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Best Eco-Friendly Backpacks and Bags For Travel

Way to much of what gets made ends up in the trash. By buying gear made from recycled materials, we not only reduce the amount of wasted headed to the landfill, but we reduce the amount of raw materials needed to make a new product. Buying products made from recycled materials is also a statement to these companies that eco-friendly products are important to us.

GoLite says it best, “I no longer see green as an alternative. Therefore I GoLite.” Many companies are now incorporating recycled materials into their products and these are some of the best eco-friendly backpacks and bag for travel.

GoLite Backpacks

GoLite not only makes some of the best hiking backpacks, but nearly all of their packs are made from recycled nylon or polyester. Their Tier 1 fabric won an award for the finest innovation in sustainable fabrics from Backpacker Magazine. According to Backpacker Magazine, testers couldn’t not find a difference in the durability or performance between the recycled ripstop Tier 1 fabric and virgin, petroleum-produced materials.

The GoLite Odyssey would make a sweet RTW bag for the green conscious traveler and the GoLite Jam is perfect for ultralighters.

>>Buy GoLite at Amazon and Backcountry.com

Mountainsmith Recycled Lumbar Pack

Made from recycled plastic water bottles, the Mountainsmith Recycled Tour Lumbar Pack holds enough food and water for a day on the trails. The 8-liter waistpack features a main pocket with a 2-way zipper, front zip pocket, and 2 side mesh pockets to keep your water bottles at easy reach. A padded and removable shoulder strap offers additional carry options. Check out other Mountainsmith Recycled Bags and Backpacks.

>>Buy at REI and Amazon

REI Lookout 40 Backpack

The REI Lookout men’s and women’s 40-liter backpack is made from 100% recycled PET polyester fabric. Each Lookout pack keeps about 26 16-ounce plastic bottles out of the landfil. Loaded with plenty of pockets and features, the REI Lookout will keep you organized and comfortable out there on the trail. The pack has 6 pockets plus the main compartment, an internal sleeve that accommodates a hydration bladder, and side compression straps to cinch down your gear.

>>Buy at REI (men’s & women’s)

Timbuk2 Hidden Messenger

Made from 90% recycled plastic bottles, Timbuk2’s Hidden Messenger is super lightweight and slings over your shoulder or around your chest. Awesome thing about the Hidden Messenger is that it zips down into a small pouch so you can slip it into another bag and pull it out when you need it like at the grocery store or for a day touring the city sights.Timbuk2’s Hidden Tote is also made from recycled materials and makes a cute day tote.

>>Buy Amazon

[Photo courtesy of stevendepolo]