Sustainable Outdoor Companies; What Goes into Making Eco Friendly Outdoor Clothing and Equipment
The word sustainable is used fairly liberally by outdoor companies, and many others, these days. Although sustainability can sometimes seem like just a buzzword, many outdoor companies, and other business types, are doing a lot of good for the environment. But what exactly goes into being a sustainable brand? As we dug into what eco-friendly measures are being implemented across the industry, we discovered far reaching, comprehensive efforts.
Outdoor companies are using recycled and organic materials, implementing eco-friendly manufacturing processes, making product lifecycle changes, using innovative, eco-friendly packaging and practicing conservation and advocacy efforts.
Let’s deep dive to better understand how those efforts work by looking at the processes and policies outdoor brands are taking to help reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing outdoor clothing and equipment.
Developing and Utilizing Sustainable Materials
Recycled Materials
Recycled polyester, wool, and nylon are all commonly used in outdoor clothing and gear because of their specific performance characteristics.
Recycled Polyester
Polyester is often found in base layers, such as thermal tops and bottoms, because it wicks moisture away from the skin and dries quickly. It’s also used in mid layers like fleece jackets and in outer layers such as lightweight rain jackets and windbreakers. Additionally, polyester is often used in activewear, sleeping bag insulation, backpack linings, and tent rainflies thanks to its durability and cost-effectiveness.
Recycled polyester is typically made from used plastic bottles and other post-consumer waste. These plastics are cleaned, shredded into flakes, melted down, and then spun into new fibers. This process significantly reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to producing virgin polyester from petroleum.
Recycled Wool
Wool, especially Merino wool, is valued for its excellent insulation, breathability, and natural odor resistance. It is most commonly used in base layers like thermal underwear and leggings, as well as in hiking socks, where its ability to keep feet warm and dry is especially beneficial. Wool is also used in mid layers such as sweaters, and in accessories like hats, gloves, and sleeping bag liners, providing warmth even when wet.
Recycled wool comes from pre- or post-consumer wool garments. These items are sorted by color, shredded, and respun into new yarn, eliminating the need for dyeing and conserving water and energy.
Recycled Nylon
Nylon is known for its exceptional strength and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for outerwear such as rain jackets, windbreakers, and technical shells. It’s also a common material in hiking pants and shorts, as well as the outer shells of backpacks due to its durability and resistance to tearing. In camping gear, nylon is frequently used in tents, particularly in tent bodies, floors, and rainflies. Additionally, it plays a critical role in climbing gear like slings and rope sheaths because of its high tensile strength.
Recycled nylon is often derived from industrial waste, old fishing nets, and discarded textiles. Through chemical or mechanical recycling, these materials are broken down and reprocessed into new nylon fibers, helping divert waste from landfills and oceans while cutting down on fossil fuel usage.
Organic and Natural Fibers
Natural fibers commonly found in outdoor clothing and equipment include wool, cotton, hemp, and down.
Organic Wool
Wool, especially merino wool, is widely used for base layers, socks, and mid-layers because it regulates temperature well, wicks moisture, and resists odors naturally. Organic wool is produced using farming practices that prioritize animal welfare, soil health, and environmental sustainability. Sheep raised for organic wool are kept on certified organic farms where they graze on land free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
The wool is processed without the use of toxic dyes, bleaches, or harsh chemical treatments, preserving its natural qualities and reducing pollution. The environmental impact of organic wool is significantly lower than that of conventional wool. It promotes healthier soil through regenerative grazing practices, reduces water contamination, and supports biodiversity by avoiding harmful agrochemicals.
Organic Cotton
Cotton is a good fabric for outdoor clothing due its breathability and comfort, though it's less ideal in wet conditions because it retains moisture. Organic cotton is produced using farming practices that prioritize environmental health, soil quality, and biodiversity.
Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified seeds. Instead, farmers use natural methods like crop rotation, composting, and beneficial insects to control pests and maintain soil fertility.
The processing of organic cotton also avoids toxic chemicals, using safer dyes and finishes that minimize water pollution and health risks for workers. Environmentally, organic cotton farming uses significantly less water and energy, helps prevent soil degradation, and supports cleaner air and water systems.
Organic Hemp
Hemp is valued for its durability, breathability, and resistance to mold, making it suitable for gear and outerwear in dry conditions.
Like organic cotton, organic hemp is produced using eco-friendly farming methods. Hemp is a particularly sustainable crop because it grows quickly, requires little water, and thrives in a variety of climates without the need for intensive inputs. Its deep roots help prevent soil erosion and improve soil structure, while also capturing carbon from the atmosphere. Additionally, hemp naturally resists pests and weeds, reducing the need for chemical treatments. The entire plant can be used, minimizing agricultural waste. Because it is processed without harsh chemicals and is fully biodegradable.
