Outdoor gear is all about getting people into nature, so it makes sense that the outdoor gear industry has shifted towards a strong focus on sustainability over the last several years. People want to know that the brands they choose are trying to make a difference and that their buying choices are making a difference as well. Here is a look at some of the sustainability trends going on in the outdoor industry today.

Rethinking Raw Materials

One of the main ways that brands are creating more sustainable products is by using low-impact and renewable raw materials that are 100% biodegradable. This includes materials like organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, Tencel, and Merino wool.

Tencel is a natural fibre sourced from sustainable and responsibly managed forests. It feels soft and gentle against the skin and offers excellent strength and durability. Merino wool is also a natural fibre harvested from Merino sheep. One sheep can produce up to five pounds of wool every year, making it a very sustainable material as well. Merino wool is thin, soft, and a top choice for outdoor exploring.

Recycling, Recycling, Recycling

Another common sustainability strategy in the outdoor industry is the use of recycled materials, particularly recycled synthetic fibres like nylon. Brands are incorporating more of these recycled fibres into their products, and the industry goal is to recycle synthetic fibres again and again, keeping them out of the landfill perpetually. The majority of clothing, not just outdoor gear, ends up in the landfill today.

To help with their recycling efforts, some brands offer programs that allow you to bring your old gear back into the store. It is then passed on to third-party recyclers and eventually incorporated into new products.

Repair, Reuse, and Upcycling

Most consumers are used to simply throwing an item of clothing away when it sustains damage like a tear or a broken zipper. This adds to bulk landfill waste and contributes to the production of new, replacement products using raw materials.

Some brands are beginning to provide the tools and know-how for buyers to fix up their gear and continue using it for many years to come. Others allow clothes to be traded in for credit which can then be redeemed for other used gear. Used gear is also sometimes sent off to be upcycled into new products like totes, chalk bags, and backpack liners.

Product Durability and Longevity

Durability has always been a design ethic in the outdoor industry, as consumers want reliable gear that is made to last. However, the idea is experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to the fact that durable products generally have a lower environmental impact. The longer a product lasts, the fewer raw materials are used to make replacements. Choosing durable outdoor gear made of eco-friendly or recycled materials is an easy way to shop more sustainably.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, sustainability is a multifaceted concept comprising many avenues. In the outdoor gear industry, brands are working towards a more sustainable image in a number of different ways, giving you several options for lowering your environmental impact as well.