Is Green Gear Better?

I like outdoor gear… a lot. I like to research it, compare it, test it, talk about it… you get the idea. Right now there are countless new and innovative outdoor products, and it’s exciting to see that many of these new options weigh less, work better, and are more eco-friendly than previous versions.

I’m really excited to see outdoor gear companies researching and producing green alternatives that actually work. I embrace eco-friendly products and the companies that make them, but here’s the caveat, I’m not going to spend my hard earned money on a piece of gear if it isn’t completely functional and durable.

Last week I returned a brand new Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 tent that arrived at my house with three small holes in it. This particular tent is made with new DAC poles (eco-friendly anodizing process) and has an awesome list of features, not to mention it’s a 2008 Backpacker Magazine Editors’ Choice winner. I was drawn to the tent based on great specs, and the fact that Big Agnes is focusing on environmentally responsible products. I’m sure the faulty tent I received was a fluke, and despite being a bit apprehensive I’ll probably give Big Agnes another chance.

My point is this, with all the “green” marketing hype I hope that companies aren’t sacrificing quality for the sake of “going green”. The green concept is still very controversial, and many people see it as just another trend. For green products to be viewed as truly viable options, they need to be as good or better than their traditional counterparts.

Outside Magazine recently published a list of outdoor gear companies that are eco-friendly. You can read about them here.

Recycle Your Empty Fuel Canisters

 

Do you have hordes of empty fuel canisters taking up space in your garage or basement?  Are you wondering how to responsibly dispose of them?

 

 

I recently came across this short but very useful article in the February edition of Backpacker Magazine.  Check it out, it’s well worth the read.  Thanks Backpacker.