A Complete Guide to Sustainable Outdoor Clothing Brands

As outdoor lovers, it’s safe to say we value nature.  We want to preserve it.  We practice Leave No Trace principles, sign petitions set forth by activist groups like Access Fund, and follow the ethos “better than you found it”.  

Despite those efforts, we often forget about where our single biggest impact our efforts to get outside comes from: the gear we buy. An oft overlooked component of outdoor stewardship, it’s time we step up and start buying sustainable outdoor gear and eco friendly outdoor clothing.

From our heads (eco friendly sunglasses) to our toes (eco friendly outdoor shoes and vegan rock climbing shoes), how we outfit matters—beyond just how stylish and recognizable our outdoor gear logos are.

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia—generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices.  While Patagonia once stood alone in a sea of unsustainability, they’ve now happily been joined by many sustainable outdoor clothing brands who have taken up the mantle of corporate responsibility.

But what does that mean? Just what makes a brand sustainable and what are the best outdoor companies?

As you’ll see, there are a ton of factors that come into play, so these answers are more art than science, but we’ve included an overall sustainability rating to see how these ethical outdoor brands stack up against each other.

Just as there’s no way to achieve sustainable vanlife overnight, we certainly don’t expect these ethical outdoor brands to be perfect.  Which is why we’ve also included outdoor brands that are somewhat new to the sustainability party, but have demonstrated hopeful amounts of progress in the right direction over the last few years.

*This post contains affiliate links.

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #

PATAGONIA

“Patagonia will never be completely socially responsible. It will never make a totally sustainable non-damaging product… But it is committed to trying.”

Even still, there is a reason people seek out companies like Patagonia: they were the first major player among sustainable outdoor brands and really set an example for on what ethical outdoor clothing should look like.

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #patagonia

Image credit Patagonia

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: All season outdoor clothing for men, women, kids, and infants; swimwear and wetsuits; backpacks, waist packs, and luggage; socks, underwear and base layers; sweaters, outerwear, and insulation mid layers. Pretty much everything they make is an awesome eco friendly outdoor gift idea or gift for adventurers of all kinds.

Budget: $-$$$$

Eco friendly fabrics: Organic non-GMO natural fibers (cotton, hemp, and linen), Tencel Lyocell, recycled polyester and nylon (68% of their clothing utilizes recycled materials as per 2020), RDS-certified down, RWS-certified merino wool, PVC and phthalate-free inns and dyes; have a line of bluesign® approved garments

Ethical practices: Fair Trade certified, regularly audit their factories, and ranked in the top tier of Fashion Revolution’s Fashion Transparency Index at 70% supply chain transparency.

Uses The Footprint Chronicles to provide customers information on the factory every garment is manufactured in.

Promotes ethical business practices on a wide scale so that there are more companies like Patagonia through publications like The Responsible Company and CEO Yvon Chouinard’s memoir Let My People Go Surfing. This refers to their policy to let employees take off from work in the name of outdoor pursuits, making them one of the top outdoor companies to work for, too.

Impact management: Use partially recycled poly bags for shipping (which are accepted at any Patagonia store for recycling into decking) and are experimenting with both biodegradable and paper bag options; Are piloting a regenerative farming certification; Tons of other green initiatives

Other: Founder of 1% for the Planet giving organization, help folks get involved in environmental initiatives through the Patagonia Action Works, take up the mantle of eco activism politically 

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: Synchilla Snap-T Recycled Fleece Pullover

Overall sustainability rating: 5/5

Find them here: Patagonia  /  Backcountry  / Worn Wear (used Patagonia gear)

TOAD&CO

“We’re not in the business of making clothes – we’re in the business of change. We aim to clean up a dirty apparel industry, educate people on sustainable practices, and inspire folks to live their fullest lives.[...] We’re a bunch of dreamers and mountain movers, preaching the gospel of sustainability and spontaneity – because every day is an adventure.”

This American outdoors clothing brand is really standout for those seeking clothes for outdoor activities that are also stylish enough to wear in more casual, urban settings.

