50+ Best Eco Friendly Gifts For your outdoor enthusiast 2021
In partnership with REI
All images in this blog were captured by Mitchel Jones.
Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list is a tall order in itself but adding in the environmental impact of holiday gifting makes it seem nearly impossible. So, I put in a little bit of the leg work and curated a list of 50+ (and one minus) gifts in partnership with REI that are functional, stylish and have the planet in mind for everyone on your list. Cozy layers, pieces for the adventurers on your list, items for the home and away and a few gifts that pack easily for those out-of-town holiday guests.
Before we get started, I j wanted to note that one of the most sustainable ways to shop this holiday season (and year round) is by buying high quality pre-loved gear. The items on this guide were carefully selected to stand the test of time and live in your home or backpack for years to come - but sometimes we (physically or by way of changing geographical locations or interests) outgrow our gear. Check out REI good & used for both great gear that someone on your list could give a second life at a very discounted cost as well as somewhere to re-home gear that no longer serves you and make some extra money for the season.
For those extra chilly mornings in the alpine (summer, winter and everything in-between), morning walks with your dog or quick trips to pick up a cup of coffee. A few of my go-to layers and a new-this-year to me affordable and earth friendly backpacking backpack. Click the images below to shop.
*Lightweight recycled nylon shell, Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, Advanced Global Traceable goose down certified by NSF International
My big 2021 purchase was this jacket. I have worn it in the Canadian Arctic, through the French, Swiss and Austrian alps, in the Canadian Rockies and the Italian Dolomites and for chilly sunrises and sunsets along the California coast. It is oversized (meant to fit over a base layer, thinner down and rain jacket) and has ample pockets. I love this jacket - think about sizing down in it if you want a more fitted fit.
*100% recycled, double-sided, high-pile shearling fleece, Fair Trade Certified™ sewing, bluesign® certified
I ordered this for myself while writing this gift guide and haven’t taken it off since it arrived.
* Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
I own an old version of this set from 2018. I've worn it on countless adventures over the last few years and it's still going strong. It is warm and soft (I have a mild wool allergy and this seems fine for me) and great as camp PJs in the summer and a base layer that breathes really nicely and does not smell after a day of playing in the snow.
*Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
*Durable, recycled, bluesign®-approved ripstop nylon ensures a long life.
New to me this year, I love this backpack (check out my packing IGTV to see it in action) and am excited to use it more. The brain detaches into a daypack and it comes with a rain cover included!
*note these are the only item on this list that does not contain any eco-friendly certification. However, one of my most asked for items and as with any REI purchase from the co-op you are supporting REI’s environmental initiatives.
Some outsourcing of knowledge was done for this section - a few no-regrets pieces that my outdoorsman swears by. All with the health of our planet in mind. Click the images below to shop.
*Heavyweight flannel is made with organically grown cotton, 60g Thermogreen polyester fiber insulation is 90% recycled and continues to insulate even if it gets damp.
*Lightweight recycled ripstop shell, Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, Advanced Global Traceable goose down certified by NSF International
I ordered this for myself (in women’s) and knew my partner would be envious so I picked one up for him as well. Now we wear them in the mountains and around the city together and are those people.
*meets bluesign® criteria
In all honesty this is a gift for everyone, I use these both at camp (when space and weight permits) as well as at the beach watching sunset drinking a cold Spindrift or mug of hot chocolate.
*Body fabric, lining fabric and webbing are all recycled material, meets bluesign® criteria
We use a series of Black Hole Duffel bags to store our gear during the backpacking season. They are extremely durable ( a 100L version is what I bring on all long haul flights with my backpacking gear) and water resistant which makes packing for a road trip or camping trip much less stressful.
*Made from recycled , bluesign® approved polyester with Fair Trade Certified™ sewing
These base layers were what I found rooting around my partner’s hiking closet. He swears by them and even after a full week of backpacking they still smell (reasonably) alright.
*Merino wool content (87% merino wool) is ZQ-Certified to help ensure environmental, social and economic sustainability while safeguarding animal welfare
For cabins in the woods, mornings before the heat kicks in and days that getting out of the tent is labour some. Mostly sweaters and socks and my most comfortable (non-athletic) tights to WFH and lounge like an expert in. Click the images below to shop - they all come in an array of colours.
