I’m a pretty eco-minded person. I limit my showers to save water, turn lights off to conserve electricity and carry a reusable water bottle to cut down on single-use plastics. But I’ll admit that it never occurred to me to think about sustainability in my choice of backpacks — that is, until I got my hands on The Skyway Luggage Co.’s new Rainier Collection of bags.
Made from 100% sustainable PET materials (mostly recycled water bottles), the collection’s bags actually divert waste from landfills. What’s more, they are stylish and durable — so there’s no sacrifice in sight.
In fact, many of the features of my Deluxe Backpack outperformed the bag I typically turn to as a travel carry-on.
For one thing, the backpack sports two top handles that allow it to be carried more like a duffel bag, as well as a vertical side handle (like those found on many suitcases). Not only did these extra handles give me more ways to carry the backpack through airports and train stations, but they made it much easier to get my bag out from overhead bins or from under the seat in front of me while on planes.
Speaking of which, the backpack’s shape helped with in-flight storage, too. Featuring a more rectangular shape than I’m used to in a typical backpack, the Rainier version stayed relatively compact, keeping me from transforming it into a bulging, overstuffed balloon (as I have a habit of doing). I also appreciated that it featured two different padded pocket options for my laptop, and a handy side pocket that could be unzipped for use as a water bottle holder or zipped up to hold extra items.
And when I accidentally spilled a few drops of red wine on the bag, I was amazed to find that the droplets wiped right off, leaving no trace of a stain behind.
In addition to my Deluxe Backpack, the Rainier Collection’s five eco-friendly styles include a more basic backpack, a duffel-backpack crossover, a rolltop backpack and a larger weekender pack. Bags range in price from $140 to $200.
