Who says high-altitude adventures can’t be low-impact? There’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with sustainable outdoor clothing brands that put people and the planet first.
But before you grab and air out that old tent, consider that while conventional outdoor clothing is made for the, well…outdoors, ironically it is anything but outdoor-friendly.
So to responsibly enjoy nature without adding to its environmental woes, we’ve rounded up our favorite brands that make a range of outdoor gear from hiking pants to socks. And these brands don’t just use low-impact fabrics and materials, but also transparent supply chains and fair labor.
Our readers have told us that they want us to go deeper into the woods with the brands we feature so our Brand Rating System now looks at the whole panoramic picture of a brand’s sustainability performance by assessing them against a much broader range of criteria, like climate impact, chemical and water use and functional performance. You can learn more about it here and look out for the rated outdoor brands on the list below who have opted in for this deeper look.
We independently research all featured brands, and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. We explain this further in our Terms of Use.
Our Favorite Ethical Outdoor Clothing Brands
A customer favorite, Paka offers high performance outdoor clothing predominantly made from fully traceable alpaca wool. Their already low emission operations are increasingly powered by solar and they pay their weavers on a fair trade basis. Their products are PFAS and down free. Paka has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
We love wearing tentree’s functional, low-impact clothing. They get an (alpen)glowing review for supply chain transparency, eco-friendly materials, and stellar tree planting efforts.
We’ve worn their clothes for years, so it’s safe to say we’re big fans of Patagonia. From technical to hobbyist, they stick to regenerative organic cotton and mostly recycled synthetics in their adventure-ready collection.
Index: Sustainable Outdoor Clothing
- Paka Jump to brand
- Toad&Co Jump to brand
- prAna Jump to brand
- Arms Of Andes Jump to brand
- tentree Jump to brand
- Outerknown Jump to brand
- Patagonia Jump to brand
- Coalatree Jump to brand
Paka
Compostable
All or some products are compostable, either in an industrial facility or at home
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.
Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.
Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materials
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
B Corp
GOTS
OEKO-TEX®
B Corp
The B Corp Certification, administered by the nonprofit B Lab, recognizes companies that meet high standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Certified B Corps balance profit with purpose, committing to responsible practices that benefit workers, communities, customers, and the planet while embedding sustainability into their business model.GOTS
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is the world’s leading standard for organic fibers. It covers every step of production, from harvesting raw fibers to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, and prohibits toxic dyes, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices.OEKO-TEX®
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures that every component of a textile product (threads, buttons, zippers, and fabrics) has been independently tested for harmful substances. Managed by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology, it guarantees products are safe for human health, meeting strict global limits for chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and PFAS.Paka specializes in outdoor clothing including technical T-shirts, lightweight shorts, insulating thermals, breathable long sleeves, weather-resistant jackets, cozy sweaters, and essential accessories.
OEKO-TEX 100 certified alpaca fiber is the material of choice for most of Paka’s products. The fiber comes from free-roaming herds in the Peruvian Andes and is fully traceable to the specific source coordinates.
Many items also feature organic Pima cotton, TENCEL™ lyocell, or bluesign® certified recycled nylon for breathability and performance. Their insulated outerwear is filled with PAKAFILL, a proprietary down alternative made from recycled polyester and alpaca fiber. Any water-repellent coatings on outerwear is PFAS free.
The brand works hand-in-hand with traditional Inca herders and Indigenous artisans, supporting fair wages, cultural preservation, and skill development. Paka is a Certified B Corp and also donates 1% of revenue to grassroots initiatives that benefit communities in Peru.
Their wool spinning process is 50% powered by renewable energy. Customer reviews consistently cite how well made and functional the products are and sweaters are praised for being especially soft and comfortable.
Paka has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
My Personal Review Of Paka’s “The Original Crew”
“This Crew has become my favorite item of clothing that I’ve barely taken off for months. I’ve worn it camping, sitting outside on cold nights around the fire with friends, at home and even out to dinner. It has an oversized fit which is ideal for moving around comfortably and it’s just so soft and cozy.”
Review my Lyall Mabin, SJ Co-Founder
Toad&Co
Toad&Co has not been rated.
