Whether you’re trekking through alpine forests or strolling local trails, what you wear on a hike matters – both for your comfort and the planet.
Traditional outdoor gear is often made with synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which shed microplastics and rely on fossil fuels. But more and more brands are offering durable, high-performance hiking clothes and shoes made with sustainability in mind.
Here’s what to look for when building an eco-friendly hiking wardrobe – and a few great brands that are doing it really well.
What Makes Hiking Gear Eco-Friendly?
When shopping for clothes or shoes for the trail, keep an eye out for:
🌲 Recycled materials (like recycled polyester or nylon)
🌲 Natural fibers (like organic cotton, hemp, or TENCEL™)
🌲 Non-toxic dyes and finishes
🌲 Certified sustainable practices (e.g. GOTS, bluesign®, Fair Trade)
🌲 Durability – because gear that lasts longer is better for the environment
🌲 Ethical labor and transparent supply chains
Tops & Layers
Look for breathable, moisture-wicking layers that are built to last – without harming the earth.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
🌲 Made with recycled polyester
🌲 Fair Trade Certified sewn
🌲 Patagonia’s repair/recycle program means it won’t end up in a landfill
Icebreaker Merino 150 Base Layers
🌲 Made from natural merino wool – breathable, odor-resistant, and biodegradable
🌲 Ethically sourced and traceable fibers
Vaude Women’s Skomer Shirt / Men’s Skomer Half-Zip
🌲 Uses certified sustainable materials
🌲 bluesign® certified for reduced environmental impact
Jackets & Outerwear
Stay dry and warm without the plastic guilt.
Houdini Sportswear ‘The Shelter’ Jacket
🌲 Made with recycled & recyclable materials
🌲 Designed for circular production (can be sent back at end of life)
Picture Organic Clothing ‘Seen’ Jacket
🌲 Made with bio-sourced and recycled polyester
🌲 PFC-free water repellent
Hiking Pants & Shorts
Durability matters here – look for reinforced stitching, movement-friendly fits, and sustainable fabrics.
prAna Halle Pant II / Stretch Zion Pant II
🌲 Made with recycled nylon
🌲 bluesign® approved fabric
🌲 Great stretch, movement, and water resistance
🌲 Lightweight, quick-drying, made from recycled polyamide
🌲 Certified climate-neutral production
Footwear: Hiking Boots & Shoes
This is where it gets tricky – most hiking boots contain synthetic components, but a few brands are making progress.
Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC
🌲 Minimalist barefoot design with natural leather (sustainably sourced)
🌲 Repairable design and made to last
🌲 Fully recyclable through their ReVivo program
🌲 Made from vegan, breathable, waterproof materials
🌲 Machine washable
🌲 Carbon-neutral company
🌲 Vegan and made from recycled PET
🌲 Designed and made in Italy with transparent sourcing
Accessories
Organic Basics SilverTech Socks
🌲 Made from organic cotton and recycled nylon
🌲 Odor-controlling and durable
🌲 Made from sustainable hemp and recycled polyester
🌲 Every purchase plants 10 trees!
Thought Clothing’s Bamboo Hiking Socks
🌲 Super soft, breathable, and made from eco-friendly bamboo
Final Takeaway: Don’t Overbuy
Remember: the greenest gear is the stuff you already own. Buy only what you really need, prioritize long-lasting items, and repair or upcycle when possible. Thrift stores or gear-swapping groups are also great places to find pre-loved hiking clothes.