The outdoor clothing and equipment industry is leading the way in developing more sustainable practices for manufacturing the products we use, and in this article we showcase 16 products that are great examples of how the industry is striving to lessen its impact on the planet. There is plenty of more work to be done of course, but by choosing products from brands that are committed to reducing their environmental impact, you can help contribute to the fight against climate change that is so vital both now and in the years to come. As well as the info included in the descriptions of the products featured below, we have listed the direct links to the brands’ own sustainability information pages at the bottom of the page, so that you can check on exactly where each company is on their own sustainability journey – and we hope this helps inform your decisions on which products to buy!
Gregory Zulu 30 and women’s Jade 28
£155
A year-round daypack that’s more ‘trekkable’ than an alpine pack, but tough enough to withstand serious use, the Zulu 30 and women’s Jade 28 have the spec of full-sized packs without the weight or bulk. Using post-consumer recycled materials, and Gregory’s lifecycle analysis tool, the measured carbon footprint of these packs has now been reduced by over 25 percent. The FreeFloat suspension system combines a mesh back panel with flex hip panels, allowing the hipbelt to pivot and flex with the natural movements of your body, there’s a full body U-Zip main opening, on-the-go water bottle access via stretch mesh side pockets, large hipbelt pockets, a raincover and a stretch mesh front stash pocket. Available in two back lengths.
More info: www.gregorypacks.com
Silva Terra Expedition S compass
£66.99
Silva’s Terra initiative is a roadmap towards making its products more sustainable, product by product, and the new Terra Expedition S compass reflects this. Their mirror sighting compasses excel when you want accuracy and precision over long distances, and this model features map measuring in mm and inches, plus a wide selection of map scales: 1:24, 1:25, 1:40 and 1:50. In particular the Expedition S comes with a clinometer for measuring slope angle, useful for detecting avalanche risk. The lanyard, made of recycled material, has 1:25 and 1:50 scales for on-map planning. The case, grip ring and graduation ring are made from Revo recycled polypropylene plus natural hemp fibres, resulting in 90% less carbon emissions.
More info: www.silvasweden.uk
Rab Namche GTX Jacket
£270
The Namche GTX (new for AW23) is built with recycled, fully fluorocarbon-free fabric, a ground-breaking fluorocarbon-free membrane, and a solution-dyed backer created using less energy than traditional dying methods. The result is a high performing waterproof jacket that is responsibly built and built to last, combining expert waterproof protection with low weight, packability, and superb freedom of movement for your everyday hiking adventures. The jacket has been designed for exceptional comfort on the mountain, with underarm vents allowing you to dump heat when the gradient climbs, and a fleece-lined chin guard for when you’re sealing out the weather on a blustery ridgeline. The two-way adjustable hood can be tightened with a single hand pull, and provides an easy head turn with unhindered vision. It also features a stiffened peak, helping to shield your face from rain. The hook and loop adjustable cuffs fit seamlessly with gloves, and there are two hand pockets for warming numb fingers on the coldest days. The Namche’s Material Facts – Rab’s program to disclose a product’s sustainability credentials by component – can be accessed via the brand’s website from AW23 onwards.
More info: www.rab.equipment
Kelty Cosmic Down sleeping bags
£110 (40 degree), £160 (20 degree), £245 (0 degree)
The Cosmic Down from Kelty is a lightweight and super warm sleeping bag that’s both environmentally and health friendly due to the use of PFC-free DWR fabrics. The Cosmic Down range combines a buttery-soft and durable 20D Nylon shell, with lightweight and warm duck down, and features innovative trapezoidal baffle construction for improved thermal efficiency. The range incorporates a natural fit spacious footbox for more wriggle room, an anti-snag zipper with dual slider for ventilation, and a zippered internal stash pocket; a stuff sack is also included for quick and easy packing. The Cosmic Down range covers all seasons, from the 40°F/4°C 550 Fill Down, to the Cosmic Ultra 0°F/-18°C 800 Fill Down, with short, regular, long and women’s models available. The most popular for the UK market is the Cosmic Down 20°F/-7°C 550 Fill Down.
More info: www.kelty.com
Lowe Alpine Sirac ND50
£140
The Sirac ND50 made with 50% recycled 420D Dobby and 100% recycled 600D PW/ HydroShield featuring a fluorocarbon-free DWR is ideal for backpacking trips, bothy or hut-based adventures and trekking over difficult terrain. Lowe Alpine made this pack for those venturing out on their first extended adventure, and for those looking for a fuss-free, reliable, lightweight pack with a strong and stable carry. Built with narrower dimensions than the regular version it offers a better fit for women and those with smaller frames. Hydration compatible and well ventilated, the Sirac is equipped for hot climes and tough trails. The lightweight Air Contour X is strong, yet flexible, moving with you over all terrain. It has walking pole attachments, an integrated rain cover and elasticated stash, ideal for stowing wet gear. Complete with part recycled, tough, water resistant outer fabric, the Sirac is built for a lifetime of intrepid adventures.
