You’re in luck! If you’re a conscious consumer who loves spending time in the great outdoors, you’ll be glad to know that there are numerous eco-friendly gear brands that are recognized for their sustainability efforts. These brands go the extra mile to reduce their environmental impact, promote ethical practices, and support conservation initiatives. From Patagonia’s commitment to organic cotton and fair trade factories to The North Face’s extensive use of recycled materials, there are plenty of options available for you to make eco-friendly choices without compromising on quality or style.
Grading The Top 10 Eco-Friendly Gear Brands (IMHO)
Patagonia
Fair Trade Certified
Patagonia is widely recognized for its commitment to fair trade practices. The company holds a Fair Trade Certification, which ensures that workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. By supporting fair trade, Patagonia helps to create a more equitable and sustainable world.
Worn Wear Program
Patagonia encourages its customers to reduce waste and extend the life of their gear through its Worn Wear program. This initiative offers repair services for damaged gear and encourages customers to buy used Patagonia products. By promoting repair and reuse, Patagonia reduces its environmental impact and encourages a more sustainable approach to consumerism.
1% for the Planet
Patagonia is a member of the 1% for the Planet network, pledging to donate 1% of its annual sales to environmental organizations. This commitment helps to protect and preserve the natural resources that inspire and sustain outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. By supporting organizations that work towards environmental conservation, Patagonia demonstrates its dedication to a healthier planet.
Bluesign Certified
Patagonia is committed to producing high-quality outdoor gear with minimal environmental impact. The company is a bluesign® system partner, which means it follows strict standards for chemical use, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. By meeting these rigorous criteria, Patagonia minimizes its ecological footprint and ensures the safety and well-being of both workers and consumers.
Responsible Down Standard
Patagonia has implemented the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) across its down supply chain. This standard ensures that the down used in Patagonia products is sourced from ducks and geese that have been treated humanely. By adhering to the RDS, Patagonia upholds its commitment to the ethical treatment of animals and promotes responsible sourcing practices.
Regenerative Organic Certification
Patagonia is a pioneer in sustainable agriculture with its Regenerative Organic Certification. This certification goes beyond organic standards by focusing on regenerative practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. By supporting regenerative farming methods, Patagonia actively contributes to the restoration of ecosystems and fights against climate change.
Common Threads Initiative
Through its Common Threads Initiative, Patagonia encourages customers to reduce their environmental footprint. The initiative promotes four key principles: reduce, repair, reuse, and recycle. Patagonia offers resources and tools for customers to repair their gear, find second-hand Patagonia products, and recycle their unwanted clothing. By promoting a circular economy and empowering consumers to make sustainable choices, Patagonia sets a high standard for the outdoor industry.
The North Face
Climate Beneficial
The North Face is committed to addressing climate change and reducing its carbon footprint. The company actively works to achieve climate neutrality by investing in renewable energy projects, promoting energy efficiency, and supporting initiatives that offset its emissions. By taking these steps, The North Face demonstrates its dedication to mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Renewable Energy
The North Face is dedicated to transitioning to renewable energy sources. The company aims to power its stores, offices, and distribution centers with renewable energy, decreasing its reliance on fossil fuels. By embracing renewable energy, The North Face sets an example for other companies and contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Circular Economy
The North Face promotes a circular economy by encouraging customers to recycle their old products and offering a take-back program. The company also partners with third-party organizations for product recycling and resource recovery. By embracing a circular approach, The North Face reduces waste and strives to minimize its environmental impact.
Responsible Down Standard
Similar to Patagonia, The North Face is committed to the Responsible Down Standard. This means that the down used in The North Face products is sourced from ducks and geese that have been treated humanely. By adhering to this standard, The North Face ensures the ethical treatment of animals and promotes transparency in its supply chain.
Recycled Materials
The North Face incorporates recycled materials into its products, reducing the need for virgin resources and diverting waste from landfills. By utilizing innovative technologies and materials, The North Face aims to minimize its environmental footprint and create sustainable outdoor gear.
Repair Hub
To support its commitment to sustainability, The North Face operates Repair Hubs in select locations. These hubs provide repair services for The North Face products, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for replacements. By encouraging repairs, The North Face promotes a culture of longevity and sustainability.
Columbia
OutDry Extreme
Columbia developed OutDry Extreme, a sustainable and waterproof fabric. This innovative technology eliminates the need for environmentally harmful chemicals often used in waterproofing treatments. By creating a more sustainable alternative, Columbia reduces its ecological impact without compromising performance.
Omni-Heat Reflective
Columbia’s Omni-Heat Reflective technology enhances insulation by reflecting body heat back to the wearer. This allows for effective warmth retention while reducing the need for additional layers. By optimizing heat retention, Columbia enables customers to stay warm and comfortable in colder conditions with fewer resources.
Eco-Friendly Materials
Columbia is committed to using eco-friendly materials in its products. The company incorporates recycled polyester, organic cotton, and other sustainable materials into its manufacturing processes. By prioritizing eco-friendly materials, Columbia reduces its reliance on non-renewable resources and promotes sustainable practices.
