Sustainability

No one wants to go without the gear that keeps us dry, but unfortunately, most waterproofing technologies are made from harmful chemicals. So Helly Hansen created Lifa Infinity, a waterproof and breathable membrane made through sustainable textile engineering and development. To get a closer look at what goes into the membrane, we asked Philip about the materials used in their clothing, specifically their Lifa Infinity Pro™ technology, and what the brand has been doing to eliminate chemicals from their manufacturing processes. What chemicals have you eliminated from Helly Hansen products? What is Lifa®, and what separates it from the host

Since its start 30 years ago, Black Diamond has always put the mountain first. The company’s roots are in Chouinard Equipment, founded by Yvon Chouinard, the very man who founded Patagonia, which introduced the concept of clean climbing and manufactured the first removable climbing protection designed to leave no trace on the rock. Black Diamond has come a long way since its inception but still remains faithful to its initial mission: to create responsible and durable clothing and equipment that will take you from the trails to the highest peaks. Chris Burkard, photographer and brand ambassador Innovation, Innovation, Innovation Black

The first collection designed by Outerknown in 2015 never saw the light of day: it simply didn't live up to the uncompromising environmental demands of the young company. So yeah, you could say the Australian brand, founded by surfing legend Kelly Slater and industry veteran John Moore, is serious about sustainability. From the very beginning, Outerknown has been committed to protecting the environment and supporting fair labour - and strives to continue creating the most sustainable practices possible. Many apparel and equipment companies - as well as businesses in other industries - have made a commitment to the environment, and

ZQRX wool growers not only produce the highest quality, most ethical wool in the world, they also work to give more than they take from the natural world, the animals living in that world, and the human communities interacting with it. Growers use a new platform called the Regenerative Index to help them measure and improve how much they give back as they restore waterways, protect native species, offset carbon, and enhance local communities. ZQRX wool is essentially a recipe for how we might produce and consume things in the future where products will not only change our lives for

Choosing the right insulated water bottle doesn't have to mean choosing the most expensive one. Try to focus instead on picking a water bottle that best meets your needs, whatever they may be. Embarking on a day hike? Going camping with your family? Leaving on a kayak expedition? Mountaineering with your best friend? Enjoying a good hot drink? No matter what you're doing, there's a water bottle for it. The majority of insulated water bottles stay hot for 6 to 12 hours and stay cold for between 6 to 24 hours. Choosing a water bottle also comes down to the size

No surprise that Osprey has environmental goals that are as big as the outdoor world itself: "become the most progressive, transparent and sustainable outdoor gear brand in the world.” The plan is to tackle three categories: materials, chemical use, and product end-of-life. Changing the world, one pack at a time. Discover Osprey's will to do better, on travels, journeys and hikes. SHOP Materials From spring 2022, 60% of all main-body Osprey bag materials will be sourced from recycled materials. The difference between using new and recycled material in production is anticipated to be a 40-50% reduction in environmental footprint. Recycling keeps

If you ask people why they go hiking they would probably come up with different answers. Some would paint a nostalgic picture from their childhood, walking up a hill with their grandparents picking up treasures such as leaves, heart-shaped stones and berries. Others would remember the first mountain top crossed off their bucket list. Some would emphasise the peace and tranquility they get when breathing fresh air in a beautiful scenery. Not to mention connections made when going on a hike together. Norrøna Now and Tomorrow As an outdoor company founded on love for nature, premium quality, and long-lasting products,

This spring, researchers discovered microplastics in human blood for the first time ever. Of the 22 anonymous donor samples analyzed in the study, 17 contained microplastics - just over 80%. Microplastics, ever-present in our water, are now a part of our diet, as other studies have shown a presence of microplastics in the sea salt we use to season our meals. But the problem of plastic in our oceans is not a recent one. As much as 8.8 million tons of plastic are carelessly discarded into the sea every year. Recent studies estimate that there are around five thousand billion

