In 2022, global customers spent nearly US$200 million on hiking gear and equipment. And estimates show that this number is expected to grow quickly as hiking becomes a more popular activity. As more and more people hit the trail, more and more people spend money on clothes, footwear, backpacks, and other equipment for hiking.
While it’s great that more people are getting outside, the ethical and environmental impacts of all that hiking gear add up quickly. In this article, we’ll focus on how to pick ethically-produced hiking gear in order to make sure you feel good about the gear you choose.
Follow the tips below so you can take your next adventure knowing that your boots, backpack,and other gear align with both hiking etiquette and your values.
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What Does “Ethically-Produced” Actually Mean?
With so many vague uses of the word “ethically-produced” out there, not to mention misleading marketing claims, it can be hard to understand what “ethically-produced” actually means. When it comes down to it, shopping ethically simply means buying from brands that support your values.
This usually includes fair treatment of workers, but can also include sustainability and treatment of animals. Ethical production incorporates these values into everything, from sourcing raw materials to transporting goods to customers.
To make ethical purchases, consider your values and prioritize them. Ethically-produced goods generally avoid harming humans, animals, and the environment. Determine which values you are willing to compromise on and which ones you are not. Here are a few examples of prioritized values.
- Sustainable products: Manufacturers create these products with low environmental impacts, using recycled materials or maintaining a low carbon footprint.
- Locally-produced products: Some people consider locally-made products to be more ethical because they support local workers and local economies. Locally-made products also reduce the environmental costs of transportation over long distances.
- Cruelty-free products are not tested on animals. While this is less common in hiking gear, it’s still worth checking whether your purchases involve animal products like leather or fur.
- Fairly-made products: These are products that are made by workers who receive fair treatment, such as fair wages and safe working conditions.
Once you figure out what “ethical” means to you, you can begin searching for hiking gear that meets those criteria.
Choosing Ethically-Produced Hiking Gear
Consider these tips before your next purchase to ensure you choose ethically made hiking gear, whether it’s wool socks or a new tent.
1. Check for labels and certifications
One of the easiest ways to understand whether an item is ethically produced is to check for labels and certifications that tell you it is. For instance, items with a fair trade label follow a strict set of guidelines. This includes ensuring fair compensation, working hours, and safe working conditions.
Another certification that demonstrates ethical practices is B-Corp certification. This certification requires businesses to meet a list of environmental and social standards.
There are also numerous labels and certifications for sustainable brands. For example, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) offers certification for products made of organic textiles.Manufacturers produce. Bluesign-certified textiles by following criteria that prioritize safe chemical usage and responsible resource consumption.
Many outdoor brands rely on Bluesign and other sustainable certifications to improve their environmental impact. For example, the CEO of outdoor apparel company Mammut explained that “the holistic Bluesign approach helps us measure our impact, set clear targets and reduce our environmental impact significantly..” And it’s not just apparel you can find Bluesign certified – anything made of textile, including hiking packs, can be certified. Other hiking gear brands partnered with Bluesign include backpack manufacturer Deuter, backpack and tent brand Thule, and clothing company Prana.
Many brands undergo third-party ethical audits and inspections in order to ensure that their products comply with a variety of environmental and social standards. By choosing companies that go above and beyond to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines, you can be sure that you’re making a difference in the brands you support.
2. Understand the brand’s values
Start by checking the brand’s website to understand whether a product is ethically made. Do they mention ethical practices or sustainability at all? If so, do their practices sound like they’re in line with your own values? For example, a backpacking gear company has a full page dedicated to social responsibility.
If a brand doesn’t mention its ethical policies on its site, it may be avoiding the topic. Brands don’t advertise poor labor practices unless necessary. Consider emailing them to ask about their labor practices if they don’t provide the information.
You also don’t need to just take the company’s word for it – do your own research into their practices! To determine if they ethically produce hiking gear, check for articles. Have there been recent news stories about them? Where does the CEO choose to donate money?
Much of this information is available from a quick Google search or the use of a donation-tracking tool. Missing information? Consider emailing the brand yourself. Especially with garage-grown gear companies, they’re likely to answer your questions.
Research takes time, especially when you’re considering multiple factors that make a brand ethical, like sustainability and fair wages. Luckily, there are several ethical shopping guides that do the research for you! For example, check out Good on You for ethical ratings of your favorite outdoor clothing brands.
Unfortunately, for non-clothing products and brands, you may need to do a little more research on your own. This is due to fewer guides that comprehensively cover hiking gear like tents or sleeping bags.
Recommended reading: Propane vs Butane: Decoding the Camping Stove Fuel Debate, Stay Charged on the Trail: Best Portable Battery Packs for Hiking
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Absolutely. Ethical hiking gear is designed to meet or exceed the performance standards of traditional gear. Innovations in sustainable materials and design have enabled ethical gear to offer excellent functionality, durability, and comfort for all kinds of outdoor activities.
While ethically produced gear can sometimes be more expensive due to higher production costs and quality materials, the price difference is often minimal. Moreover, investing in sustainable gear can be cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and quality.
Final Thoughts: Why Buy Ethical Hiking Gear?
Buying ethically-made hiking gear allow you to feel good about your own purchases as well as make a difference in pushing the hiking gear industry towards ethical practices.
Supporting companies that make ethical choices (also known as “voting with your wallet”), helps ensure these are the kinds of brands that stick around. As consumers begin to demand social and environmental responsibility from the companies they support, we can only hope that companies will listen.
About The Author
David Evans is a freelance writer covering topics on interactive games and entertainment. He writes to share knowledge with companies and individuals about how games and entertainment can help with self-improvement, team building, and leadership. @ LinkedIn
