Hunting for a sustainable waterproof jacket or base layer? A new study has revealed that Patagonia is the 'most circular' fashion brand around. That means it doesn't just make it easier for you to recycle your worn-out hiking gear, but also helps you take better care of what you have, rent what you don't need to buy, and even pick up clothing second-hand to reduce waste.
The North Face came in third place, just behind Levi's, which also sells pre-worn clothing to give it a second life. The study, carried out by independent consultancy firm Kearney, looked at everything from the choice of raw materials to how pieces of clothing are disposed of at the end of their life.
There's still room for improvement (Patagonia scored 8.5 out of 10), but both it and The North Face did better than last year.
Reducing your impact
Of course, the most sustainable option is to make the most of the clothes and gear you already own, and you might be surprised just how much you can mend yourself at home. It's also far cheaper than buying new, which is more important than ever right now.
Whether you're a hiker or a runner, repairing socks is one of the simplest things you can try. All you'll need is some suitably thick thread, a needle, and something like a golf ball or even a pebble to keep the sock in the proper shape while you mend it.
It's also possible to repair a sleeping bag, whether the zipper has stuck or it's developed a hole (adhesive gear patches are extremely useful to have), and you can patch a down jacket to prevent it leaking feathers.
