Green Gear Guide 2010

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We can all take little steps to help the planet every day, and a great way to start is by purchasing environmentally-friendly products. There are tons of options for green gear out there, so we just picked a few of our favorites to share with you. Have a favorite piece that didn’t make our list? We want to hear about it! Send us an email .

  1. Real Earth Bug Away Spray
    Keep insects away naturally with this chemical-free repellent. It’s made from organic essential oils like lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary, vanilla, catnip and more. Safe for pregnant women, kids or pets, and it actually smells good! It’s also sweat and water resistant and won’t stain clothes. 4 ounces, $12.95 realearthproducts.com
  2. Beyond Coastal® SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen
    Protect your skin safely with this natural sunscreen. It’s great for sensitive skin and provides UVA/UVB protection with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Aloe and Shea Butter nourish the skin while Vitamin A and Pro Vitamin B hydrate. Plus, the antioxidants repair and restore skin damage in a fragrance-, oil- and paraben-free formula. 4 ounces, $15.99 beyondcoastal.com
  3. Nau Lightbeam Jacket
    Stay dry in wet weather with this lightweight windshell made from breathable 100% recycled and recyclable polyester. The women’s version features a stashable hood for changing weather while the men’s has a zip-away hood and stowable design. On top of using recycled fabric, Nau gives 2% of every sale to one of their environmental or humanitarian partners. The best part? You get to choose which partner gets the funds from your purchase. $175 nau.com
  4. Patagonia® Simple Guide Jacket
    Looking for an awesome jacket for nearly any activity? This is it! Available for men and women, this stretch-woven softshell is made from 91% recycled polyester and 9% spandex with a Deluge® DWR finish that’s guaranteed to outlast other DWR finishes. It’s quick drying, wind resistant, breathable and moves with you through any activity from hiking the hills to spring skiing the slopes. When you finally wear it out, send it to Common Threads Recycling Program so it can be made into something new. $119 patagonia.com
  5. Helly Hansen Ekolab™ Recycler Jacket
    Not only is this jacket made from 100% recycled water bottles, it’s also your new best friend in wet, miserable weather. The Full 3-layer Helly Tech® XP waterproof breathable construction will keep you dry in any storm and stretch fabric in the shoulders and elbows makes moving easy. Large pockets hold maps or important gear, and the spacious hood is helmet compatible. Great for all-season use from hiking to backpacking to backcountry skiing. Available in men’s and women’s styles. $300 hellyhansen.com
  6. Helly Hansen Ekolab™ Recycler Pant
    Keep yourself, and your backside, dry when sitting around a campfire in the rain this summer. Made from the same material as the Recycler Jacket, these pants protect you from the elements when the skies open on your next camping trip. The full side zips make it easy to get your legs in or out of the pants, and the waterproof construction keeps you completely dry. They’re also perfect for spring touring. $179.95 hellyhansen.com
  7. PrAna Hemp Chalk Bags
    Prevent chalk from getting everywhere by storing your climbing chalk ball in this fashionable, eco-bag made from hand woven sustainable hemp and recycled silk from Nepal. It features a drawcord closure, double belt loops for security and an elastic brush holder. $24 prana.com
  8. PrAna Women’s Brooke Sport Top
    Flattering, fitted and good for the earth, the Brooke Sport Top's made from 90% recycled polyester and 10% spandex and is ideal for climbing, yoga and gym workouts. It features slimming princess seams, a padded built-in bra and V-back straps. $48 prana.com
  9. PrAna Women’s Zelda Knicker
    Get more bang for your buck with these knickers that easily roll up into shorts. The organic cotton/spandex fabric makes them soft, stretchy and perfect for any activity. They’re semi-fitted and have a zipper-fly, drawcord waist and useful front and back pockets. $60 prana.com
  10. Earth Creations Dharma Yoga Pants
    Stretch in style in these wide-legged, clay-dyed yoga pants made from sustainable hemp and cotton. The wide waistband can be rolled up or worn down as fits your style. $75 earthcreations.net
  11. Outdoor Research Women’s Frescoe Tank™
    Perfect for hot days at the crag, this lightweight, quick-dry tank is made with recycled polyester and organic cotton for a comfortable fit. The built-in shelf bra and criss-cross back keeps the girls supported, even on tricky overhangs, while the FreshGuard® odor neutralization keeps this tank smelling fresh after days of wear. $45 outdoorresearch.com
  12. PrAna Carry All Yoga Bag
    A great haul-it-all bag for weekend yoga retreats or long gym workouts, this bag holds a yoga mat, extra clothes and more in the outside and inside stash pockets. Recycled cotton from overstocked t-shirt fabric and a recycled polyester lining also make it an earth-friendly choice. $70 prana.com
  13. PrAna Men’s Sutra Pant
    Climb to your heart’s content in these loose fitting pants made from recycled plastic and renewable hemp. They feature front pockets and a drawstring waist, but don’t look like pajamas, so you can rock them even after you’re done doing yoga or climbing. $64 prana.com
  14. Outdoor Research Men’s Gobi Tee
    Look good, even when you’re sweating, in this quick-dry tee made from recycled polyester and organic cotton. It’s ideal for backpacking because the built-in FreshGuard® odor neutralization keeps it stink-free, even after multiple wears. $38 outdoorresearch.com
  15. New Balance Men’s Cocona™ Raglan Short Sleeve
    Avoid overheating on summer hikes in this Cocona™ fabric shirt (made from coconut shells) which naturally cools, absorbs odor and protects you from the sun. There’s also reflectivity to ensure you’ll be seen when the sun sets. $38 newbalance.com
  16. New Balance Women’s Cocona™ Sleeveless
    Summer running has never been better than in this 100% polyester Cocona™ knit tank that cools and prevents sunburn. Wicking knit insets in sweat zones promote breathability and reflective detailing enhances safety. $35 newbalance.com
  17. New Balance Women’s Nbx Cocona84R Short
    Run naked! Or at least feel like you are in these soft, barely-there running shorts. The natural Cocona™ fabric enhances breathability and cooling, and the built-in X-Static® brief provides antimicrobial benefits and odor elimination. The X-Static® fabric, made from silver ions, is also anti-static and promotes body temperature regulation. Want more reasons to get these shorts? They have reflective details, an ICE (In Case of Emergency) tag and a storage pocket. $42 newbalance.com
  18. Dorny Bars