*100% recycled adventure-ready ripstop uppers, 100% recycled polyester rib-knit collars, 50% recycled polyester collapsible heels, 100% recycled polyester microfibre linings, 50% recycled EVA midsoles, 50% recycled rubber outsoles
These were a gift from my partner’s mom last Christmas and I have fallen in LOVE with them. The heel snaps down for a slide on function or can be worn more secure in “sport mode”. They wipe down really easily and the sole is extra grippy and non-marking (it does not leave scuff marks on hard surfaces).
* Made from 85% recycled polyester
I could not find a photo of this jacket not on a model… and then elated I wear it 5/7 day of the week and opt’d for an image when I packed it with my to Europe. I have had this jacket for a few years now and it is a staple.
* Made from 87% recycled polyester
I would not consider these an athletic tight. But a sunset on the beach, walking the dog (I wish) and curling up on the couch - they have the most comfortable waist band so you can have triple helpings of Christmas dinner.
Made from 30% recycled fleece
I own this in a dusty rose colour from 2019 and rarely leave home for more than a day without it.
Sunday football, after work video games, extra casual Fridays in the (home) office and layers to wear when curling up on the couch with their someone special. Click the images below to shop for your guy best friend, partner, brothers or dad. Also I am aware that a pizza oven is not a layer BUT if used correctly perhaps you will build your own little layer of insulation.
*100% recycled sweatshirt is made using 24 plastic bottles and 0.7 lbs. of cotton scrap, using 95% less water and producing 53% less CO2 than a conventional cotton sweatshirt and is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
*Made from 88% recycled polyester
I purchased these for my partner in 2019 and all of his other sweatpants have been neglected ever since.
*100% recycled adventure-ready ripstop uppers, 100% recycled polyester rib-knit collars, 50% recycled polyester collapsible heels, 100% recycled polyester microfibre linings, 50% recycled EVA midsoles, 50% recycled rubber outsoles
I received these as a gift from REI and my partner was so envious I had to go out and pick him up a pair as well.
*Made of 100% recycled polyester jersey-backed micro-pile fleece; reversible construction offers wearing versatility and is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
*Ooni is a member of 1% for the Planet as well as Eden Reforestation Projects!
Let’s be honest, a pizza oven, this gift gives 1% to the planet and 100% to everyone who gets to enjoy delicious pizza.
*Made using merino wool certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which requires that sheep are treated in accordance with leading animal welfare standards
I don’t have children, but my favourite thing about spending time with my nephews and my god son is seeing them experience the outdoors for the first time. So why not equip them with gear that helps protect the planet. A series of sustainable gifts that keep your little ones warm while also lessening their environmental impact. Click the images below to shop mindfully.
*Made with 30% recycled polyester fleece
*Made with 30% recycled polyester fleece
*Features 100% recycled fill, stitched eyes and noses, and no plastic whiskers, beans, glitter or sequins
*100% recycled polyester fabric, meets bluesign® criteria, is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
*Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory using bluesign®-approved materials, which conserve resources and protect the health of the environment, workers and wearer (your kid!)
An affordable set of base layers for your little. Made with odor resistant materials for extra adventurous kids and UPF 50+ for their time outside in the sun.
*Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory using bluesign®-approved materials, which conserve resources and protect the health of the environment, workers and wearer (your kid!)
*100% recycled adventure-ready ripstop uppers, 50% recycled polyester collapsible heels, 100% recycled polyester microfibre linings, 50% recycled EVA midsoles, 50% recycled rubber outsoles
Not every day is an outdoors day and that is more than okay. Some weekends are made fro relaxing inside, spending quality time with loved ones and bringing the outdoors in. These pieces help with that! Click the images below to shop.
*Weather-resistant recycled 30-denier ripstop polyester shell, NanoLoft® insulation is made from post consumer recycled fibers designed to trap warmth and preserve heat, designed to mimic the effects and properties of down
I was gifted this blanket from my partner after stealing his every morning before the heat kicked in while I was sipping coffee. I am currently wearing it as a cape as I type this out. It is a staple for me at home, during long road trips and on (car) camping adventures. It is marine washable (see my care guide for the how-to) and is durable.
