6 Sustainable Travel Gadgets To Elevate Your Carry-On

A Lux Nomade-approved pick of six sustainable products to transform your flight

Deciding what to pack in your carry-on luggage can be challenging, so we’ve put together a Lux List of six favourite sustainable travel gadgets – sustainably designed products that will keep you healthy and happy while you’re in the air.

A personalised water bottle from July

It’s a well-known fact that flying has serious dehydration effects on the body due to reduced oxygen levels and low humidity. Relying on the water bottles provided by the airline is wasteful, and while any refillable bottle will help do the job of providing you with adequate hydration, not all bottles are created equal. Unsurprisingly, Melbourne-born brand July – whose cult-favourite suitcases combine function and form for next-level luggage (more on that later)  – has created the perfect refillable bottle to keep in your carry-on. The 500ml stainless steel bottles are vacuum-insulated – meaning your hot tea will stay hot for 12 hours, and ice-cold water will stay icy for up to 24 hours (though we’d recommend a refill if you’re on the move for that long). The slip-proof matte design embodies July’s signature pared-back aesthetic, with personalisation available in a range of playful colours and typefaces.

Rapid-fire hydration from Nimbus Wellness

Keeping up your water intake in the air is one thing, but if you’re looking to be fully rehydrated by the time you land, consider packing a couple of sachets of Cloud Form Hydration Powder in your carry-on. Formulated with Himalayan sea salt, Calcareous Marine Algae and Organic Coconut Water Powder, this natural electrolyte powder replenishes electrolytes lost through dehydration and is enriched with Sea Buckthorn which will help up your antioxidant levels for the next leg of your trip. The fact that this powder from Bondi-born wellness brand Nimbus is packaged in beautifully branded individual sachets is an added bonus. 

Bamboo Bluetooth headphones from House of Marley

High-quality headphones are an obvious in-flight essential, and House of Marley is leading the force in pairing superior sound with minimal environmental impact. The Champion wireless earbuds are designed with natural wood fibre composite and House of Marley’s signature eco-friendly REGRIND silicone, with solid bamboo panels adding a uniquely organic aesthetic. A focus on sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of quality – the water-resistant models are designed to provide a noise-isolating environment with excellent audio clarity, so you can tune in to your entertainment and out of the turbulence until it’s time to touch down. 

Silicone noise-blocking earbuds from Baxter Blue

If you’re ready to completely tune out with minimal sound and maximum comfort, Baxter Blue’s reusable silicone earplugs are your best bet. The sustainability-focused accessory brand began its journey with biodegradable blue light-blocking glasses (another in-flight essential for keeping your circadian rhythm in check), and has recently launched the ultimate noise-reduction solution. Available in three sizes, the hypoallergenic silicone earplugs reduce noise by 7x. Combine with Baxter Blue’s memory foam sleep mask to up the likelihood of an undisrupted in-flight nap.

Ethically crafted compression socks from Paire

Prolonged inactivity and alterations in air pressure during flights can result in undesirably swollen legs – never ideal, especially when you’re en route to a wellness holiday where ease of movement is essential. For long-haul flights, compression socks are an excellent option for improving circulation and reducing the likelihood of swelling. Paire’s Australian-designed Travel Compression Socks set the gold standard: crafted from premium Merino wool and sustainably-sourced eucalyptus fibres for a moisture-wicking, odour-absorbing finish.

Luggage to house it all from July

With its super lightweight, 20x height adjustable, aesthetically perfect design complete with USB power bank, compression pad and smell-proof, water-resistant laundry compartment, it’s no surprise that July’s signature Carry On case has become a cult favourite. With its hyper ergonomic design available in a range of colours (with the option to personalise in your choice of typeface and colour), this is luggage that’s as pretty as it is practical. A lifetime warranty means this is the last carry-on case you’ll ever buy – conscious consumerism at its best.