Price Range: $66–$415
Toad&Co make clothing both stylish-enough-for-the-streets and technical-enough-for-the-peaks. Choose between men’s and women’s shirts, pants, t-shirts, shorts, jackets, layers, and underwear.
Toad&Co uses organic cotton, lyocell, hemp, RWS-certified wool, recycled cotton, recycled polyester, and Lenzing modal. Many of their fabrics are bluesign® approved and OEKO-TEX-certified. Less sustainable virgin polyester and elastane is added for stretch in some garments.
Manufacturing partners are chosen for their ethics and sustainable practices and must abide by the brand’s code of conduct. Toad&Co visits their partners annually. Outside Magazine ranks them as one of the best places to work.
Toad&Co’s Santa Barbara headquarters purchases carbon offsets in the form of Renewable Energy Certificates, uses energy-efficient LED bulbs, and is part of a composting program.
As a founding member of the Responsible Packaging Movement, they’re committed to removing plastic from product packaging by 2026. Products ship in 50% post-consumer recycled poly bags and reusable LimeLoop shipping bags.
Toad&Co gives back to environmental nonprofits through their 1% for the Planet membership and regularly participates in volunteer work days to support conservation efforts like those by the Yosemite Climbing Association. Having co-founded Search For Adventure, they also provide travel opportunities for adults with disabilities.
For more affordable (and sustainable) Toad&Co clothing, head to their pre-loved store, ToadAgain.
My Personal Review of Toad&Co’s Butte Crew Sweater:
“To be honest, I was initially drawn to this sweater because my partner is from an old mining town called Butte, and we return to visit her family there often. It’s a rough and tough town, and I was thrilled to find this sweater was equally so. Not only is its recycled fiber construction comfortable and warm, but it is also super durable. I’ve been wearing it for nearly a year now, and it’s not showing signs of pilling and fuzzing like sweaters typically do.”
Review by Chris Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
prAna
prAna has not been rated.
Price Range: $16–$180
prAna is one of our favorite sustainable yoga clothing brands but they also offer plenty of clothing for off the yoga mat, including hiking clothes, climbing clothes, and travel wear.
You’ll find organic cotton, recycled polyester, TENCEL lyocell, hemp, sustainably sourced wool, RDS-certified down, recycled synthetics, and some virgin synthetics, which can be avoided.
Many styles use bluesign® approved fabrics. Their DWR coating is PFAS-free.
This Fair Labor Association (FLA) member prioritizes Fair Trade factories. Over the years they’ve helped 11 factories become Fair Trade Certified. prAna is a founding member of OIA Climate Action Corps, aims to cut their manufacturing emissions by 30% before 2030, co-founded the Responsible Packaging Movement, use plastic-free packaging, and divert clothing from landfill via the Renewal Workshop.
My Personal Review of prAna’s Chakara™ Crop Top:
“I tried the Chakara™ Crop Top and love that it’s supportive and performance-minded (even for higher impact activities like running) while also remaining shaping and super flattering. Seriously, the cups are actually shaping and even give me a little lift there. Plus, with a buttery soft fabric and simple design, it’s the perfect understated layering piece for yoga classes, hikes, or just day-to-day wear!”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Arms Of Andes
Arms Of Andes has not been rated.
Price Range: $20–$270
Sibling-operated brand Arms of Andes tells microplastics to take a hike by using Peruvian alpaca wool, an efficient material for all types of adventures—hot, cold, or something in between. They make hoodies, bottoms, underwear, socks, sustainable leggings, and shirts.
We want sustainable hiking clothes made of a material that is ethically sourced, temperature regulating, and can be composted at the end of its life. Alpaca wool can do all this and more. Add the antibacterial, odor-resistant, high sweat-wicking, and UV-resistant properties, and you have a material that screams ‘wilderness backpacking adventure’.
Garments are dyed using natural (plant and insect) or OEKO-TEX-certified dyes. Wool comes from free-roaming Andean alpacas, and every step of the supply chain takes place in Peru.
Orders are packed in biodegradable polyethylene and shipped in compostable mailers.
