If you’re anything like me, then you’ll probably agree that there’s nothing better than spending your weekends outside, exploring new trails. And if you hike a lot, you’ve probably noticed that outerwear is often one of the most synthetic, unsustainable pieces of gear.
Most hiking jackets are made from polyester or nylon, and while those materials can be durable and weatherproof, they’re still plastic-based.
This has been bothering me for awhile, so I did a bit of research and found that a few well-known outdoor brands are actually doing things differently. They’re using recycled fabrics, safer finishes, and designing pieces that are built to last for years.
What to look for in more sustainable outerwear:
🌲 Recycled polyester or nylon
🌲 PFC-free or PFAS-free water repellency
🌲 High durability and repair options
🌲 Certifications like bluesign or Fair Trade
🌲 Take-back programs or circular design
If you’re in the market for a new hiking jacket, here are a few outerwear brands that are genuinely worth checking out:
1. Houdini
Houdini is one of my favorite sustainable brands. Their outerwear is technical, minimalist, and designed with circularity in mind, meaning they think about what happens at the end of a jacket’s life too. Many of their jackets are made from recycled and recyclable fabrics, and they clearly focus on long-term durability.
Materials: recycled polyester, recycled nylon, some recyclable mono-material designs
🌍 Based in Sweden with international shipping
2. Patagonia
Patagonia is an obvious one, but they really do deserve the credit. Their hiking shells and insulated layers are designed to last, and their repair program is one of the best out there. If you want outerwear you can wear hard for years and keep fixing instead of replacing, Patagonia is a great option.
Materials: recycled polyester, recycled nylon, some organic cotton and plant-based fibers
🌍 Ships worldwide
Picture makes hiking and snow gear with a strong focus on lower-impact materials. Their jackets often use recycled or bio-sourced fabrics, and they’ve moved toward PFC-free water repellency in many products. Their style is also really fun if you want something outdoorsy and technical without being boring.
Materials: recycled polyester, bio-based polyester blends, some organic cotton
🌍 Based in France with international shipping
4. Vaude
Vaude is one of those brands that does a lot of things right, especially when it comes to transparency and certifications. They make practical hiking jackets and rain shells, often using recycled materials and bluesign-approved production. It’s a great brand for people who want performance gear with strong sustainability standards behind it.
Materials: recycled polyester, recycled nylon, some bio-based fibers
🌍 Based in Germany, widely available across Europe and online
5. Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is known for its bright colors and feel-good vibe, but there’s substance behind it too. Many of their outerwear products are made from recycled materials, and they have a strong mission-driven approach. Their jackets are especially great for layering, travel, and casual hiking. Plus they’re cute!
Materials: recycled polyester, repurposed fabrics (deadstock), some responsibly sourced down alternatives
🌍 US-based with international shipping through their website and retailers
6. Fjallraven
Fjallraven makes durable outerwear that’s meant to be worn for years, and their designs are perfect for hiking in cooler climates. They’re also known for their waxed G-1000 fabric, which can be a great alternative to heavy waterproof synthetics depending on your needs.
Materials: G-1000 fabric (organic cotton + recycled polyester blend), some recycled polyamide
🌍 Widely available globally through outdoor retailers
If you’re only going to invest in one piece of hiking clothing, a jacket is a good place to do it. A high quality shell or outer layer can last for years and years. And when you’re on a trek and the weather turns cold, it’s the kind of gear that really earns its keep.