Looking for some of the most sustainable outdoor brands on the market? Look no further!
If you are anything like us and spend every moment of your free time either up a mountain, in the sea or planning your next adventure, then you’re probably aware of the fragile state our world currently finds itself in. We don’t want you to have to give up all the good stuff in life in order to live more sustainably, but one thing you can do is to make more conscious choices. For example, if you’ve worn your rain jacket or hiking boots to death and need a new pair, opting for a brand that has gone the extra mile on the sustainable front can make quite a substantial difference. Nowadays, it’s getting tricky to spot greenwashing as ‘eco’ becomes the trend, so we’ve done the legwork for you and rounded up eight of the most sustainable outdoor brands, so you don’t have to.
1. Craghoppers
One of our favourite outdoor brands, Craghoppers, has been working hard to close the loop. They have really upped their game in recent years when it comes to sustainable innovation and corporate social responsibility. Recognising that it’s no easy task to be completely sustainable, Craghoppers are striving to make positive progress towards achieving net-zero by 2050 with their Mindfully Made campaign. Already 70% of their products are made from recycled materials. They offer a Guarantee for Life on their clothing as well as a free repair service for their customers. But their most impressive achievement so far is that they have zero landfill for any waste from their facilities. Check out this article to read up on some of the big initiatives they’ve implemented into their business.
More info: Craghoppers
2. Patagonia
Patagonia has been leading the charge on the sustainability front for a long time. They have their Worn Wear Programme where they sell used gear, thereby extending a garment’s life by about two years, which cuts its combined carbon, waste and water footprint by 73%. They also have a string of interlinking initiatives like Patagonia Provisions, their campaigns featuring and promoting grassroots activism and, of course, their 1% for the Planet donations. We are big fans!
More info: Patagonia
3. Picture Organic Clothing
In every ski resort across the world, you’ll come across someone sporting a Picture Organic garment. Made for snowboarders, skiers, surfers, explorers, adventurers, navigators, artists, activists, and environmentalists, their motto is aptly, ‘ride, protect, share’. They are a B-Corp company which gives them major points on the sustainability front straight off the bat, but they also offer a lifetime repair warranty on some of their items and are going full send on getting rid of plastic bags in their packaging.
More info: Picture Organic Clothing
4. Rab
The British company Rab has long been kitting out those who spend the most time in the areas that are already seeing the effects of climate change, the Mountain People. They’ve been certified Climate Neutral by South Pole and are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. They also have adopted paper packaging, produce recycled ranges and are members of Fair Wear.
More info: Rab
5. Finisterre
If Rab are the Mountain People, then Finisterre are The Ocean People. Sustainability has been at its core since its inception. They are B-Corp certified, offer a repair service, and are amazing at grassroots activism (Check out their recent Sea7 online ocean activism camp). In 2018, they made a commitment to eradicate single-use, non-degradable plastic at Finisterre and started their Lived & Loved repairs over a decade ago to reduce waste and extend the useful life of their products.
More info: Finisterre
Sustainable Irish Outdoor Lifestyle Brands
6. GROWN
The lads at GROWN started making tees for themselves back in 2014. From the very start, they made a commitment to use the best quality garments with the highest possible ethical standards they could source, regardless of the cost to the business. They use organic cotton, hemp, linen, recycled man-made fibres and natural dyes in their garments. They also started planting trees, first to make themselves feel better and now to help improve Ireland’s biodiversity. They also ensured that the trees they planted are legally protected from being cut down at any stage in their life.
More info: Grown
7. Rash’R
The coolest, most colourful rash vests you’ve ever seen are made in County Cork by three friends, Tom, John and Alex. The rash vests are made from Ocean Balance fabric, a sustainably sourced, polyester fibre that uses fishing nets, carpets and other post-consumer goods!
More info: Rashr
8. Liadain Aiken Knitwear
The last on the list is not technical gear but it is the perfect post-adventure cosy clothing! Liadain Aiken Knitwear is made to order, handcrafted in Ireland and leaves a happy footprint on our earth. The raw materials used are beautiful flecked merino wool sourced from Donegal Yarns and the finest heritage lambswool from Scotland. It’s spun and dyed in the factory using traditional techniques. Each item is knit fully fashioned on hand-powered knitting machines and finished by hand to the highest quality.
More info: Liadain Aiken Knitwear
The outdoor clothing brand Craghoppers is quickly becoming one of the frontrunners in the industry when it comes to sustainable innovation and corporate social responsibility. Their products are designed with the planet in mind. Already 70% of their products are made from recycled materials. Learn more about their commitment to sustainability and their Mindfully Made campaign here. In addition to that, you can check out some of their products below, all of which have been made with some recycled materials.
Craghoppers Hanson Jacket Winter Lagoon
Price: €164.50 (reduced from €235)
This unisex insulated waterproof jacket is a stylish yet super functional jacket that will keep you warm and dry on even the bleakest winter days. Approximately 450g of recycled material went into making this product.
Craghoppers Anderson Cagoule
Price: €112 (Reduced from €160)
Another cracking unisex offering from Craghoppers! We absolutely love this colour-block cagoule. Made from a waterproof rip-stop membrane it will last you forever (or for several years at least!). It comes with everything you need for the outdoors including a concealed hood, half-zip fastening and zipped pockets. Approximately 110g of recycled material went into making this product.
Craghoppers ExpoLite Hooded Jacket
Price: €112 (reduced from €160)
This super-light insulating jacket features diagonal baffles which are filled with a synthetic fill to help trap body heat in the same way that a natural down does. It’s super sleek and packs away into one of its zipped pockets. It also comes in a women’s knee-length version which is perfect for winter swims and colder days. Approximately 40 bottles were recycled to make this product.