My Personal Review of Arms of Andes’ Alpaca Wool Sweater:
“I absolutely love my Arms of Andes Alpaca Wool Sweater—it’s elegant and incredibly versatile, easily dressed up or down. The alpaca wool keeps me warm while still being breathable, though I do feel a slight itchiness when I first put it on. Luckily, my skin adjusts pretty quickly, and after that, it’s nothing but pure softness. It’s definitely one of my go-to pieces for layering!”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
tentree
tentree has not been rated.
Price Range: $25–$328
tentree is one of our go-to organic clothing brands thanks to its luxury-feeling loungewear and “earth-first apparel”.
They make make adventure-ready clothing with tops, tees, tanks, shirts, sweaters, hoodies, outerwear, joggers, shorts, and pants.
tentree gets ten thumbs up for its use of recycled synthetics, lyocell, hemp, and organic cotton. Some garments have a small amount of elastane for added stretch. Water-resistant fabrics are non-toxic thanks to a bluesign®-approved and PFC-free DWR finish.
Certified B Corp tentree lists where all the products are made and what certifications pertain to each location (i.e., SA8000, BSCI, Fair Wear Foundation, Fair Trade, WRAP).
tentree is Carbon Neutral-certified, and customers can purchase carbon offset packages via their website. Their roll-and-tie packaging method reduces the need for polybags, and orders ship in biodegradable and recyclable mailers.
Ten trees are planted for every purchase, totaling over 100 million and counting.
My Personal Review of tentree’s Organic Hoodie:
“I’ve been wearing my tentree hoodie for about three years now, and I still find the combo of organic cotton and recycled synthetics buttery soft. Especially the inside of the hoodie, it has a slight texture to it which I found keeps me pretty warm, while the outside fabric is smooth to the touch. I would say it’s maybe a little larger than true to size and a little longer at the waist. However, I think my upper body is a bit shorter than average. I love the design of this one, and the little cork pieces attached to the hoodie drawstrings are a nice eco-touch. I’ve worn this inside and outside, cold and mild weather, hiking and just chilling on the couch. No sign of wear and tear and no piling (I only air dry FYI).”
Review by Lyall Mabin, SJ Co-founder
Outerknown
Outerknown has not been rated.
Price Range: $50–$348
Outerknown was founded by World Surf League champion Kelly Slater, swimwear is obviously in range, but they cover all your outdoor gear needs with outerwear, sweatpants, tanks, tees, sweaters, shirts, and shorts, too.
You can sweat sustainably in tees and shirts made from organic and/or Regenerative Organic Certified®️ cotton, sweatshirts made from a hemp blend, sweaters made with recycled cashmere, and winter jackets filled with RDS-certified down.
As a sustainable swimwear brand, you’ll find recycled polyester in some products, and some styles use spandex for added stretch.
A Fair Trade USA partner, Outerknown supports workers with Fairtrade Premiums. They share the details of their suppliers, all of which adhere to the brand’s Code of Conduct based on Fair Labor Association (FLA) standards. Factories and mills are also bluesign®-approved, ensuring responsible chemical use across the supply chain.
From developing circular models to switching to renewable energy, Outerknown walks the talk. Their preloved platform, Outerworn, helps keep items in circulation longer, and orders ship in USA-made recycled paper packaging.
My Personal Review of Outerknown’s Blanket Shirt:
“I had no idea a flannel shirt could feel this cozy, but Outerknown has totally nailed it with their Blanket Shirt. Made from ultra-thick 100% organic cotton (very breathable which is helpful when I’m riding or hiking), it’s 100% biodegradable right down to the corozo nut buttons. I love it so much that I now own three of them and wear them every day. They are super durable too and I think look great. Definitely recommend as an outerlayer for hikes and the like where you also want to look pretty good.”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
My Personal Review of Outerknown’s Cloud Joggers:
“I own a pair of OK’s Cloud Joggers. They’re super comfortable sweats that don’t leave you sweaty. They’re made from a blend of organic cotton and TENCEL that gives a silky-soft, lightweight feel. I love that they have a relaxed fit without being overly baggy, and they’re ideal for summer mornings when it’s still a bit on the chilly side but too warm for anything thicker.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Patagonia
Patagonia has not been rated.
Price Range: $19–$699
Would we even be talking about sustainable outdoor clothing if we didn’t mention Patagonia? Whether it’s a t-shirt, sweater, rain jacket, pair of leggings, quintessential Synchilla fleece, or backpack, you can expect quality, durability, practicality, and unmatched ethics from this OG ethical outdoor clothing brand.
