Sports Gear
I’ve recently delved into the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) world of backpacking. As I’ve been outfitting myself for the backcountry, I’ve realized something quite striking: plastic is king in the world of sports gear. From water-resistant jackets and tents to lightweight hiking boots and sleeping bags, nearly everything is made with synthetic materials.
TL;DR: What to Watch Out for When Shopping for Sports Gear
When shopping for sports gear, prioritize sustainable materials and eco-friendly dyes to minimize environmental and health impacts. Here’s a quick guide:
• Avoid Azo Dyes: Look for brands that use low-impact dyes or natural dyes, which are safer for both you and the environment.
• Watch for PFAS-Free Labels: Check for PFC-free or Fluorocarbon-Free DWR coatings in waterproof gear.
• Choose Natural Fibers: Opt for ethically sourced merino wool, alpaca, hemp, or Tencel (Lyocell) instead of synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon.
• Bluesign®/OEKO-TEX Certifications: These certifications ensure safer dyes and materials, reducing environmental harm.
• Solution-Dyed Fabrics: For synthetic gear, seek out solution-dyed polyester to reduce water and chemical use.
• Ethically sourced Down: Down is used as a lightweight, highly effective insulating material in jackets and sleeping bags. However, sometimes down is harvested from live-plucked birds or from birds raised in unethical conditions. To ensure you’re buying responsibly, look for certifications like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) or Global Traceable Down Standard (TDS), which ensure the down is sourced humanely, without causing unnecessary harm to animals.
• Flame Retardants: Avoid gear treated with harmful flame retardants like halogenated chemicals. Look for flame-retardant-free gear from brands like NEMO, Mountain Hardware or Hyperlite Mountain Gear, to name a few.
Look for brands like Patagonia, Fjällräven, Mountain Hardware, Nemo and Icebreaker, which are leaders in eco-conscious sportswear.
Plastic dominates for two key reasons: water resistance and weight reduction. Synthetics like polyester and nylon are prized for their ability to repel water while being lightweight. Additionally, in many states, tents and other outdoor gear are required to meet stringent flame retardant regulations. Unfortunately, to achieve both water resistance and flame-proofing, manufacturers often also turn to PFAS-containing solutions—a class of chemicals that are effective but come with serious environmental and health concerns.
Base Layers and how “Cotton Kills”
It’s potentially dangerous to wear cotton while backpacking in cold, wet, or unpredictable weather conditions. Cotton absorbs moisture like sweat or rain, but it dries extremely slowly. When wet in the cold, cotton loses its insulating properties, trapping cold moisture against your skin, which can lead to hypothermia. In these situations, it’s crucial to opt for moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics like wool or synthetic blends to keep you warm and safe.
Polyester as a base layer in cold, wet environments is preferred for this reason, but other fabrics like wool and aplaca are also naturally hydrophobic, and are capable of absorbing moisture without feeling wet, meaning they continue to insulate even when damp. Wool, especially, has a long-standing reputation for keeping body heat regulated without becoming saturated. Additionally, wool is biodegradable and won’t contribute to microplastic pollution, unlike synthetic fibers. Polyester and nylon shed microplastics that are absorbed into your skin, inhaled into your lungs, and ultimately end up in waterways, where they have known environmental and health impacts. This makes wool and other natural fibers not only better for personal comfort and temperature regulation but also for the environment and long-term health.
