UNTIL RECENTLY, I did not make the connection between a synthetic jacket and a barrel of crude oil. But now I know: The vast majority of polyester is a petroleum-based plastic. Fifty-seven million tons-more than any other fiber in the world-were produced in 2020 alone, according to the Textile Exchange, an international consortium of manufacturers. Few sectors are as reliant on fossil fuel-derived fabrics as the outdoor industry: Hikers need their insulation to stay warm when it's wet, rain jackets to shed water in a downpour, and backpacks to survive the rough-and-tumble without turning into Swiss cheese.
Fortunately, many outdoor enthusiasts are quicker on the uptake than I am, and are demanding that outdoor brands muster some semblance of environmental cred in order to maintain consumer loyalty. In recent years, apparel-makers-even those that didn't necessarily identify as "eco-friendly outdoor brands" – have shifted to products made from recycled fishing nets, PFC-free water repellents, and biodegradable jackets. Patagonia, the original fleece king, now makes 87 percent of its polyester from repurposed plastic bottles.
"We are a brand that famously started from polyester fleece," says Nicholas Hartley, Patagonia's fleece expert. "It would be really detrimental for us to leave that space and say, 'Hey, it has petroleum in it, it's not the best thing.' We need to stay and work with the industry to make it better."
Denne historien er fra Spring 2022-utgaven av Backpacker.
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Denne historien er fra Spring 2022-utgaven av Backpacker.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HORROR
CANADA’S MOST REVERED BACKPACKING TRAIL WAS BORN OUT OF A GHASTLY MISFORTUNE
TRUE NORTH
In pictures, Greenland's backcountry ski terrain looks spectacular. In person? It's even better.
WHEN THE FOREST IS AN ESCAPE
The Outdoors Is Powerful Medicine And The Refugee Women's Network Is Helping Displaced Hikers Get Back To It
The Gear that Changed Backpacking Forever
Trend-setters and trailblazers from the last 50 years
Timeless Adventures
In celebration of 50 years of trail beta and inspiration, we look back on our favorite spots through the moments we chose to capture.
Let The Rivers Run Free
A set of 10 bills currently in Congress will protect 7,000 miles of American waterways— if they pass.
Thru-Hiking, Canadian Style
When the pandemic shut down my plans to hike Europe, I found a world-class trail right on my doorstep.
Training Station
There's a great new wearable for every kind of athletic goal
CBD for Your Pain
Everyone feels the hurt as we age, but CBD can help you deal with it.
Home Base
These shelters score major comfort points