If you've ever been hiking down the trail and felt an extraordinary sense of connection to your surroundings, you've experienced a deepening of your spiritual relationship to nature. This feeling may have come in the form of clarity and awe for what you were seeing- maybe a lone giant red cedar you've never noticed before or the sapphire sparkle in the feathers of some unknown to you bird singing away with no care in the world. You may have started to feel as if you were welcome, as if that giant cedar was going to wrap its mighty boughs around you as if you were already home. Or maybe it was just a fleeting feeling- one you couldn't really put your finger on except that you felt uplifted and maybe even joyous. If you're like most of us, you enjoy these feelings you get on the trail but usually forget about them once you're off the trail and back to your busy life.
Hiking is a beautiful conduit for deepening your spiritual relationship with nature. It creates a space to move through nature in a natural state. Hiking forces us to slow down and become mindful of our surroundings and how we are feeling. It allows us to connect deeper to ourselves. Below, we share three ways to deepen your spiritual connection to nature with hiking from our I Am the Wild Experience.

Perspective-taking:
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We view the world from our limited perspective shaped by our life experiences, values, the current state of mind, assumptions, and other factors. Our perspective is our own unique view and is completely different from anyone else's because we have all lived different lives and had different experiences from each other. It is a limited perspective because we would never be able to experience everything everyone else has experienced. While it might be limited, we are always able to expand our perspectives through new experiences. Perspective-taking is a skill in which we can take the perspective of someone else, or this case, something else.
On your next hike, find a place in nature where you can watch from nature's perspective. Maybe you can find a soft spot to lay down and gaze at the sky as if you are a blade of grass. Or hike to the highest point in your area and look down at everything below you, like a butterfly or bird. Nature, unlike us, has an unlimited perspective. It hasn't been shaped by all things, like beliefs and values, that we have been. Nature just is- it's in a natural state always. Finding this natural state and taking on nature's unlimited perspective is a spectacular way for us to expand ourselves while connecting even deeper spiritually with nature.

​Embrace Stillness:

Most of us are busy all the time. It seems we always have something to do (usually multiple things) and rarely have time to slow down and be still. In fact, most of us probably can't be still even when we have the time. Our minds wander, we get antsy, and we end up diving into the next item on our to-do list. We rarely live in the moment, thinking about things we did in the past or worrying about what could happen in the future.
Being still is a practice in mindfulness that allows us to remain in the present moment, gain clarity, move from a state of "doing" to a state of "being," find a deeper awareness, personal insight, and higher connection. When we practice mindfulness and live in the present moment, we embrace the very essence of nature. Nature never worries about the past or what might happen in the future; it remains in the present moment at all times.
Find a place on your hike where you can sit and be comfortable. Maybe bring a small cushion or blanket to sit on. Once you find a comfortable position, take a few deep cleansing breaths and start to tune into everything around you. Feel the air on your skin and face; listen to the sound it makes as it rustles the leaves above your head. Watch the grass move in brilliant formation as the air pushes it against the ground. Listen to the birds sing to each other from the tops of the trees and watch them fly from branch to branch looking for their next meal. Feel the warmth from the sun shining down on your face and look at how it highlights the petals on the flowers around you. If your mind wanders and thoughts come in, watch them float away on the clouds above you and come back to the present moment. If you become antsy, reposition yourself to find your focus on nature around you so you are comfortable again. Practice this for as long as you can, but at least 30 minutes.

​Breathe:
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Breathing is the strongest way we experience a symbiotic relationship with nature. We experience reciprocity in the form of the oxygen we breathe in and the carbon dioxide we breathe out. When we breathe in oxygen into our lungs, carbon bonds to the oxygen creating the carbon dioxide we exhale. Plants breathe in this carbon dioxide, break the carbon away, and in turn, release oxygen which we breathe back in. To continue living, we exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide back and forth between one another all of the time. We both cannot survive without this beautiful and perfect relationship.
Find a place on your hike where you can sit comfortably for at least 20 minutes. Feel free to bring a blanket to lay on or a pad to sit on. You will want to be comfortable. Practice the following breath technique:

Breath Focus

• While you do deep breathing, use a picture in your mind and imagine your exhales giving life to the plants and trees around you.
• Close your eyes.
• Take a few big, deep breaths.
• Breathe in. As you do that, imagine that the air is filled with a sense of peace and calm. Try to feel it throughout your body.
• Breathe out. While you're doing it, imagine that the air leaves with life for the plants and trees around you.
• Continue for at least 20 minutes.​
  

If you'd like access to the full I Am The Wild Experience which includes 30 activities in nature to deepen your spiritual relationship to nature and yourself, sign up here.

