As adventurers, we tend to acquire a considerable amount of kit. Key considerations when purchasing sustainable outdoor clothing and gear include getting the right fit, ensuring good value, and making sure it serves its purpose. It's your hard-earned money, after all.
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Purchasing new gear is more than just a need; it's a vote of support for the brand's ethos. Responsible brands with truly eco-friendly outdoor gear are rare and the environmental impact must be considered. This article provides guidance on what to look for and avoid, delving into the most sustainable brands.
What makes an outdoor clothing brand environmentally good or bad?
This is a complex question. The entire supply chain presents potential environmental harm. However, some brands are dedicated to sustainable practices, aiming to minimize harm. As consumers, we should consider the following:
Production
Synthetic materials usually rely on non-renewable resources, which harm the environment. Even natural products like cotton can be problematic if not sourced responsibly. Plant and animal-based materials like merino wool, organic linen, and recycled polyester, cotton, and nylon are more sustainable if sourced ethically. Brands need to make careful and sensitive sourcing decisions to be truly sustainable.
Location
Production location matters. Different countries have varied environmental and worker welfare standards. It's vital to know not only what your clothing is made from, but also the working conditions of those who made it. Consider the carbon footprint resulting from international shipping as well.
Durability
Durable products are essential for environmental efficiency. The longer an item lasts, the fewer resources it consumes over time. On average, we discard 37kg of clothing annually, much of which ends up in landfills or is incinerated. By buying fewer and more durable clothes, we reduce overall waste.
Waste
Consider the end of life for the product. Can it be recycled or biodegrade? Can you repurpose it? Being mindful about disposal helps ensure responsible consumption of outdoor clothing.
Greenwashing, And How To Avoid It
With abundant information online, consumers are more informed. However, 'greenwashing' can muddy the waters. Greenwashing is when companies falsely portray themselves as environmentally responsible. Recognizing this can be tough, as brands invest heavily in advertising. Here’s what to look for:
Transparency
If a brand is vague about their environmental credentials, it likely lacks substance. Ethical brands will clearly communicate their sustainable practices. Check for Fair Trade symbols and certified B Corp accreditations.
Facts and Figures
Investigate if their claims add up. If a company claims sustainable practices but mostly produces synthetic items, be skeptical. Look for credible sustainability information on their website.
Track Record
Check the brand's history. Have they been in the news for negative reasons? Have they made efforts to improve their practices? It's important to consider their past actions objectively.
Be Discerning
Question the brand’s claims. Verify their evidence and understand their motives. Real sustainable practices should benefit the environment, not just profits. As consumers, our choices impact which businesses thrive; choose wisely.
The Win-Win of Buying Second-Hand
Every product has an environmental footprint. Buying second-hand is both cost-effective and environmentally responsible, as the product has already been created. Many outdoor enthusiasts buy high-quality gear, use it once, and then sell it, making second-hand goods easy to find. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace offer excellent options.
Of course, some items, like second-hand hiking socks or specialized gear like climbing ropes, may not be ideal for safety and hygiene reasons. Nonetheless, numerous pre-owned items are worth considering and save money.
Why These Decisions Matter
We live in an age of connectivity and information, which gives us the luxury of choice. This power as consumers lets us make a significant impact. By opting for sustainable outdoor products, we send a clear message about our priorities. Over time, this creates a movement towards more environmentally friendly and ethical global production.
Outdoor brands today are far more focused on sustainability than they were a decade ago, and the trend is growing stronger. Use your power wisely, adventurers!
25 Sustainable Outdoor Brands
Outdoor clothing and gear
Patagonia is a leader in sustainable and eco-friendly gear. They sell second-hand products (Worn Wear) and offer repairs. They work with activists and environmental groups proactively.
Outdoor clothing, bags, and sleeping bags
Cotopaxi is a Certified B Corporation, often using eco-friendly or recycled materials. They allocate a significant portion of their profits to sustainable poverty relief efforts.
Clothing
Toad Co focuses on using recycled materials, reusable packaging, and upcycling old garments. They are committed to sustainable production and employ adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Clothing and Accessories
Tentree plants ten trees for every item sold, with over 40,000 trees planted across 30 countries. They are transparent about their practices and are a certified B Corporation.
Clothing and gear
Germany-based Vaude is known for long-term use, fair trade, and upcycling. They adhere to Fair Wear and Bluesign standards, using sustainable materials like organic cotton and merino wool.
Clothing
Picture Organic aims for minimum impact, recyclability, and durability. They eliminate fossil fuels from their business operations to reduce their carbon footprint.
REI
Outdoor clothing and equipment
US-based REI operates as a cooperative, investing in rewilding, promoting second-hand gear, and maintaining strong sustainability standards.
Outdoor clothing and equipment
Kathmandu, a Certified B Corporation, uses 100% organic cotton and recycled fabrics. They power their warehouses with solar energy.
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Clothing and shoes
La Sportiva is driven by their love for mountains, focusing on low-impact technology and eco-friendly production methods. Their ISO certification attests to their strong environmental standards.
Outdoor and yoga clothing
Prana is a leader in sustainable yoga, climbing, and outdoor clothing. They use recycled and sustainable materials and are committed to animal welfare, sustainable packaging, and tackling the climate crisis.
Clothing and accessories
Fjallraven emphasizes durability, sustainable materials, and recyclability. They constantly seek improvements and prioritize sustainable design and ethical production.
Outdoor clothing and equipment
Dakine focuses on durability, environmentally-friendly materials, and healthy working conditions. Their motto is "respect the sea, the land, and the locals," using recycled and Bluesign-approved materials.
Outdoor clothing and equipment
Finisterre is a Certified B Corporation, offering biodegradable packaging and repair services.
Mountaineering and ice climbing clothing and equipment
French-based Eider offers a lifetime guarantee on products, focusing on sustainable design and low-impact manufacture.
Clothing and accessories
Columbia focuses on protecting natural resources and ensuring accountability throughout the supply chain. They work globally with various charitable organizations.
Outdoor clothing
Italian-based Save The Duck offers 100% animal-free products and is a Certified B Corporation. They won PETA’s Company of the Year award in 2019.
Sportswear
Adidas focuses on ocean plastic and sustainable materials like Primeblue. They aim to address ocean plastic waste through innovation.
Outdoor clothing
Paramo emphasizes ethical manufacturing and durability. They run a recycling scheme where old items are repurposed or given new homes.
Clothing and outdoor gear
Helly Hansen focuses on holistic production, use, and end-of-life practices. They are committed to water conservation.
Outdoor clothing and gear
Norrona donates 1% of revenue to sustainability-focused organizations and supports environmental efforts throughout production.
Women's outdoor apparel
Wild Rye uses Bluesign-certified fabrics or recycled materials whenever possible and upholds high environmental and fair trade standards. They specialize in women’s mountain bike apparel.
Outdoor footwear
AKU champions traceability and short supply chains, with 85% of production in Italy and Romania. Their eco-friendly footwear often uses recycled packaging.
Hiking socks
Teko produces eco-performance socks using low-impact materials, chlorine-free processing, and non-toxic dyes.
Sunglasses and goggles
Zeal is involved in eco-friendly schemes like 1% For The Planet, Protect Our Winters, and the National Forest Foundation.
Outdoor clothing
Unlike many American brands, this US company integrates sustainability into its core, donating 1% of revenue to environmental causes.
Want to do more? Check out our guide to changing the world - how adventurers can help fight climate change.
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