Above all else, the team at Fjällräven aims to create durable products that are both hardwearing and weather-resistant. If a pair of pants lasts for ten years, the lifetime impact of those pants will be relatively lower than if you buy a pair of pants that wears out after a year. In this case, sustainability and durability are synonymous: the longer you own something of quality, the less shopping you need to do. You’re not only enjoying your pants for many years, through all sorts of treks, hikes, commutes, and whatever other situations you can dream of; but you’re also

Please introduce yourself and tentree. I’m one of the founders of tentree. I live in North Vancouver, BC, and love outdoor activities that allow for enjoyment of our planet. tentree makes saving the planet simple by planting 10 trees for every item purchased. These trees provide jobs, restore habitats and clean the air we breathe.  With our communities’ help, we aim to plant over 1 billion trees by 2030. Where do you plant trees, and why in those spots? We plant trees in over 10 countries around the world. Our most established planting sites are in Madagascar, Senegal, Indonesia, and

Eco-responsibility is at the heart of our values at Altitude Sports, but it means little if we can’t pass that fundament on to you, the client. One of the best ways to do this is by giving you the choice. Our idea of being responsible is multi-faceted. Living harmoniously with nature, promoting equality, and championing diversity are cornerstones. Giving to nonprofits with an outdoor view of the world is an always-growing habit. Featuring brands with a similar view, working with people who embody these values, striving to lower our environmental footprint, and educating customers…we can change things for the better, together. Since

Durable, well-designed products that you can easily repair yourself - welcome the future both of fashion and of outdoor gear and equipment. This Earth Month we've got some videos that will help guide you in repairing and maintaining your outdoor gear, from your hiking boots to your trusty camping tent. Want top-condition outdoor goods for the next few years? It’s simple: Take care of them. It’s a good thing for the planet and your wallet. Our videos below will help you learn, save and help. Taking care of your equipment Clean and protect trail running shoes Post-run, hike, jog or

It’s no secret that the clothing industry produces a staggering amount of waste each year. Fast fashion and leftover material from textile production are two of the biggest reasons how the garment sector contributes to 10% of all annual pollution. For outdoor apparel brands whose business model relies upon producing clothing to get you from trail to peak, the question becomes; how do we balance our love for protecting the outdoors with the technical apparel needed to hike, camp, and climb? Patagonia is tipping the scales in the right direction. Patagonia believes that in order to protect the backcountry we

It’s no surprise that our world has changed over the course of the past year. Here at Altitude Sports, we’ve changed too. Developing a new-found respect for the environment and one another is reshaping our relationships with friends, health routines, and even shopping habits. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you make purchasing decisions underlined by the simplicity and sustainability the outdoors can offer. Our guide below breaks down the top standards and certifications for you to keep in mind as you browse ECO FRIENDLY products on Altitude Sports. Bluesign Bluesign is a set of textile-industry regulations

Responsible camping is more than putting out your fire and collecting garbage before you go. The Leave No Trace movement offers seven simple guidelines to ensure that you can enjoy your outdoor adventure without harming the environment. Seven pro tips for responsible camping 1. Plan your trip beforehandWe camp to enjoy the peace and serenity that nature brings. However, a lack of preparation can certainly cramp one's style. The first principle of the Leave No Trace movement is to plan your trip well. A lack of preparation can lead to poor decision-making and improvisations which could, in turn, have a

With a love for the outdoors as a foundation for their brand, the people at Haglöfs want to preserve their favourite playground. Our planet is facing very serious climate challenges, and Haglöfs agrees with experts that say time is of the essence. We spoke to Elaine Gardiner, Head of Sustainability at Haglöfs, to better understand the company's approach to the climate issues of our time. “To help keep the world within 1.5°C of warming to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we need to work together, all of us, to make drastic reductions in carbon emissions. The goals set in