    Snack on one of these locally-made, natural energy bars and you’ll be reducing your food’s footprint and supporting Utah’s economy at the same time! Dorny Bars come in four gourmet flavors: Chocolate Pecan, Chocolate + Fruit, Butterscotch and Chocolate Peanut Butter. They’re made from healthy ingredients like honey, dark chocolate, bran, agave nectar and more. $2.50 dornybars.com
  19. Aladdin® Mini Lunch Bowl
    Ditch disposable containers and spice up your lunch with this leakproof container made from eCycle, Aladdin’s proprietary mix of recycled plastics. Just heat your meal in the morning and it will stay hot until you’re ready to eat. Plus, it’s microwave and dishwasher safe with a stay-cool exterior to prevent burns. The compact design makes it easy to stash, and the pull-out drawer with spoon is a bonus! Aladdin makes a variety of other eco-conscious products from water bottles to lunch containers. $18 pmi-worldwide.com
  20. Reuseit™ Sandwich Bag
    Packing a lunch for your hike? Tote your sandwich in this reusable bag instead of a plastic one. Over time you’ll be greatly reducing your plastic bag waste, and saving money. Plus, it’s sturdy to prevent smooshing, moisture resistant, safe for hot or cold items and made in the USA. $8.45 reuseit.com
  21. Keen Coronado Cruiser
    Bike commuting is more comfortable than ever, thanks to these innovative sneakers. They combine recycled rubber, natural canvas and soft leather for a shoe that’s stylish for biking or everyday wear. There’s a panel of soft rubber on the sole under the ball of the foot that provides extra grip on the pedals. Available for men and women. $80 keenfootwear.com
  22. Ocean Minded Men’s Long Brothers II Sandal
    You’ll want to wear these sandals every day! Made from leather, hemp and organic canvas, they have eco-friendly elements, like an organic canvas footbed, recycled foam midsole, recycled car tire outsole, water-based glue and a heel and toe cap made from natural gum. Plus, they’re supportive, comfortable and great for extended wear. $51 oceanminded.com
  23. Ocean Minded Seaweed Sandal
    Give your feet a break from shoes with these lightweight sport sandals. They’re made with natural and sustainable resources like water-based glue, recycled Croslite material and recycled nylon. The sturdy, durable rubber outsole keeps you secure in water or on dry land, and the Croslite material resists odors and will mold to your foot for a personalized fit. Made for men and women. $46 oceanminded.com
  24. Planet Earth Meyer’s Boardshorts
    Take these boardshorts canoeing, rafting or anywhere else you find water! Made from 100% Recycled Polyester PET, they keep plastic bottles out of landfills and are quick drying and stylish. Men's styles also available. $48 planet-earth-clothing.com
  25. REI Lookout 40
    Pack Pack for a day on the trails in this ecoSensitive™ daypack that’s made primarily with recycled PET polyester fabric from recycled plastic bottles. Each pack keeps 26 16-ounce water bottles out of the landfill! Also, the pack’s egg crate foam back panel promotes air flow to keep you dry, while the padded shoulder straps and waistbelt provide maximum comfort. Multiple compar™ents store gear, including front lash points, compression straps and ice axe loops for carrying sleeping pads and trekking poles. Also available in a women’s-specific fit. $89.50 rei.com
  26. Lole Women’s Explore Capris
    Unique antimicrobial Nano Carbon Lightweight fabric from the carbon generated by bamboo harvesting is used to make these stylish capris. Bamboo is a sustainable crop that grows quickly with little effort. The Explores feature an adjustable waistband, zipped security pocket and are perfect for hiking, climbing, camping or traveling. $90 loleforwomen.com
  27. Patagonia® Women’s Merino 1 Tank
    Keep cool and dry this summer in a tank made from sustainable, chlorine-free Merino wool with a recycled polyester core for wicking. The Merino is slow washed to make it silky soft, and it naturally resists odor and helps regulate body temperature. $65 patagonia.com
  28. Sherpa Adventure Gear Women’s Jaya Shirt
    Protect your shoulders from pack chafe and sunburn in this light, fitted shirt. The recycled polyester wicks moisture and a mesh lined vent at the back promotes air circulation. A front zipper pocket safely stows essentials. Use it backpacking, hiking, traveling and running amok. $39 sherpaadventuregear.com
  29. Tilley TH9 Women’s Hemp Hat
    Prevent sunburn by wearing this UPF 50+ packable hat made from environmentally-friendly hemp. Hemp naturally resists UV light, mold, mildew and salt water. Plus, hemp doesn’t require pesticides to grow and breathes better than cotton. The hat comes with three interchangeable headbands in a reusable pouch and has a lifetime guarantee against wear. $79 tilley.com
  30. Osprey React ReSource Daypack
    Commute or hike in style with this ultra planet-friendly pack that’s made from a minimum of 70% recycled materials, including: 100% recycled PET fabric, binding tape, webbing, mesh pockets and recycled buckles reground from buckle scrap. It features an electronics harness pocket, front organization panel, mesh water bottle pockets and laptop sleeve. $74 ospreypacks.com
  31. TekoPoly MiniCrew Socks
    Your feet, and the planet, will thank you for buying these socks! Made from 100% recycled polyester and nylon, they're light, thin and good for running, cycling, cross training and more. They feature seamless toes, strike zone cushioning in the footbed, air vents for breathability and Lycra for support. $12.95 tekosocks.com
  32. Primus EtaPackLite™ Stove

