Posted: January 16, 2020
As you head into 2020 ready to create changes that make you, and our precious world, healthier – look carefully at what you're buying and packing for your travels. Even small things make important differences.
A wide variety of outdoor gear and adventure travel brands are creating durable, mutli-functional products you can purchase once and use for years to come.Here are a few of our favorite products that you can be proud to support.
Patagonia Quandary Jacket
In October 2019, Patagonia announced a first for the industry: 100% of its waterproof shells are made with recycled materials, which decrease our dependence on petroleum and diverts used materials from the landfill, and sewn in Fair Trade Certified factories. One example of their Shell Yeah! Collection is the waterproof, windproof, and breathable Quandary Jacket. Boasting a 2-layer h3No® Performance Standard shell made of 95% nylon (65% recycled) coated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, this packable jacket can handle whatever weather comes your way. A durable and versatile piece, also utilizes bluesign® approved fabric, the Quandary is a great choice for a go-anywhere jacket made with the best practices in the industry. $199; www.patagonia.com
Light My Fire Mealkit™ BIO 8 Pcs
From the woods to the city, this handy all-in-one meal kit is a step toward obliterating single-use products and minimizing the amount of trash we each create. This eight-piece set – a lid that functions as a plate, a deep bottomed bowl, two food storage containers, a cup, a cutting board/strainer, and an original Light My Fire Spork – nests neatly for a compact, multi-purpose kit. Transport leftovers, make a meal while camping, use it as a school or work lunchbox, refuse plastic cups on airplanes or plastic containers at bakeries or food trucks and use your own. All components are dishwasher and microwave safe, and are made from biobased plastics that are 100% BPA-free. In addition to a host of useful products, Light My Fire’s commitment to transparency and developing a sustainable approach to every aspect of business is also impressive, from materials, packaging, transportation to production, design and distribution. $29.95; http://www.lightmyfire.com
Grayl GEOPRESS™ Purifier
Never buy a single-use bottle of water again with this portable purifier that delivers 24 ounces of safe, clean drinking water in just 8 seconds. Simply fill, press and drink to confidently tap into water sources across all seven continents – from hotel sinks to murky rivers to sketchy spigots.. The GEOPRESS™ removes waterborne pathogens, filters chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals and particulates ( including microplastics) while taste, smell and clarity. Boasting unrivaled ease, speed and convenience, we think you’ll agree this innovative product from Grayl is a necessity whether you’re going on a quick weekend road trip or a month-long journey through exotic lands. Plus, thanks to Grayl’s newly-launched Purifier Cartridge recycling program, you can join in their commitment to promoting zero-waste. $89.95; www.grayl.com
Pacsafe® Venturesafe EXP 45 Econyl® Anti-theft Recycled Carry-On Travel Pack
Organize your gear and secure your valuables with this innovative and versatile backpack. Made of long-lasting ECONYL®, regenerated nylon made from pre and post-consumer waste (think fishing nets and nylons removed from landfills and oceans), this pack does it all. Built specifically for adventure travelers, this carry-on anti- theft bag has a roomy main compartment, organization for cables, internal compression straps to reduce bulk and keep gear in place, external attachment points for extra items, and lockable zips and cut-resistant materials to protect your belongings. Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2019 ISPO Awards for its innovation, design, function and eco responsibility, Pacsafe has further expanded the product’s sustainability aspect by making the bag’s lining out of 100% recycled plastic bottles; this move is all part of the wider commitment to remove virgin plastic from all products by 2025. Plus, every Pacsafe ECONYL® bag purchase benefits efforts to protect marine life by contributing $1 to the Pacsafe Turtle Fund,. $199.95; https://www.pacsafe.com/.
Royal Robbins Discovery III Pant (W’s) and Everyday Traveler Pant (M’s)
Space is at a premium while traveling so when you need to pick just one pair of pants for a journey, consider these from Royal Robbins, a company committed to environmental and social responsibility. Both versions are made from an eco-conscious, bluesign-approved Discovery Stretch Nylon with Ec0-DWR treatment. This fluorine-free DWR finish adds water resistance, and lasts the lifetime of the garment, helping to eliminate powerful toxins in our environment. Light, breathable, durable and comfortable, the women's Discovery III Pant converts to a capri. Stretchy, breathable and wrinkle-resistant, the men's Everyday Traveler Pant offers performance that goes anywhere. And, $79; https://www.royalrobbins.com/
Prana Men’s Norcross Long Sleeve Crew + Women’s Cozy Up Sweatshirt
When you’re exploring the world, a cozy outer layer is a must – especially one that can do double duty like these from Prana. Made of eco-friendly Cardiff Fleece, prAna’s proprietary hybrid fabric, these tops are comprised of hemp, recycled polyester, and TENCEL™ Lyocell. Each piece can be dressed up for dinner or drinks, or made more functional for a city tour or outdoor adventure. The Cozy Up offers UPF +50 protection in a beautiful, comfy package; the Norcross Long Sleeve Crew’s super soft fabric and decorative seams create a classy, fully functional piece. By combining hemp, a crop that uses very little water, does not require the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, and can be renewed 2 to 3 times a year with these other materials, Prana has created strong, sweet-looking and long-lasting pieces that dry quickly, inhibit odor and bacteria and will go the distance for any journey. $79; www.prana.com
Buff Original Multifunctional Headwear
Scarf. Facemask. Balaklava. Headband. Bandana. Beanie. Handkerchief. Napkin. The moisture-wicking, quick-drying, breathable Buff can be almost anything you need it to be, making it a must-bring piece of gear on any trip. Not only is the Buff seamless, ultra-stretchy and cozy, it’s also made of sustainably sourced 100% Recycled REPREVE® Microfibers made from plastic water bottles that have been removed from oceans and landfills. $15-45; www.buff.com.
STIO Amalia Down Jacket (W’s) & Colter Down Jacket Featuring Trackable Allied Down
Be ready for anything with these two new Allied Down-filled insulating pieces from Stio, a Jackson Hole, Wyoming-based company that proudly sources 100% of all their down to meet the Responsible Down Standard. This means their materials come from a transparent, audited supply chain, with an emphasis on the humane treatment of animals. Style and warmth merge in the Amalia, featuring 800-fill goose down in a streamlined, flattering package. Ideal for traveling, this versatile has a cropped, “dress-up or down” silhouette ($299) When your travels call for something a bit warmer, grab the Colter, featuring waterproof microfiber fabric, 650-fill PFC-free, wax-based HyperDRY water-repellent down, and a host of features meant to keep out the elements while keeping you in style. In men’s and women’s styles. ($399).
With fill from Allied Feather & Down, now the outdoor industry’s largest supplier of down insulation, you can actually track where the down in these two Stio jackets came from and how it was processed. Known for working with the North Face and Control Union to audit the global supply chain to build what would become the RDS, Allied is at it again with the relaunch of its proprietary TrackMyDown.com website, an educational tool designed to give consumers all the information needed to make an informed purchase. Simply enter the lot number on a product to find the down’s origin, quality, cleanliness, fill power and content. Highlighted in some of the world’s top outdoor, fashion and lifestyle brands including these two products from Stio, the relaunched tool delivers a more robust user-experience that allows consumers to learn more about down and what goes into responsibly sourcing and processing it. Try it for yourself by entering this Stio-specific TMD number - 1920L19FN592 – at TrackMyDown.com.