I took this Paravel carry-on set on a week-long trip — here's my honest review
Wondering if the Paravel Pacific Tote Set is worth the price? Read on for my honest review of the popular brand's latest launch.
Pacific Tote Set in Safari Green
Pacific Tote Set in Derby Black
Pacific Tote Set in Scout Tan
Pacific Tote Set in Scuba Navy
Pacific Tote Set in Domino Black
Aviator Set Plus
Paravel
Large Cabana Tote
Packing Cube Quad in Flatiron Grey
Weekender in Scout Tan
Grand Tour Duffle in Domino Black
After years of being backburnered during the COVID-19 pandemic, travel is on Canadians minds again — and if you're anything like me, you might be looking to upgrade your luggage.
That coupled with my fear of lost bags (which continues to be a problem for Canadian travellers) set me on a search for a chic carry-on luggage set. That led me to Paravel's Pacific Tote Set.
The popular luggage brand is known for their sleek, stylish luggage and personalized options (hello, monogrammed bags!) — so I put the Pacific Tote Set to the test on my recent weeklong family vacation.
Read on for my full review, as well as a Yahoo Canada-exclusive discount code for the brand.
Takeaways
🛍️ Product reviewed: Paravel Pacific Tote Set
⏰ Tested for: One month, including a week-long vacation that included both air and road travel.
💵 Price: $1,020 CAD with code YAHOO15 (retail price: $1,200 CAD) — Canadian duties and taxes are included.
⭐ My rating: 4.5/5 stars
⭐ Paravel shopper rating: While this newly-launched travel set doesn't have any reviews, the two items included — the Aviator Carry-On and the Pacific Tote — both have a 5/5-star rating from shoppers.
🛍️ Reasons to buy: This incredibly chic travel set will replace your old, clunky carry on luggage. Its clever design details, lightweight feel and the ability to personalize put this a step above other luggage I've tried. Plus, the Pacific Tote does double-duty as a work or overnight bag.
✋ Reasons to avoid: If you're used to department store luggage, the price of this luggage is definitely jarring. However, if you're looking to invest in top-of-the-line luggage that will last for years, read on to see why I think the price is worth it.
Paravel Pacific Tote Set
$1,020 with code YAHOO15 $1,200 at Paravel
Paravel luggage review: Features, details and more
The Paravel Pacific Tote set includes Paravel's ultra popular Aviator Carry-On and their new Pacific Tote. According to Paravel, the set can fit a combined 6 days worth of clothes, 2 pairs of shoes and a wash kit.
Aviator Carry-On features:
360° double spinner wheels with carbon steel bearings
Compression board, a scuff-hiding textured finish, smart interior pockets, and a removable laundry bag
Fits into airplane overhead compartments
Carbon-neutral — Paravel offsets all of the emissions from sourcing, assembly, shipping and delivery
TSA lock so you can keep your belongings safe (and not worry about carrying a key around)
Comes in five stylish colours: Derby Black, Safari Green, Scout Tan, Domino Black and Scuba Navy
Pacific Tote features:
Canvas made from 27 recycled bottles, which is great if you're looking for sustainably-made luggage
Features vegan leather
Hidden smart straps that slip over the trolley of your carry-on
Works as a personal item
Fits under an airplane seat
Comes in two colours: Scout Tan and Domino Black, colour is pre-selected depending on which Carry-On you select
Personalized: You can monogram this tote with up to 3 hand-painted letters in a variety of colours (for a fee)
Clasp across the top so you can
Can fit up to a 15" laptop, which also makes it a fantastic work bag
Comes with a detachable shoulder strap
$1,020 with code YAHOO15 $1,200 at Paravel
When I first received this luggage set, I was surprised by how lightweight it felt. Even filled with a vacation's worth of shoes, clothes and cosmetics, it was easy to lift and ridiculously smooth. The Aviator Carry-On has smart design features, like interior pockets and buckle clasps. which makes it not only a stylish luggage option — but actually functional.
The Carry-On also comes in a larger size (the Carry-On Plus), which is slightly larger and meets TSA requirements carry-on requirements if you're travelling in the U.S. I stuck with the Carry-On set as it fits international travel requirements, so is great for anything from in-Canada trips to European vacations.