Did you know that the traditional way to make a winter jacket requires petroleum extraction?Conventional technical polyester fabric (PET) consists of mono-ethylene-glycol (30%) and terephthalic acid (70%), both petro-chemical compounds.Thankfully other solutions exist. French manufacturer Picture has been using recycled polyester made from used plastic bottles since 2008. But the people at Picture are always looking for new solutions to directly or indirectly wipe out our dependence on fossil fuels.Bio-sourcing represents one of these solutions. What is bio-sourcing?In the case of a winter jacket, it means creating a fabric partially made with plant material such as sugar cane or castor

This will feature the same comfort and performance which consumers love, now without the plastic fibres. It’s all a part of icebreaker’s commitment to begin 100% plastic free by 2023, and helping the planet through the retail industry, with a level of transparency and ambition to be envied. Let’s look at some of the pieces before digging into some of icebreaker’s sustainability details. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente 100% MERINO SONEBULA The new Sonebula midweight, long sleeve baselayer is designed to make you stand out on the slopes. Inspired by classic sportswear, this piece features a striking stripe down the arm and a playful

For decades, Burton has chosen to take the path that has a lighter footprint, making a positive impact on its people, products and playground. Sustainability is deeply woven into the company’s purpose-driven business model. From carving out ways to reduce the carbon footprint of Burton HQ and product manufacturing, to purchasing environmentally preferred materials and finding solutions to keep products in use longer, Burton is effectively impacting its supply chain from raw materials to landfill. The company is targeting 20% carbon reduction across its hardgood products and 100% bluesign products across softgoods. Burton is also committed to fair labour practices

You get outside to move. So whether you’re climbing, hiking, camping, backpacking or exploring, the last thing you want to be is restricted. But when the temperatures drop and it’s time to break out the down jacket, a good range of motion often gets sacrificed for warmth. Mountain Hardwear’s Stretchdown collection challenges the notion of the notoriously restrictive down jacket. Its design is built to keep you warm and keep you moving, while also keeping up with the highest standards for sustainability. The brand also upholds many eco-conscious initiatives and efforts beyond the Stretchdown collection.BUILT TO STRETCHThe ultra-engineered construction of Stretchdown

Introducing norda, founded in Montreal and proudly Canadian, and makers of the sustainable norda trail running shoes in a series that flat-out performs. norda is breaking boundaries and making history to prove that performance and sustainability should always run together. The dual commitment to high performance and sustainability is only possible because of a decision to use the most innovative materials on Earth. If norda compromised on technology, both performance and sustainability would suffer. So, no compromises. sustainable materialsBio-based Dyneema Fibre, found in the upper of the norda 001, is the world’s strongest and lightest fibre. It uses a mass balance

Many consumers have made the switch to purchasing more environmentally-conscious clothing, but there is also a huge responsibility for companies to step up as well. At The North Face, nature is at the heart of everything they do, and they are constantly innovating their practices to be as sustainable as possible. SCALING CIRCULARITY Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned. This means 87 percent of material used to make clothing ends up as waste. Carol Shu, Global Sustainability Manager at The North Face, wants to make an impact in reducing this number. She

They say that a magician never reveals his secrets. Lucky for us, Houdini Sportswear has given Altitude Sports a glimpse into its clothing manufacturing process to let us know that its incredible feat of achieving a 100% circular collection by 2022 isn’t just smoke and mirrors. Read on to learn the tricks of their trade. What does it mean to be circular?For Houdini, operating a circular clothing system means that no resources are extracted from nature, all the industry’s emissions are lowered, and its concept of waste eliminated. Can’t believe your eyes? Neither could we...until we saw the hard facts.No

icebreaker's Transparency Report is more than a hundred pages long, describing in detail all the stages of production for its garments. These details include sales figures, the results of the various audits icebreaker has undergone, its successes and failures, and even its future objectives. Not surprisingly, icebreaker's Transparency Report has caused a small revolution in the industry. The Merino wool experts have released their 2018 and 2019 reports, following their 2017 report. The brand was also the first in the industry to sign long-term contracts with its sheep farmers. For over a decade, icebreaker has been committed to providing their

