Sustainable Gear: Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Outdoors
Want to reduce your impact while enjoying the outdoors?
Switching to eco-friendly outdoor gear is a great place to start.
Whether you’re learning how to choose hiking boots or selecting other equipment, many brands are now using recycled, organic, and biodegradable materials, as well as ethical manufacturing practices, to create high-performance gear that’s better for the planet.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Materials Matter: Look for recycled plastics, organic cotton, hemp, or biodegradable options like castor oil-based fibers.
- Low-Waste Manufacturing: Brands like VAUDE and Alpkit embrace zero-waste production and renewable energy.
- PFC-Free Waterproofing: Safer alternatives like Gore-Tex’s ePE membrane offer waterproof performance without harmful chemicals.
- Certifications to Trust: Check for standards like bluesign, Fair Trade, or RDS for eco and ethical assurance.
- Extend Gear Life: Repair, maintain, or buy second-hand to minimize waste.
Sustainable Gear in Action: Our Environmental Commitment
Materials Used in Eco-Friendly Gear
Eco-conscious gear depends on materials that deliver performance while reducing environmental impact. These materials generally fall into three main types.
Recycled and Repurposed Materials
Brands like Patagonia and The North Face are turning waste – like plastics and old fabrics – into reliable, high-performance gear. Using recycled materials helps lower carbon emissions, especially for synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.
“There’s no such thing as sustainability. There are just levels of it. It’s a process, not a real goal. All you can do is work toward it.” – Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia
Organic and Natural Fibers
Natural fibers grown with sustainable practices offer a strong alternative to synthetic options. Certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) ensure these fibers meet strict environmental and ethical standards.
| Material Type | Environmental Benefits |
|---|---|
| Organic Cotton | Avoids toxic pesticides, uses 88% less water |
| Hemp | Needs little water, improves soil health |
| Merino Wool | Biodegradable and renewable |
Biodegradable and Plant-Based Materials
Biodegradable and plant-based options are changing how outdoor gear is made.
For example, VAUDE uses VESTAMID Terra, a plastic made from castor oil, which cuts CO2 emissions by 50% compared to traditional plastics while maintaining durability.
PrimaLoft Bio is another step forward – a synthetic fiber that breaks down faster in landfills and oceans, addressing the problem of microplastic pollution.
Gore-Tex has also introduced ePE technology, a waterproof membrane free of harmful PFC chemicals, maintaining top-notch performance without environmental risks.
These advancements show how plant-based and biodegradable materials can deliver the same – or even better – results as traditional ones. Gear made with these materials ensures adventurers don’t have to choose between quality and sustainability.
While materials are a key factor in eco-friendly gear, the manufacturing process also plays a big role in reducing environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Gear Manufacturing
Producing outdoor gear with a focus on sustainability means using ethical practices, innovative techniques, and environmentally aware materials.
By rethinking every stage of production, brands are creating products that perform well while minimizing their impact on the planet.
Low-waste and Circular Production Systems
Brands such as Alpkit and VAUDE are taking creative steps to reduce waste.
Alpkit’s Continuum Project encourages customers to return used gear, which is then either donated to charities or transformed into new items. VAUDE is also making strides with its zero-waste processes and facilities powered by renewable energy, setting an example for others in the industry.
PFC-Free Waterproofing Alternatives
Waterproofing gear used to rely on PFCs, which are harmful to the environment.
Today, companies are switching to safer options like Gore-Tex’s ePE membrane and VAUDE’s EcoFinish. These new technologies maintain the same high-quality performance without the negative environmental effects, proving that gear can stay waterproof without relying on harmful chemicals.
Ethical Material Sourcing
Sustainability isn’t just about the environment – it’s also about ethical practices.
Certifications like RDS, Fair Trade, and Bluesign ensure that materials are responsibly sourced, workers are treated fairly, and production methods are safe for the planet.
For example, Tellus Outdoor uses only recycled or organic materials and enforces fair labor practices across its supply chain.
While brands are making progress, outdoor enthusiasts can also play a role by choosing gear thoughtfully and using it responsibly to lessen their environmental footprint.
Tips for Choosing and Using Eco-Friendly Gear
Choosing outdoor gear with a focus on sustainability means being mindful of what you buy, how you care for it, and how long you can make it last.
These steps help minimize waste and reduce your overall environmental impact.
Look for Brands with Verified Sustainability Practices
When shopping for gear, check if the brand follows recognized sustainability standards. Certifications like Bluesign, Fair Trade USA, or the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) are good indicators of eco-friendly and ethical practices.
These certifications ensure that products meet strict environmental and social criteria.
Some companies, like VAUDE, stand out by using advanced materials like bio-based fibers and adopting waste-free manufacturing processes. While choosing such brands is important, how you use and maintain your gear can make just as much of a difference.
Take Care of and Repair Your Gear
Proper maintenance is crucial for gear longevity.
Learning how to waterproof your camping gear and perform basic repairs can significantly extend the life of your equipment, reducing waste and saving money.
Store your equipment in dry, clean spaces, and inspect it regularly for damage.
Many outdoor brands now offer repair services to help keep your gear in good condition. For example, Alpkit’s Continuum Project repairs or recycles used gear to keep it out of landfills.
| Maintenance Type | Actions and Benefits |
|---|---|
| Preventive Care | Clean regularly, store properly, and renew waterproofing to extend gear life by up to 50%. |
| Basic Repairs | Fix tears, replace zippers, or reseal seams to avoid unnecessary replacements. |
| Professional Service | For complex issues, professional repair ensures performance and durability. |
Beyond maintenance, there are other ways to reduce your environmental footprint when it comes to outdoor gear.
Choose Second-Hand or Rental Options
Buying used gear or renting equipment is a smart, eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.
High-quality outdoor gear is built to last, so second-hand items often work just as well as new ones – and they’re easier on your wallet too.
Renting is a great option for occasional activities. It allows you to try out equipment without committing to a purchase while also cutting down on new production.
Many retailers now offer rental programs with well-maintained gear, ensuring safety and quality. These practices align with the outdoor industry’s move toward reusing resources and reducing waste through circular economy models.
Conclusion: The Future of Sustainable Outdoor Gear
While personal choices matter, the outdoor industry’s role in adopting greener practices is just as important.
Shifting to eco-friendly outdoor gear helps protect the natural spaces we love.
Advances in material technology show that high performance can go hand-in-hand with reducing harm to the planet – especially important when synthetic clothing contributes 35% of ocean microplastics.
Opting for sustainable gear is a step toward more environmentally friendly outdoor activities.
Platforms like Thun Land provide helpful tips, gear reviews, and conservation advice, making it easier for adventurers to choose equipment and practices that align with eco-conscious values.
