10 Sustainable Outdoor Items – From Tents to Tees

With no shortage of shopping opportunities on the horizon — Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, Boxing Day — it’s important to consider the impact of what you’re buying and if there’s a more sustainable option. Chances are, there is!

With the endless stream of headlines featuring extreme fires, floods, heatwaves and cyclones, it’s pretty safe to say that the climate is changing, and not in a positive way.

People are demanding more eco-friendly products and brands are thankfully providing the goods for us. Obviously they’re not the solution on their own, but every little bit counts and there are now sustainable product options in every outdoor category.

So no matter if you’re looking for a tent, a backpack, or a reusable water bottle, we’ve got you covered.

1. The North Face Nuptse Jacket

With a sustainable twist on a classic, The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse now comes in a 100% recycled nylon model.

The 700g fill goose down will not only keep you toasty but it also is responsibly sourced and is Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified.

The North Face has also set a goal to have 100% responsibly sourced materials by 2025. 

Buy Now

2. Mons Royale T-Shirt

Did you know that merino wool isn’t just for keeping warm? The Mons Royale Icon Merino Air-con Shirt will match the conditions you are in – cool for summer and warm for chilly winter days.

Made from 83% Merino Wool, Mons Royale partners with New Zealand’s ZQRX Merino which is the world’s leading ethical wool supplier.

Mons Royale not only guarantees its merino wool is of the highest standard but they also ensure ethical production within their supply chain by working with Shanghai Challenge Textiles and their products are Bluesign certified.

Buy Now

3. Icebreaker Merino Jogger Pants

Who said sustainable can’t be comfortable? The Icebreaker Merino Shifter Jogger Pants are the perfect blend of casual and cozy.

Made from 88% Merino Wool, these beauties are designed to regulate your body temperature and the slim, tapered fit will have you looking stylish from the trails to the town.

While creating top-of-the-market products, Icebreaker puts the environment first in everything they do.

Icebreaker believes that we should be working cohesively with our environment and going beyond sustainability and working towards regenerative goals.

Buy Now

4. Brooks Ghost 14s Running Shoes

Get that extra spring in your step with the Brooks Ghost 14s, the brand’s first carbon-neutral running shoe.

Along with a carbon-neutral production, each pair of shoes diverted four plastic bottles from heading to landfill. Along with your conscience feeling good, your feet will also thank you!

Read: On Running is Actually Turning Carbon Emissions into Running Shoes

The Brooks Ghost 14s feature Brooks’ DNA LOFT cushioning for a stable but soft run on the road. The brand has pledged to be a carbon-neutral organisation by 2040 kicking off this commitment by producing their most popular shoe as carbon-neutral along with plans for all Ghosts from here on to be carbon-neutral.

Buy Now

5. Nemo Tent

Say hello to the new Nemo Dagger Osmo tent. Nemo has taken their best-selling lightweight, hiking tent and kicked it up a notch.

Now with 100% recycled yarns, the new Nemo Dagger Osmo features poly-nylon ripstop fabric that has 4 times longer water repellency and 3 times less stretch when wet.

Who said you can’t have the best of both worlds? Backed with a lifetime manufactures’ warranty, this light but mighty beast is made to last. Nemo is also a carbon-neutral company with the goal to become climate positive by 2030.

Buy Now

6. Klean Canteen Water Bottle

The Klean Kanteen .8L Water Bottle will be your new travel buddy everywhere you go.

Made from lightweight but tough brushed stainless steel, this bottle is perfect to take on your next hike or keep you hydrated on your daily commute.

Klean Kanteen is a sustainability triple threat — carbon-neutral, B-Corp Certified and a 1% For The Planet member.

With a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, it’s time to recycle that plastic water bottle and grab yourself one that’s in it for the long run.

Buy Now

7. Amber Elements Waterproof Jacket

Meet your next go-to jacket for what will (sadly!) be another wet, La Nina summer, the Amble Elements Waterproof Jacket.

There’s a lot to love about this jacket. It’s made from 100% recycled materials, featuring a flattering women’s specific fit and with its 10k rating and taped seams, it’s designed to keep you protected from the elements (see what I did there? Couldn’t help myself…).

The Rain print is an artist collaboration with Bidjara woman, Sheri Skele, who designed the print to represent Country after the rain.

Amble is Australian-owned (tick!), carbon-neutral (tick!) and so far has recycled over 250,000 post-consumer bottles into their products (TICK!). Talk about a winner.

Read: How Plastic Bottles Get Turned Into Outdoor Gear

Read: Best Wet Weather Gear For Summer

Buy Now

8. XTM Thermals

Do you want to feel as good about your purchases as you do in them? XTM’s Merino Thermal Shirt and Pants are the perfect set for any outdoor activity.

The 100% Australian Merino wool construction is designed to adapt to your temperature, warmth when you need it and keeps you cool in hot temps. Along with optimum climate control, XTM’s Merino Thermals are UPF50+ and Merino wool is odour repellent – talk about a win-win!

Now onto the juicy stuff – XTM has been carbon-neutral since before Windows 7 was released (yes, you read that correctly).

Since 2008, XTM have been carbon-neutral and are committed to limiting their environmental impacts and have pledged net-zero emissions by 2040. 

Buy Now

9. Blister Wool

Say bye to blisters and bandaids! Blister Wool has got you covered.

Made from 100% Australian wool, Blister Wool is perfect for popping between your toes or any other blister-prone areas before heading on your next adventure. The wool is rich with lanolin — a natural wax that reduces moisture and friction — so they’re like little soft pillows for your feet.

Blister Wool is Australian-owned, uses nearly 70% less water than cotton production and is 100% biodegradable.

Buy Now

10. Patagonia Backpack

We could not round out the list without mentioning the big dog — Patagonia.

Beyond their recent announcement of Patagonia’s new ownership, Patagonia is and has been committed to environmental change and limiting its impact on the planet, if not bettering it, for many years.

Patagonia pride themselves on leading the charge in sustainable business management. They’re a 1% For The Planet member (and Patagonia founder, Yvon Chouinard is a co-founder!), B-Corp Certified and 94% of their product line is made of recycled materials.

We could go on for a while, but onto our pick — the Patagonia Black Hole 25L Pack. This is the perfect hybrid of adventure meets daily backpack.

With room for all of your outdoor or commuter essentials, the 100% recycled body, lining and webbing construction is tough and has a DWR (durable water repellent) finish so it will keep all of your goodies dry no matter where your day takes you.

Buy Now

Cover image by @boenferguson thanks to NSW National Parks

We Are Explorers uses affiliate links and you can check out our Editorial Standards. If you buy anything through our Wild Earth links we earn a small commission, which helps keep our site free!