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #toad&co

Image credit Toad&Co

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: Men’s and women’s sustainable activewear and athleisure wear; Jumpsuits, overalls, pants, sweaters, dresses, jackets, button down shirts, ethical t-shirts, and so much more

Budget: $$-$$$

Eco friendly fabrics: Organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, Lenzing Modal, recycled polyester

(working toward 100% recycled synthetics by 2025), and RWS certified non-mulesed virgin wool; Some garments meet the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and 45 styles are bluesign®-approved; List of restricted substances across all garments; Shop by material here; Look for those with their eco icon indicating clothing made from a minimum of 80% sustainable fibers and/or fabrics that are 3rd party certified

Ethical practices: Committed to fair labor practices and safe working conditions; All manufacturers help to a Workplace Code of Conduct and conduct yearly visits;

They write, “We believe that you could visit any of our factories and leave not thinking less of Toad&Co or our products.”; Warehouse employs adults with developmental disabilities through Planet Access Company (which they co-founded).

They were also voted by Outside Magazine as one of the best outdoor companies to work for.

Impact management: Members of various textile sustainability programs including the Higg Index, Textile Exchange, and the OIA Sustainability Working Group; Founding member of The Renewal Workshop passionate about Renewed Apparel by offering to repair and resell old Toad&Co garments.

Founding brand of the 2020 Circular Fashion Pledge with a goal of recirculating 1 million pounds of textiles by 2025

Partnered with thredUP to promote reselling unwanted clothes in exchange for Toad&Co credit; Use 100% recycled cardstock hang tags and 50% post-consumer recycled polybags

Now partnering with LimeLoop to offer reusable shipping bags made from recycled billboards (just drop the shipper back in your mailbox, label side out, and it’ll get back to Toad&Co for reuse); Pick partners that use solar and wind energy where possible; 

Other: Partnered with 1% for the Planet, Conservation Alliance, The Venture Out Project, among others; Cofounded Search for Adventure to provide travel opportunities for adults with disabilities; Named one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work seven years running; Sign environmental petitions of all kinds; Host an annual Grilled Cheese Smackdown cooking contest (who doesn’t LOVE a good grilled cheese, gourmet or otherwise?!)

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: Touchstone Overalls

Overall sustainability rating: 5/5

Find them here:  Toad&Co.  /  Backcountry  /  REI

UNITED BY BLUE

“Change comes in waves.”

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #unitedbyblue

Image credit Untied By Blue

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: Men’s and women’s sustainable swimwear, hiking pants, tops, flannels, sweaters, puffers, casual pants, dresses, backpacks and duffles, accessories, and a small selection of sustainable camping gear.

Budget: $-$$$

Eco friendly fabrics: Hemp, organic cotton, REPREVE recycled polyester, Tencel, modal, wool, and vegetable dyes; Signature fabrics such as EcoKnit (a blend of hemp, organic cotton, modal, and yak), (R)evolution™ (recycled PET that’s ultra durable, stain resistant, and doesn’t shed microfibers), Bison Shield (a “throw-away” of the meat industry that can used either as a wool-like yarn or insulation stuffing), AllDay Chambray™ (blend of organic cotton, hemp, and yak), and EcoDry (blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester); Corozo nut buttons (made from Tagua Palm nuts, both renewable and biodegradable!)

Ethical practices: Certified B-Corp since 2011 with impact score of 80.1 (above the 50.9 average).

Named B-Corp ‘Best for the World Honoree’ three years running; manufacture in 7 factories across Turkey, China, Vietnam, and the USA which are GOTS, OCS, and/or Fair Trade-certified; each product specifies factory of origin

Impact management: Want “to prove that a for-profit company could do serious, dirty conservation work”; Published 2019 Impact Report.

Encourage customers to #QuitSingleUse by selling zero waste reusables .

Working on cutting out single-use plastics as a company by slowly phasing out poly bags, bubble wrap, fabric roll packaging, plastic hangtags, office plastic, and plastic tape.

Other: Have sponsored the removal of 3 million pounds of ocean plastic pollution thanks to their policy of removing one pound for every product sold;

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: So may things! Read reviews of our favorite United By Blue products here.

Overall sustainability rating: 4/5

Find them here: United By Blue  /  REI  /  Backcountry 

OUTERKNOWN

“Sustainability starts with transparency.”

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #outerknown

Image credit Outerknown

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: Surf-inspired ethical outdoor clothing for men and women; Selvedge denim jeans, t-shirts, button-downs, jumpsuits, sustainable sweaters, swimwear, hiking pants, and jackets (like a 100% rPET raincoat); Fair trade coats and other sustainable outerwear.