    Cooking for two in the backcountry has never been more earth friendly! This stove is twice as efficient as the average camp stove, limiting the fuel needed to cook. This means less carbon dioxide goes into the air each time you use it. Also, for each EtaPackLite™ stove sold Primus will donate to the international carbon offset company, BaumInvest. $115 primuscamping.com
  33. Sierra Designs Cyclone Eco Jacket
    Stuff this ultralight jacket in your pack the next time you hike or backpack for excellent weather protection in sudden storms. It’s highly breathable and waterproof, even in a downpour, and it’s planet friendly! The Cyclone is made 100% recycled polyester Tropozone fabric from discarded soda bottles and has pit zips for ventilation, fully taped PVC-free seams and a helmet-compatible hood. It’s also great for spring skiing and touring. Available in men’s and women’s styles. $189 sierradesigns.com
  34. La Sportiva FC ECO 2.0 GTX Shoe
    Comfy shoes make for happy hiking, and your feet will love these ones! Eco-friendly folks will like that the laces and mesh panels are made from recycled nylon and the Vibram® outsole contains 30% recycled rubber. They're stable on wet or dry terrain and are completely waterproof, thanks to the Gortex-lined waterproof leather. The mesh uppers and nylon lining help them breathe to keep feet sweat-free on long hikes. $140 sportiva.com
  35. Point6 Hiking Tech Light Socks
    Enjoy itch-free, fresh smelling feet by wearing these Merino wool socks on your next hike. Merino wool is a naturally sustainable, renewable, biodegradable fiber that resists odors. It’s made into these socks that have a precise anatomical fit, hand-looped toe seams, deep heel pockets and stretch for comfort. All packaging is printed on recycled fibers with vegetable oil inks. Also available in women’s-specific styles. $18.95 point6.com
  36. REI Men’s Ripstop Shorts
    Camping, hiking, backpacking or just hangin’ out around town, these shorts do it all. Organic cotton makes them planet friendly while ripstop fabric makes them light and durable. Plus, they offer 50+ UPF protection and have lots of pockets for storing essentials. $44.50 rei.com
  37. REI OXT Tech Shirt
    Say goodbye to working out in cotton tees, and hello to the OXT Tech Shirt. Available for men and women, this shirt’s made from ecoSensitive™ polyester knit fabric that’s light, moisture wicking, quick drying and snag resistant. It offers 50+ UPF sun protection for outdoor workouts, but is also great for the gym. $24.50 rei.com
  38. Earth Creations® Tees
    These unique shirts come from a company that’s dedicated to helping the planet. They use eco-conscious clay to dye all their clothing and everything is made from organic cotton. Earth Creations® supports Fair Trade and Sweatshop-free philosophies and makes all their clothing in the USA. Many additional styles are available. $35 earthcreations.net
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About Author

Jenny Willden is the Managing Editor of Outdoor Sports Guide and a self-proclaimed gear and grammar nut. She's a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. A lover of adventure and travel, she's happiest when riding horses or snowboarding in Utah’s mountains. Follow Jenny’s exploits on Twitter @jennywillden or Instagram @jlwillden.

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