An ever-present concern for outdoor enthusiasts is that producing gear harms the planet. But an increasing number of brands are trying to minimize their impact and maybe even help the world. Here are some of our favorites.
Patagonia – Black Hole Duffel 55L
The Gear: Built to withstand serious punishment thanks to weather-resistant, ripstop polyester, this roomy hauler with removable shoulder straps is up to the task whether you are packing a checked bag for Europe or humping in to a desert crag. The Good: With an eye on cutting down resource extraction, B Corp Patagonia built its entire new line of Black Hole products with 100% recycled material. $139: patagonia.com
Cotopaxi – Allpa 35L Del Dia
The Gear: Constructed from upcycled materials left over from larger production runs, this stylish travel pack with a suitcase-style zipper can shuttle your laptop to the cafe or ferry your lunch and shell to the summit. The Good: The The Utah-based B Corp dedicated to social good over profits partnered with Flexport.org for a “donate don’t destroy initiative,” giving over 450 fleeces with minor water damage to in-need families. $180; cotopaxi.com
Kleen Kanteen – Insulated TKWide
The Gear: Vacuum-sealed so it keeps water cool and tea piping hot, this widemouth features a thread system that keeps it sealed tight so you don’t soak your neighbor when you kick it over during yoga. The Good: Kleen Kanteen (another B Corp) already prizes environmental and social justice over profits and it joined the new Climate Neutral initative (climateneutral.org) in June, committing to carbon neutrality by 2020. $32; kleenkanteen.com
Picture Organic – Holly
The Gear: This fun hooded vest proves vital for hikes or enjoying a stout on the porch when the mercury starts to drop this fall. The Good: The French brand champions sustainable materials. Case in point: There’s no down insulation in this cozy puffy, but Sorona, a corn-based insulation that has all the loft and warmth of down but doesn’t require animal products. $150; picture-organic-clothing.com
LifeStraw – Flex with Gravity Bag
The Gear: This versatile filter and one-gallon water bag can be used as a gravity filter or straw, or attached to a hydration pack or water bottle, and cleans water of everything from giardia to microplastics. The Good: For each filter it sells, LifeStraw provides one year of clean water to a school child in need. $55; lifestraw.com
Pearl Izumi – Pro Merino Thermal Jersey
The Gear: Designed for pounding out serious miles in chilly weather, this cycling layer blends soft merino with stretchy nylon for a jersey that wicks sweat while keeping you warm. The Good: The Colorado-based brand has made a commitment to more sustainable business practices with programs that range from making 30% of the product line from recycled, renewable or organic materials by 2020 to encouraging its employees to bike to work every day. $195; pearlizumi.com
GoLite – ReGreen Windshell
The Gear: Weighing just 6 ounces and an ace at blocking bone-chilling breezes, this jacket proves a trusty standby for fall running, biking and hiking. The Good: The ReGreen fabric consists of 100% recycled plastic bottles and the water-repellent finish is biodegradable and fluorocarbon-free. $100; golite.com
Fäjllräven – Kånken Art Laptop 17
The Gear: The art series of Fäjllräven’s insanely popular day pack features prints that differentiate it from all the other Kånkens toting laptops to your local cafe. The Good: The Swedish brand prioritizes sustainable materials, and a portion of sales on this pack go to its Arctic Fox Initiative, which champions a variety of environmental causes. $125; fjallraven.us
Meridian Line – Momentum Denim Gravity Jean
The Gear: Artist, filmmaker and climber Jeremy Collins designed these stylish jeans for action with just enough spandex that they can perform on a boulder problem or at the corn hole toss at the kombucha bar. Plus, they feature his art on the turn ups and inner pockets. The Good: In this denim, Meridian Line uses ethically sourced, organic cotton. $99;
themeridianline.com