There is a special kind of magic that ensues when you get a copy of the latest issue of your favorite magazine, curl up in your comfiest chair with your favorite cup of hot tea, and flip open the cover. The crisp pages, the smell of freshly printed ink, and the vivid photos take you to another place far away from your hot tea and a comfy chair. With each issue we release, we get quite a few people asking if they can purchase a print version of the magazine and our answer, unfortunately, but firmly, is no.

As much as we would love to see our magazine in beautiful print, hold it in our hands, and smell the fresh ink, we made a hard decision in the beginning stages to not go to print. This decision was one we researched heavily and was based on our values and not finances. The bottom line is magazines make the majority of their money selling ad space, not selling actual magazines. Advertisers like to know that their ad will be seen in "x" number of magazines sitting pretty on store shelves. The number of magazines printed determines ad prices- not sold, and some magazines print way more copies than they know they will sell because of this. Because of this system, it is much harder to "sell" a digital magazine ad than a printed ad, and it is harder to quantify the digital value to potential advertisers.
 
So, what are some of the impacts printed magazines have on our environment?
 
While some magazines may be printed from trees grown specifically for printing, recycled paper, and/or some eco-friendly processes, the industry isn't considered "green." From the water, pesticides, and herbicides needed to grow the trees, the chemicals used in the processing plant, the toxic inks used for printing, the greenhouse gas emissions accumulated from transporting the magazines, and the waste after the magazines are used, there are environmental issues in each stage of the production. One of the most eye-opening discoveries we found was the sheer number of magazines that do not sell (up to 3 out of 4 as told by a magazine "insider). We wanted to know what happens to the magazines that don't sell at stores, and it turns out, they get boxed up and sent to a landfill or to be recycled, never to be enjoyed by someone sipping tea in their comfy chair.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 2.5 million tons of magazines are thrown away each year in the U.S. The magazines that are not recycled take up precious space in landfills, and as they compost, methane gas is released as a natural part of the decaying process. This methane gas is natural, but too much of it in the atmosphere can contribute to global warming. The magazines also contribute to creating leachate, contaminated liquid made from water percolating through a solid waste disposal site, accumulating contaminants, and moving into subsurface areas like our groundwater. The inks used in printing on paper, especially color inks from magazines, are incredibly toxic.
​
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) claims 63.4% of paper is recycled in the U.S. However, other agencies have refuted these numbers and are said to be somewhere between 20% and 40%. These numbers are for all paper types, including magazines. Much of the recycled paper in the U.S. gets shipped to China, where it is recycled into cardboard packaging for the products that China sends back and sells here. So, we're printing magazines that don't get read to send on a ship to China to get recycled into packaging for more stuff we don't need to be sent back to us? MIND BLOWN!!!

We hope you can see why we decided to go digital.
​
But we understand that nothing is perfect, and there are impacts a digital magazine has on the environment too. The energy used to power and store digital magazine does create C02, plus the device you are reading your magazine on takes a ton of resources to make. But we understand you will have your phone or tablet regardless of whether or not we create a digital magazine. We also hope to invest in more sustainable and renewable energy sources to offset the C02 produced with current sources.
 
While we might be different in the way we do things, we see the future and it is digital- it has to be digital. We also knew from the beginning our magazine would be free for anyone who wants to read it and going digital alleviates some of the pressure to sell magazines to help cover the cost of printing. We believe the information we are putting out isn't just for the privileged, it is for everyone. Don’t get me wrong, we do sell magazine ads and packages for advertisers who see value in what we provide with a little twist. For each full-page ad we sell, we choose a non-profit or start-up company we can get behind and gift them a free full-page ad. It's our version of "Buy One Get One," and we do it because it makes us feel good, and it supports the community who has supported us. We believe there are much bigger and more important things than just selling ads.
 
Is digital perfect? No. Is it a good option? Yes. At the very least, we can feel good about what we're doing here on many levels. So, while you may never hold an issue of Hike It Off Magazine in your hand, you can still get comfy in the chair with your hot tea and tablet and be taken to the trail far from you just as easy as if you were holding paper in your hand.  

