It's no secret that the outdoor industry is looking to get more eco-friendly. Gear manufacturers big and small have launched initiatives to make their products better for the environment by using fabrics made from recycled materials, employing manufacturing processes that require less water, and launching initiatives to repair and recycle older gear. Heck, I even wrote a whole piece on eco-friendly gear for Popular Mechanics recently that included 13 unique items from across the industry.Now, Backpacker has followed suit, posting an article on the best eco-friendly gear for hikers as well. Their list isn't quite as extensive as the one that I put together, offering up just five choices. But, the products that they selected are good ones that deserve a spot in your closet.
Without giving too much away, the Backpacker story includes a set of hiking boots from Keen, a shell jacket from Marmot, a shirt from Vaude, pants from Fjällräven, and an environmentally friendly backpack from Trew. Each of the different pieces of gear was selected not only for being good for the planet, but for also offering a high level of performance too. It is not enough for our gear to be eco-friendly, they also have to provide the same level of quality that we've come to know and expect from the brands that we trust too.
Moving forward, it's likely that we'll continue to see these initiatives take center stage in the outdoor industry. The companies that make up this space are highly committed to ensuring that our outdoor playgrounds are well protected and around for future generations to enjoy too. That starts with making good gear that doesn't leave a lasting impression on the planet, and I salute their efforts in this area.