As an outdoor company founded on a love for nature, high quality, and long-lasting products, environmental responsibility has been in Norrøna’s DNA from the beginning. Norrøna believes the only way to run a company is through a sustainable platform, and it is transparent in its efforts and progression through the public roadmap. Norrøna constructs approximately 90% of its product development in-house, having always invested in machinery both to construct the products and to test the materials. Products go through 15 quality checkpoints in order to ensure both the materials and construction will meet or exceed the customer’s expectations for quality

60 years of close collaboration with nature has motivated Fjällräven to keep finding new ways of developing functional, durable, and timeless products. Fjällräven’s core value of sustainability is present in every design, action, and initiative undertaken by the company. Sustainability also fuels the brand’s constant desire to inspire more people to discover and enjoy the outdoors, thereby contributing to more widespread interest in nature and its protection. In 1960, Fjällräven’s founder Åke Nordin created the ultra-strong but lightweight backpack Lätt at a time when most backpacks were bulky, uncomfortable, and not doing a particularly good job of supporting one’s trekking

Where our clothes come from is a question we ask ourselves more and more these days. It used to be taken for granted where (or how) our clothing was made. But today’s consumers, with the help of top outerwear brands, are educating themselves on what goes into making the latest technical shells, hiking boots, and other eco-friendly clothing. Adventurers want to know what materials their packs are made from, and skiers want to know where the down in their jacket comes from. After everything nature has given us, we need to do our best to conserve it.Outdoor brands have taken

Smartwool is synonymous with merino wool. From warm cozy socks to full-body base layers, their apparel is made to keep you warm, dry, and smelling fresh. Dedicated to making apparel for nature's biggest challenges, they're now taking on a challenge of their own. Sustainability is the name of the game. They're looking for ways to grow and produce apparel with the planet in mind. Here are some of Smartwool's plans for a more sustainable future. Materials Goals Smartwool is on a journey to making a better product that actually benefits the environment. Their goal is to replace all non-renewable synthetic fibers that

There's nothing like taking a hike through snow-covered forests and icy landscapes. Braving the cool morning air, or enjoying the sunset views from on top of a mountain. For those living in the city, heading up to the chalet and spending a weekend amongst the wildlife can be re-energizing. With growing concerns about the environment, there are certain things we can do to ensure we can continue to enjoy the great outdoors. Many clothing brands are taking it upon themselves to do their part for the environment. From going full vegan to using recycled, and ethically sourced materials, here are

What to expect from a fleece jacket made of recycled materials? When it’s The North Face fleece, expect the same comfort, versatility, softness and warmth you’re used to. Getting to a jacket that checks those boxes and is part of their overall sustainability program wasn’t simple, however—and it’s part of their ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The North Face has been encouraging and partnering with ranchers and manufacturers to shorten the supply chain. Regenerative agriculture is part of that, specifically carbon farming that draws down carbon into the soil while yielding important crops like cotton and wool.Chemical responsibility comes

Can agriculture save the planet? That’s what Patagonia believes. Patagonia is the outdoor company that’s made battling climate change their front line. Even their slogan states it: We’re in business to save the planet.   I certainly didn’t expect to find myself on a farm up to my elbows in earth, gardening with the precursors to an agricultural revolution. My impression of California was more of a place ravaged by years of withering drought and wildfires, an ironic twist to the supposed cornucopia of America. And yet it is in precisely this climate that Patagonia is working on their new project:

Sustainable brands are on the tip of everyone's tongue. Bags, shoes, boots; recycled plastic, cork, hardwear; PETA approval, bluesign certified, vegan-sourced—the move to better living for a better future is in full effect and we are all in the middle of it. Nothing gets us more excited when we see new brands with an environmental state of mind come to life, or older brands fully embracing the new tricks of planetary responsibility. Here's a list of sustainable brands we love and a slice of their ethical outlook that drives them. 11 Sustainable Brands We Love Matt & Nat Brave Backpack Shop