Understanding Sportswear Materials
| Material Type | Usage in Sportswear | Reason for Use | Health Concerns / Environmental Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPA (Bisphenols) | Hardening plastics in waterproof coatings, water bottles, and linings. | Increases durability, water resistance, and creates a rigid plastic finish. | Endocrine disruptor, linked to hormone imbalance, fertility issues, and cancer risks. |
| Phthalates | Softening plastics, making materials more flexible (used in vinyl linings). | Provides flexibility and elasticity in softer materials like linings or soft-shell fabrics. | Endocrine disruptor, affects reproductive health, linked to developmental issues. |
| Polyester | Main fabric for synthetic clothing, often for moisture-wicking and durability. | Quick-drying, lightweight, and durable, making it ideal for activewear. | Microplastics shed, environmental pollution; long-term exposure may affect skin health. |
| Nylon | Used in synthetic fibers for durability and strength, often in performance wear. | Lightweight, strong, abrasion-resistant; adds stretch to fabric blends. | Limited known health risks; nylon production can be environmentally harmful. |
| PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | Used in rain gear and inexpensive jackets for waterproofing and insulation. | Waterproofing, cheap to produce, used for low-end or budget rain gear. | PVC releases harmful chemicals like dioxins when degraded, linked to cancer and respiratory issues. |
| Silipoly (Silicone-coated Polyester) | Used in tents, rain gear, and lightweight outdoor gear. | Silicone coating offers excellent water resistance, UV resistance, and durability. | Less harmful than PVC or traditional polyester; does not shed microplastics, and silicone is currently thought to be inert and non-toxic. |
| eVent | Used in high-end rain jackets and breathable outerwear. | Provides excellent breathability and waterproofing, similar to GORE-TEX. | Contains PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). |
| GORE-TEX | Used in premium waterproof, windproof, and breathable gear like jackets, shoes, and gloves. | Highly durable and waterproof with breathability for intense outdoor activities. | Contains PFAS, a group of "forever chemicals" linked to cancer, liver damage, and environmental contamination. |
| Merino Wool | Natural fiber used in base layers and insulating mid-layers. | Soft, breathable, temperature regulating, naturally odor-resistant. | Biodegradable, renewable, low environmental impact; no synthetic microplastics. |
| Tencel (Lyocell) | Used in sportswear and base layers. | Breathable, soft, moisture-wicking, and biodegradable. | Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, eco-friendly manufacturing, no microplastics. |
| Hemp | Used in performance clothing and sustainable activewear. | Strong, durable, and naturally antimicrobial. | Biodegradable and eco-friendly; requires less water and fewer pesticides than cotton or synthetic fibers. |
| Silnylon (Silicone-coated Nylon) | Used in rain gear, tents, and outdoor equipment. | Lightweight, waterproof, durable, often used in ultralight gear. | Silicone coating is inert, non-toxic, and does not release harmful chemicals, but nylon base still sheds microplastics. |
Better Alternatives
| Material / Coating | Brands | Label to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Silipoly (Silicone-coated Polyester) | MSR (Mountain Safety Research), Hilleberg | Look for "Silicone-coated" or "Silipoly," or labels like "Siliconized Polyester". |
| Merino Wool | Icebreaker, Smartwool, Patagonia | Look for labels like "100% Merino Wool" or certifications like ZQ Merino for sustainable sourcing. |
| Tencel (Lyocell) | Patagonia, Toad&Co, Tentree | Look for "Tencel" or "Lyocell" on the label, often combined with other natural fibers. |
| Hemp | Patagonia, prAna, Tentree | Look for "Hemp" or "Hemp Blend," often mixed with cotton for added strength and durability. |
| Silnylon (Silicone-coated Nylon) | Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Sea to Summit | Look for "Silnylon" or "Siliconized Nylon" on the label for tents, rain covers, and ultralight gear. |
| Fluorocarbon-Free DWR | Fjällräven, Mammut, Houdini | Look for labels like "PFC-free," "Fluorocarbon-free DWR," or "Eco-Shell" for water-resistant coatings. |
Flame Retardants
Flame resistance is required in outdoor tents. However they are often toxic and can shed easily. Here is information on these chemicals and which brands use them.
| Flame Retardant Material | Usage in Tent Fabrics | Health/Environmental Concerns | Brands Using This Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halogenated Flame Retardants (Brominated/Chlorinated) | Commonly used in older tent models, especially those made from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. | Linked to health issues such as endocrine disruption and environmental contamination due to bioaccumulation. | Older models from various mainstream brands (e.g., Coleman, cheaper tents in big box stores). |
| Phosphorus-Based Flame Retardants | Used in some modern tents as an alternative to halogenated compounds. Can be applied to synthetic fabrics. | Considered safer than halogenated retardants but still may pose risks to human health and the environment. | Some models from mainstream brands like REI or Big Agnes. |
| Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP) | Water-soluble, used in various fabrics and considered a relatively less toxic alternative for fire resistance. | May leach into water sources, and its long-term environmental impact is still under study. | Some eco-friendly tent models, but not widely used. |
| No Flame Retardants (Fire-retardant-free) | Tents made without chemical flame retardants, often using natural fire-resistant materials or treated for UV resistance instead. | No chemical flame retardants, reducing risks of health and environmental impact. However, some areas require flame resistance by law. | NEMO (Dagger OSMO), Hyperlite Mountain Gear, MSR, Tarptent, Zpacks, Mountain Hardware. |
| Polymeric Flame Retardants | Incorporated directly into the material during the manufacturing process, making the fabric itself resistant to flames. | Newer types of flame retardants; long-term health and environmental impact still under study. | Some tent models from newer or niche brands experimenting with safer alternatives. |
If you’re looking for fire-retardant-free options, look for brands like NEMO, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Mountain Hardware, and MSR. These brands are leading the way with sustainable, more non-toxic materials, though always check local regulations if you plan to camp in areas that require flame-resistant gear.
