The next puffy or rain coat you buy could be the wave of the future for outdoor retailers.
Americans buy an estimated 50 billion plastic drink bottles every year, and the US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 29.1 percent of PET plastic bottles—the kind most typically containing water, juice, and carbonated drinks—were recycled in 2017. In the same year, 31.2 percent of HDPE bottles—a heavier, firmer plastic—were recycled.
Where did the rest go? Incinerators, roadsides, rivers, the ocean.
And maybe the coat you’re wearing.
Outdoor outdoor gear manufacturers are increasingly turning to recycled plastic for clothing and sleeping bags. They’re also reselling clothing and gear that has been returned, selling as is, or refurbishing it.
Here’s a look at some recycled options.
Patagonia
The NanoPuff Hoody uses 100 percent recycled synthetic insulation, with a 100 percent recycled shell. 12.8 ounces.
Patagonia recycles bottles, manufacturing waste, and worn-out garments into polyester fibers to produce clothing that includes Capilene base layers, shell jackets, board shorts, and fleece.
Recycling goes beyond plastics at Patagonia. The company reuses down from cushions, bedding, and other used items that can’t be resold, and recycles wool for clothing.
Patagonia says that 84 percent of its polyester fabrics in the fall 2020 clothing lines are made with recycled polyester.
Mountain Hardwear
The Ghost Whisperer 2 hoody uses a 100% recycled, ultralight ripstop outer shell fabric, and goose down insulation. 8.8 ounces.
The Ghost Shadow uses 70% recycled PrimaLoft insulation, and post-consumer waste for the outer layer and zippers. Total package: 88% recycled materials. The company says that’s five fewer PET bottles destined for a landfill. 11.7 ounces.
The North Face
The ThermoBall Eco Hoody is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. 15 ounces.
The North Face also restores used clothing for its Renewed line.
Marmot
The PreCip Eco jacket uses 100 percent recycled nylon ripstop for the outer layer. 10.58 ounces.
The Minimalist jacket’s fabric is 100 percent recycled polyster. 14.9 ounces.
Big Agnes
The company’s sleeping bags with synthetic insulation made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester include the Lost Dog, Big Creek, and Sunbeam lines. The 30-degree Sunbeam regular weighs 2 pounds, 1 ounce; the 30 degree Lost Dog regular weighs 3 pounds; and the 30 degree Big Creek, a sleeping bag for two, weighs 4 pounds, 6 ounces.
The Shovelhead jacket has a 100 percent shell and lining, with down insulation. 1 pound, 2 ounces.
REI
The 650 Down Hoodie uses recycled materials, but REI does not specify what materials are recycled.
REI also sells recycled outdoor gear and clothing.