Going Green: A Guide to Eco

Green Trails: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Hiking Gear and Avoiding Greenwashing

Choosing earth-friendly hiking gear can have a more significant impact on the environment—and your own physical health—than you might initially expect. Here are our top recommendations.

The Importance of Eco-friendly Hiking Gear

Our outdoor apparel and equipment choices affect more than just our bank accounts; they also influence our personal well-being and the health of the planet. Sustainable gear helps prevent chemicals from entering waterways, keeps waste out of landfills, and encourages reduced consumption through reuse. By prioritizing responsible manufacturing and thoughtful material sourcing, brands can meaningfully decrease their environmental footprint. Furthermore, by selecting hiking apparel made without toxic “forever chemicals” or unethical labor practices, you are investing in both your own health and the planet’s future.

Top Sustainable Brands for outdoor apparel and gear

When it comes to sustainability, some companies highlight their eco-friendly efforts prominently, while others implement changes to their product lines with less fanfare. Well-known leaders in this space include Patagonia, Tentree, Cotopaxi, and Picture Organic. Additionally, Prana, Outerknown, Houdini, and Smartwool all maintain active sustainability initiatives.

How to identify eco-friendly hiking products

There are several reliable ways to select truly sustainable outdoor gear, starting with familiarizing yourself with recognized environmental certifications. Look for labels such as 1 Percent For the Planet, Climate Neutral, Certified B Corps, Bluesign Approved, and Fair Trade Certified. Brands that earn these badges must undergo rigorous third-party vetting, making these certifications a helpful way to verify that a product was manufactured responsibly.

Another method for identifying eco-friendly apparel is to examine the list of materials used in construction. Truly sustainable brands often provide a detailed breakdown of their materials, and some even link to the specific extra effort, it is a worthwhile investment for both you and the environment

Benefits of choosing sustainable hiking gear

As mentioned, there are numerous advantages to selecting sustainable gear over conventional alternatives. Because we live in a consumer-driven society, we all purchase goods; however, if you care about the environment, buying eco-friendly gear and maintaining it properly helps divert waste from landfills. While sustainable outdoor clothing may carry a higher price tag, it is often of superior quality, particularly regarding material durability. Conserving water, ensuring ethical working conditions, lowering your carbon footprint, and saving money over the long term are just a few of the benefits of choosing eco-friendly options.

Eco-friendly maintenance and care tips for hiking gear

Once you have researched and purchased your eco-friendly gear, you will need to learn how to maintain it to keep your sustainability streak alive. Our primary recommendation is to always use non-toxic, biodegradable soaps when cleaning your apparel and equipment.

My first choice is Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds, though there are many other options available. Whenever possible, allow your gear to air dry to save on energy costs and electricity. Rather than discarding gear that has a rip or hole, use a patch to repair it so you can continue using your equipment. Keeping items out of the landfill, even if they are sustainable, is vital. Finally, use products like Nikwax to re-waterproof your garments, which helps extend their functional lifespan.

Innovations in eco-friendly outdoor equipment

Sustainable and recycled materials—such as synthetic down insulation created from recycled plastic—represent only one aspect of eco-friendly innovation in outdoor gear. As the sustainability movement gains momentum, brands are offering more options to consumers, including gear manufactured with renewable energy, carbon offset programs, ethical production practices, and the replacement of toxic components with safer, earth-friendly alternatives.

How can you be an ecofriendly hiker?

Want to be an eco-friendly hiker? Here are a few tips: Purchase sustainably-made hiking gear and apparel. Follow the Leave No Trace principles while out on the trail or camping. Be respectful of wildlife and stay on trail while you hike. Re-use and repair hiking apparel and outdoor gear you already own. Make your own food at home, and cut down on plastic packaging from pre-made snacks at the store.

What is the best natural material for hiking?

The best natural material for hiking is undoubtedly wool, and specifically, merino wool. Because it is naturally antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial and breathable, wool can perform in any temperature, requires little upkeep and will last for years if properly maintained.

How can you tell if an outdoor brand or product really is sustainable?

There are a few key giveaways to help determine if a product or brand is truly sustainable. If a brand has a mission statement, “about” page or blog that details how its products are made, where its materials are sourced and how it brings a product to market, you can determine whether it is really sustainable. If a brand offers a lifetime warranty or a repair program for its products, that’s a sign the company is committed to keeping products in the field and out of the landfill. And finally, verified third-party certifications are a great way to tell if a brand is truly sustainable or merely greenwashing.