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As we lace up our boots and set out into the wilderness, more of us are thinking about the impact of our gear on the environment. Sustainable hiking backpacks are now a big part of outdoor gear design, since they combine eco-friendly materials with ethical manufacturing practices.
Let’s explore some trailblazers in the industry that are making backpacks that help us tread a little more lightly on the earth when we venture into the great beyond.
Why Choose A Sustainable Hiking Backpack?
When you choose a sustainably made hiking backpack, you’re opting for a product that prioritizes environmental responsibility. These backpacks are typically crafted from recycled materials, such as repurposed plastics or organic fibers, which reduces the burden on natural resources.
This approach is an improvement over conventional hiking backpacks, which often use new synthetic materials made from non-renewable resources like petroleum. The production of these conventional materials can be energy-intensive and emit significant greenhouse gases.
In terms of durability, sustainably made backpacks often match or even exceed the longevity of conventional ones. Sustainable manufacturers tend to focus on quality and durability to minimize waste and the need to frequently replace your backpack. This longer lifespan means that over time, you’re likely to consume fewer resources.
Sustainable hiking gear tends to come from companies that support fair labor practices and ethical sourcing. This means that when you buy a sustainable backpack, you’re not only contributing to environmental conservation. You’re also supporting responsible labor practices.
So in sum, if you’re choosing a sustainable backpack, you’re making a statement about your values and encouraging the hiking gear industry to move towards more environmentally friendly practices. This consumer-driven demand will hopefully lead to more significant changes in how products are made, ultimately benefiting the planet.
5 Top Picks for Sustainable Hiking Backpacks
Here are some of the highest quality hiking backpacks made by reputable companies that prioritize sustainability.
1. Osprey
Osprey has been a pioneer in backpack design for over 40 years, and their commitment to sustainability is no different. They launched the Arcane Series, which is made entirely from recycled materials, without sacrificing the durability and ergonomics their hiking backpacks are known for. They use Bluesign-approved fabrics and avoid restricted chemicals that bluesign deems unsafe in their manufacturing.
The Bluesign system ensures that approved fabrics have been produced with the lowest possible impact on people and the environment, adhering to rigorous production standards. Products with the Bluesign certification are made with safe chemicals and materials, with resource-efficient manufacturing processes and under the highest levels of workplace safety.
Another thing that sets Osprey apart is their All Mighty Guarantee, through which they’ll repair any damaged product. This kind of guarantee extends the life of your backpack and helps reduce landfill waste.
I’ve use my Osprey hiking backpack for air travel as a carry-on bag. It holds a ton of items and clothing (it almost seems bottomless when you’re packing it), and has lots of organizational pockets and straps to help you stay sane, which has been helpful while traveling with kids.
2. Patagonia
Patagonia’s ethos also revolves around environmental stewardship. Their Black Hole Bag Series is made out of 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. These bags come in several different sizes based on how much you are looking to store and haul along the trail.
Patagonia is a founding member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and has committed to a self-imposed Earth tax, aka 1% for the Planet, to support environmental nonprofits. By integrating transparency into their supply chain, they ensure that their high-quality sustainable hiking backpacks come with a minimal ecological footprint.
3. Deuter UP Series
Deuter’s dedication to eco-friendly practices can be found in their sustainable UP backpack series, for which they use 100% recycled bluesign-approved fabrics and PFC-free water and dirt repellents.
*Note that not all of Deuter’s backpacks are as eco-friendly as this series is, so if you’re looking for truly eco-friendly gear made from recycled fabrics, you’ll want to stick to this line of “UP” sustainable hiking backpacks.
Deuter’s backpacks are very high quality and long lasting. The company also have a great repair promise, in which they’ll repair any Deuter pack, no matter when you bought it, free of charge. This in itself is an eco-friendly practice because you don’t need to buy a new bag if yours ever gets damaged.
4. Fjällräven
Fjällräven’s iconic rucksacks have a Scandinavian design, and their G-1000 fabric is a testament to their sustainable manufacturing. It’s made from recycled polyester and organic cotton. The company uses recycled wool, organic hemp and Tencel, recycled polyester, and cotton. They also avoid using PFCs, PVC, and angora wool (which often harms the rabbits it comes from).
The Kånken Re-Wool Backpack is a sustainable spin on their classic model, made from recycled wool. Fjällräven also guarantees traceability in their wool supply chain, which supports animal welfare and reduces environmental impact.
Fjällräven is part of the Fair Labor Association (FLA). Its focus is on promoting workers’ rights and improving working conditions globally.
5. Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi makes vibrant backpacks that offer great storage and are comfy to wear. Their Del Día Collection (above) is made from remnants of other companies’ materials, which gives new life to fabric that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
By 2025, the company aims to use recycled, repurposed, and responsibly sourced materials in all of their products. Right now, they say that 94% of their products contain repurposed, recycled, or environmentally responsible materials.
Hike More Sustainably By Supporting Eco-Friendly Companies
The call of nature is inseparable from the need to protect it. Fortunately, some companies are stepping up to the challenge by providing environmentally sustainable products that help ensure our adventures leave behind nothing but footprints.
From upcycled materials to ethical labor practices, these brands walk the talk when it comes to sustainable manufacturing. So next time you’re gearing up for the trail, consider a backpack that holds not just your supplies but also a commitment to our planet.
Along with sustainably-made backpacks, you can also explore more eco-friendly options for tents, sleeping bags, and camping pads without flame retardant chemicals.