Budget: $$-$$$

Eco friendly fabrics: A largely upcycled clothing company specializing in Econyl (recycled ocean plastic) women’s swimwear and recycled polyester and recycled spandex board shorts; Other fabrics include upcycled cotton, COOLMAX® recycled polyester, and recycled cashmere; Buttons also made from recycled polyester

Ethical practices: Fair Trade USA Certified factories in Peru, Mexico, and China; Hold supply chain to a Fair Labor Association (FLA) Code of Conduct; Publish full supplier list

Impact management: Bluesign certified; Are working toward TONS of green business goals as per their roadmap to 2030; Help their partners transition to renewable energy; Have a Futureshop where they sell other brand eco friendly products and reusables

Other: Founded by 11x World Surf League champion Kelly Slater; Run donation and advocacy campaigns about ocean plastic pollution; Recently partnered with luxury watch brand Breitling on their ECONYL® NATO watch, of which their donated $1,000 to Ocean Conservancy for every watch sold

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: S.E.A. Suit Shortall

Overall sustainability rating: 5/5

Find them here:  Outerknown  /  REI

PRANA

“From the farm to the factory to our closets, we all have an opportunity to reduce our impact on the environment. Start asking questions about your clothes in the same way you ask about the food you eat, and you can help fundamentally change the way clothing is made.”

Brands like prAna are staples in the outdoor world. Like Patagonia, they’ve been around and making climbing and yoga clothes for decades, but really doubled down on sustainability efforts in the last decade.

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #prana

Image credit prAna

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: Men’s and women’s clothing for yoga, hiking, climbing, swimming, and surfing; some casual wear such as sweaters, dresses, and button-down shirts

Budget: $$-$$$

Eco friendly fabrics: Recycled synthetics, organic cotton, recycled polyester, hemp, TENCEL modal, sustainably harvested merino wool, and RDS-certified down; not all eco friendly materials so be sure to read the fabric contents when shopping.

Ethical practices: Committed to traceability and transparency across their huge global supply chain; some Fair Trade certified garments (can filter by this or country of origin on their website)

Impact management: Official bluesign® Systems Partner; Promote customers choosing Clothing for Positive Change and educate on how to choose sustainable fashion; 

Other: Textile Exchange member; giving partners with Outdoor Outreach 

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: Stretch Zion (men’s) / Halle (women’s) pants (some of THE best sustainable hiking pants we’ve tried). We also love the prAna Inception jacket but it’s discontinued so may be tough to find these days. If you can snag one used, do so!

Overall sustainability rating: 4/5

Find them here:  Backcountry  /  REI  /  Moosejaw

PICTURE ORGANIC

“The fight against climate change is more than just a simple point of view.  It is our obligation.”

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #pictureorganic

Image credit Picture Organic

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: Some of the best upcycled clothing for outdoor adventures for men and women; basic sustainable swimwear as well as technical surf-ready wetsuits, rash guards, and impact vests; ski and snowboard jackets, snowpants, and bibs. One of the best sustainable outerwear brands.

Budget: $$$

Eco friendly fabrics: Almost 100% recycled fiber tech; Regular sustainable swimwear made with recycled nylon ski jackets; Eicoprene wetsuits (sustainable neoprene made of Japanese Limestone and recycled tires); Recycled plastic bottles for all winter wear

Ethical practices: One of the best French sustainable brands, they’re a Certified B Corp and Fair Wear Foundation member.

Manufacture in 20 total factories (2 of which make 84% of their garments. They regularly visit these factories and audit them using the supply chain management company Agence Innovation Responsable (AIR)

Impact management: Ship only by sea or land, no air; Have a Zero Oil Objective (hence their lack of virgin synthetics); Run on 20% renewable energy (hopefully 100% by 2030); Have an individual product impact counter called Picture Your Impact; Various other sustainability initiatives

Other: Have established an open submission environmental grant fund called Picture For Good; Donate to WWF polar climate protection programs; Campaign against gas and oil farms through Beyond Boarding Donate imperfect or returned products to those in need

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: Weekend Insulated Jacket

Overall sustainability rating: 5/5

Find them here:  REI  /  Backcountry

COALATREE

“We at Coalatree pride ourselves on making eco-friendly goods you can take anywhere. In every step of the design, manufacturing, and shipping process, we look for ways to be more sustainable and minimize our impact.”

