Sustainable Gear Brands to Watch in 2024 (Because Saving the Planet Is Kind of a Big Deal)

Let’s face it: we all love the outdoors. It’s the reason we fork out ridiculous amounts of money on ultralight tents, boots that double as foot armor, and stoves that weigh less than your toothbrush. But if you love the great outdoors as much as your Instagram implies, it’s time to think about how your gear obsession impacts the environment. You don’t want to be the person who hikes through pristine wilderness while toting gear made from virgin plastic and sweatshop labor, right? Didn’t think so.

Luckily, there’s a growing list of brands that are doing more than just slapping a green leaf on their packaging and calling it a day. These companies are walking the walk with sustainable practices, eco-friendly materials, and ethical production. Here are the top brands to keep an eye on in 2024—because saving the planet is the ultimate form of being outdoorsy.

Why Sustainability in Gear Matters (Or, How to Avoid Being a Hypocrite)

Picture this: You’re hiking through an untouched wilderness, taking in the crisp, clean air and reveling in nature’s beauty, while unknowingly sporting a jacket that required 10,000 gallons of water to produce and will take 500 years to decompose. Oof. Feels bad, doesn’t it?

Sustainability in outdoor gear isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the key to ensuring that the wild spaces we love stay wild for future generations. That means using materials that don’t destroy ecosystems, production methods that don’t exploit workers, and gear that doesn’t turn into a pile of non-biodegradable garbage the second you look at it wrong.

Now, let’s get into some eco-friendly materials you should look for.

Eco-Friendly Materials: What the Heck Are They?

1. Recycled Nylon and Polyester

Remember that embarrassing windbreaker you owned in the ’90s? Well, it may have been reincarnated into your new ultralight backpack. Recycled nylon and polyester are made from things like old fishing nets, fabric scraps, and plastic bottles. These materials reduce the need for virgin resources and keep waste out of landfills and oceans, where we already have enough garbage floating around (thanks, humans).

2. Organic Cotton

No, this isn’t the cotton your grandma uses to knit your birthday sweaters. Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, making it way better for the environment. It also uses less water than conventional cotton, which is a huge deal because, spoiler alert: water is kind of important.

3. Hemp

No, not that kind of hemp (well, maybe, but not for this blog). Hemp is a super-sustainable crop that requires little water and pesticides. It also grows really fast, making it the Usain Bolt of eco-friendly materials. Plus, it’s durable, breathable, and naturally antimicrobial, which means you won’t smell like a forest troll after wearing it for a week straight.

4. Tencel & Lyocell

These fancy-sounding fabrics are made from sustainably harvested wood pulp (yes, trees). Tencel and lyocell are soft, breathable, and biodegradable. Plus, they use a closed-loop production process, meaning most of the chemicals used to make them are recycled. So basically, you’re wearing a tree without killing the tree. Win-win.

Sustainable Gear Brands to Keep an Eye on in 2024

Now that we’ve covered the materials, let’s dive into the brands leading the charge in sustainable outdoor gear.

1. Patagonia (The Beyoncé of Sustainability)

If you’ve been living under a rock (and let’s be honest, it’s a nice rock—probably granite), you’ve probably heard of Patagonia. This brand has been at the forefront of sustainability for years and shows no signs of stopping. They pioneered the use of recycled materials in outdoor gear, and their Worn Wear program encourages customers to repair, reuse, and recycle their gear instead of buying new.

Patagonia also uses Fair Trade Certified factories, organic cotton, and recycled polyester. In fact, they’re so dedicated to the environment that their owner gave away the entire company to fight climate change. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is.

2. Prana (Yoga Pants with a Conscience)

If you’re into outdoor activities and lifestyle clothing that transitions seamlessly from mountain trails to coffee shops (because who wants to change?), Prana is your go-to. Not only do they make super comfy, sustainable clothing, but they’re also a certified B Corporation, which means they meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance.

Prana uses materials like organic cotton, recycled wool, and hemp. Plus, they’ve ditched plastic in their packaging, which means fewer plastic wrappers ending up in the ocean, strangling sea turtles. Kudos, Prana.

3. tentree (The Do-Gooder of Gear)

For every item you buy from tentree, they plant 10 trees. Yep, you read that right. So, not only are you getting sustainable, eco-friendly gear, but you’re also directly contributing to reforestation efforts. Their mission is to plant 1 billion trees by 2030, which means if you buy enough of their clothing, you can probably offset that long-haul flight you took last year.

tentree uses materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel, all while focusing on sustainable, ethical production methods. They’re basically the go-to brand for those of us who want to look outdoorsy and feel morally superior at the same time.

4. NEMO Equipment (Eco-Friendly Innovation)

NEMO has been steadily integrating sustainable practices into its product lineup, from using recycled materials to reducing waste in production. Their “Do Good” program aims to reduce their environmental impact at every stage—from design to disposal. They also have a focus on long-lasting gear, which is a huge plus because buying one tent that lasts 10 years is way better for the environment than buying a new one every two years.

Plus, their gear is just plain cool. NEMO tents and sleeping bags are not only lightweight and functional, but they’re also designed to be easily repaired, meaning less gear ends up in the landfill. And who doesn’t love a good repair kit?

How to Spot (and Support) Ethical Brands

So, how do you know if a brand is really sustainable or if they’re just greenwashing (i.e., pretending to be eco-friendly while secretly polluting like there’s no tomorrow)? Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Check Their Materials

Look for recycled, organic, or renewable materials like those mentioned above. If a brand is still using virgin plastic in 2024, it’s a hard no from me.

2. Look for Certifications

Brands with certifications like B Corporation, Fair Trade Certified, or bluesign® approved are legit. These labels mean they’re meeting strict environmental and social standards.

3. Investigate Their Production Practices

Are they transparent about where their gear is made? Do they pay fair wages? Brands that are truly sustainable are usually pretty open about their supply chain.

4. See How They Handle Waste

Do they have a repair program like Patagonia’s Worn Wear, or a recycling program for old gear? Brands that encourage you to repair instead of replace are doing sustainability right.

Final Thoughts: Gear Up, but Green Up

Look, we all love shiny new gear. But if we want to keep enjoying the mountains, forests, and rivers we love, we need to think more about where our gear comes from and where it’s going after we’re done with it. By choosing brands that are making strides in sustainability, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re helping the planet too.

So next time you’re gearing up for your next adventure, remember: eco-friendly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice performance. You can have your ultralight tent and save the planet, too. Win-win.

Now go forth and be a responsible gearhead!