice if sustainability is important to you, as it uses recycled materials and is B Corp certified. Away may be better if you want built-in USB charging or a lower price point. Both brands offer quality construction and good warranties. For eco-conscious travelers, Paravel's sustainability credentials make it the superior choice.
Paravel costs more due to its use of recycled and sustainable materials, B Corp certification requirements, and carbon-neutral shipping. The brand prioritizes environmental responsibility throughout its supply chain, which involves additional costs compared to conventional manufacturing. The premium also reflects smaller production scale and premium material sourcing.
Both brands offer warranties covering manufacturing defects. Away offers a limited lifetime warranty on shells and a 2-year warranty on functional components. Paravel offers a limited warranty against defects. Neither warranty covers airline damage or normal wear and tear. Away's warranty is slightly more comprehensive on paper, though actual claim experiences vary.
Both brands produce durable luggage suitable for regular travel. Paravel's recycled polycarbonate performs identically to virgin materials in durability tests. User reviews suggest both brands hold up well over time. Paravel's Japanese-made wheels are particularly praised for longevity. For most travelers, durability should not be a deciding factor between these two brands.
Away has released limited edition products incorporating recycled materials and has made some sustainability pledges. However, sustainability is not embedded in their core product line the way it is with Paravel. If sustainability is your priority, Paravel offers a more comprehensive and verified approach to environmental responsibility.