ReThread Program
Columbia’s ReThread Program encourages customers to recycle their old Columbia products. Through drop-off locations at select stores, Columbia collects used clothing and footwear to be recycled into new products or repurposed through upcycling. By facilitating the recycling process, Columbia reduces waste and promotes a circular economy.
Outgrown Program
Columbia’s Outgrown Program allows parents to exchange their children’s outgrown Columbia clothing for a discount on new items. This program promotes responsible consumption and reduces waste by encouraging the reuse of clothing. By providing an option for growing kids’ gear, Columbia supports sustainable practices and reduces environmental impact.
REI
Sustainability Stewardship
REI is dedicated to sustainability stewardship and strives to minimize its environmental impact. The company actively works to reduce waste, conserve resources, and invest in renewable energy. By prioritizing sustainability in its operations, REI sets an example for the outdoor industry and supports a healthier planet.
Product Lifecycle
REI emphasizes the importance of understanding the lifecycle of its products. The company works to extend the life of its gear through repair services, encouraging customers to fix and maintain their items rather than replacing them. By promoting product longevity, REI reduces waste and promotes sustainable consumption.
Used Gear
REI offers a robust used gear program, allowing customers to buy and sell pre-owned outdoor equipment. This initiative not only extends the life of products but also reduces the demand for new manufacturing. By facilitating the buying and selling of used gear, REI promotes a circular economy and encourages sustainable consumption.
Packaging Reduction
REI is actively working to reduce packaging waste and increase the use of sustainable packaging materials. The company strives to minimize single-use plastics and find innovative solutions for packaging its products. By prioritizing packaging reduction, REI reduces its environmental footprint and supports a more sustainable approach to retail.
REI Co-op Brands
REI’s Co-op Brands are designed with sustainability in mind. These brands strive to use eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, reducing environmental impact without compromising performance. By offering sustainable alternatives to traditional outdoor gear, REI promotes a more sustainable outdoor industry.
Arc’teryx
Bluesign Approved
Arc’teryx is committed to producing its products with minimal environmental impact. The company is a bluesign® system partner, ensuring that its manufacturing processes meet strict standards for chemical use, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. By adhering to these standards, Arc’teryx minimizes its ecological footprint and prioritizes sustainability.
Ethical Manufacturing
Arc’teryx is dedicated to ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring that workers are treated fairly and work in safe conditions. The company holds its suppliers to high social and environmental standards. By prioritizing ethical manufacturing, Arc’teryx advocates for worker rights and promotes responsible business practices.
Responsible Down Standard
Similar to other outdoor gear brands, Arc’teryx follows the Responsible Down Standard. This means that the down used in Arc’teryx products is sourced from ducks and geese that have been treated humanely. By upholding ethical standards for down sourcing, Arc’teryx demonstrates its commitment to animal welfare and responsible sourcing.
Product Care
Arc’teryx emphasizes the importance of product care in maintaining the longevity of its gear. The company provides resources and guidelines for customers to properly clean and maintain their Arc’teryx products. By promoting product care, Arc’teryx encourages customers to invest in high-quality gear that lasts longer and reduces waste.
Used Gear
Arc’teryx supports the resale of its used gear through its Used Gear program. This initiative connects customers looking to sell their pre-owned Arc’teryx gear with potential buyers. By facilitating the buying and selling of used gear, Arc’teryx reduces waste and promotes a circular economy within the outdoor industry.
Mammut
Sustainable Material Usage
Mammut is committed to using sustainable materials in its products. The company prioritizes materials with a lower environmental impact, such as recycled and organic fibers. By sourcing sustainable materials, Mammut reduces its ecological footprint and contributes to a more sustainable outdoor industry.
CO2-Neutral Production
Mammut aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its production processes. The company actively works to measure and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy and offsetting its remaining emissions. By pursuing CO2-neutral production, Mammut mitigates its contribution to climate change and promotes sustainable practices.
Fair Wear Foundation
Mammut is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, an organization that promotes fair labor conditions in the garment industry. By partnering with the Fair Wear Foundation, Mammut ensures fair wages and safe working conditions throughout its supply chain. By prioritizing fair labor practices, Mammut advocates for worker rights and promotes ethical business practices.
Bluesign System Partner
Mammut is a bluesign® system partner, which means it follows strict standards for chemical use, resource consumption, and environmental impact. By meeting these standards, Mammut minimizes its ecological footprint and ensures the safety and well-being of workers and customers. By adhering to the bluesign system, Mammut upholds its commitment to sustainability.
Waste Management
Mammut emphasizes responsible waste management practices throughout its operations. The company aims to minimize waste generation and effectively manage any waste that is produced. By implementing effective waste management strategies, Mammut reduces its environmental impact and promotes a circular economy within the outdoor industry.
Icebreaker
Ethical Wool Sourcing
Icebreaker is committed to ethical wool sourcing and animal welfare. The company works closely with its wool suppliers to ensure that sheep are treated humanely. By partnering with farms that prioritize animal welfare, Icebreaker promotes transparency and responsible sourcing throughout its supply chain.