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #coalatree

Image credit Coalatree

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: Sustainable hiking clothes like men’s and women’s windbreakers, puffers, hoodies, pants, shorts, tops, and accessories; Eco friendly camping gear like hammocks and blankets

Budget: $-$$

Eco friendly fabrics: Almost entirely sustainable materials (mostly recycled or repurpose); Recycled parachute nylon for hammocks; Recycled ripstop nylon, recycled ComforMax™ insulation, organic recycled cotton; recycled polyester made from plastic water bottles, and S-Cafe polyester made from recycled coffee grounds; Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, applied with a vapor coating which eliminates the need for traditionally nasty chemicals

Ethical practices: All factories are Fair Wear® and bluesign® certified

Impact management: Dye via a closed loop CO2 recycling waterless dye system; Use “tree friendly packaging” like recycled paper hangtags and packaging; Have repurposed 139,878 plastic bottles and 82,301 cups of used coffee grounds collected from local coffee shops into sustainable outdoor clothing; Choose factory partners who also care about the environment, such as those with on-site green spaces, those using renewable energy and water-saving machinery; one which even has an on-site wetland to preserve local biodiversity

Other: A somewhat Indy clothing brand that started out as a self-sustaining organic farm in Colorado looking to make their own workwear; Take surplus fabric from their blankets and repurpose it into new blankets donated to Salt Lake City’s homeless; Donate to the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program, the non-profit youth wilderness therapy Anasazi Foundation, and tons of other environmental groups

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: Evolution Hoodie (made from recycled coffee grounds!)

Overall sustainability rating: 5/5

Find them here:  Coalatree 

TENTREE

“We believe in the power of small acts, so by empowering everyone and anyone with easy access to sustainable solutions, those tiny seeds of change, can grow to change the world. #ItTakesAForest” 

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #tentree

Image credit tentree

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: “Earth first apparel” for men and women; Super soft ethical t-shirts, hoodies, loungewear, bottoms, and jackets. One of the best sustainable accessory brands for winter wear like hats, gloves, and scarves.

Budget: $-$$

Eco friendly fabrics: Almost entirely sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL, BLOOMfoam recycled algae foam, and REPREVE® recycled polyester

Ethical practices: Certified B-Corp with impact score of 124.6/200 (meaning they’re in the top 1%); Tell which of their factories each product was made; All factories certified by one or more body (WRAP, BSCI, SA8000, Fair Trade, and Fair Wear Foundation); Published code of conduct signed by all supply chain entities

Impact management: Partner with GreenStep to assess production impact of each garment; Each product page tells the water, CO2, and waste saved compared to traditional fashion items

Other: Plant 10 trees in areas of damaged biodiversity for every item purchased (hence the name ten-tree); Have planted over 41 million trees so far; Can register your trees to track their GPS planting location and impact planted and track their impact

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: Destination Pant / Jogger

Overall sustainability rating: 5/5

Find them here:  tentree / Backcountry  /  REI

FAHERTY

“We have 5 Core Values that we live by: Be the Best, Deliver on Promises, Be Better Together, Stay Authentic, and Spread Good Vibes.”

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #faherty

Image credit Faherty

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: Men’s and women’s sustainable swimwear, outerwear, bottoms, tops, socks, kids clothing, hats, sunglasses, belts, and blankets,

Budget: $$-$$$

Eco friendly fabrics: Not all sustainable fabrics so stick with garments made of GOTS organic cotton, Tencel, BCI cotton, linen (shop this collection here), Modal, hemp, recycled polyester (and Primaloft insulation which is partially recycled), and ethically sourced cashmere and alpaca

Ethical practices: Unknown manufacturing practices (we will be reaching out for more information here)

Impact management:  bluesign® Systems Partner to track the impact of their fabrics and keep chemical usage low; Use refurbished and vintage goods in HQ and stores; Compost, recycle, and donate fabric scraps to nonprofit FABSCRAP; Use recycled mailers and poly bags; 

Other: Member of 1% for the Planet; Donate to the Surfrider Foundation, Second U (which helps formerly incarcerated people get education), and indigenous peoples organizations (10% of blanket sales go to the Spirit Horse Nation and Lakota Way Healing Center)

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: Arlie Day Pant

Overall sustainability rating: 3/5

Find them here:  Faherty / Backcountry  /  REI

MOUNTAIN KHAKIS

“Mountain Khakis believes that diversity of thought, experience, and people is critical to a company's success.  This is why we were one of the original signers of the CEO Pledge, a national initiative that provides a platform for member companies to establish women's leadership as a strategic business imperative.”

