PARAVEL

Aviator Trunk

$545

★★★★★ 4.7 out of 5 (480+ reviews)
Made from Recycled Materials

The Paravel Aviator Trunk is the ultimate large checked bag for travelers who need maximum capacity without compromising on sustainability. With 88 liters of space, this is the bag for extended adventures, family vacations, or anyone who refuses to leave anything behind. Built from recycled materials throughout, it proves that going big can still mean going green.

Key Features

  • Maximum 88L capacity
  • Recycled polycarbonate hard shell
  • Interior lining from upcycled water bottles
  • 360-degree spinner wheels
  • TSA-approved combination lock
  • Multi-stage telescoping handle
  • Enhanced interior compression system
  • Reinforced corners and edges
  • Grab handles on multiple sides

Paravel Aviator Trunk: Complete Overview

The Paravel Aviator Trunk represents the pinnacle of the Aviator luggage line - maximum capacity wrapped in sustainable construction and premium design. At 88 liters, this large checked bag addresses the needs of travelers whose journeys demand more than typical luggage can provide: extended trips spanning weeks or months, family vacations where one bag serves multiple travelers, relocations, or adventures requiring specialized gear.

The Trunk embodies a philosophy that bigger doesn't have to mean wasteful. Its recycled polycarbonate shell and interior lined with fabric from approximately 24 upcycled plastic water bottles make it not just the largest Aviator but also the one with the greatest positive environmental impact per bag. For travelers committed to sustainability who also need substantial capacity, this combination is uniquely compelling.

Named "Trunk" rather than simply "Large" for good reason, this bag recalls the era of steamer trunks and grand voyages while delivering thoroughly modern functionality. It's designed for travelers who embrace the journey fully - who pack with intention rather than restriction, who prepare for every possibility their adventures might present.

Design That Commands Presence

The Aviator Trunk maintains the vintage-inspired aesthetic of the Aviator collection while scaling up to impressive proportions. At 29 inches tall, it makes a statement - but a sophisticated one. The clean lines and classic silhouette that define smaller Aviators translate beautifully to this larger canvas, creating a piece that looks intentional rather than merely big.

Available in Paravel's signature colors - Safari Green, Scout Tan, Domino Black, Derby Red, and Navigator Navy - the Trunk showcases these sophisticated tones on its substantial surface area. The larger size actually enhances the visual impact of colors like Safari Green and Derby Red, making the Trunk a distinctive presence at any baggage carousel.

Every premium detail from smaller Aviators scales appropriately for the Trunk. The custom Paravel zipper pulls maintain their satisfying weight. Leather-effect accents provide refined touches at the larger scale. The brand logo placement remains subtle and tasteful. Multiple grab handles appear at strategic points for maneuvering this substantial piece. These details matter because a bag this size inevitably draws attention - it should reward that attention with quality craftsmanship.

Construction for Maximum Durability

A bag of this size faces significant physical demands. The weight of fully packed contents, the stresses of baggage handling systems, the impacts of loading and transport - all are amplified at the Trunk's scale. Paravel's construction specifically addresses these challenges.

The recycled polycarbonate shell maintains the flex-and-recover properties essential for impact absorption, but with additional thickness and reinforcement appropriate for the larger size. The corners - always vulnerable points on luggage - receive enhanced protection to withstand the concentrated impacts that occur during handling.

The edges along the clamshell opening are reinforced to handle the stress of the zipper closure under maximum packing loads. Unlike lesser large bags where zippers strain and fail when packed fully, the Trunk maintains smooth operation even at capacity.

The Japanese-made spinner wheels are sized appropriately for the Trunk's scale and potential weight. They're designed to handle the maximum 50-pound checked bag limit while maintaining smooth, quiet operation. The wheel housings provide robust attachment points that resist the stresses of rough handling.

The telescoping handle system is the most robust in the Aviator line, with reinforced construction to support maneuvering a fully loaded large bag. Multiple height settings and secure locking at each position ensure comfortable operation regardless of user height. Side grab handles provide additional lifting points for situations where rolling isn't practical.

Interior Space That Makes Sense

88 liters of space could easily become an organizational nightmare without thoughtful interior design. The Trunk's interior creates structured zones that help travelers pack efficiently and access belongings without unpacking everything.

The clamshell opening divides the space into two substantial packing areas. One side features an enhanced compression panel with heavy-duty straps capable of compressing significant clothing volumes. This system is crucial for the Trunk - without compression, contents shift during transit, arriving wrinkled and disorganized. The compression capability here handles the serious packing loads the Trunk enables.