We thought we would clear this up once and for all with a simple description of the differences between Yaktrax, Micro Spikes, and Crampons. Knowing the differences and how to use each one correctly and in the right conditions is necessary for any winter hiking where ice is involved. I know first-hand the extensive damage to our body that can happen with just a simple slip on the trail. Knowing what gear and how to use it for different conditions will help lessen the chance of traumatic injuries or death. Winter hiking is something to take seriously.

Yaktrax

Yaktrax makes multiple “traction device” options for “serious grip in any condition.” From their simplest option, the Spike-less Pro, to their “Summit” option, which they market as “a heavy-duty traction device that is essential for any winter hike or backcountry excursion,” it may seem that you can buy a pair of any of these and start hiking up an icy mountain. Unfortunately, as excellent as they seem, Yaktrax do have some limits.
The “Spike-less Pro” version is their patented skid lock coil system. They are their least aggressive system with no spikes. While they work well walking from your house to your mailbox in icy conditions, they are not suited for the trail unless completely flat with no exposure (exposure is a part of a trail that has a high risk of injury in the event of a fall because of the steepness of the terrain). They are perfect for keeping in your car to use when you need to put your chains on heading up the mountain as they are easy to slip on your boots.

Spike-less Pro Uses:
Flat surfaces with no exposure. Perfect for in town or around your house. Keep a pair in your car for putting on your snow chains on your way up the mountain. Use for packed snow or ice.  They can be used with any shoes/boots.

Microspikes
​
Microspikes such as the Kahtoola MICROspikes or Yaktrax Summit have a bit more “bite” than the Yaktrax Pro because of the added spikes. The Yaktrax Summit’s 3/8th inch triangular Carbon Steel Spikes help bite into packed snow and ice better than the coil system on the Spike-less Pro’s. However, even with the additional grip, the spikes have limits and should not be used on super steep inclines, icy rocks, or aggressive slopes covered in ice. The Kahtoola MICROspikes have twelve stainless steel spikes that help dig into packed snow/ ice. Their welded stainless-steel chains offer added traction in the snow while remaining flexible and highly packable. They are my go-to choice for most of the winter trails I hike in my area.

Microspike Uses:
Can be used on flat, semi-sloped/ mild incline, and slightly steeper trails with packed snow/ice. Perfect for adding extra traction to your normal hiking boots/trail runners. Use for packed snow or ice with low exposure. Can be used with any shoes/boots.

Crampons:

Crampons are used when you move across high angled packed snow/ice, icy rocks, glaciers, when you need more solid footing not to slide, and to hold your full body weight. Crampons do not “give” as microspikes do, so they are a sturdy option in harsher and more exposed conditions. They can also be used to climb vertical ice if they have front-toe spikes. They are used in conjunction with an ice ax. Specialized training to gain the proper skills and knowledge is recommended for terrain where crampons are needed.  

Crampon Uses:
Can be used on highly angled icy slopes with exposure, vertical ice (if they have toe spikes), and ice-covered rocks.  Can hold your body weight. Must be used with stiff shanked mountaineering boots made to work with crampons. There are many different kinds of crampon styles depending on what you are using them for (vertical ice climbing vs. crossing a glacier).

With winter gear, you get what you pay for. Skimping on winter gear is something I would never recommend. You don’t want equipment failure to happen when you are miles from your car, and the trail is icy. You don’t want to risk injury and have to sit on the side of the trail in freezing conditions. There is a lot more to think about and be prepared for in the winter. To gain the necessary skills needed for winter hiking, consider taking a basic winter mountain skills course such as this one from Sierra Mountain Guides.

We wanted to share some of the photos from our recent snow shoe trip to Palomar Mountain State Park. It was so magical! If you'd like to learn more about the park, check out this blog post. 

We really enjoyed testing KÜHL®’s Men’s RENEGADE™ AFIRE CHINO pants. Normally we would jump straight to the technical hiking pants, like when we tested the Women’s Weekndr Tight Leggings, but we wanted to see how a pair of their more casual hiking pants would perform. We ended up choosing the RENEGADE™ AFIRE CHINO based on the reviews for being comfortable, durable while having a great fit, and being a great crossover pant- a pant you can wear to work and hiking.
These pants literally fit every description we read from KÜHL® and the close to 150 five-star reviews on their website. These pants are just that- a comfortable, casual pant that are perfect to wear to the office or out for a hike. They live up to KÜHL®’s reputation for making durable, comfortable, and unrestricted clothing. They fit great, are lightweight, and have easy care- just wash and wear. They don’t wrinkle, water beads right off them, and the UPF 50 sun protection is a must have. The seven pockets (yes seven) are useful on and off the trail. These pants will make amazing travel pants once we are able to travel again. 