Water Proofing
| Material / Coating | Brands | Label to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Fluorocarbon-Free DWR | Fjällräven, Mammut, Houdini, NEMO | Look for labels like "PFC-free," "Fluorocarbon-free DWR," or "Eco-Shell" for water-resistant coatings. |
| Silipoly (Silicone-coated Polyester) | MSR (Mountain Safety Research), Hilleberg | Look for "Silicone-coated" or "Silipoly," or labels like "Siliconized Polyester". |
| Silnylon (Silicone-coated Nylon) | Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Sea to Summit | Look for "Silnylon" or "Siliconized Nylon" on the label for tents, rain covers, and ultralight gear. |
| Recycled Polyester (rPET) (water resistant) | Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia | Look for "Recycled Polyester" or "rPET," which indicates polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. |
Color Dyes
| Dye Type | Materials Used On | Health/Environmental Effects | Brands Using or Avoiding These Dyes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azo Dyes | Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and spandex. | Some azo dyes break down into carcinogenic compounds, contaminating water sources and persisting in the environment. | Many mainstream brands use azo dyes. Brands like Patagonia and Icebreaker avoid them or use safe alternatives. |
| Reactive Dyes | Natural fibers like cotton and wool. | Water-intensive and releases chemicals during production, which can harm aquatic life if untreated. | Brands like prAna and Tentree work to reduce their impact by using water-saving dyeing techniques. |
| Natural Dyes | Natural fibers like cotton, hemp, and wool. | Low environmental impact and biodegradable, but less colorfast and may fade faster than synthetic dyes. | Brands like Toad&Co, Pact, and small artisanal brands focus on using natural dyes for eco-friendly clothing. |
| Low-Impact Dyes | Used on both natural and synthetic fibers like cotton, polyester, and blends. | Reduced water and chemical use, certified to be safer for the environment and human health. Often Bluesign® or OEKO-TEX certified. | Brands like Patagonia, Fjällräven, and The North Face use Bluesign® or OEKO-TEX certified low-impact dyes. |
| Vat Dyes | Natural fibers like cotton and wool. | Highly water and chemical-intensive, especially in the processing stages, which can cause environmental harm if untreated. | Many mainstream brands still use vat dyes. Eco-conscious brands like Pact and Allbirds avoid vat dyes. |
| Acid Dyes | Protein fibers like wool, silk, and nylon. | Requires harsh chemicals, such as sulfuric acid. Can pollute water systems if untreated and may irritate skin if not properly rinsed. | Many mainstream brands use acid dyes, but brands like Icebreaker and Smartwool seek safer alternatives. |
| Solution-Dyed Polyester | Polyester and other synthetic fibers (dyed during the manufacturing process). | Far less water-intensive and produces less waste compared to traditional dyeing methods. Considered an eco-friendly option. | Brands like Patagonia, REI, Adidas, and Big Agnes use solution-dyed polyester for a reduced environmental footprint. |
It’s clear that the gear we choose not only impacts our performance but also has lasting effects on our health and the environment. I hope it doesnt always have to be this way.
Shopping with principles align with protecting both ourselves and the wilderness we love. Brands are increasingly offering fluorocarbon-free waterproofing, natural fibers like wool and hemp, and gear made with recycled materials. By seeking out these better options, we can not only reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals but also lessen our impact on the environment. There’s not a perfect solution out there, but as we start to purchase from brands that are more mindful, we create a demand for sustainable innovation, encouraging more companies to develop eco-friendly, health-conscious gear in the future.
So, as you gear up for your own adventures, consider making choices that are as thoughtful as the paths you plan to take. By supporting more sustainable materials and practices, we can ensure that the wilderness remains a place of beauty and refuge—not just for us, but for future generations. Happy trails, and may your journey into the wild be a little lighter, in every sense of the word.