You’ll find natural fibers like hemp, linen, and USA-grown organic cotton; RWS-certified merino wool and RDS-certified down; and recycled materials like nylon, polyester, and cashmere. In fact, Patagonia is one of the best brands for recycled outdoor clothing.
They’re replacing fluorinated DWR membranes and finishes with non-fluorinated alternatives, and many fabrics are bluesign® approved.
Over 75,000 workers are supported in Patagonia’s Fair Trade Certified factories. They’re a Certified B Corp and an accredited member of the Fair Labor Association. Patagonia helped develop the Regenerative Organic Certified® program and aims to reach net zero by 2040 thanks to ambitious climate goals.
Their circular-minded Worn Wear resale program helps keep adventure clothes out of landfill, and orders are packaged and shipped using post-consumer waste or FSC and SFI-certified recycled materials.
My Personal Review of Patagonia’s Nano Puff® Hoody:
“Of the many Patagonia pieces I own and have been wearing for years, the Nano Puff® Hoody is one of my absolute wardrobe favorites, no matter the season. Not only is this fully recycled synthetic puffer warm and wind-resistent, but it’s also super lightweight, packs into its own chest pocket, and the hood fits under a cycling or climbing helmet, making it the ideal outer or mid layer, for all kinds of outdoor pursuits”.
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Coalatree
Coalatree has not been rated.
Price Range: $29–$159
Coalatree is committed to providing adventurers (like you) with something appropriate and ethical to wear.
The brand started as an organic farm in Colorado and now brings sustainable practices to its clothing line, including jackets, hoodies, sweatshirts, shorts, pants, tops, and eco-friendly camping gear like blankets and hammocks.
Most garments are made from recycled materials like recycled nylon, recycled spandex, recycled organic cotton, and recycled coffee – they gather recycled coffee grounds from local coffee shops, grind them into nano-sized particles, and mix them with recycled plastic water bottles. Voila—you get morning brew turned into an odor-resistant fiber.
Most clothes are also coated in a non-toxic DWR (AKA Durable Water Repellent) finish.
Garments are designed in Salt Lake City, Utah before being made in ethical factories around the globe. All of Coalatree’s overseas partners are bluesign® approved. Their factory partners are progressing towards zero emissions by using renewables, efficient machinery, and low-impact ventilation.
Coalatree uses tree-friendly packaging (made from post-consumer recycled paper) and waterless dyeing for many of their garments, which saves thousands of gallons.
From turning surplus fabric into warm blankets for people experiencing homelessness to helping maintain local hiking and biking trails, Coalatree gives back locally. They also partner with local and global organizations like the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program and the Anasazi Foundation youth wilderness therapy program.
My Personal Review of Coalatree’s Trailhead Pants & Baseline Midlayer:
“My Coalatree Trailhead Pants have quickly become my go-to for outdoor adventures. They’re lightweight, durable, and super comfortable, with just the right amount of stretch for hiking or lounging. The fact that they’re water-resistant and feature a fabric that’s pretty rip-resistant (no holes so far) means I can confidently wear them out on even rough-and-tumble adventures without worrying about ruining yet another pair of hiking pants.
I also own the Baseline Midlayer, made from recycled coffee grounds which is versatile, lightweight, antimicrobial, stain resistant, and packs into its own pocket. I like its slick, layer-able outer and fuzzy grid fleece lining, which makes it warm without the bulk, as well as breathable for high-output activities.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Amber obtained Bachelor of Arts degrees in English, Creative Writing, and Psychology from The University of Oxford and Arcadia University. She is an avid crafter, gardener, quail farmer, wannabe novelist, and self-proclaimed eco adventurer. From living in a camper van to living in a tiny house, she is enamored by the small and self-sufficient; and aspires to one day become an off-grid micro-farmer, bridging sustainability with non-toxic living and eating. With a passion for outdoor sports like rock climbing, skiing, and travel, having already backpacked across 30 countries, she is always up for the next big adventure while seeking ways to minimize her impact along the way.
What a cool review of outdoor clothing, LOVE IT