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #mountainkhakis

Image credit Mountain Khakis

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: Workwear pants and other heavy duty cotton canvas outdoor pants and shorts for men and women; Jackets, vests, hoodies, and tops; Dresses and skirts; Warm weather accessories, boxers, and packs

Budget: $-$$

Eco friendly fabrics: Organic cotton (most pants are 100%); SeaWool insulation (an innovative fabric made from oyster shells and recycled PET polyester)

Ethical practices: All products made in a Fair Trade certified factory

Impact management: Use as many bluesign® approved garments as possible to ensure their manufacturing is eco friendly

Other: Donate to the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary (specifically by sponsoring the keeping the bison Speedy)

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: The Original Mountain Pant

Overall sustainability rating: 3/5

Find them here:  Backcountry  /  REI  /  Moosejaw

KÜHL

“As a privately held company, we prize our freedom to choose and remain true to our ethics. Our goal is simple: source responsibly, provide a higher quality of living for all involved, and make the best damn product with the least amount of environmental impact. [...] If ethics were profitable, every business would have them.”

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #KUHL

Image credit KÜHL

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: Men’s and women’s ethical outdoor clothing built to last; Technical sustainable hiking pants, climbing pants, and workwear; Skirts, dresses, and skorts; Jackets, vests, hoodies, sweaters, pullovers, flannels, tees, and so much more.

Budget: $$-$$$

Eco friendly fabrics: While they use mostly virgin synthetics, they often blend technically superior nylon or polyester with cotton to minimize the amount of plastic fabrics used; Durability trumps sustainability; Wax covered waterproof cotton canvas; RDS certified goose down; "We recycle and source materials organically and sustainably whenever possible” and while they have a long way to go to achieve full sustainability here they are making progress

Ethical practices: Perform unannounced third party audits to ensure fair trade compliance with their ILO and UN Declaration of Human Rights based Code of Conduct

Impact management: Design ultra durable clothing that works as hard as you.

Measure sustainable progress and impact using the HIGG Index and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Sustainable Working Group guidelines.

Have an in-house sew, sample, and repair room where the repair damaged garments and promote a circular economy by donating scrap fabric to educational programs

Other: Are a completely independent brand with no paid athletes or private equity; Partner with both nationwide and local non-profit organizations in their home state of Utah to give back

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: Spyfire® Down Vest

Overall sustainability rating: 2/5

Find them here: KÜHL  /  Backcountry  /  REI  /  Moosejaw

WILD RYE

“We believe there is no ‘right way’ to get after it on a mountain bike or on the snow, and however you spend time outside should be celebrated—whether you're in it for the snack breaks, laughs and good times with friends or to set personal bests, we're all for it.”

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #wildrye

Image credit Wild Rye

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: One of the few exclusively women’s outdoor brands, they make women’s “MTB apparel that fits” and merino wool layers; gear for both hot and cold temperatures

Budget: $-$$

Eco friendly fabrics: Non-mulesed (aka cruelty-free) merino wool; Either bluesign® certified virgin synthetic fabrics or uncertified partially recycled synthetic fabrics 

Ethical practices: Manufacture in the US and overseas, in factories that “meet the highest global standards, including fair labor and wage practices”

Impact management: Working to become compliant with the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Higg Index; Partnered with EcoCart to provide 100% carbon neutral shipping (be sure to pick "Make my order carbon neutral" when checking out); Are trying to come up with more sustainable packaging solutions but aren’t quite there yet.

Other: Are named after a hearty grass native to high elevations in the Sierra Nevadas; Aim to “empower women from the backcountry to the boardroom” by partnering with SheJumps; Founded Women-Led Wednesday 

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: Jane Leggings

Overall sustainability rating: 3/5

Find them here: Wild Rye  /  Backcountry  /  REI  

TITLE NINE

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #titlenine

Image credit Title Nine

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: Women’s sustainable swimwear, activewear, and underwear; Includes yoga pants, leggings, sports bras, and more

Budget: $$-$$$

Overall sustainability rating: 4/5

Find them here:  Title Nine

COTOPAXI

“We’re into funky; we’re into sustainable; we’re into treating those who sew our products with respect.”