The opposite side includes a full zippered mesh panel creating a distinct contained space. This separation proves invaluable for organizing by category (casual vs. formal, clean vs. worn) or by traveler (when sharing the Trunk). The mesh visibility lets you locate items without unzipping and searching through everything.

The interior wet pocket scales to the Trunk's size, providing substantial space for toiletries, wet items, or anything you want isolated from main contents. For extended trips or beach vacations, this feature prevents moisture issues that could affect your entire wardrobe.

Multiple lid pockets offer secure spots for smaller items - jewelry, chargers, documents, medications. These prevent small essentials from getting lost in the Trunk's considerable main space while keeping frequently needed items accessible.

The interior lining, made from approximately 24 upcycled plastic water bottles, provides a light-colored, easy-clean surface that helps you spot items quickly. The sustainable material proves practical as well as principled, resisting stains and wiping clean easily.

Weight Management Considerations

With 88 liters of capacity, the Trunk easily accommodates more weight than most airlines allow. At 10.4 lbs empty, you have approximately 39-40 lbs of packing capacity before hitting the typical 50-pound limit. This sounds generous until you consider how quickly weight accumulates in a bag this size.

Paravel designed the Trunk with weight-consciousness despite its size. The recycled polycarbonate shell achieves durability without excessive weight. The hardware and wheel systems are robust but not overbuilt. Every component balances performance against its contribution to total weight.

Smart Trunk users develop weight management strategies: weighing the packed bag before departure, prioritizing lighter fabrics, being selective about shoes and heavy items, and using the Trunk's capacity for volume-intensive but lightweight items. The generous space accommodates bulky but light items like jackets, sweaters, and casual wear better than multiple heavier items.

Specifications

Dimensions 29" x 20" x 12" (including wheels and handles)
Weight 10.4 lbs (4.7 kg)
Capacity 88L
Shell Material Recycled Polycarbonate
Lining Material Upcycled Plastic Bottle Fabric (approx. 24 bottles)
Wheels 360-degree Japanese Spinner Wheels (Large)
Lock TSA-Approved Combination Lock
Handle Heavy-duty Multi-stage Telescoping
Additional Handles Top and Side Grab Handles
Warranty Limited Warranty Against Defects
Airline Compatibility Standard large checked baggage size; monitor weight limits carefully

Sustainability Credentials

The Aviator Trunk represents the highest environmental impact per bag in the Aviator line. Its substantial size means more recycled materials put to productive use, more plastic diverted from waste streams, and a more significant contribution to sustainable travel.

Recycled Polycarbonate Shell

The Trunk's large shell is manufactured entirely from recycled polycarbonate, representing the most significant plastic diversion of any Aviator size. This recycling process requires substantially less energy than virgin plastic production while delivering identical performance characteristics.

Maximum Upcycled Interior

Each Aviator Trunk interior is lined with fabric woven from approximately 24 upcycled plastic water bottles - the most of any Aviator size. This represents meaningful plastic diversion, giving new purpose to materials that would otherwise persist in the environment for centuries. The Trunk's interior alone keeps two dozen bottles from oceans and landfills.

Recycled Hardware Throughout

The zippers are recycled YKK zippers, and other hardware components incorporate recycled metals. At the Trunk's scale, these components represent more recycled material than in smaller sizes.

Carbon Neutral Shipping

Despite the Trunk's larger shipping footprint, Paravel maintains carbon neutral delivery through verified offset programs. The additional emissions from shipping larger, heavier packages are fully offset through investments in reforestation and renewable energy projects.

B Corporation Certification

Paravel's B Corp certification ensures the Trunk meets the same rigorous social and environmental standards as every product in their line. This certification requires accountability and transparency in sustainability claims.

Scaled Sustainable Packaging

The Trunk ships in appropriately sized plastic-free packaging using recycled cardboard and paper-based materials. The larger packaging maintains the same environmental principles while protecting the substantial bag during shipping.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Maximum capacity in the Aviator line (88L)
  • Greatest sustainable material impact per bag
  • Premium construction built for large-bag demands
  • Excellent for extended trips or shared use
  • Sophisticated design despite large size
  • Heavy-duty wheels handle full weight loads
  • Multiple grab handles for maneuvering
  • TSA-approved lock included
  • Enhanced interior organization system
  • Reinforced corners and edges

Cons

  • Highest price in Aviator line ($545)
  • Easy to exceed 50 lb weight limit
  • Too large for many trip types
  • Substantial storage footprint when not in use
  • Heavier empty weight (10.4 lbs)
  • May be difficult to lift when fully packed
  • Checked bag fees required
  • Overkill for typical 1-2 week trips

Who Is the Aviator Trunk Best For?

