Six top pieces of sustainable travel gear
The best planet-friendly travel and outdoor gear that combine comfort, convenience and sustainability…
Having the right kit when travelling is important, but making an investment in quality gear that will last longer – and not end up in landfill – is perhaps most crucial today. The synthetic polymer polyester, for example, is the most common fabric used in high-street clothing because it is lightweight, durable and inexpensive. However, the synthetic material comes with a large carbon footprint – double that of cotton, in fact – and can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Thankfully, savvy manufacturers are addressing the problem by coming up with innovative ways to recycle material – typically incorporating it into other products. Recycled polyester releases half to a quarter of emissions in comparison, and reused wisely can prevent more clothing ending up in landfill.
Other sustainable options might include introducing repair programmes to allow people to renew gear, and allow it to last longer. Some manufacturers are cutting out synthetic materials altogether, while others work with local factories, to cut transport emissions.
Below are a few of our favourite new pieces of sustainable gear to take on your next adventure, from backpacks to cool boxes.
Best sustainable travel gear in 2023
(Danner)
This future-proof hiking boot has been made with long-term use in mind – crafted with a design that can be fixed and adapted with wear and tear, to extend the life of the boot. The GORE-TEX liner is made partly with recycled materials and the footbed uses recycled rubber and Bio-Oil for good airflow. Meanwhile the outer layers are created from durable leather. The Danner team encourage customers to return their boots for repairs and improvements, to ensure every pair lasts as long as possible.
(Houdini)
This sleek sporting hoodie – available for men and women – is ideal for hiking and cycling, with the breathable mesh fabric allowing air to flow through and wicking away excess heat and moisture. When used as a layer, the material traps warm air to provide insulation. The ‘Houdi’ is made from 100% recycled and recyclable polyester, either from recycled clothes or other sources like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. Houdini even ask customers to return their fleece for responsible recycling once worn out.
(Water-to-Go)
We love this UK-made filter bottle, which is perfect for use in regions where clean drinking water isn’t guaranteed. The filter can be used in any freshwater environment and keeps out bacteria, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals such as lead, and even microplastics. Even better, the bottle is lightweight and fits in backpack pockets with ease. The latest model is made using sugarcane – the leftover product after sugar extraction – rather than the typical petroleum-based products used in most plastic bottles.
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(YETI)
Slim enough to fit in small, footwell-sized spaces but tall enough to fit large bottles, the YETI ROADIE® has a freezer-quality insulation to hold in the cold, with the same thick casing also keeping in the heat when needed. A handy accessory for road trips and camping breaks, the cool box is strong to withhold drops, and parts – such as the handle, latches, non-slip feet, and gasket – are replaceable.
(Db)
Available in 20L, 25L, and 30L, and weighing just 1.25kg, DB’s signature backpack is ideal as both an everyday backpack and travel daypack. The main pocket opens fully, providing easy access to contents at the bottom of the pack, while the convenient zip-up top section stores phones, pens and keys for increased accessibility. The bag itself is hardwearing and made from 100% recycled materials, including the lining and mesh pockets.
For something a little bigger, the Roamer Split Duffel is created in the same way and reaches a limit of 90L. Even better, the Hugger easily clips onto the Duffel, ensuring easy transport of luggage.
(Terrex)
Free Hiker 2.0 hiking shoes
TERREX, £180
The most recent model of TERREX’s iconic range offers strong ankle support through a sock-style upper, devised of high-performance yarn. The yarn is made of at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic which has been retrieved from beaches, shorelines, and coastal communities around the world. The remaining 50% is made from recycled polyester.