I chose to get the Carry-On in Safari Green, which is great for hiding the wear and tear of air travel. Safari Green is paired with the Scout Tan tote, and together they make for a very stylish pair.
Speaking of the tote, this is the unsung hero of this travel set. This roomy tote not only fits a ton and can attach to your carry-on with a stylish strap, but also holds up extremely well. I've gotten so much use out of this — not only for travel — but it's also become my daily work/commuting bag.
What fits in the Paravel Pacific Tote Set?
While Paravel says this set can fit 6 days worth of clothing, I actually think it can fit more if you're strategic — especially in the summer when you likely aren't travelling with heavy sweaters or multiple pairs of pants.
Here's a list of everything I packed:
In the Carry-On:
6 shirts
3 dresses
1 sweatshirt
2 pairs of denim shorts
1 pair of bike shorts
1 Swimsuit
2 pairs of shoes — sneakers and flats
Electronic chargers
Undergarments
In the Tote:
Laptop
2 books
Toiletries
Glasses and sunglasses
Laptop and phone chargers
Another sweatshirt
How does the luggage set hold up?
I've only had the set for a month, but I'm impressed so far. I actually ended up gate checking my carry-on because I like the airport karma, so my carry-on was chucked into checked baggage — and it still looks as good as new. Air travel aside, we spent our family vacation travelling from location to location around Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, N.S., and this carry-on held up to frequently being tossed in the back of my dad's pick-up truck.
I was eyeing a cream suitcase, but ended up going with a darker colour to hide any signs of wear as best as possible. While the Scout Tan and Domino Black colourways are stunning — I do think they'd show dirt and scuffs more.
The Tote Bag has also held up well to both air travel and being used as my daily work bag. So far, it still looks as good as new.
My issue with a lot of stylish luggage is that it looks great but doesn't hold up very well — so I'm happy to report that isn't the case so far. I'll keep updating this review as I use the suitcase more, so check back to see how it holds up over time.
What other shoppers are saying
While the Pacific Tote Set doesn't have any reviews, both of the items included do. The Aviator Carry-On has a perfect 5-star rating from more than 125 reviews.
"Having used the same carry-on for decades, this is a major upgrade in both function and design! It's lighter that my old canvas carry-on and the wheels roll like a dream — any direction and smooth as butter," wrote one shopper. "The interior is separated nicely and it comes with a protective cover!"
"A beautiful case, seems well made with added extras such as laundry bag and internal strap," added another. "Easy to use, optimizes space and looks smart."
"Great quality. Very happy with this purchase," echoed a third reviewer. "Very lightweight but structurally strong. Wheels and handles of top quality and expect it to last a long time."
However, some customers do point out issues they've had.
"The outside scuffs extremely easily," wrote one shopper, who still rated the bag 4-stars. "After checking my bag one time, it already looks like I have owned the bag for years."
"The suitcase is actually much smaller than I thought it would," said another. "So I returned it and purchased the Carry-On Plus."
"Way too small," lamented another shopper.
While the reviews are largely positive, it's definitely a good reminder to check the sizing specs to find the size that best works for you and travel requirements where you live or are travelling.
While the Pacific Tote only has a couple of reviews so far, it also has a perfect 5-star rating, which one reviewer simply saying: "GOAT tote."
The verdict: Is it worth it?
If you're looking for a new travel set that is as functional as it is is stylish, the Paravel Tote Set fits the bill.
It's pricey, yes, but good luggage is an investment that will last for years to come — and in my opinion you get what you pay for.
Interested? Shop the Pacific Tote Set and more Paravel best-sellers below — and until Aug. 29, take 15% off with code YAHOO15.
A chic, sleek carry-on and tote bag combination.
The Pacific Tote Set in Derby Black.
The Paravel Pacific Tote Set in Scout Tan.
The Pacific Tote Set in Scuba Navy.
The Pacific Tote Set in Domino Black.
Aviator Set Plus in Scout Tan.
Aviator Grand Checked Luggage in Safari Green.
The Large Cabana Tote in Paloma.
Packing Cube Quad in Flatiron Grey
Weekender in Scout Tan.
Grand Tour Duffle in Domino Black
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