More info: www.rab.equipment/backpacks
Salewa Puez Hemp Cargo Pants
£125
Lightweight and cool-wearing, these pants use an Alpine Hemp fabric that’s easy to care for and just gets softer the more you wear it. In this garment it’s blended with organic cotton, plus stretch Durastretch inserts for added durability. Features include a comfortable and adjustable waist, two hand pockets, two spacious patch cargo pockets and a crotch panel for extra freedom of movement. Hemp is one of the strongest and most durable natural fibres and has a low environmental impact – hemp cultivation requires no pesticides, synthetic fertilisers or GMO seeds, requires little to no water, and helps prevent soil erosion. Men’s and women’s available.
More info: www.salewa.com
Páramo Velez Evolution Smock
From £350
Páramo’s Velez Evolution Smock is a multi-season, high-energy garment that delivers full winter and mountain performance that can be adapted to provide an extremely well-ventilated option for a multitude of activities. The Nikwax Analogy waterproof fabric guarantees hard-wearing weatherproofing and perspiration removal, providing huge versatility and top mountain performance. This hybrid waterproof smock with its adaptable temperature control also has a helmet-compatible hood, internal back reinforcement for when carrying a large pack and an articulated fit.
More info: www.paramo.com
Biolite CampStove 2+
£119.95
BioLite’s origin story centres around a technology that turns fire into power, whilst creating a much cleaner burn. The award-winning CampStove 2+ uses a patented thermoelectric combustion process, which converts heat from your fire into usable electricity. It’s unique internal airflow system burns smoke before it has a chance to escape, meaning you can enjoy a smoke-free cooking experience. Surplus electricity is stored in the onboard battery, enabling you to access power via USB when you need it. The stove comes with a 100 Lumen Flexlight attachment, allowing you to cook at night with confidence. The Portable Grill, KettlePot, and Coffee Press accessories will help you utilise the cooker’s potential and enjoy clean, smoke-less meals. When you purchase a BioLite product, you support their important work delivering renewable energy solutions to households living beyond the grid. Available to order now at Wildbounds.
More info: www.wildbounds.com
Sierra Designs Meteor Lite 3000
£450 (2-person), £500 (3-person)
The Sierra Designs Meteor Lite 3000 is a new lightweight tent with a trail weight of just 1.8kg. Available in 2-person and 3-person models, it’s a backpack-friendly tent that saves weight by using premium materials. The strong, fully freestanding design includes 2 doors, 2 vestibules and near-vertical walls, with a footprint that allows you to spread out in every direction, so plenty of room for you and your gear. A durable and waterproof bathtub floor provides the best foundation for all-weather camping, and an ultralight taffeta and mesh body keeps air flowing all night long. That’s paired with a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) coated rain fly that can be rolled back for extra ventilation and stargazing. Sierra Designs understands that reducing the amount of gear you store also reduces your environmental footprint, and so Meteor 3000 tents are built to last for generations.
More info: www.sierradesigns.com
Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather
£3.49 (60ml), £4.99 (100ml)
Nikwax have been outdoor industry leaders in producing sustainable aftercare since 1977. As part of our continuing commitment to both people and planet, all of our operational carbon emissions are balanced and 1% of our turnover is pledged to social and ecological causes. All products in the range are water-based and the brand has never used PFCs. New labels on Nikwax’s products now have icons to help customers to understand the brand’s environmental credentials. Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather provides instant waterproofing and is designed to revitalise breathability and maintain suppleness of all smooth leather items. It is easy to apply, by hand, to wet or dry leather using the applicator. Remove any excess with a cloth and buff to shine. Leave the footwear to dry naturally – if placed near a radiator it could dry too fast and crack. Top Tip: Clean your footwear first with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel, this will remove dirt and contaminants, and revive the Durable Water Repellency (DWR). When cleaning alone no longer revives DWR, re-proof with Waterproofing Wax for Leather.
More info: www.nikwax.com
Exped Ultra 3R sleeping mat
£175
Exped has long been committed to responsible manufacturing and sustain-ability, and its entire sleeping mat line is now certified climate neutral; unprecedented in the outdoor industry. All their mats use recycled materials, which keeps plastic out of landfill and uses less water, energy and carbon to produce, and are bluesign or OEKO-TEX accredited, meeting the highest levels of environmental protection. The Ultra 3R mat offers comfort and warmth at a minimal weight and packed size, weighing only 465g and has an excellent R-Value of 2.9 (temp rated -5°C). The synthetic filling is laminated to the inside of the mat, while the recycled 20D ripstop polyester fabric is extremely lightweight yet robust. Includes the clever Schnozzel Pumpbag which allows you to inflate the mat quickly while preventing humidity from your breath affecting the insulation; it also doubles as an ultra-lightweight compression stuffsack.