Organic Down
Down, sourced from the feathers of ducks or geese, is a natural insulator used in jackets, sleeping bags, and quilts due to its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
Organic down is sourced from ducks or geese that are raised on certified organic farms, where they are given organic feed and allowed to live in humane conditions. These farms prohibit the use of harmful chemicals, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and practices such as force-feeding or live-plucking.
The down is collected as a byproduct of the food industry or after natural molting, ensuring it is ethically sourced. Organic certification also requires responsible land management and sustainable farming practices. Additionally, down is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable insulator, making it a more eco-friendly choice than synthetic alternatives.
Sustainable Outdoor Equipment Manufacturing Practices
Water & Energy Reduction
Many outdoor brands are investing in low-impact dyeing processes that use less water or even waterless dyeing technologies, significantly reducing the amount of freshwater required during textile production. Others are incorporating closed-loop systems that recycle and treat water for reuse within their facilities, preventing pollution and minimizing waste.
In regards to energy, sustainable outdoor companies are utilizing renewable power sources such as solar and wind to run their factories, warehouses, and offices. They are also using energy-efficient machinery, and designing products that require less energy-intensive materials.
Some brands go further by reducing transportation emissions through the use of electric and/or hybrid vehicles and route optimization.
Non-Toxic Dyes and Finishes in Outdoor Clothing and Gear
Traditional dyeing process often involve harsh chemicals that can pollute waterways, harm ecosystems, and pose risks to workers and consumers. In contrast, non-toxic dyes—such as plant-based or low-impact synthetic dyes—are free from heavy metals, azo compounds, and other harmful substances.
When it comes to material finishes, sustainable outdoor clothing and gear brands are adopting eco-friendly finishes for water resistance and durability that do not rely on toxic perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). PFCs are known to persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms.
Eco friendly brands are turning to bio-based or silicone alternatives that offer similar performance without the ecological risks.
Local & Ethical Gear and Clothing Materials Sourcing
By sourcing materials closer to their manufacturing sites or end markets, sustainable outdoor companies cut down on transportation emissions and energy use, supporting more localized economies and minimizing their overall carbon footprint.
When it comes to selecting suppliers, eco-friendly outdoor companies are choosing organizations that uphold responsible labor practices, ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages, and respect for workers' rights. These companies often partner with certified ethical farms and factories that maintain transparency and adhere to international labor and environmental standards.
Product Lifecycle and Circular Economy
Sustainable outdoor companies are using high-quality, long-lasting materials and offering repair services, spare parts, or DIY repair kits to help consumers extend the life of their gear.
Many brands also implement take-back programs, where used items can be returned to be refurbished, resold, or responsibly recycled. And rental and resale platforms are becoming more common, allowing gear to be shared and reused rather than discarded.
By shifting away from the traditional linear model of make-use-dispose, eco-friendly companies are promoting a circular approach that conserves resources, reduces environmental impact, and encourages consumers to view outdoor gear as an investment in sustainability.
More Sustainable Packaging
Plastic Free and Recycled Packaging
Sustainable outdoor companies are transitioning away from single-use plastics in favor of compostable, biodegradable, or fully recyclable materials like paper, cardboard, and cornstarch-based alternatives. Others are using packaging made from post-consumer recycled content, giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Minimalist Packaging
Minimalist packaging used by sustainable outdoor companies comes in the form of using smaller, lighter packages made from biodegradable, recycled or recyclable materials, and avoiding items like plastic hang tags, extra wrapping, or elaborate printed boxes.
Minimalist packaging not only reduces the amount of material that ends up in landfills but also decreases shipping weight and volume, which helps cut down on carbon emissions during transportation. In many cases, companies also design their packaging to be reused or easily recycled by consumers.
Conservation & Advocacy
Funding Environmental Causes
Sustainable outdoor companies are actively funding environmental causes as part of their commitment to protecting our planet. Many sustainable brands allocate a portion of their profits to environmental nonprofits, conservation initiatives, and climate action projects.
Some participate in programs like 1% for the Planet, donating at least one percent of annual sales to vetted environmental organizations. Others establish their own foundations or grant programs to support grassroots efforts, such as reforestation, wildlife preservation, clean water access, and climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
Policy Advocacy
Some sustainable outdoor companies are using their platforms, influence, and resources to advocate for stronger environmental protections, climate legislation, and public land preservation. Some are partnering with environmental organizations, coalitions, and industry groups to lobby for clean energy policies, stricter pollution controls, and protection of natural habitats.
Every Little Bit Helps
At North Adams we’re doing our part with our organic unisex crew t-shirt line. They are made using organic cotton and manufactured using sustainable practices. T-shirts are always a good go-to as a base layer when going out on a hike, or any casual outdoor adventure. As we reflect on all that is being done by sustainable outdoor companies, it’s comforting to know we’re chipping in just a little. And we’re proud of all of the efforts that outdoor brands are making to help take care of the environment that gives us life.