1,000-piece puzzles features a glare-free, matte image printed on premium recycled archival paper.
Sales of these parks candles help support the National Park Foundation and their commitment to protect, conserve and preserve 84 million acres of national park land
Recyclable and compostable all-paper packaging eliminates plastic waste, 1 HiBAR is equivalent to 16 fl. oz. of liquid shampoo or conditioner reducing water waste and shipping weight.
A few items to keep your road-tripper organized and entertained. To read great stories, write their own and explore a new park (or two or ten). Click the images below to shop.
*Recycled polyester is rugged, abrasion resistant and water resistant—and keeps waste out of landfills and meets the bluesign® criteria, the world's leading system for managing the environmental and human health impacts of textile manufacturing
*Contains recycled materials
*bluesign® certified Recycled nylon shell and recycled polyester lining
36. Teva Original Universal Sandals
*REPREVE® recycled polyester webbing uppers are extremely durable and dry quickly after getting wet; REPREVE polyester is made from recycled plastic bottles
37. US National Park Pass (or Canadian here)
Give the gift of countless memories.
Some of my go-to coffee items for away. From home days coffee is an innately unsustainable industry but by making conscious steps like supporting roasters with solid economic and environmental practises and always remembering your reusable mug you can lessen your impact. Click the images below to shop.
Through their Farmlevel initiative, Verve is committed to sustainable growing practices, paying fair prices, sourcing directly from farmers and preserving heirloom varieties
I may be biased, but this is my home town roaster and the coffee subscription I receive every month. Rosso is also committed to fair coffee growing practises for the farmers and the planet. Great coffee, supporting a small local business and protecting our planet as well as treating farmers right. Seems like an all around win.
40. Stanley Pour Over Set
Covered by the Stanley Built for Life™ limited lifetime warranty this product not only reduces paper waste (no filter required!) but also will last at last as long as you do
Covered by Hydro Flask lifetime warranty this mug will eliminate your need for single use coffee cups forever.
As an aspiring cold weather runner, these are on my list this year. Some tights that will protect my legs, layers upon layers upon layers and a pair of gloves that will keep my hands warm while also letting me hit repeat on that latest Taylor Swift album. Click the images below to shop.
*Made from 79% recycled polyester/21% spandex power-stretch knit; mesh: 89% recycled nylon/11% spandex, Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
*Made from 68% recycled nylon/15% polyester/17% spandex, Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
*Polartec Power Stretch Pro fleece (53% polyester/38% nylon/9% spandex; all bluesign® approved)
*Made from 91% polyester/9% spandex grid-back fleece (bluesign®-approved)
*Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
*Merino wool content is ZQ-certified to help ensure environmental, social and economic sustainability while safeguarding animal welfare
And finally, I refer to this more as the out of towers. For whom packing a large gift on an airplane home is a pain, some thoughtful but carry on luggage friendly gifts. Click the images below to shop.
*Tritan Renew™ is crafted from next-generation recycled resin that transforms plastic destined for landfills into high-performance, BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free bottles, REI Co-op will donate 10% of this item's sales to the REI Cooperative Action Fund, which makes grants to nonprofits that promote justice, equity and belonging in the outdoors
*Ingredients are organic and sustainably sourced, Plastic-free packaging reduces impact on the environment
Alpine Provisions will donate 5% of sales to support Colorado Outward Bound School Scholarship you tell your story online can make all the difference.
*Merino wool content is ZQ-certified to help ensure environmental, social and economic sustainability while safeguarding animal welfare
*Body fabric, lining fabric and webbing are all recycled material, Body fabric is certified as bluesign® approved
*REPREVE® rePETe™ PET is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
*Made from reclaimed and remolded polyethylene foam
In addition to reducing manufacturing waste, reprocessing scraps also changes the properties of the foam to make it more resilient and comfortable as a seat
Reprocessed manufacturing ensures no 2 Chipper pads are the same; each displays fun and unique patterns with bits and pieces of remnant Switchback pad foam visible throughout
Packaging is also made with 100% recycled material
Protected by the NEMO Lifetime Warranty
Click below to read the sustainability policies and commitments of the brands featured in this gift guide:
*Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made - at no additional cost to you. As always, all ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Thank you for your support!
