It makes sense that outdoor brands are at the forefront of developing products that go easy on the environment. Here are some of our favorite brands making a difference.
Recover Brands | Eco Button-Down Shirt
Recover Brands is doing the supply chain right, keeping everything from growing and sourcing to manufacturing and marketing within a 250-mile radius of its Charlotte, North Carolina, headquarters. But the real selling point is just how good its apparel—like this soft button-down made from postindustrial cotton and post-consumer plastic—feels when you slip it on. $50; recoverbrands.com
Houdini | W’s Outright Houdi
Swedish brand Houdini has been committed to sustainable materials and manufacturing from the get go and continues to push the possibilities of what can be done to create technical outerwear that doesn’t cause harm to the environment. Built with Polartec Power Stretch Pro Light fabric and bolstered by a microfleece lining that pulls moisture away from the body, this hoodie is ideal for hikes and camping trips. It’s also Bluesign vetted, meaning it has passed the strictest guidelines of sustainable manufacturing and ethical work conditions. $230; houdinisportswear.com
Cotopaxi | Teca Fleece Pullover
Utah-based Cotopaxi has continued to put sustainability at the forefront of its manufacturing efforts. It achieved 100% carbon neutral status in 2023 for the second year in a row, taking stock of all its carbon emissions and setting goals to reduce them, specifically in the supply chain, which accounts for 95% of CO2 output. And the cozy Teca fleece doesn’t just feel good when you sit in front of the fire or walk the dog in the woods, it’s made from the brand’s repurposed fabric, which has kept over 1.8 million pounds of what could have been waste out of landfills. $100; cotopaxi.com
Buff | Lightweight Merino
Buff, which found fame on the first episodes of Survivor and has grown into a (outdoor-loving) household name, won an Outdoor Retailer Inspiration Award for its companywide dedication to sustainability. It has recycled 41 million plastic bottles into its products, most of which are manufactured at its headquarters in Barcelona, Spain. Plus, it eliminated 11 tons of plastic waste in 2022, thanks to a packaging redesign that got rid of extra junk. The Lightweight Merino Buff gives all the temperature-regulation benefits and soft feel of merino while relying on an all-natural material. $30; buff.com
Patagonia | Women’s All Seasons Hemp Canvas Bib Overalls
No outdoor company has made a bigger splash on the national scene when it comes to sticking to sustainable ethics in business and manufacturing than Patagonia. To that end, the company wants to encourage consumers to do the most sustainable thing they can and buy apparel that lasts and doesn’t end up in the landfill. That said, it continues to innovate with fabrics to ensure its products do last longer. Made from a blend of industrial hemp, recycled polyester, and organic cotton, these overalls show off the company’s commitment to better material. Hemp requires far fewer resources than many other crops and lasts longer. Plus, the brand has been involved with efforts to bring industrial hemp growing and manufacturing back to the U.S. $119; patagonia.com
Nemo | Coda
Nemo’s genderless, mummy-style, ultralight Coda sleeping bag is already impressive because it provides so much warmth in a 1-pound, 7-ounce package. But the real revelation here is that the entire thing is fully recyclable when the sad day comes when it can no longer be used. Even better, Nemo has partnered with its ethically sourced down supplier Allied Feather + Down in the RENU:TRACE program, so when the down is recycled it can continue to be proven to come from ethical sources. $390; nemoequipment.com
Arc’teryx | Beta Lightweight Jacket
A big change is coming for all outdoor apparel manufacturers, as the use of harmful PFAS materials in waterproof/breathable membranes is being banned across the globe. Arc’teryx partnered with Gore to use the new ePE membrane, which forgoes PFAS but still provides the ability to shuck off the elements without sweating you out. Bonus, the new design in the Canadian brand’s trustworthy Beta Lightweight Jacket is lighter than ever, tipping the scales at just 10.6 ounces. $500; arcteryx.com
PACT | Pact Lite Bathroom Kit
While exploring the outdoors, you must properly dispose of your poop. It’s one of the easiest things you can do to make outdoor recreation more sustainable. PACT makes that easy with this simple kit that includes a shovel, biodegradable wipes, and tablets to help speed up the break-down process. Get one of these for backpacking and day hikes. $35; pactoutdoors.com
