From bucket hats to matching yoga sets, check out these stylish, sustainable picks for all your summer outdoor adventures
Chances are, you’re gearing up for a jam-packed summer with the scenic hikes you’d like to check off your bucket list (don’t miss these tips on how to hike more sustainably). And as the need to adopt and commit to more sustainable practices in every sphere of our lives grows increasingly important and urgent (here’s how we are encouraging the outdoor community to be more involved in this cause), it’s high time to give our hiking gear an eco-friendly overhaul.
Here are some of our top planet-loving picks for your next hike…
1. Ecologyst’s The 195 Merino Base Tee
For overnight backpacking trips or day-long hikes, opt for this lightweight gender-neutral tee made of merino wool. The fabric is naturally odour-resistant and feels super soft on skin, so it’ll make a great base layer when you’re faced with changing temperatures. The brand’s merino collection is “ZQ-certified,” which means their products are traceable to its source, support animal freedom, and promote social responsibility through sustainable farming.
Available online
2. Duer’s Live Lite Jogger Fatigues
What we love about this jogger: its rugged, “ready-for-anything” vibe. Another thing we love: the fact that it’s stretchy, moisture-wicking, odour-neutralizing, and made of a blend of cotton, Tencel and Lycra so it feels light and breathable. DUER will also make this shipment carbon neutral—another plus point in our books!
Available online
3. Patagonia’s Forge Hat
Bucket hats are some of the trendiest headgear around right now, and if you don’t already have one on hand, Patagonia’s version comes with a large brim so your face will be well-shielded from the sun. The FairTrade Certified-piece is also made of eco-friendly materials like hemp, recycled polyester and organic cotton.
Available online
4. Allbirds’ Women Trail Runners SWT
Stand out from crowded hiking trails with this striking pair of runners in the limited edition Diablo red and orange colourway. They’re durable, water-repellent, and have grippy soles, so you’ll never worry about tripping over rocks or roots. How this shoe also spells “sustainable:” it’s composed of a ZQ merino wool and FSC-certified Tencel Lyocell upper, an FSC-certified natural rubber outsole, and its shoelaces are even made from recycled plastic bottles.
Available online
5. reVessel’s Explorer Kit
If you’re the sort of hiker who enjoys bringing along pre- or post-hike snacks and lunch (OK, really, who doesn’t?), this chic food storage box from reVessel will be right up your alley. From its minimalist-looking bamboo lid right down to its sleek, stainless steel base container and modular inserts, this 11-piece set is perfect for short hikes or excursions with little ones.
Available online
6. Organic Basics’ Active Yoga Pack
Matching yoga sets are in, and will be for the foreseeable future (at least, that’s what we’re predicting!). Organic Basics is a brand that’s committed to reducing waste and choosing to use fabrics that are kind to the environment. Their yoga set, comprising a bra top and biker shorts, is made with sweat-wicking recycled materials and is also seamless to ensure maximum comfort. The range of colours up for grabs—from pastel pink to olive green—are easy on the eyes to boot.
Available online
7. Tentree’s Destination Short
Every item purchased from this sustainable fashion label leads to 10 trees being planted. The Destination short will be your go-to piece for swelteringly hot summertime adventures: made of recycled polyester, it comes with an elastic waistband and a silver-free antimicrobial finish. Offering ease of motion and breathability, it’s the summer wardrobe staple you’ll be reaching for repeatedly.
Available online
8. Arc’teryx’s Agrium Hoody
For hikes that lead you to cooler climes, we recommend Arc’teryx’s Agrium Hoody. Deceptively lightweight, this piece—available in men’s and women’s fits—is perfect for keeping you warm and well-insulated from wind and cold. Other eco-friendly reasons to put this piece on high rotation: its subtle metallic green hue uses a dope dyeing technique that has a lower energy footprint than conventional wet processing jet dye; the jacket liner utilizes 60 percent plant-based nylon; and its goose-down filling is produced under responsible down standard certification.
Available online