​If you didn’t get the chance to read our last KÜHL® review, here’s a little bit about the company:
KÜHL® was born in the snow-covered peaks of the Wasatch Mountains and is proud to be an independent company with no shareholders or VC investors. They do not pay celebrities or athletes for promotion- they just create great products that speak for themselves. Living in the harsh weather and challenging conditions of the mountains was a learning experience that taught them if you’re courageous, remain humble, stay hungry, are kind to your community, then the independents will thrive. They know their livelihood depends on people like us and our satisfaction with their product and they never forget that.
Their goal is to create gear that works as hard as we do. Some of the features they do well are articulated knees, gussets, stretch panels, reinforced pockets, and cuffs all designed to create a longer life. Their clothing is designed to move with the person wearing it. They also source responsibly, provide a higher quality of living for all involved, and make their products with the least amount of environmental impact.

​What we liked best about the pants:
Wrinkle Free
Zippered Back Pockets
Great Fit
Super Comfortable
Durable Fabric
Freedom of Movement

ADVANCED FABRICS
Fabric: DURALUX™ 95% Nylon, 5% Spandex with Water Resistant Finish | 5.0 oz/sq. yd; 170 GSM
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Machine wash cold with like colors, no bleach, tumble dry low
 
DIFFERENT BY DESIGN
Reflective tape in back pockets for use while commuting
Bottom cuffs cinch
Reflective tape inside bottom cuff
Bottom knee darts for articulation
Gusseted crotch
Seven pockets: two front chino style, one coin pocket, two back and two stealth cell phone
Bottom opening: 14”
 
DIFFERENT BY CONSTRUCTION
Tapered fit
Water resistant finish
Durable two-way stretch fabric has great hand and dries quickly thanks to water resistant coating
Free Ryde waistband is lined with soft microchamois for unmatched comfort
Easy care, wash and wear
UPF 50 sun protection
A well-constructed lightweight men's hiking pants that deliver versatile performance
Imported


Purchase your own pair of ​RENEGADE™ AFIRE CHINO here. Tony is wearing the ​KLASSIK FIT TAPERED CHINO TAPERED FIT in Koal. 

One thing we can always embrace 100% is gear that is ultra-light but also lasts a long time. It seems a lot of the time ultralight doesn’t equal a long gear life so we end up sacrificing years of life for less of a load on our backs.

Enter SilverAnt.
​
SilverAnt was founded on creating the best titanium outdoor products that will last a lifetime. In fact, they even back up their products with a lifetime guarantee. Titanium, if you didn’t know, is a highly versatile and long-lasting material that offers unparalleled quality and lightness. Its low density and high strength make it a perfect metal to make lightweight outdoor gear out of. 

​SilverAnt nailed both durability and ultra-lightness with the Titanium 800ml Screw Top Clip Bottle. It’s so light, we actually still notice its lightness every time we pick it up. In fact, we love to hand it to unsuspecting hikers and watch their faces when they feel how light it is. Everyone is always pleasantly surprised. The insulating sleeve that is included, keeps your drink cold or warm and the top clip is handy for clipping it to your pack or belt with a carabiner for hands free hiking. 

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​The bottle is suitable for outdoor adventures and also as an everyday companion. Drinking from a titanium bottle is safe, as it’s a biocompatible material, non-corrosive and non-toxic. There are no horrible chemicals like BPA’s or toxins in the bottle and the easy screw top lid ensures getting your needed hydration isn’t a chore.
 
Features:
Grade 1 quality titanium
Uncoated and unlined
Ultralight titanium construction
Perfect weighted feel
Corrosion resistant
Biocompatible
Non toxic/non allergenic
Insulating sleeve
Lifetime guarantee
Specification:
 
Weight: 167g/5.9 ounces
Capacity: 800ml/28 fl oz
Diameter: 70mm/2.8 inches
Height: 245mm/9.65 inches
 
Product Care:
Wash with a non-abrasive cloth and warm water with a mild detergent. If you use an abrasive cloth you will scratch and affect the natural finish of the titanium. Please do not wash the titanium in a dishwasher and always wash by hand. After washing, dry and store ready for the next adventure.

To learn more about SilverAnt and purchase the Titanium 800ml Screw Top Clip Bottle click here. 