While their practices are comparable to others on this list, you won’t find any brands like Cotopaxi in terms of style. Their ultra-bright, color-block patterns make you stand out in a crowd (or lack of crowd, if you wear it like we prefer to in the backcountry!)

And with a motto as simple and straightforward as “Do good”, we can’t help but love them.

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #cotopaxi

Image credit Cotopaxi

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: Men’s and women’s sustainable outerwear, tops, pants, fleece, backpacks, fanny packs, and luggage.

Budget: $-$$$

Eco friendly fabrics: (Re)Purpose™ fabric made from other fashion production leftovers; Largely recycled synthetics but some virgin polyester and nylon.

Ethical practices: Certified B Corp that upholds an ethical Code of Conduct, personally visits their factories, and uses mostly ones that are third-party certified.

Cotopaxi Sustainability: Stand by the quality of their products offering either to repair or replace broken items (if replaced, they’ll then get recycled); Offset shipping and operations to be Certified Climate Neutral; Members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.

Other: As members of Pledge 1%, 1% of earnings go to the Cotopaxi Foundation which donates toward alleviating poverty and award grants to organizations improving lives in developing countries; Other rotating charitable initiatives involving current events and world catastrophes.

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker

Overall sustainability rating: 4/5

Find Them Here: Cotopaxi / Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw

FJALLRAVEN

“We have made, and will continue to make, mistakes. But we try to learn from them; we aim to innovate and adapt. We’re not ones to settle. We never sit back and relax thinking what we’re doing now is good enough.”

Norway has some epically rugged conditions and tough weather, so being one of the best Norwegian outdoor clothing brands really says something.

The most sustainable outdoor clothing companies are brands similar to Patagonia, who is generally regarded as the paragon of pro-planet business practices. They’re now joined by all manner of other ethical outdoor apparel brands. #fjallraven

Image credit Fjallraven

Sustainable outdoor clothing range: Men’s and women’s sustainable hiking pants, outerwear, tops, baselayers, backpacks and daypacks, and accessories.

Budget: $$$

Eco friendly fabrics: Recycled or traceable wool, organic hemp, Tencel®, recycled polyester, G-1000 Eco (recycled polyester and organic cotton blend), ethical wool, and some regular cotton and polyamide; PFC-free waterproof coatings and no PVC; FSC-certified birch wood backpack frames,

Ethical practices: Is Fjallraven ethical? As members of both the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and Fair Labor Association, absolutely!

Uphold a non-negotiable” Code of Conduct, have factory visits, and utilize third-party auditing systems.

Impact management: Brands like Fjallraven believe sustainability ultimately comes from longevity. Their sustainable outdoor clothing may not be the cheapest, but it is “gear for generations” and more durable than pretty much any other brand on this list. They also offer home repair kits and will repair garments for you for the cost of shipping.

When they do wear out, they’re implementing a recycling system, made easier by the fact that their ethical outdoor clothing is intentionally designed to only have a couple different fabrics.

Their Samlaren initiative turns surplus fabric into limited-run capsule collections.

Offset some operations aiming toward carbon neutrality by 2025.

Other: Fund Stockholm University’s research on the effects of climate change on the Scandinavian arctic fox (after which they are named); Also started the Arctic Fox Initiative grant program for environmental non-profits.

Our eco outdoor clothing pick: Keb G-1000 Trousers (THE most durable sustainable hiking pants you’ll ever own).

Overall sustainability rating: 4/5

Find Them Here: Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw

Before You Hit the Trail…

Fashion has a HUGE impact on the planet. It produces 10% (!) of the world’s global carbon emissions.

So no matter how diligently we practice LNT principles, our gear and clothes for outdoor activities make far more of an impact that our actual outdoor activities. That’s why we encourage support of “similar brands to Patagonia”, AKA sustainable outdoor clothing brands.

Just remember, the MOST sustainable and ethical outdoor clothing choice is to buy used, which is easier than ever thanks to the growing number of online used gear stores and brick-and-mortar used outdoor gear stores.

 

**This post contains affiliate links to support the continued creation of these van life guides. This just means that if you purchase one of these eco rock climbing ropes from one of the links above, I get a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Read more here or reach out with more questions.

SustainabilityAmber McDanielsustainable climbing gear, sustainable vanlife, sustainability, sustainable outdoor gear, sustainable outdoor clothing, sustainable outdoor brands, eco friendly climbing gear, eco friendly outdoor gear, ethical outdoor clothing companies, eco friendly1 Comment