More info: www.exped.com
humangear GoToob+
From £7.99
The humangear GoToob+ is the civilised, squeezable, reusable travel tube. Made from soft rugged silicone that’s easy to squeeze, the small, medium, and large sizes are air travel approved (TSA); and all sizes are foodsafe (FDA). The GoToob+ includes several unique design features:
• The large opening makes it incredibly easy to fill and clean.
• The bases have been contoured so that they can now stand up for even easier filling.
• The LoopLock minimises leakage and can be used to clip it to the outside of a pack.
• The textured collar can be written on with a marker pen.
The GoToob+ range is 100% BPA-free, PC-free, phthalate-free and covered by our lifetime warranty. humangear is passionate about creating evolved products to help people live their lives and help the planet, too. Civilized gear for humans, for life. Available to order now at Blacks.
More info: www.blacks.co.uk
Polartec Fresh Face
£various
This summer the hot weather has been a blessing but also challenging. Staying odour-free when motoring up that mountain under the hot sun is a key concern for many. That’s why Polartec has launched Fresh Face. It’s a sustainable technology made from mint extract and it’s proving to be very effective. Polartec Fresh Face has been designed to minimise odours and is being used by a number of brands in technical T-shirts. It’s derived from a naturally-sourced and non-GMO mint plant extract harvested and distilled in Oregon. It utilises a simple and environmentally-friendly steam extraction process that has received approval from bluesign and OEKO-TEX Standard 100. ‘Wear Testers’ wore a T-shirt half made using the existing, metal-based technology and half using Fresh Face for six weeks before a team of judges sniff-tested them. The garments were then washed 50 times, simulating accelerated ageing and wear and were worn again in real-world conditions for another six weeks. The shirts were collected unwashed, sniff-tested and rated by judges in a blind test. Final rating? The testers and judges agreed that the Fresh Face, mint-treated garments were deodorised to a level equal or better than the prior, metal-based treatment. Pictured: ThruDark Oryon Delta T-Shirt.
More info: www.polartec.com
Light My Fire 8-piece Outdoor MealKit
£38.95
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with the 8-piece Outdoor MealKit from Light My Fire. This super versatile kit, made from 100% BPA free biobased plastic, is your go-to companion for unforgettable outdoor meals. Compact and lightweight, this meal kit is designed to save space in your backpack. Whether you’re camping under the stars or embarking on a thrilling hike, the Light My Fire Outdoor MealKit has everything you need to make your outdoor cooking simple and fun. Included in this kit is a deep-sided plate and lid to keep your food secure, a Swedish Kåsa, a super useful SnapBox for storing snacks or spices without worries of leakage, and more. Say goodbye to flimsy disposable utensils and hello to the versatile Spork Original! This ingenious utensil combines a spoon, fork, and knife, allowing you to enjoy your meals with ease. The 8-piece Outdoor MealKit costs £38.95 and is available in six nature inspired colours from Berry Useful.More info:
More info: www.berryuseful.co.uk
Vango Apex Sleeping Bags
£160 (Apex 1), £180 (Apex 2), £200 (Apex 3)
The Apex sleeping bags utilise Vango’s most innovative, environmentally-friendly fabrics to date to create a range of technical sleeping bags with a lower environmental footprint. The Polair EcoNet lining and shell are made from recycled fishing nets to create a warm, soft-to-touch material that’s resistant to wear. The innovative EcoLoft insulation is a recycled synthetic fill that has been engineered to imitate the characteristics of real down filling with a high loft, quick dry finish. A multi-directional baffle construction that incorporates Vango’s heat-retaining Thermal Reverb technology ensures an even distribution of insulation throughout the bag for maximum warmth with minimal weight and pack size. Available in a single season Apex 1, a dual season Apex 2 and a 3 season Apex 3.
More info: www.vango.com
Alpkit Sigma
£139.99
The Sigma is a multi-activity 3-layer waterproof designed for all seasons, whether you’re fending off Great British Summer showers or summit bagging in the autumn. The Sigma keeps the elements out. It’s got thoughtful details to keep it comfortable next-to-skin: a soft, quiet, breathable fabric; a knit backer; and it’s nice and stretchy for comfort on the move. It has map-sized pockets, semi-elasticated low-profile cuffs, and an elasticated, adjustable hood with a rear drawcord. Just like all our waterproofs, the Sigma is made with a PFC-free DWR so there’s no nasty chemicals left behind. The Sigma jacket is made with a single polymer construction to make it easily recyclable. It’s also made with fully recycled polyester fabric. It’s our lowest impact waterproof jacket. Available for men and women, in sizes XS-XXL and 6-20. Sold in three colours: Chipotle, Outer Space and Fern.
More info: www.alpkit.com
BRAND SUSTAINABILITY PAGES
Alpkit
Biolite
Exped
Gregory
humangear
Kelty
Light My Fire
Lowe Alpine
Nikwax
Paramo
Polartec
Rab
Salewa
Sierra Designs
Silva
ThruDark
Vango