​We’ve always been big fans of KÜHL® gear and the women’s Weekendr Tight Leggings are no exception. We wanted to see if they lived up to the hype of being “high abrasion resistant”, comfortable, and lightweight so we put them through some pretty rigorous testing. From sliding down rough granite boulders in Joshua Tree National Park to hiking in wet weather in Mount Laguna and many places in between, we found these pants definitely live up their hype and then some.
If you are not familiar with KÜHL®, their story is pretty cool (pun intended 😊). KÜHL® was born in the snow-covered peaks of the Wasatch Mountains and is proud to be an independent company with no shareholders or VC investors. They do not pay celebrities or athletes for promotion- they just create great products that speak for themselves. Living in the harsh weather and challenging conditions of the mountains was a learning experience that taught them if you’re courageous, remain humble, stay hungry, are kind to your community, then the independents will thrive. They know their livelihood depends on people like us and our satisfaction with their product and they never forget that.
Their goal is to create gear that works as hard as we do. Some of the features they do well are articulated knees, gussets, stretch panels, reinforced pockets, and cuffs all designed to create a longer life. Their clothing is designed to move with the person wearing it. They also source responsibly, provide a higher quality of living for all involved, and make their products with the least amount of environmental impact.
So when we got the chance to put some of their gear, including the Weekendr Tights to the test we were so excited! 

​The WEEKENDR™ Tight are women's lightweight hiking pants designed for the outdoors. High abrasion resistant fabric won't snag or pull on any adventure in the wild.
Sizing: XS(2), S(4-6), M(8-10), L(12-14), XL(16)
 
ADVANCED FABRICS
Fabric 1: TUFFLITE™ 76% Nylon, 9% Polyester, 15% Spandex | 186 GSM
Fabric 2: RIPSTOP AIR™ 96% Polyester, 4% Spandex | 163 GSM
Fabric 3: (Waistband) 89% Polyester, 11% Spandex | 220 GSM
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Machine wash cold with like colors, no bleach, tumble dry low
 
Different by Design
Front conceal zippered pockets and chino back pockets
Mid Rise
29" inseam for this pant is Regular length and is meant to hit at the ankle
Bottom leg opening: 8.5
 
DIFFERENT BY CONSTRUCTION
Skinny Fit
Technical, lightweight pant with stretch
Durable Water Repellent Finish
High abrasion-resistant body fabric
Martindale abrasion test rating: passes 20k rubs
Stretch woven wicking mesh panels throughout pant
Trail-ready, comfortable and flattering lightweight leggings for women
Imported

So how did they do?
 
They definitely lived up to the claim of being “high abrasion resistant”, comfortable, lightweight, and flattering. After sliding down rough granite boulders in Joshua Tree that would have shredded my normal hiking pants we were definitely impressed. They are super lightweight, move well with you, and are very comfortable. They dry quickly (we submerged them in a river crossing) even though they are water resistant. They look really cute on too! They make excellent technical hiking pants and will be our “go-to” travel pants once we can travel again because of their compactness, durability, and comfort. We loved the back pockets but were disappointed with the size of the front pockets as we would have loved them to be a bit bigger. The fit is true to size with a bit of stretch. The ankles are slim fitting.

We are so stoked on our new arrivals! The beanies are so soft and comfortable and are perfect for the chilly days this time of year. The hats are so sleek and modern and look so good! We had planned on releasing them sooner (like a month ago) but with all the issues with supply disruptions and shipping lags due to COVID they were pretty delayed. We had become a bit bewildered, but when they showed up and we saw how amazing they are our spirits were lifted. We seriously LOVE them!

We designed two different beanie options, The Super Chunkster and The Flow. The Super Chunkster was named for its loose and chunky knit style. It is super warm and cozy and is available in six colors! The Flow is a more minimal style, with a tighter knit, and works both on and off the trail. It will flow wherever life takes you! 

You can purchase them HERE

The new hat style, The Low Pro, has a re-designed logo patch that sets flush to the hat for a modern and clean look. The hats look amazing, and we opted for our two most popular colors, multi cam & black/white with a medium profile crown and semi curved bill. You can purchase them HERE

We understand the need for the healing benefits of connecting with nature now more than ever. For some of us, feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and uncertainty is at an all time high. We are disconnected from our friends, our family, and ourselves. We need to awaken the Wild that has been dormant inside of us and experience the magic it holds.
In the 30 days of the I Am The Wild experience you will learn how to set intentions, how to use daily affirmations to strengthen your connection with nature, meditations, journaling, join an online community of like minded people, and most importantly how to reconnect to the wild, through daily activities in nature, and experience the healing benefits it offers us.
We feel there should not be any financial barriers to be able to take the I Am The Wild: 30 Day Experience so we have created a “Pay What You Can” program that starts at $15. If you only have $15, awesome! If you have $35 or $50, that’s great too! Register today via the link below and find your Wild and ultimately yourself.
Register HERE
*If $15 is still a barrier and you really feel called to register please PM us and we can help.

