Environmentally-Friendly Hiking Kit
We all love the great outdoors. Whether you are a mountain climber, wild camper or multi-day hiker, the natural landscape is where we have our greatest adventures and most memorable experiences. So it comes as a bit of a surprise that many of the best-known outdoor clothing and equipment brands manufacture products that contribute to environmental degradation.
To help you choose environmentally and ethically responsible kit, we compiled this quick guide to what to look out for when buying gear. Though it is not exhaustive, it covers several key issues consumers should be aware of.
Organic cotton
While cotton is not the preferred material for outdoor clothing – it traps moisture against the skin which can cause issues with wind chill and abrasions – many manufacturers still utilise it. We recommend opting for recycled polymer and merino wool instead, but if you do choose cotton, make sure you are aware of the potential ethical concerns. From dangerous pesticides to terrible working conditions, cotton production is not always as clean as it should be. The best way to avoid these manufacturers is to look for 100% organic or fair-trade cotton.
Recycled materials
There are plenty of ways companies can recycle older garments and equipment to create new designs. If you are looking for a product that is kinder to the environment, look for something that includes a substantial amount of recycled materials.
PFCs
Perfluorochemicals or perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are predominantly used by outdoor manufacturers to waterproof clothing and equipment. But they are a big problem. They are everywhere – in our water, air and even our blood. And they are known to cause significant health issues and environmental damage. It is good practice to avoid items containing PFC whenever possible.
Down filling
Down is often acquired by plucking live ducks and geese – a concern for anyone interested in animal welfare. Fortunately, you can buy products containing synthetic insulation or cruelty-free down instead.
Workers’ rights
Though not unique to the outdoor sector, this is problematic in the wider clothing industry, where forced labour and poor working conditions and pay are rife. Always opt for equipment from brands that guarantee fair working conditions for their employees.
If you’re unsure about a particular product’s eco-credentials or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer or retailer directly.
Brands that are getting right
The Ethical Consumer lists four brands it believes represent the most ethical and environmentally-friendly manufacturers in the outdoor sector. They are:
- Páramo
- Vaude
- Alpkit
- Patagonia
However, the Ethical Consumer notes that Patagonia still utilises PFCs in many of its products. They are included on the list because its PFC-use is somewhat offset by its progress in other areas.
And a few that aren’t…
Unsurprisingly, the brands that don’t score so well on the eco-friendly index are those that manufacture less expensive, lower-quality clothes and equipment. These include Trespass, Karrimor and JD Sports brands like Peter Storm, Eurohike and Hi-Gear.
How and where to buy
This is an important point. We understand that buying outdoor gear can be prohibitively expensive and opting for the cheaper gear is tempting. But it is a false economy. Buy long-lasting quality when and where you can. The investment will pay for itself in the long run. Alternatively, go second-hand or borrow whenever possible. It’s better for the environment, it reduces consumption, and it saves you money, too.
Finally, we always recommend shopping at local businesses wherever possible. They constitute an important part of the local community and often play a major role in protecting the surrounding environment. Supporting them means supporting people who care about the natural landscapes in which we play, learn and enjoy ourselves.
With this in mind, if you are ever looking for outdoor kit in Eryri (Snowdonia), make sure you pay a visit to some of our local favourites: Joe Brown, V12 Outdoor, Crib Goch Outdoor and The Outdoor Shop.
To learn more about the kit and equipment you may need when hiking in Eryri or other mountainous regions, check out our kit list. For enquiries regarding our excellent outdoor courses, challenges and qualifications, contact the RAW Adventures team directly.