The Extended Adventure Traveler

For trips of three weeks or longer, the Trunk provides capacity that smaller bags simply cannot match. Month-long adventures, sabbatical travels, or extended work assignments demand this level of space. The Trunk eliminates difficult packing decisions for journeys where "pack light" isn't an option.

The Multi-Climate Traveler

Journeys spanning multiple seasons or climate zones require extensive wardrobes: summer wear and winter layers, formal occasions and casual days, beach activities and mountain excursions. The Trunk accommodates this diversity without compression compromises.

The Family Vacation Packer

Families can share a single Trunk rather than managing multiple medium bags. For parents traveling with children, consolidating into one well-organized large bag simplifies logistics significantly. The interior organization helps separate each family member's belongings.

The Relocating Professional

Short-term relocations, extended business assignments, or moves between locations benefit from the Trunk's capacity. It accommodates not just clothing but the personal items, work materials, and comfort essentials that make temporary locations feel like home.

The Specialty Gear Traveler

Travelers whose activities require substantial gear - photography equipment, musical instruments, sports equipment, or specialized hobby materials - find the Trunk accommodates their unique needs alongside standard travel necessities.

The Sustainable Maximalist

For those who reject the false choice between environmental values and packing capacity, the Trunk proves you can have both. Its construction represents the highest sustainable material impact of any Aviator while providing maximum space.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 88L capacity accommodates 2-3+ weeks of clothing and essentials. Most travelers can fit 12-15 or more complete outfits plus multiple pairs of shoes, extensive toiletries, and accessories. The limiting factor is typically weight rather than space - you'll likely hit the 50-pound airline limit before running out of room. Using packing cubes and compression bags helps maximize organization within this substantial space.

At 10.4 lbs empty, the Trunk leaves approximately 39-40 lbs for contents under the typical 50 lb limit. However, due to its large capacity, weight management requires attention. It's easy to pack 60-70 lbs of contents if you fill the space without weighing. Always weigh your packed Trunk before departing. Consider prioritizing lighter fabrics, limiting heavy shoes, and being selective about books and dense toiletries.

The shell is manufactured from recycled polycarbonate - the largest amount in the Aviator line. The interior lining is woven from fabric made of approximately 24 upcycled plastic water bottles, nearly double the carry-on sizes. The zippers are recycled YKK zippers, and hardware incorporates recycled metals. The Trunk represents the greatest sustainable material impact per bag of any Aviator.

For typical 1-2 week trips, the Trunk is likely more than one person needs - the Aviator Grand (68L) often suffices. The Trunk makes sense for solo travelers on extended journeys of 3+ weeks, those packing for multiple climates, or travelers with substantial gear needs. It also works excellently for couples sharing a single bag or families consolidating packing. Consider your typical trip length and packing style before choosing.

Yes, the Aviator Trunk includes a built-in TSA-approved combination lock. This is essential for checked luggage, allowing TSA agents to inspect contents without cutting your lock. You set your own three-digit combination for security. Given the Trunk's capacity for valuable items on extended trips, this security feature provides important peace of mind.

The Trunk (88L, 29" tall, 10.4 lbs) provides approximately 30% more capacity than the Grand (68L, 26" tall, 9.2 lbs). Choose the Trunk for trips of 3+ weeks, multi-climate travel, shared/family use, or when you need maximum space. Choose the Grand for 1-2 week trips, solo travel, or when weight limits are a concern. The $50 price difference reflects the additional materials and capacity.

Yes, the Trunk meets standard checked baggage dimensions for most international airlines. However, international carriers often have stricter weight limits (frequently 23 kg/50 lbs) and may charge substantial overweight fees. Some airlines allow higher weights in business or first class. Research your specific carrier's policies before packing, and consider the Grand if weight limits are particularly strict.

The Aviator Trunk is available in Safari Green, Scout Tan, Domino Black, Derby Red, and Navigator Navy. The Trunk's larger surface area showcases these colors impressively - particularly striking in Safari Green and Derby Red. Paravel occasionally releases limited edition colors, so check their website for current availability and special collections.

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Helpful Resources

Guides and articles for extended travel with large luggage

Size Guide

Compare trunk dimensions and airline weight limits.

View Size Guide

Packing Guide

Pack efficiently for extended trips with the Trunk.

View Packing Guide

Materials Guide

Learn about the recycled materials in Paravel luggage.

View Materials Guide