All industries have an impact on the environment and the apparel industry is no exception. The key to reducing that impact is by focusing on practices that we can continue long term, without the harmful effects of traditional manufacturing. We are glad to be at the forefront of this movement with our selection of eco-friendly apparel. It is important for us to have the least amount of impact we can on the environment. It is why our magazine is 100% digital, our clothing shipping materials are made from recycled materials and/or are 100% compostable, and we are moving towards more organic and natural materials, such as bamboo and organic cotton, or RPET- recycled plastic bottles. We are committed to the well-being of our planet.  
We recently released our eco-conscious, I Am The Wild collection which includes t-shirts made from mixtures of organic cotton, bamboo, and RPET and are made right here in the USA. Our t-shirt manufacturer adheres to The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, from the harvesting of the raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible practices, certified by an independent third party. GOTS covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of textiles, ensuring that both environmental and social standards, such as safe and hygienic working conditions, no workplace discrimination and fair pay rates, are respected. They are also members of the Organic Trade Association and all of their operating facilities and subsidiaries operate as fair, safe and non-discriminatory companies. Their USA made apparel is cut, sewn, picked & shipped by employees making a livable wage, in safe & comfortable working conditions. They encourage creativity & promotion and strive to provide a rewarding atmosphere conducive to personal & professional growth.
 
Why Bamboo?
Sustainable: Bamboo is an extremely fast-growing plant and can replenish itself in less than a year after harvest. It is an extremely resilient plant that does not need fertilizers and is naturally pest resistant so need for harsh fertilizers or pesticides while farming it.
Eco-Friendly: Bamboo is truly a wonder plant and absorbs more carbon dioxide from the air than cotton or timber. In turn, it releases more oxygen into the environment which improves our air quality. Bamboo is also biodegradable and will simply return to the earth quickly when put in a landfill.
Performance: Soft, silky and luxurious to the touch, bamboo feels amazing to wear. It is hypoallergenic, the fibers do not irritate the skin and is a natural solution for those with sensitive skin. Bamboo fibers are breathable and thermo-regulating and keep you comfortable whatever the weather; cool in summer and warm in winter. More absorbent than cotton, the fibers help wick moisture away from the skin.
 
Why Organic Cotton?
Sustainable: Organic Non-GMO cotton, that is grown without pesticides is a highly sustainable crop. It is 100% biodegradable and can be grown from seed to fabric in less than 180 days.
Eco-Friendly: According to a 2017 report by the Textiles Exchange, organic cotton uses 91 per cent less ‘blue’ water (from groundwater and surface-water bodies, such as freshwater lakes and rivers) than conventional cotton. Without the use of harsh fertilizers or pesticides, the soil remains healthy, water run-off doesn’t pollute the nearby rivers and groundwater, and farm workers are not exposed to cancer causing chemicals.
Performance: Unfortunately cotton as a “stand alone” fabric doesn’t make the best hiking shirt option for all environments but when mixed with fabrics such as bamboo or RPET it gains the performance it needs to be a great hiking short.
 
Why RPET?
Sustainable: RPET stands for Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate, or recycled PET.  RPET is made from recycled polyesters, recycled plastics and pure, 100% organic cotton with our shirts comprised of 50% RPET fabrics and 50% organic cotton, which is extremely high for the industry. These polyester & plastic materials are given a second life instead of ending up in the landfill.
Eco-Friendly: 90% less water is used in the making of RPET clothing, dramatically decreasing our negative environmental impact. Less waste ends up in the landfills and no pesticides/fertilizers are used.
Performance: RPET is a high-performance fabric. They last forever so you do not need to replace them as much as natural fiber shirts. They are extremely soft and flexible making them very comfortable to wear.
 
Although we offer RPET shirt options, we are aware of the issue with microplastics when these materials are washed that leak into our water systems. One solution we have found is to start using The Guppyfriend Washing Bag for the most effective hands-on solution against microplastic pollution from washing. It reduces fiber shedding and protects your clothes, filters the few fibers that do break, and is a daily reminder to change our buying habits and washing rituals. 

You can shop our Eco-Friendly clothing line here.