ZQ Merino Standard
Icebreaker is a strong advocate for the ZQ Merino Standard, a certification that ensures the highest standards of animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility in wool production. By using ZQ Merino wool, Icebreaker supports sustainable farming practices and upholds its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Baacode Traceability
Icebreaker offers customers the ability to trace their garments back to the farms where the wool was sourced. Each Icebreaker garment comes with a unique Baacode that customers can enter online to learn about the sheep farm and the people involved in the production process. By providing traceability, Icebreaker promotes transparency and allows customers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Plastic-Free Packaging
Icebreaker is dedicated to reducing its plastic footprint. The company has made efforts to eliminate plastic from its packaging, opting for more sustainable alternatives. By prioritizing plastic-free packaging, Icebreaker reduces waste and contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Recycled Materials
Icebreaker incorporates recycled materials into its products to reduce its reliance on virgin resources. By utilizing recycled fibers, Icebreaker minimizes its environmental impact and supports the circular economy. By choosing Icebreaker products, customers can help reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Fjällräven
Eco-Shell
Fjällräven’s Eco-Shell is a sustainable and durable fabric that offers high-performance protection against the elements. This innovative material is made from recycled polyester and is designed to be waterproof, breathable, and windproof. By creating products with Eco-Shell, Fjällräven reduces its environmental impact and provides customers with sustainable outdoor gear.
Traceable Down
Similar to Patagonia and The North Face, Fjällräven follows the Responsible Down Standard. The down used in its products is sourced from ducks and geese that have been treated humanely. By implementing traceable down practices, Fjällräven ensures transparency and accountability in its supply chain.
Fluorocarbon-Free
Fjällräven is committed to avoiding the use of fluorocarbons in its products. These chemicals are often used as water repellents but have negative impacts on the environment. By choosing fluorocarbon-free alternatives, Fjällräven minimizes its ecological footprint and promotes the use of safer alternatives.
Recycled Materials
Fjällräven incorporates recycled materials into its products, such as recycled polyester and organic cotton. By using recycled materials, Fjällräven reduces its demand for virgin resources and diverts waste from landfills. By choosing Fjällräven products, customers contribute to a more sustainable outdoor industry.
Nature Conservation
Fjällräven is committed to preserving and protecting the natural environments that inspire its products. The company supports various initiatives and organizations focused on nature conservation and environmental education. By championing nature conservation, Fjällräven actively contributes to the preservation of outdoor spaces and the promotion of sustainable practices.
PrAna
Organic Cotton
PrAna is committed to using organic cotton in its products. Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, promoting soil health and reducing the ecological impact of cotton production. By prioritizing organic cotton, PrAna supports sustainable agriculture and ensures the use of safer alternatives.
Fair Trade Certified
PrAna holds a Fair Trade Certification, ensuring that workers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. By supporting fair trade practices, PrAna promotes social and economic equality and fights against exploitative labor practices. By choosing Fair Trade Certified products, customers can make a positive impact on workers’ lives.
Responsible Packaging
PrAna is dedicated to reducing its packaging waste and using more sustainable packaging materials. The company strives to minimize the use of single-use plastics and find innovative solutions for packaging its products. By prioritizing responsible packaging, PrAna reduces its environmental footprint and supports a more sustainable retail industry.
Responsible Down Standard
PrAna follows the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring that the down used in its products is sourced from ducks and geese that have been treated humanely. By adhering to this standard, PrAna promotes animal welfare and supports responsible sourcing practices within the outdoor industry.
Recycled Materials
PrAna incorporates recycled materials into its products, reducing the need for virgin resources and diverting waste from landfills. By utilizing recycled materials, PrAna minimizes its ecological footprint and contributes to a more sustainable approach to manufacturing. By choosing PrAna products, customers can support closed-loop systems and promote sustainability.
Osprey
Product Integrity
Osprey is committed to producing high-quality products that are built to last. The company prioritizes durability and functionality, ensuring that its gear withstands the demands of outdoor adventures. By producing gear with high product integrity, Osprey promotes sustainable consumption by minimizing the need for replacements.
Recycled Materials
Osprey incorporates recycled materials into its products, prioritizing the use of sustainable alternatives. By utilizing recycled fabrics and materials, Osprey helps to reduce its environmental impact by diverting waste from landfills and decreasing the need for virgin resources.
Repairability
Osprey offers a comprehensive repair program for its products, allowing customers to extend the lifespan of their gear. The company provides free repairs for any damage that occurred during normal use, encouraging customers to repair rather than replace their gear. By promoting repairability, Osprey supports a more sustainable approach to outdoor equipment.
Zero Landfill
Osprey is committed to reducing waste and operates on a zero-landfill policy at its headquarters. The company actively seeks ways to reduce, recycle, and repurpose waste generated during its operations. By striving for zero landfill, Osprey demonstrates its dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
Livable Wages
Osprey is committed to ensuring that workers throughout its supply chain receive livable wages. The company holds its suppliers to high social and environmental standards, advocating for fair labor practices. By prioritizing fair wages, Osprey supports workers’ rights and promotes ethical business practices.